Roanoke Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Roanoke, located in the beautiful region of Virginia in the United States, is a city that offers a blend of history, nature, and modern amenities. Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is often referred to as the "Star City of the South" due to the iconic Roanoke Star, which sits atop Mill Mountain and offers breathtaking views of the city.
One of the main attractions in Roanoke is the Historic Roanoke City Market. Established in 1882, it is one of the oldest continuously operating open-air markets in the country. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, browse through a wide variety of local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods, and indulge in delicious street food.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, Roanoke is surrounded by a plethora of natural wonders. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and picturesque overlooks. The nearby Appalachian Trail also provides opportunities for hikers to explore the majestic beauty of the mountains.
History buffs will be delighted by the rich heritage of Roanoke. The Taubman Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art, while the Virginia Museum of Transportation offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's transportation history, featuring vintage locomotives, automobiles, and aviation artifacts.
Roanoke is also a hub for craft beer lovers. The city has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. Visitors can embark on a brewery tour, sample a wide range of locally brewed beers, and learn about the brewing process.
Food enthusiasts will find no shortage of culinary delights in Roanoke. The city boasts a vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. From farm-to-table eateries to upscale fine dining establishments, there is something to satisfy every palate.
Roanoke Attractions - What to See and Explore
Roanoke offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Berglund Center, Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke Star, O. Winston Link Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Roanoke by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Roanoke.
Culture
O. Winston Link Museum
RoanokeMuseum Specialty museum Art museum Gainsboro 
Grandin Theatre
RoanokeCinema Raleigh Court 
Mill Mountain Theatre
RoanokeConcerts and shows Theater Downtown Roanoke 
Henry Street Historic District
RoanokeConcerts and shows Theater Gainsboro
Shopping
Valley View Mall
Williamson Road Area, RoanokeShopping Shopping centre Roundhill 
Tanglewood Mall
Cave Spring, RoanokeShopping Shopping centre 
Towers Shopping Center
RoanokeShopping Shopping centre Franklin - Colonial
Other categories
MuseumChurchInteresting neighbourhoodRoanoke – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Roanoke, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville), The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs), Lane Stadium (Blacksburg).
Best Time To Visit Roanoke
Learn when is the best time to travel to Roanoke weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a cherished quick bread made from cornmeal, typically leavened with baking powder. It has deep roots in Native American cuisine, where corn has been a staple for millennia. When European settlers arrived in the New World, they learned to prepare corn-based...
Cupcake
A cupcake is a delightful, single-serving cake typically baked in a small, thin paper or aluminum cup. These tasty treats have a rich history dating back to the late 18th century, with the term "cupcake" first appearing in the early 19th century.
Cracker
Crackers are beloved for their flat, crispy texture. Primarily made from flour, they are often enhanced with a touch of salt, herbs, seeds, or cheese for added flavor. You can enjoy them straight from the package or pair them with cheese, dips, or spreads.
Cracker
Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster is a delightful dessert that combines bananas and vanilla ice cream under a rich, flavorful sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur. The magic happens when the butter, sugar, and bananas are cooked together, and then...
Dish
Fajita
Fajitas are a delectable staple in both Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine, characterized by grilled meat served on a warm tortilla. While they were originally prepared with skirt steak, today's fajitas feature a variety of meats including chicken and offer vegetarian...
Dish
Virginia