Things To Do In Virginia's Blue Ridge

The Amtrak Northeast Regional serves the city of Roanoke, Va. (RNK). Tickets are now available to purchase for travel to and from the city in the Roanoke Valley nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

The train will stop in downtown Roanoke at a newly-constructed passenger platform with a canopy located at 55 Norfolk Ave., SW. Public parking facilities are available adjacent to the Roanoke station stop.

The Northeast Regional will extend from Lynchburg and provide a same-seat trip to and from Roanoke. The train will stop in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Culpepper, Manassas, Burke Centre, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and other cities along the Northeast Corridor.

Customers will experience a comfortable and enjoyable way to travel on a national network serving more 500 destinations, and benefits such as no middle seat, and the ability to move about the train.
The Northeast Regional features Coach and Business Class offering outlets for mobile devices, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Café Car offers sandwiches, salads, snacks and hot and cold beverages, including a variety of wine, beer and soda.

Amtrak has the friendliest baggage allowance in the travel industry. Customers can bring two bags and two carry-ons, collectively weighing up to 150 pounds, for free. Amtrak welcomes cats and dogs weighing 20 pounds or less for only $25. Make sure to bring the appropriate carrier. Some restrictions apply.

Ticketing and reservations can be done on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800-USA-Rail. Boarding documents can be self-printed, or customers using a smartphone or mobile device can present the eTicket to the conductor by opening a document in their email.

Amtrak, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and the city of Roanoke partnered to bring intercity passenger rail service back to the city for the first time in four decades.

To learn more about Amtrak Virginia, please visit the link below.

Just steps from your hotel room is Downtown Roanoke and a whole world to explore. Spend a day walking around town and discover the great local shops, restaurants, museums and more!

The Historic Roanoke City Market

The Historic Roanoke City Market area is the oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia and just steps from your room. Visit the Market year-round, Monday through Saturday, 8AM to 5PM for produce of every sort and the finest regional crafts. The entire Market District includes unique shopping, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, antique shops, museum shops, and much more!

The Taubman Museum of Art

The Taubman Museum of Art is part of the lively metro mountain mix of arts, culture and outdoor fun in the heart of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. The Museum offers eleven galleries as part of the Fralin Center for American Art and hosts 15-20 exhibitions per year. The Taubman Museum of Art offers free general daily admission. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Roanoke's David Goode Walkway - Rail Walk

Step out the front door and discover a train lovers playground! Cross the railroad via the Market Square Walkway and discover the Roanoke's David Goode Walkway - Rail Walk, linking the O. Winston Link Museum, located inside the former Norfolk and Western Rail Station and the Virginia Museum of Transportation. If you're a true rail fan, book the Train Lover's Package! Don't forget to visit the Roanoke Rail Cam!

Center in the Square

Home to three museums, three performing arts companies, and the region's arts council, with calendars of events, Center in the Square is a must see attraction to inspire, play and discover! Featuring a living coral reef aquarium, a butterfly garden and an amazing panoramic rooftop view of the Star City, Center in the Square is home to the region’s art, science, and history museums as well as live professional theatre, dance, and opera.

The Berglund Center

The Berglund Center is Western Virginia's premiere full-service facility with a 10,500 seat coliseum, 2,151 seat Performing Arts Theatre, 14,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, and a new 46,000 square feet Special Events Center. Home of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs and located within walking distance to the hotel, the Berglund Center features live entertainment, sporting events and cultural and concert performances by some of the biggest names in the world.

Elmwood Park

City of Roanoke’s Elmwood Park is one of Southwest Virginia’s newest premier concert and festival venue. Elmwood Park features a 4,000+ capacity amphitheater with cascading grass terraces for seating, a state-of-the-art illuminated fountain in front of the stage, tree-lined walkway with decorative fountains, and an art walk with beautiful sculptures. Elmwood Park is about an 8 minute walk from the Hotel.

Downtown Roanoke

Downtown Roanoke is a showcase for the region's thriving arts community, featuring diverse galleries, museums and artist’s studios. A highly entertaining and insightful thing to do is to check out downtown Roanoke’s art scene across the Market Square Walkway to see paintings, sculpture, prints, photography and all kinds of art. Galleries are like hidden gems and you can be the first among your neighbors, friends and families to know ‘what’s happening’ and tell them all about it. Check out the listings and plan your visits!

