Outdoor Recreation & Adventure

Mountain Biking at Carvins Cove

Ride Your Bike in America's East Coast Mountain Biking Capital

You'll find over 400 miles of trails for mountain biking in the Roanoke Region, ranging from relaxing fire roads to grueling backcountry along a mountain ridge. Signature trail systems for some of the area's best riding include Carvins Cove, Mill Mountain Park, Arcadia in the Jefferson National Forest, and Waid Park.

For help planning your next ride, Cardinal Bicycle and Roanoke Mountain Adventures are two shops that offer recommended routes, group rides, guided tours, bike rentals, and great resources for connecting with the local cycling community.

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

At the top of any list that involves Virginia’s best experiences is the Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s Favorite Drive. It’s a slow pace with incredible views and opportunities to hike, dine, and stay the night. Travel just a segment, all of Virginia, or the BRP in its entirety. Any stretch of this road is memorable.

Hike Virginia's Triple Crown

You’ll feel like you deserve a crown of your own after you hike Virginia’s Triple Crown. These three peaks along the Appalachian Trail – Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs – create a 32-mile loop trail and include shelters along the way for overnight camping, or each can be enjoyed individually as out-and-back hikes from specific trailheads.

Float the Upper James River Water Trail

The Upper James River Water Trail winds through Botetourt County, offering beautiful views and ideal conditions for paddling and tubing. Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan offers gear rentals, shuttle services, and guided trips, including multi-day, overnight camping and glamping options.

Take a Selfie at the Roanoke Star

Cap off your evening with sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains from Roanoke’s most iconic landmark—especially stunning at sunset. The Roanoke Star is located within Mill Mountain Park, which also boasts an extensive network of trails for hiking & biking, a wildflower garden, and the beloved Mill Mountain Zoo.

Smith Mountain Lake - The Jewel of the Blue Ridge

With more than 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is a playground for boating, fishing, and other water activities. Known for offering some of the best fishing on the East Coast, the lake has hosted numerous professional fishing tournaments, including a Major League Fishing event in 2025.

For families looking to get on the water, Bridgewater Marina in Franklin County offers numerous boat and water toy rentals.

Stand Beneath the Natural Bridge

Walk beneath the Natural Bridge, a towering limestone arch that stands as one of Virginia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Part of the Natural Bridge State Park, the 215-foot tall bridge is believed to have been carved from the creek that runs beneath it or the remnant of a collapsed cave.

Trout Fishing in the Jefferson National Forest

Cold streams are hot spots for trout, and those of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are perfect for such fishing. North Creek and Jennings Creek in Arcadia are stocked with several species of trout, while nearby Middle Creek is wild trout waters.

See the Sunflowers at the Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival

Held in early September, the annual Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival in Botetourt County is the largest sunflower festival on the East Coast. Over 700,000 blooming sunflowers present a spectacular view, and the festival also showcases unique vendors and other family-friendly activities. 

Culture, History & Local Character

Virginia Museum of Transportation - Downtown Roanoke

Virginia Museum of Transportation

Explore massive steam locomotives, aviation exhibits, and hands-on displays that tell the rich story of the region's railroad and transportation history. The Norfolk & Western Class A 1218 steam locomotive is a big draw for train enthusiasts who visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation as it’s one of the most advanced steam locomotives ever built and was the one-time strongest pulling locomotives in existence. It’s the last 2-6-6-4 steam locomotive in the world and the last Class A.

See a Game in Salem - Virginia's Championship City

Whether you are cheering on the Salem RidgeYaks baseball team, catching a tournament at the Moyer Sports Complex, or watching an NCAA Championship, sports are an integral part of the experience in the City of Salem. The city has hosted over 100 NCAA Championships and numerous other events, establishing itself as Virginia's Championship City.

Center in the Square

Located in the heart of Downtown Roanoke, this vibrant cultural hub brings together multiple museums and attractions under one roof. Home to the Kids Square Children's Museum, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke Pinball Museum, Roanoke Starcade, and the Mill Mountain Theatre, Center in the Square is a great spot to keep the kids entertained with a variety of exhibits, hands-on activities, and unique programming.

Taubman Museum of Art

With its striking contemporary architecture and rotating exhibitions, the Taubman Museum of Art adds a modern creative pulse to the Blue Ridge backdrop. Inside, you’ll find an inspiring mix of regional artists, nationally recognized works, and thought-provoking exhibits that change throughout the year. The museum’s dramatic glass façade alone is worth the visit, but the art inside makes it unforgettable.

The museum is currently showcasing American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection,  which features over 100 pieces by American artists such as John Singer Sargent, Elizabeth Catlett, Thomas Cole, and many more.

Catch a Concert at the Harvester Performance Center

Housed in a beautifully restored 1930s tobacco warehouse in Rocky Mount, the Harvester Performance Center blends intimate ambiance with nationally touring talent. Voted one of Virginia's best live music venues, the acoustics are exceptional, the setting is historic, and the lineup spans everything from Americana and country to rock and folk.

It’s the kind of venue where you feel connected to the performance — and where the night often becomes one of the highlights of your trip.

Shopping at Black Dog Salvage

Known for its popular TV show Salvage Dawgs, which aired on HGTV, DIY Network, Discovery, and Great American Country, Black Dog Salvage is a local business and signature attraction that has welcomed visitors from around the country. The 40,000 square-foot warehouse is a collection of art, architectural salvage, home & garden decor, and more.

You can also check out special events at The Dog Bowl, Black Dog's outdoor venue that regularly hosts artisan markets and live music.

