The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Roanoke, Virginia Now
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Providing the city with a picturesque backdrop—Roanoke, Virginia is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Appalachian Trail, a popular long-distance hiking trail, passes near Roanoke. The city has a rich history dating back to the colonial era and offers a mix of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Source: Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Downtown Roanoke, Virginia has experienced revitalization in recent years, with the development of new restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Overall, Roanoke is a city that offers a mix of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a desirable place to visit and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Nearby Smith Mountain Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing and water sports. These are the top five reasons why Roanoke, Virginia should be on your bucket list.
1. A Foodie’s Paradise: The Cuisine + Cocktails
The Vault at The Liberty Trust is a haven for dining enthusiasts, offering an eclectic menu of shareable plates featuring authentic recipes from around the world paired with specialty cocktails, international wines, and local craft beers. A high-end wine tasting room in the lobby vault and 32 total wines by the glass poured from their unique wine dispensing and preservation systems are a special find in a distinctive atmosphere unrivaled in Downtown Roanoke. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying two of their signature cocktails, Clover Club—concocted with Broker's Gin, Lillet Blanc, Creme de Cacao and fresh-squeezed lemon, shaken and strained, or the Sakura with Japanese cherry blossom, Luksosawa, Ume Plum Liquor, Berto Vermouth di Torino and expressed lemon.
Led by Executive Chef Andrew Schlosser, the menu at The Vault at The Liberty Trust features a creative fusion of international flavors. Favorite dishes include A Pescatarian's Charcuterie Board with Boqueron's acme smoked salmon, smoked finnan-haddie salad, tinned nuri sardines, beet-horseradish and pickled herring, Hamachi Crudo with sweet soy, curry oil, cilantro, yuzu, jalapeño and crispy garlic, Steak Tartare with beef sirloin ground to order, local egg yolk, crispy shallot, scallion, fresh summer truffle, caper and crustini, Khachapuri with Georgian cheese bread, egg toil, sulguni cheese and special seasoning, Burrata with arugula, honey-balsamic vinaigrette, roasted tomato and sumac-pickled onion, as well as Shumai with Japanese shrimp dumplings, sweet soy, Japanese pickle, scallion and togarashi.
Located in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, The Vault at The Liberty Trust provides a diverse menu selection that is the perfect match along with its grand décor. With a unique blend of flavors and ambiance, this hotspot is a must-try for visitors and locals alike when visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. Artistic Heritage: Taubman Museum of Art and Public Murals
The Taubman Museum of Art is a prominent cultural institution located in downtown Roanoke, Virginia. The museum's distinctive architecture, designed by architect Randall Stout, features a modern and striking exterior. The building's design has been described as a work of art in itself. The museum's collection includes a diverse range of artworks, spanning various mediums and time periods. The collection features American art, modern and contemporary art, decorative arts, and works by regional artists.
The museum's collection is intended to inspire and engage visitors with a wide variety of artistic expressions. The Taubman Museum hosts rotating exhibitions that showcase a mix of national and international artists, as well as works from their own collection. These exhibitions can cover a wide range of artistic styles, genres, and themes, providing visitors with a dynamic and ever-changing art experience. Roanoke, Virginia, embraces public art as a way to enhance the city's cultural vibrancy and create engaging spaces for residents and visitors.
Located in downtown Roanoke, the “Big Lick” is a tribute to the city's nickname. It features vibrant colors and dynamic designs that add character to the area. The River's Dance sculpture is located near the Roanoke River, representing the city's connection to water and nature. The Melrose Avenue corridor features a series of murals that add color and vibrancy to the neighborhood. These murals often reflect the cultural diversity of the area.
3. Luxury Shopping: Downtown Roanoke and Stylish Boutiques
Roanoke, Virginia, offers a variety of shopping opportunities to cater to different tastes and preferences. The downtown area of Roanoke is known for its charming streets, historic buildings and unique boutiques. You can find a range of shops selling clothing, accessories, gifts, antiques, and more. The Historic City Market area is a popular spot for shopping and dining. Depending on the time of year, you can explore farmers' markets like the Historic Roanoke City Market, offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts. Grandin Village is a historic neighborhood with a distinct atmosphere featuring a selection of independent shops, including bookstores, vintage shops, and artisan boutiques. It's a great place to find unique and locally made items.
Source: Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Valley View Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Roanoke. It features a mix of major department stores, national retail chains, and specialty shops. Roanoke has a number of antique shops where you can discover vintage furniture, collectibles, and unique decor items. These shops are scattered throughout the city and offer a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts.In addition to the Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke boasts several art galleries and craft stores where you can find locally created artwork, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Whether you're looking for fashion, unique gifts, or local products, Roanoke has something to offer for every shopper.
4. Hiking Havens: Appalachian Trail and Mill Mountain
Roanoke, Virginia, is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, providing ample opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs near Roanoke and offers numerous opportunities for scenic drives and hikes. There are various overlooks and trailheads along the Parkway that provide access to beautiful natural landscapes. The hike to McAfee Knob offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is one of the most iconic and photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail.
Source: Roanoke Regional Partnership/Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Another popular hike along the Appalachian Trail, Dragon's Tooth offers unique rock formations and beautiful vistas. The hike involves some steep sections and a bit of scrambling, but the views are worth it. For a shorter hike within Roanoke, you can explore the Mill Mountain Star Trail. It leads to the famous Roanoke Star, offering a great view of the city and the valley. When hiking in the Roanoke area, it's important to be prepared. Wear appropriate footwear, bring water, snacks, a map or GPS, and be mindful of weather conditions. Additionally, make sure to follow “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize your impact on the environment and help preserve the natural beauty of the area.
5. Architectural Elegance: Historic Districts and Hotel Roanoke
Roanoke, Virginia, showcases a diverse range of architectural styles that reflect its history, growth, and cultural influences. Roanoke's Historic City Market is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the United States. The architecture in this area reflects a mix of historic styles, including Federal and Victorian influences. The market's cobblestone streets and charming buildings contribute to its unique character. The downtown area showcases a blend of architectural styles, ranging from late 19th-century buildings to modern designs. The Taubman Museum of Art, with its contemporary and innovative architecture, stands out as a prominent cultural landmark.
Source: Roanoke College/Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Roanoke College's campus architecture showcases a combination of historic and modern elements that reflect the institution's growth and changing needs over time. The Main Hall is the oldest building on campus, dating back to the mid-19th century. It is designed in the Greek Revival style, characterized by its columns, pediments, and symmetrical layout. The diverse range of architectural styles contributes to the unique character of the campus environment. Remember that Roanoke's architecture spans different eras and styles, reflecting the city's growth and changing trends.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
Step back in time and experience the grandeur of the marble-filled lobby lined with magnificent columns and soaring ceilings—Welcome to The Liberty Trust. The elegantly restored historic landmark originally opened in 1910 as the First National Bank Building and the property served as the headquarters for the first bank founded in Roanoke. The historic boutique hotel is centrally located in the heart of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. Situated at the corner of South Jefferson Street and Salem Avenue SW, the hotel is close to the Historic Roanoke City Market, Virginia Tech Carilion Biomedical Research campus and surrounding neighborhoods that are filled with eclectic shops, renowned restaurants and admired attractions.