Virginia's Blue Ridge

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge is the official source of information about visiting the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Located across the street from the hotel, the organization serves to help you plan your visit, business meeting, convention, sports event, or group tour in Virginia's Blue Ridge. The staff is eager to assist and are able to provide professional meeting planners and group tour operators with a wide array of services including step-on guides, suggested itineraries, site inspections tours and much more.

100 Foot Neon Star

No trip to Roanoke is complete without visiting the 100 foot neon star on Mill Mountain! The best part is that it is accessbile by hiking, biking or by car. Within the park boundaries you will find the famous Roanoke Star and two overlooks with stunning views of the city and Blue Ridge Mountains, Discovery Center, 10 miles of multi-use trails, Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden and outdoor classroom, a unique playground, the Mill Mountain Zoo, picnic area and pavilion with grills and acres of natural beauty.

The Grandin Village

An unknown gem to visitors of Roanoke accessbile by our complimentary shuttle service, is The Grandin Village! Home to Black Dog Salvage, shopping, restaurants and the Grandin Theatre! Known as one of the more eclectic and family-friendly areas of Roanoke, Grandin Village has been noted as one of Roanoke’s best examples of a mixed-use urban village.Visit the Grandin Village Community Market on Saturday mornings and browse an array of independently owned retail and dining establishments, including unique shops offering formal furnishings, fine jewelry, funky antiques and natural foods.

Roanoke Region

The Roanoke Region is home to more than more than 30 miles of urban trails connecting the area’s natural beauty to its charming neighborhoods and vibrant downtown. And these greenways, which are defined as open-space corridors reserved for recreational use or environmental preservation that connect urban centers, are growing all the time. Plan your adventure along the Roanoke River Greenway: Hike, bike, grab a beer or bite to eat, or do a little shopping.

The Harvester Performance Center

Featuring more than 175 musical performances annually, with music and more for everyone, The Harvester Performance Center is a new, mid-sized music venue serving Rocky Mount, VA, and surrounding areas with amazing live performances in all kinds of genres.

No visit to Virignia's Blue Ridge is complete without visiting the Appalachian Trail and/or the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic scenic hiking trails in the world and McAfee's Knob is one of the most sought after experiences! There are plenty of trail heads around the region to get you on the longest footpath in the world! A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged Blue Ridge mountains, visitors will experience overlooks, hikes and amazing areas to picnic. It's a must-do when in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Just down the road from the hotel is a 45 minute cavern tour and unique shopping experience at Dixie Caverns! The caverns were found by a couple farm boys back in 1920 after their dog fell through a hole that led to the caves. They decided to name the caverns after their dog in honor of his discovery. Guided tours of the caverns were begun in 1923. The best known attraction is a bell-shaped flowstone formation known as the "Wedding Bell". Weddings have been held under the Bell. The cave is located in a hill overlooking the surrounding region. Adults - 13 and over: $14.00; Children 5-12: $6.00; Under 5: Complimentary.

From Carvin's Cove and the Roanoke Valley Blueways to world class mountain biking and cycling and state parks, you must get outside with Roanoke Outside in Virginia's Blue Ridge! Looking for adventure but not sure where to start? They will help. Create your own adventure and discover the Roanoke region’s various land and water activities and attractions. Looking for something more custom? Our exclusive partnership with Roanoke Mountain Adventures can help get you on the trails, water or anywhere you want to go with the guidance and equipment you need!

Virginia's most popular lake, Smith Mountain Lake, offers superb recreational activities, 500 miles of shoreline, and a wide variety of water sports. The area's great natural beauty--from the waters and woods to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia--is the perfect destination for your very own style of fun, whether you seek days full of activities or just plain relaxing. Be sure to visit the Booker T. Washington National Monument and the National D-Day Memorial, while visiting this beautiful slice of America.

