Local Bonnie Chavez shares some of her favorite spots, things to do, and recommendations in the area for the LGBTQIA fam.
We are thinking of our neighbors in SWVA and are grateful for the first responders and organizations that are providing assistance. Virginia's Blue Ridge region (Cities of Roanoke & Salem and Counties of Botetourt, Franklin, & Roanoke) was fortunate to sustain minimal damage from the storm and our local businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors. Learn More
Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a vibrant and welcoming community to visitors from all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community.
We encourage you to plan your next metro mountain adventure and explore the incredible variety of outdoor trails & recreation opportunities, diverse arts & cultural scene, unique local flavors, and exciting special events that take place throughout the year.
There are also unique experiences and opportunities to connect with Roanoke’s local LGBTQ+ community and learn more about the city's history.
"Roanoke is a magical place. When I moved here in 2001, a stranger in a new city, I experienced the gift of hospitality from so many people, who welcomed me in my authenticity and wholeness. I am glad to be part of our City Council who celebrates our rich diverse, multi-cultural and inclusive citizens and landscape. Welcome to Roanoke!" — Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor and Member of Roanoke City Council
The City of Roanoke earned the highest possible score of 100 points on the Human Rights Campaign's HRC (2023) Municipal Equity Index (MEI), an annual assessment that evaluates cities nationwide on their inclusivity towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
Learn more - City of Roanoke LGBTQ+ Community Guide >
The Roanoke Diversity Center is a great local resource and organization that exists to support, educate, empower, and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals and groups in the Roanoke Region. The RDC regularly hosts special events and programs, and also features a special Community Guide with information about LGBTQ+ owned & LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and more.
Roanoke Diversity Center Calendar of Events >
Taking part in the Roanoke LGBTQ+ History Walking Tours (which are free and hosted monthly) are a great way to learn more about Roanoke’s LGBTQ+ past. The tours are hosted by the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+ History Project and showcase popular local neighborhoods & places of interest, including Roanoke’s Old Southwest Neighborhood, Downtown Roanoke, and Salem Avenue-Roanoke Automotive Commercial Historic District.
You can also plan a visit around Roanoke’s annual Pride Weekend and Pride in the Park Celebrations, which occur in the spring.
Local organizations, such as SWVA Pride and Roanoke Pride, also host a variety of special events and activities throughout the year, including many celebrations in June during Pride Month.
Visit our Things to Do page for additional information about unique experiences in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
"When I’m traveling, I sometimes surprise people when I say Roanoke is this incredible melting pot of people, lifestyles, and cultures smack dab in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it’s true!" — Mark Lynn Ferguson, cofounder of Woodshed: An Appalachian Joint and Crafteria: Handmade Food & Goods
Roanoke's longest standing dance club is queer! The Park originally opened in 1978 and has been spinning dance music since the days of disco. Today, it hosts some of the best DJs on the East Coast and raging drag shows. It's one of many fun bars to check out in Downtown Roanoke.
Roanoke is full of LGBTQ+ friendly bars & restaurants, offering a variety of local flavors featuring bold cuisine and influences from around the world. For a craft beverage, check out the craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries that are part of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail.
Photo: Sweet Donkey Coffee House - courtesy of Jennifer Griffin
Be inspired by the local arts & culture scene of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. From public murals and street art you’ll find throughout the city, to the amazing museums and galleries, art is an integral part of the fabric of Roanoke.
The region also boasts lots of opportunities to enjoy the performing arts, including live music, theatre, comedy & improv shows, and more.
Photo of Mural at Freedom First Headquarters in Downtown Roanoke - art by James Bullough
Virginia’s Blue Ridge features over 1,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and paddling, making it the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure.
With options such as hiking on the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking at Carvins Cove, taking a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and floating the Roanoke River Blueway, you’ll love turning Roanoke into your own mountain playground.
Photo of tubing on the Roanoke River Blueway - courtesy of Jennifer Griffin
Whether it’s a beautiful hotel in the heart of Downtown Roanoke, a campsite along the river where you’re surrounded by nature, or a cozy B&B in a historic home, there are a variety of lodging options and places to stay for your next getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Photo of Fire Station One Boutique Hotel in Downtown Roanoke - courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
To learn more about visiting the Roanoke Region in Virginia's Blue Ridge, be sure to sign up to receive our free monthly e-newsletter and give us a follow on social media. You can also learn get more information by requesting a free copy of our Virginia's Blue Ridge Visitor's Guide.
Header photo of Mill Mountain Overlook - courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
Local Bonnie Chavez shares some of her favorite spots, things to do, and recommendations in the area for the LGBTQIA fam.
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is committed to cultivating an atmosphere that welcomes and celebrates the unique backgrounds, abilities, passions, and perspectives of our vibrant community. As our region’s only destination marketing organization, we have a responsibility to showcase the best the Roanoke Region has to offer, and those assets and strengths come in varied forms. We embrace differences in race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, language, visible and invisible disabilities, and all the intersecting identities that make Virginians and visitors alike so unique. We believe our differences make us stronger– and better.