Tour of Salem, Virginia

Must See Main Street: Salem in Virginia's Blue Ridge

Known as Virginia’s Championship City, Salem is home to the Salem Red Sox baseball team and 20 NCAA teams at Roanoke College. It’s complemented by an impressive collection of craft breweries, local restaurants, antique shops and outdoor amenities. 

This town may be small but it’s packed with action.

Enjoy the small town values and traditions that are still deeply rooted in VBR’s oldest settlement.

Start your small town adventure on Salem’s lively Main Street. In addition to its reputation of hosting first-class sporting events, Salem features a charming downtown that combines historical elements with exciting new development, a delicious food and drink scene, and rich arts and cultural amenities. Get ready to explore them all!

Park your car for the day to enjoy all the charm this walkable small town has to offer. Salem has an exciting array of antique shops and boutiques that are perfect for finding unique gifts and collectibles. 

Treasure troves like Charlotte’s Web Antique Mall, Grandma’s Attic, and Blue Moon Vintage Mercantile are all located within a block or two of each other in the heart of downtown Salem.

Browse local produce and other handcrafted goods at the Salem Farmers Market, located at the corner of Main Street and Broad Street.

Salem Restaurants & Breweries

Mac and Bob’s, Olde Salem Brewing, Parkway Brewing

Salem Attractions

Salem offers breathtaking views year round. The town is nestled beneath stunning mountain vistas and many local parks, making fall an especially beautiful time of year.

During warmer months, Lake Spring Park is a popular spot for families to feed the resident ducks. Kids ages 12 and under can fish in the pond for free.

Local art, including the City of Salem’s LOVEworks and other sculptures, can also be found throughout the downtown area.

Baseball fans can watch future major league stars in action at a Salem Red Sox game. The Salem Red Sox are a Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

Dixie Caverns are a short drive from Downtown Salem’s Main Street. Head underground to explore unique living rock formations; aboveground, visitors can find even more antiquing at the Dixie Caverns Antique Mall.

The Salem Museum & Historical Society is the perfect place to learn about the City’s rich history, stretching all the way back to 1802. Located in the historic Williams-Brown House along Main Street, the Salem Museum is always free to enter.

Roanoke College

Salem’s liberal arts college anchors the town; its campus lines Main Street with gorgeous landscaping and architecture. The Princeton Review named Roanoke College on their list of the Top 20 most beautiful colleges and university campuses in the United States. It’s also home to 20 NCAA Division III sports teams.

Annual Events in Salem

Some of the region’s most popular events take place in the City of Salem. Peruse exclusively handmade artisan crafts at Olde Salem Days, an annual arts and crafts festival that takes place between late summer and early fall.

Enjoy classic fair foods, thrilling rides and entertainment at the Salem Fair.

Ring in the holiday season each year at the Salem Gingerbread Festival.

Whether you're in town for a sporting event, taking a campus visit at Roanoke College, stopping in to eat or drink after hiking the Appalachian Trail, or just looking for a fun spot to explore in Virginia's Blue Ridge, there is so much to discover in the City of Salem. Check out the pages below for more information to help you plan your next visit.