Roanoke Art Itinerary

Art Itinerary for Virginia's Blue Ridge

This arts itinerary features a variety of galleries and cultural spots that highlight the unique artistic vibes of the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Our three-day guide offers some fantastic options for places to check out unique exhibits, creative public art, and the work of fantastic local artists who live in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

To get a great perspective of the charming culture of the area, we recommend staying at one of our wonderful B&Bs, which are scattered throughout the region and provide the perfect opportunity to experience our Southern hospitality.

The following is a guide to how you could spend three days taking in the arts & culture of the Roanoke Region.

Day One

• Explore the galleries at local colleges and universities. Roanoke College, Virginia Tech, Hollins University, and Ferrum College all feature museums or galleries.

• Enjoy a first-class dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant such as bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar, which provides the chance to sample the amazing local flavors of the region.

• See a show from the wonderfully talented artists of the Mill Mountain Theatre, Showtimers Community Theatre, and Attic Productions.

• Keep the party going by taking part in our exciting nightlife scene. Hit the dance floor, listen to live music, or catch a great performance.
  

Day Two

• Take a stroll through Downtown Roanoke and marvel at the incredible architecture of the city - where history and innovation come together. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the wonderful brick signs on many of the historic downtown buildings.

• Be inspired by amazing galleries and featured exhibits of the Taubman Museum of Art. 

• Meet the friendly faces who make the Historic Roanoke City Market in Downtown Roanoke so special. These vendors offer a huge assortment of locally-produced products, including some beautiful photography and crafts.

• Wind your way through the collection of art galleries in Downtown Roanoke.

• Walk through Elmwood Park to see "The Natural City" sculptures, which highlight the natural beauty and features of the region.

• Head to the top of Mill Mountain for a visit to the Roanoke Star & Overlook. The overlook offers a stunning view of the surrounding valley and mountains, and it's the perfect place to watch the sunset paint a beautiful picture.

• Have a relaxing dinner at one of the many terrific restaurants in the Historic Grandin Village neighborhood.

• For some after-dinner fun, go to the movies at the iconic, historic Grandin Theatre - which often has a great selection of independent films.

Day Three

• Learn about how the railroad industry was influential in shaping the Roanoke Valley by touring The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, which was constructed in 1882 by the Norfolk & Western Railroad Company.

• Make the short walk down the hill from the hotel to the O. Winston Link Museum. The museum highlights the stunning black & white railroad photography of O. Winston Link.

• Satisfy your appetite with a late lunch at the Roanoke City Market Building - a food-court with many great local restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines.

• Spend the afternoon pedaling your way around the city on the Art By Bike route - a self-guided bicycle tour of more than two dozen public art pieces.

• Make your way out of town by driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway to experience views that will be worth more than 1,000 words.

For more information on arts activities, check out our section on Arts & Culture in Virginia's Blue Ridge.