A Week in Virginia's Blue Ridge

Spending a week in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge is a great way to enjoy a vacation.

Between all the fun that comes with being located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the exciting activities of being a metropolitan area, and the rich history and heritage of Virginia, there are a variety of ways to spend an entire week in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

From bringing the entire family on a trip to a getaway for one, the experiences of the region will be perfectly suited to your ideal trip.

We also have a great selection of lodging options, including hotels, resorts, cabins and much more to provide a first-class place to stay during your trip.

The following is a sample itinerary of how you could spend a week in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Day One - Get to Know Virginia's Blue Ridge

• Visit the Virginia's Blue Ridge Visitor Information Center to pick up brochures, maps, and get answers to any questions you might have about things to see and do during your vacation.

• Learn about the rich railroad heritage of the region.

• Visit the O. Winston Link Museum to see the brilliant black & white railroad photography of O. Winston Link. The museum is located in the same building as the Visitor Center.

• See classic cars, fascinating exhibits, and steam locomotives at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

• Finish the day with a trip to the Roanoke Star & Overlook for a gorgeous view of the city from the top of Mill Mountain.

Day Two - Plan an Outdoor Adventure

• Hike along the Appalachian Trail and make your way to McAfee Knob - one of the most photographed spots of the Appalachian Trail and a stunning panoramic view.

• Explore the Roanoke Valley with a bike ride on the Roanoke Valley Greenways, which span over 26 miles in the region and connect many of our various communities & neighborhoods.

• Spend time on "America's Favorite Drive" with a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south from Roanoke to get to the iconic Mabry Mill and the Town of Floyd. Travel north to reach the beautiful Peaks of Otter and nearby Town of Bedford.

Day Three - Take in the Culture of Franklin County

• Head out to Smith Mountain Lake for a great day of boating, fishing, water skiing, and many other water activities. You could rent a pontoon boat from Bridgewater Marina and spend a day learning what makes the lake the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge."

• Learn about one of the most iconic leaders in American history by visiting the Booker T. Washington National Monument.

• Sample some of the amazing dairy products of Homestead Creamery, including their one-of-a-kind ice cream.

• Listen to fantastic live music at the Harvester Performance Center in Downtown Rocky Mount, which features shows multiple nights a week.

Day Four - Spend a Day in Salem - Virginia's Championship City

• Experience the charm of Main Street in Downtown Salem with its collection of antique stores, boutique shops and a farmers market that features local produce and baked goods.

• The Salem Museum & Historical Society houses an extensive collection of documents, photos and other exhibits that have helped shape the character of Virginia's Blue Ridge.

• Have an underground adventure at Dixie Caverns. These caverns have been open to the public since 1923 and are sure to provide some special discoveries.

• Don't miss all the great live sports. Whether it's an NCAA Championship, amateur tournament, or Salem Red Sox game, it's always time to play ball in Virginia's Championship City!

Day Five - Combine Beauty & History on the Blue Ridge Parkway

• Drive north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Peaks of Otter. Enjoy the peacefulness of Abbott Lake or hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain.

• Sample the delicious assortment of fruit wines at the Peaks of Otter Winery at Johnson Orchards.

• Pay tribute to the brave men who gave their lives during the invasion of Normandy in WWII by visiting the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford.

• See the spot where Thomas Jefferson used to take retreats at his Poplar Forest Estate.

Day Six - Head North for More Fun

• Follow Interstate 81 north to Natural Bridge Park, which is home to The Natural Bridge - a striking 30-story-high natural wonder of solid rock.

• Prepare for an afternoon of natural beauty with an outing through Twin River Outfitters. You could enjoy a kayaking, rafting, boating, or tubing adventure along the beautiful waters of Botetourt County.

• Explore the towns of Botetourt County and discover the unique charm of the communities of Fincastle, Daleville, Troutville, and Buchanan.

Day Seven - Complete the Blue Ridge Bucket List

• See the inspiring exhibits and galleries of the Taubman Museum of Art.

• Have a meal at one of the great local restaurants of Downtown Roanoke and see all the locally-made goods at the Historic Roanoke City Market.

• Explore the museums and beautiful space of Center in the Square, which is home to aquariums, rooftop patio & gardens, the Roanoke Pinball Museum, Kids Square Children's Museum, Roanoke STARCADE, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, History Museum of Western Virginia, and Mill Mountain Theatre.

• Find a few treasures to take home with a visit to Black Dog Salvage - Roanoke's hugely popular local salvage shop that is featured in the TV show Salvage Dawgs on the DIY Network.

For more ideas on how to spend your time in the region, check out our section on Things to Do in Virginia's Blue Ridge and consider booking one of our vacation packages!