The Historic Roanoke City Market

The Taubman Museum of Art

Roanoke's David Goode Walkway - Rail Walk

O. Winston Link Museum

Virginia Museum of Transportation

Center in the Square

Roanoke Art Gallery Listings

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

PDF of Roanoke River Greenway Map

Harvester Performance Center

Cities by Curio: Roanoke

Discover beer with flavor brewed by passionate local brew masters! Grow your Beer IQ and go behind the scenes on a craft beer adventure! The Craft Beer Tour was created for fun and to expand your appreciation of this ancient craft. Discover our hopping local craft beer scene as we visit 3 local microbreweries where we’ll go behind the scenes to explore their brewing facilities, learn the basics of brewing beer (“Beer Brewing 101”), examine traditional ingredients, and uncover the roots of the national and local craft beer movement while tasting fresh, delicious craft beer! Jump on the Beerway and experience the blossoming culture of craft beer in Virginia's Blue Ridge! This self-guided tour includes travels to Hotel Roanoke neighbors Big Lick Brewing Company and Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers, and features just down the road breweries of Flying Mouse, Sunken City Brewing Company, Chaos Mountain Brewing Company, and regional favorite, Parkway Brewing Company. The Beerway is the perfect opportunity to experience the flavors of Virginia's Blue Ridge and meet the people who are driving the scene!

Neighborhood Breweries

Big Lick Brewing Company

Originally Roanoke’s first Nano Brewery, their success has blossomed and has been built slowly through the development of quality beers, brewed with the best ingredients, by people using state of the art equipment.
Located within walking distance to Hotel Roanoke in downtown, Big Lick Brewing Company specializes in a rotating selction of beers with an emphasis on quality and variety.
Big Lick Brewing Company is located just across the tracks at 409 Salem Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia 24016.

Open:
Wed - Thurs: 4PM - 9PM
Fri: 4PM - 10PM
Sat: 1PM - 10PM
Sun: 12PM - 6PM

Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers

Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers was downtown Roanoke's first craft brewery. They are a family and pet friendly brewery featuring six flagship beers available year round and a rotating selection of seasonals.With their wide variety of hand crafted brews, special events and open air brewery, we believe there's something for everyone at Soaring Ridge.

Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers is located at 523 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24016

Open:
Wednesday through Friday 4pm – 9pm
Saturday 2pm – 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm

Starr Hill Brewery

Born in a music hall in 1999, Starr Hill Brewery is an independent, regional craft brewery founded in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Roanoke Tap Room features 23 rotating beers on tap, a stage for live music performances and local food trucks on the patio.
The Starr Hill Pilot Brewery and Side Stage is located at 6 Old Whitmore Avenue Roanoke, Virginia 24016

Open:
Monday-Thursday: 3 – 9PM
Friday-Saturday: 11AM – 9PM
Sunday: 12 – 7PM

Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery is coming to Roanoke! After visiting many amazing communities over the past few years in our search for an East Coast location, we’re thrilled to be joining Roanoke’s emergent brewing community.

Other Breweries Around Virginia's Blue Ridge:

Parkway Brewing Company
This laid-back brewery located in Salem, Virginia offers craft beers by the pint or growler, plus food trucks & live music. 739 Kessler Mill Rd, Salem, VA 24153
Wednesday - Saturday: 12:30p-8:30p
Sunday & Monday: 2p-8p

Twin Creeks Brewing
Vinton Virginia's first micro-brewery offering quality craft ales and lagers.
111 S Pollard St, Vinton, VA 24179
Thursday & Friday: 5p - 9p
Saturday: 12p - 9p
Sunday: 2p - 6p

Hammer & Forge Brewing Company
Located in Boones Mill, Hammer & Forge beers are hand crafted in small batches using only the finest ingredients to create high quality delicious beer.
70 Main St, Boones Mill, VA 24065
Thursday: 5p - 10p
Friday: 4p - 10p
Saturday: 1p - 10p

Ballast Point Brewing
Ballast Point Brewing Company has opened its new Tasting Room & Kitchen at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield in Daleville. With 128 taps featuring a variety of Ballast Point beers, a full-service restaurant, growler filling station, and unique merchandise & swag, it’s a one-stop shop for everything Ballast Point Brewing.
555 International Pkwy, Daleville, VA 24083
Monday - Saturday: 11:00a - 11p
Sunday: 11a - 9p

Chaos Mountain Brewing
Chaos Mountain Brewing is a craft beer brewery located in Callaway, Virginia just south of Roanoke Virginia.
3135 Dillons Mill Rd, Callaway, VA 24067
Wednesday: 4p - 9p
Thursday & Friday: 4p - 9p
Saturday: 1p - 9p
Sunday: 1p - 7p