National D-Day Memorial

The Town of Bedford lost more soldiers per capita than any other community in the country during the D-Day invasion of World War II. To honor their sacrifice, the town is home to the National D-Day Memorial, which commemorates the lives lost on June 6, 1944. Powerful sculptures, reflecting pools, and interpretive exhibits create an experience that is both educational and deeply moving. It’s a place of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude — offering a meaningful stop that connects visitors to a pivotal moment in world history.

Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store

Every Friday night, the Floyd Country Store transforms into a lively celebration of Appalachian music and culture. Fiddles, banjos, and guitars fill the air as locals and visitors gather for live bluegrass, flat-foot dancing, and old-fashioned community fun. Grab a seat (or join the dance floor), enjoy homemade treats, and experience a tradition that has been bringing people together for generations.

Eat, Drink & Savor the Region

Twin Creeks Distillery in Franklin County - The Moonshine Capital of the World
Photo courtesy of the Town of Rocky Mount

Franklin County - The Moonshine Capital of the World

In Franklin County, famously known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, distilling and craft spirits are part of the region’s heritage. At Twin Creeks Distillery, hand-crafted moonshine and small-batch spirits are a family tradition carried on with a modern twist, and the Moonshine Explosion Museum presents the county's unique historical connection to the process.

Sample bold flavors, learn about the area’s Prohibition-era history, and experience a spirited tradition that’s deeply rooted in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Visit a Local Farmers Market

From early morning market strolls to vibrant weekend gatherings, local farmers markets offer a true taste of the region. Browse fresh-picked produce, homemade baked goods, local honey, handcrafted soaps, and artisan specialties while chatting with the farmers and makers themselves. It’s community-centered, seasonal, and a flavorful snapshot of life in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

You can find unique local markets throughout the region, including:

• Botetourt Farmers Market - Daleville
• Historic Roanoke City Market - Downtown Roanoke
• Rocky Mount Farmers Market - Downtown Rocky Mount
• Salem Farmers Market - Downtown Salem
• Vinton Farmers Market - Downtown Vinton

Eat a Cheesy Western at Texas Tavern

Open since 1930, Texas Tavern is more than a diner, it’s a Roanoke institution. The Cheesy Western, a simple yet legendary burger topped with egg, cheese, and pickles, is a rite of passage for visitors and locals alike. Pull up a stool at the counter, soak in the no-frills nostalgia, and enjoy a taste of tradition that hasn’t changed in generations. It’s quick, classic, and completely authentic.

Sip Along the VBR Cheers Trail

Raise a glass to local flavor on the VBR Cheers Trail, where craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries showcase the creativity of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Each stop has its own personality — from laid-back taprooms with mountain views to lively downtown patios buzzing with conversation.

To make the most of your visit, download the free VBR Cheers Trail Passport, which features exclusive special offers and deals. When you check in at 5 participating locations, you'll also receive a special prize.

International Dining on Roanoke's Williamson Road

Take your tastebuds on a global journey along Roanoke's Williamson Road. This historical corridor is known for its diverse, locally owned restaurants serving authentic flavors from around the world. From Latin American and Caribbean cuisine to Asian specialties, Mediterranean dishes, and beyond, this vibrant part of the city reflects the region’s growing cultural diversity.

Local favorites include Vietnamese banh mi at Viet Sub, Middle Eastern at Bethlehem Restaurant & Grocery, Japanese ramen at Ike's Kitchen, classic Cuban dishes at Cuban Island, and numerous authentic taquerias and Latin restaurants.

Have a Scoop at Homestead Creamery

Made with milk sourced directly from the family farm, Homestead Creamery makes rich, creamy ice cream that is a sweet staple of the region. Choose from classic flavors or seasonal favorites and enjoy it the old-fashioned way — in a cone, cup, or milkshake. It’s the perfect way to cool off after a day of adventure at nearby Smith Mountain Lake or the Booker T. Washington National Monument, and a simple reminder that sometimes the best memories are the sweetest ones.

Stay, Explore, & Make it a Getaway

Don's Cab-Inns Campground at Explore Park
Photo courtesy of Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Roanoke County's Explore Park

Roanoke County's Explore Park is a great option for travelers looking for a place to stay along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located at Milepost 115, Explore Park offers overnight lodging options, including pod cabins, yurts, RV sites, and campsites. The park also has access to the Roanoke River Blueway for paddling and fishing, trails for hiking & mountain biking, Treetop Quest for ziplining and aerial obstacles, and Twin Creeks Brewpub for local food & drink.

Stay in a Historic Hotel

Sleep somewhere with a story. Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers distinctive historic stays that blend character, comfort, and a strong sense of place. Choose from iconic downtown landmarks and thoughtfully restored spaces that put you close to everything you want to explore—while making the stay itself part of the experience.

• The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center – A grand Tudor-style landmark overlooking downtown, known for timeless elegance and mountain views.
• The Liberty Trust – A beautifully restored former bank turned boutique hotel, right in the heart of downtown.
• Fire Station One Boutique Hotel – A former firehouse reimagined as a stylish, modern stay with historic details intact.
• The Rowland Hotel - A charming historic hotel in downtown Salem offering classic style and walkable access to shops and restaurants.
• The Lofts at Downtown Salem - Stylish loft accommodations inside a historic building, offering spacious layouts and easy access to Salem’s vibrant downtown.
• The Promissory Hotel - An exciting new boutique hotel in Downtown Roanoke, located in a historic bank building that will also be home to a restaurant and music venue.

Vacation Starts with VA’s Blue Ridge

Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving connection, looking for a new way to explore, or just ready for a change of pace, your bucket list—and your next getaway—starts here.

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