Top Things To Do In Roanoke, Virginia

Surrounded by the lush hills and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke, Virginia, offers endless opportunities for outdoor and nature adventures. But Star City itself is as active as its natural environment. From buzzy pinball and arcade museums to top-notch fine dining, an impressive salvage shop, incredible scratch-made biscuits, and lots more, here are some of the top things to do in Roanoke.

What To Do

Shop Salvage

Vintage doorknobs, salvaged toilet tanks in a rainbow of colors, old sinks, light fixtures, yard statues, and thousands of other items fill the walls, shelves, and massive outdoor space at Black Dog Salvage. Co-owners Mike Whiteside and Robert Kulp made a name for themselves on nearly a dozen seasons of “Salvage Dawgs,” which aired on HGTV, DIY, Discovery, and more. Today, they continue to run this impressive destination for antiques, salvaged goods, local and regional art, and live outdoor music.

Take It Outside

Nestled in the Blue Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, Roanoke offers countless opportunities for hiking, biking, and getting out on the water. Just west of town, Roaring Run, part of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, is a medium-intensity, 1.5-mile loop that leads to a powerful waterfall. Immerse yourself in lush greenery and spot rare butterflies and other wildlife as you hug the banks of the rushing waters along this well-maintained trail. Dip your toes in the water, while the kids brave the natural water slides. In town, head over to Roanoke Mountain Adventures and rent an e-bike. Take in the scenic riverside surroundings and bridges as you coast along miles of connected greenways.

Roll Up Your Sleeves

Scratch Biscuit Co. is known for its tasty, inventive and classic five-inch biscuits. Call in advance and ask for a demo or request that they come your way for a private biscuit-making class. The pros at Scratch will walk you through the whole process, from selecting the best flour, to folding techniques, how to cut the dough for optimal efficiency, and more.

Channel Your Inner Child

A cacophony of dings and jingles fill the air at the high-energy Roanoke Pinball Museum. Try your skills on over 70 pinball machines, some dating back to the 1930s. Just a short walk inside the Center in the Square complex, the Roanoke Starcade Video Game Museum takes kids of all ages back in time with classics like Mrs. PacMan, Frogger, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. Take in a stellar show at the Eye Planetarium at the Science Museum of Western Virginia, also in this complex. (There’s also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, where you can learn about local legend Henrietta Lacks, who left a lasting legacy in the study of medicine.)

Take In Some Art

While downtown, stop in the Taubman Museum of Art for special exhibits and an impressive collection of over 2,000 works, including pieces by Norman Rockwell and John Singer Sargent. Don’t miss the room filled with colorful and intricate Judith Leiber clutch purses made from rhinestones, crystals, and more.

See the Star

Experience amazing views of the Roanoke Valley from the top of Mill Mountain, where the famed neon Roanoke Star stands nearly 90 feet tall, and is the reason for the city’s nickname, “Star City.” Originally designed as a Christmas ornament for the city, the star has become an enduring beacon of the region.

Where To Eat

Bloom

Tucked away among the tree-lined streets of Roanoke’s Wasena neighborhood, Bloom is not to be missed. Chef Nate Sloan has created an inventive, exciting culinary experience – minus the pretense – using fresh, farm-sourced and seasonal ingredients. Set against a modern interior, Bloom’s vibe is comforting and welcoming. Brunch here is particularly popular. Start with the yogurt bowl, a parfait-style dish topped with beautifully sliced fresh fruit, candied pecans, and shaved mint. Savory quiche, a tasty twist on shrimp and grits, and the chicken and sweet potato waffle “sammies” are all popular picks. Come at night and enjoy small bites accompanied by interesting cocktails and alcohol-free options.

Lucky

For an upscale treat, Lucky is a great option. The buzzy, big-city vibe and craft cocktails are worth the visit alone, but the food, with Southern and international influences, certainly won’t disappoint. Pick and choose from the many shareable bites, like sweet-and-savory roasted Brussels sprouts topped with a maple-balsamic glaze, melt-in-your-mouth bone marrow, or ham and pimento cheese poutine, or go all-in with the prix fixe option and select four courses. Popular entrées include smoked meatloaf, fried chicken, and shrimp and grits.

Taaza

Taaza is a straightforward mainstay that specializes in classic Indian dishes, plus fresh takes on Mediterranean and Asian dishes. Located in the Grandin neighborhood, locals love this spot for its tried-and-true comfort food, like tikka masala, served with basmati rice and an order of fresh house-made naan. For a chef’s favorite, try the salmon tikka, paired with pineapple and tandoori spices.

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