Flying Mouse Brewery
Located in Troutville, Virginia, Flying Mouse is a whimsical brewery & tasting room offering a variety of craft beer year round, plus seasonal brews.
221 Precast Way, Troutville, VA 24175
Thursday: 5p - 9p
Friday: 4p - 8p
Saturday: 2p - 8p
Sunday: 1p - 5p

Sunken City Brewing Company
The 8,800-square-foot brewery, located at Westlake Towne Center in Hardy, VA featuring a brewhouse, fermentation area, canning room, tap room and outdoor beer garden.
40 Brewery Drive Hardy, VA 24101
Wednesday: 3p - 9p
Thursday: 3p - 9p
Friday: 12p - 10p
Saturday: 12p - 9p
Sunday: 1p - 6p

20% OFF ROANOKE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
All guests of The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center receive 20% of all Trips, Rentals, or Shuttle Prices by showing their room key!
Roanoke Mountain Adventures is a full service outfitter based in beautiful Roanoke, Virginia. Offering guided trips for mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, equipment rentals and an extensive area shuttle service for a variety of do it yourself outdoor adventures. Roanoke Mountain Adventures works to promote the region's great outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors and residents. Learn more at www.roanokemountainadventures.com.

10% OFF ROANOKE FOOD TOURS!
The "Star City" is full of unexpected history, unique architecture and one-of-a-kind culinary treats. Experience the tastes, sights, and aromas during 3 hours of delicious fun! All Hotel Roanoke guests receive 10% off their tour by mentioning Hotel Roanoke when making your reservations!

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO PRIVATE COURSES!
As a registered guest of The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, whether it be a group outing or for individuals, there is an exclusive partnership available to you with several private clubs in Virginia's Blue Ridge! Guests of the hotel have access to The Roanoke Country Club, The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech and Hidden Valley Country Club.

The Regency Room

The Regency Room has remained at the heart of the Roanoke social and cultural experience. The restaurant, under the direction of Executive Chef Stephen DeMarco, features French-inspired Southern cuisine and is open year-round, including holidays.
With seasonal menu offerings, live entertainment, and an opportunity to sample what southwestern Virginia has to offer, every night is special.

The Pine Room Pub

Relax in our club atmosphere where a lighter menu is available in the evening hours. Sit by the fireplace or play a game of billiards and enjoy a sandwich, snacks, and a beverage of your choice or an ice cold draft beer. Formerly a World War II Officer's Club, The Pine Room Pub is located near the Palm Court and is a place where many memories will be rekindled and new traditions begun.
The Pine Room pub features entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

Fitness Center and Outdoor Pool area.

Fitness Center and Outdoor Pool: Offering the latest in cardiovascular and general fitness equipment plus a whirlpool and sauna. The fitness center is complimentary to all registered guests. After your work out, relax poolside on the newly renovated pool deck!

Discover Downtown Roanoke

A short walk over the Market Square Walkway Pedestrian Bridge brings you downtown, where you'll find an eclectic mix of galleries, shops and restauratns and seasonal events. Recognized as a Great American Public Place, The Historic Roanoke City Market, also called the Farmer's Market due to the profusion of plans, fresh fruits, and vegetables available during the growing season, is the oldest continuously operating open air market in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Historic Roanoke City Market is open year-round, seven days a week, and closes only on Christmas and New Year's. Learn more at www.DowntownRoanoke.org.

Roanoke Valley Greenways

More than 22 miles of gorgeous and scenic greenways with bicycle/pedestrian trails have been built in Roanoke Valley, with additional hubs of natural surface trails at Mill Mountain, Carvins Cove, and Read Mountain, The Lick Run Greenway begins on the backside of the hotel and takes you to out towards Valley View Mall. To learn more, visit www.greenways.org.

Smart Ways Bus

The Smart Way is a commuter bus service that links the Roanoke Valley to the New River Valley. Picking up on the Wells Avenue behind the hotel. The service begins in downtown Roanoke at Valley Metro's Campbell Court Transportation Center and ends at the Virginia Tech Squires Student Center. The route from the New River Valley to the Roanoke Valley is the exact reverse.
Free copies of the Roanoke Times are available for our passengers to enjoy while riding the Smart Way Bus. They are available on a first come, first served basis. To learn more, visit www.smartwaybus.com

Follow the links below for more information or call (540) 985-5900.

