Why Go to Roanoke
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Roanoke is the Star City of the South and a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Set in a green valley in southwestern Virginia along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it blends outdoor adventure with a revitalized, artsy downtown.
Drive up Mill Mountain to see the Roanoke Star, a giant illuminated star that glows over the city, and take in the valley views. Downtown, browse the historic City Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in Virginia, and explore the striking Taubman Museum of Art and the Virginia Museum of Transportation, which celebrates the city's railroad roots. Outdoor lovers have endless options: hike to McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, bike the Roanoke River Greenway, and take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially beautiful in fall.
Roanoke has its own regional airport and is an easy drive from much of the East Coast. I'll plan a mountain getaway that mixes trails, scenic drives and downtown fun.
BEST FOR
Hikers, mountain bikers, road-trippers, rail fans and families
BEST MONTHS
April to May or September to October
EXPLORE
- Downtown: The City Market, museums and restaurants.
- Grandin Village: A charming neighborhood with a historic theater.
- South Roanoke: Historic homes and Mill Mountain access.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Roanoke
North America › Southeast › USA › Virginia
A glowing mountain star, Blue Ridge views and easy access to the Appalachian Trail.
Urban & Culture
Hiking
Scenic
Blue Ridge
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Hike McAfee Knob early on a weekday; it's one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, and parking fills fast on weekends.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Visit at night, when the star glows.
Roanoke Star
The giant illuminated star on Mill Mountain, with sweeping views of the city.
Don't miss the steam locomotives.
Virginia Museum of Transportation
A museum with historic locomotives, cars and aircraft.
Start early and bring plenty of water.
McAfee Knob
One of the most iconic viewpoints on the Appalachian Trail.
Drive it in October for peak foliage.
Blue Ridge Parkway
A scenic drive with overlooks, trails and fall colors.
Great for families.
Center in the Square
A cultural center with museums, an aquarium and a rooftop butterfly habitat.
A historic Tudor-style hotel with elegant rooms and classic dining.
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel in a historic bank building.
The Liberty Trust
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A historic hotel with modern rooms and a central location.
Hotel 24 South
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A stylish hotel about 45 minutes from Roanoke.
The Inn at Virginia Tech
Blacksburg
Hotel Tags
A luxury mountain resort with golf, an observatory and stunning views.
Primland Resort
Meadows of Dan
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Roanoke
High 59°F · Low 36°F · Rain 3 in
Fall colors fade as the holiday season begins.
The best times to visit Roanoke are April through May and September through October, when the weather is pleasant and the mountains are colorful. Summers are warm, and winters are mild.
Best Times to Visit Roanoke
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Roanoke's dining scene features Southern comfort food, farm-to-table restaurants and breweries.
- Breweries: Roanoke has a thriving craft beer scene.
- Southern classics: Try fried chicken, biscuits and barbecue.
- Must-try: Barbecue, biscuits, local craft beer and Virginia wine.
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Walking
Downtown Roanoke is easy to explore on foot.
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Buses
Valley Metro operates city buses.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshare apps are available.
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Driving
A car is the best way to explore the region.
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Amtrak
Amtrak's Northeast Regional connects Roanoke with Washington, D.C., and the Northeast.
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Flying In
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is about 10 minutes from downtown.
Most travelers fly into Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional, take Amtrak or drive. Once you're here, downtown is walkable, while a car is best for exploring the mountains.
Getting Around Roanoke
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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