Roanoke sits just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring “America’s Favorite Drive.” We arrived expecting mountain views and outdoor escapes—and found a town full of surprises.
The Roanoke River Greenway: A Ride to Remember
We rented e-bikes from Roanoke Mountain Adventures and followed the paved trail along the river. The route winds through parks, under bridges, and past graffiti art and wildflowers. The highlight? A mother deer and her fawn drinking from the river.
The Greenway stretches over ten miles, with benches and scenic spots along the way. We rode to Salem and back, feeling accomplished—and ready for lunch.
Lunch at The Green Goat
Just off the Greenway, The Green Goat offers fresh food and a relaxed vibe. We sat outside under string lights and umbrellas, savoring a spinach salad with strawberries, blueberries, goat cheese, and blackberry vinaigrette. The menu spans wraps, burgers, pizzas, and tacos—with plenty of drinks to match.
Ice Cream Worth the Trip
We’re picky about ice cream. Coming from Cincinnati, we hold Graeter’s in high regard. But Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. in Roanoke passed the test—and then some.
They offer ice cream flights, so we sampled key lime pie, triple berry crisp, strawberry balsamic, and Red Rooster Coffee with housemade chocolate chips. Julie went with banana pudding in a waffle cone. We floated through the evening on a cloud of bliss—and still talk about it.
Black Dog Salvage: Treasure Hunting, Reimagined
Even if you’ve never seen Salvage Dawgs, the massive warehouse behind the show is worth a visit. Black Dog Salvage spans over 40,000 square feet, packed with architectural salvage, home décor, stained glass, garden statues, and more.
It’s part antique shop, part creative playground. We wandered for hours, marveling at marble mantles, quirky art, and one-of-a-kind finds. You never know what you’ll uncover—and that’s half the fun.
Rooftop Views at Six and Sky
Dinner with a view, framed by the mountains.
For dinner with a view, Six and Sky Rooftop Grille delivers. The indoor space is stylish, but the outdoor seating steals the show. From the rooftop, you can see the city below and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon.
We watched the sky shift from brilliant blue to starry black, sipping cocktails and soaking it all in. It’s a popular spot, so reservations are a good idea.
Fortunato: Italian Comfort in the Mountains
Roanoke’s only traditional Italian kitchen, Fortunato, serves Neapolitan-style pizza, pasta, and a standout wine list. Julie ordered a Margherita pizza; I had bucatini with tomatoes, guanciale, cracked pepper, and pecorino romano. We split a cannoli for dessert—an exquisite ending to a lovely meal.
The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, and the service was both fast and friendly, despite the crowd. Another spot worth reserving ahead of time.
A Museum That Left Us Speechless
We’ve visited dozens of museums—but the Virginia Museum of Transportation stands out. From antique cars and aviation history to a surreal walk through the railyard, this place is packed with stories and scale.
Standing beside the massive locomotives made us feel like mice. Even if you’re not a train enthusiast, the exhibits are engaging and unexpectedly emotional. We’ve also explored two other transportation museums that left a lasting impression—here’s how they compare.
The Roanoke Star: A Beacon Above the Valley
Roanoke is known as “Star City” for good reason. The Mill Mountain Star is the world’s largest free-standing illuminated star, perched high above the valley. After our ice cream at Blue Cow, we drove to the top and watched it glow over the city.
The view from Mill Mountain is peaceful and panoramic—especially at sunrise or sunset. If you’re up for a hike, the 3.3-mile round-trip Star Trail offers a forested path to the summit.
Boutique Shops and Sweet Stops
Roanoke’s downtown and Grandin Village are full of charming shops. We browsed Chocolatepaper, a boutique with quirky gifts and decadent chocolates. We also explored Too Many Books, a cozy bookstore filled with rare and out-of-print titles—and stuffed animals like Pooh Bear and Curious George that made us feel right at home.
Breakfast and Coffee Done Right
Fresh-baked bliss and a perfect pour—Bread Craft knows how to start the day right.
We started one morning at Scrambled, where the menu includes eggs every way, pancakes, French toast, and biscuits with gravy. Everything was hot, fresh, and satisfying.
Later, we relaxed at Roasters Next Door, a casual coffee shop with espresso drinks, teas, bagels, and avocado toast. We also stopped by Bread Craft, a bustling bakery where the pastries were so good we lost count. The savory quiche was a standout.
Why Roanoke Stayed With Us
We came for the mountains—but Roanoke gave us more than scenic views. It offered quiet moments, memorable meals, and a deeper sense of place. From riverside trails and rooftop dinners to quirky shops and one museum that left a lasting impression, this Virginia town felt like a reward tucked into the hills.
Planning a Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip?
Roanoke sits just minutes from America’s Favorite Drive, making it an easy and worthwhile detour. If you’re mapping out a route through the Blue Ridge Mountains, we share tips, stops, and scenic highlights in our full Parkway guide.