STEP ONTO THE LINKS AND EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE FINEST GOLF COURSES IN VIRGINIA!
As a registered guest of The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, whether it be a group outing or for individuals, there is an exclusive partnership available to you with several private clubs in Virginia's Blue Ridge! Guests of the hotel have access to The Roanoke Country Club, The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech and Hidden Valley Country Club. For individual tee times, contact the pro-shop directly to check availability and confirm your tee time. You will need to provide proper identification to validate you are a registered hotel guest.

To arrange group outings, contact your conference meeting planner who will assist in coordinating all the details with the selected course.

PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH
Pro Shop: 1-888-Pete-Dye Head PGA Professional/General Manager: John Norton

47 miles - 55 minutes from The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

Selected as one of the best new public access courses in the United States by Golf Magazine, the Pete Dye River Course winds along 2.5 miles of the scenic and historic New River and many holes have been endeared with its presence. Panoramic views are the norm and the passing of an occasional train enhances the beauty of the surroundings. Originally designed by Daniel J. Schlegal of Ault and Clark Associates, the River Course has been newly renovated by world-renowned architect Pete Dye.

HIDDEN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
Pro Shop: 540-389-8990 Head Pro: Michael Abraham

8 miles - 20 minutes from The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

Hidden Valley Country Club is the premiere private, family-oriented Country Club nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of the Roanoke Valley. A full-service Club dedicated to providing members and their guests with the finest facility in the Roanoke/Salem area, Hidden Valley Country Club is committed to providing members the overall Country Club experience for their family, offering amenities and services for all ages in athletic and social activities.

ROANOKE COUNTRY CLUB
Exclusive Access for Guests of The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

Pro Shop - 540-343-1330 Director of Golf: Tim McAffee

4.1 miles - 15 minutes from The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.

Roanoke Country Club is recognized as the premiere, private golfing facility in Western Virginia. The Club's golf course was originally designed by legendary golf architect A.W. Tillinghast, who designed or remodeled 15 U.S. Open and PGA Championship golf courses including Baltusrol, Bethpage Black, Winged Foot, and Quaker Ridge as well as the course at Ridgewood for the 1935 Ryder Cup. Over the years Roanoke Country Club has hosted three State Open Championships, three State Amateur Championships, and since 1984, the Scott Robertson Memorial tournament, ranked among the nation’s top junior tournaments. The course layout features three nine-hole courses that can be played in three eighteen-hole combinations. With 27 holes of exceptional golf Roanoke Country Club Members enjoy variety as well as unfettered access to the best golf in the region.

PUBLIC COURSES CLOSE BY
Virginia's Blue Ridge is also home to high quality public courses that are close by and available for play. No matter what your desire, you'll find the Roanoke Region an exceptional experience for your next outing!

HANGING ROCK GOLF COURSE
Contact the Course: 540-389-7275

Overlooking the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia, Hanging Rock Golf Club is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The course, designed by Russell Breeden, offers a championship layout that guarantees Roanoke golf enthusiasts of all skill levels a challenging and exciting round.

OLE MONTEREY GOLF COURSE
Contact the Course: 540-563-0400

Ole Monterey Golf Club was built in 1920 and is the second oldest club in the Roanoke Valley. Ole Monterey is located within the city limits of Roanoke, Virginia and has postcard-like views of Downtown Roanoke, Mill Mountain Star and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Ole Monterey Golf Club is always in great condition and is the only public golf course in the Roanoke Valley. Well-maintained small greens, tight fairways, five sets of tees and creeping out of bounds, provide a true test of golf for any player at any skill level.

BLUE HILLS GOLF COURSE
Contact the Course: 540-344-7848

Come and Play our truly player friendly golf course in Roanoke, VA. 18 Holes of Golf, full Driving Range, fully stocked golf shop, two putting greens, and Restaurant. The driving range is all grass. Three sizes of Range Buckets available.

Public is welcome and golf lessons by PGA professionals are available.

Virginia's Blue Ridge

Discover Virginia's Blue Ridge

TAKE THE TRAIN TO VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE!

Explore America's Railroad Heritage

Step Out on the Town

Around The Town

Virginia Blue Ridge Adventures

Experience Craft Beer

Exclusive Offers

In and Around the Hotel

Golf in Virginia's Blue Ridge