Things to do in Roanoke
#1 Fire Station
Built in 1907, and is now a historic landmark. Modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, it remains operational. Free to tours. Find Best Western Roanoke Lodging nearby.
First Avenue, Roanoke, VA
Amrhein Wine Cellars
AmRhein Wine Cellars is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 136 and the winner of 2002 Virginia Governor's Cup, 12 state medals and 5 international medals. Only 20 minutes from the Roanoke Valley, specializing in German style wines from 100% estate grown grapes. Taste our 12 unique varieties of wines. The winery and vineyards are an ideal picnic location with splendid views of the mountains, a peaceful lake and abundant wildlife. Seasonal activities are Beach Bash in July, Art and Wine Fest in August, Moonlight Stomp in September, Oktoberfest in October and "Holly Days" Open House in November and December. Complimentary wine tours and tastings March - December. Tasting Room hours are Monday -Thursday by appointment; Friday - Sunday 12noon – 5pm. Call 540-929-4632 for more information.
9243 Patterson Drive, Roanoke, VA
Appalachian Trail
Some of the best hiking, camping and backcountry experiences around are available on the Appalachian Trail, located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Call 540-265-5100 for more information.
Art Museum of Western Virginia
Visitors to the Art Museum of Western Virginia will discover visually stunning exhibitions, creative programs and an engaging interactive center for all ages. Tours, gallery talks, family days, classes and camps are part of the Art Museum's regular programming. The Art Museum features a permanent collection of nineteenth and twentieth century American art, decorative arts and works by Southern artists and presents exhibitions of both regional and national significance. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday 1pm – 5pm Call 540-342-5760 for more information.
One Market Square, Roanoke, VA
Arts Council of Blue Ridge
Information and Referral Services Artists' Registry, Updated list of Cultural Events, Cultural Resource Library, Art In the Window - Rotating Displays, "Arts Council News" - Newsletter, City Art Show - Regional Juried Exhibition, Center Scholars - Hands on Art Program for High School Students, Arts Council Scholarships, Kendig Award for Outstanding Support of the Arts. Open Tuesday – Friday 9am – 4pm; closed Saturday – Monday. Call 540-342-5790 for more information.
20 East Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA
Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum
Changing gallery exhibits highlighting the folk music, crafts, customs, and material culture of the Blue Ridge Region and Virginia as a whole. A re-created 1800 farmstead illustrating German-American settlement of the southern Virginia Blue Ridge. Special folk life-related events such as the Blue Ridge Folk life Festival (October), Blue Ridge Draft Horse and Mule Show (July). Blue Ridge Heritage Archive is located on site. A gift Shop featuring traditional Blue Ridge craft items can be found here. Located just a 45-minute drive from Roanoke on the Ferrum College campus. Open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm; Saturday10am – 4pm; Sunday 1 – 4pm. Call 540-365-4416 for more information.
Center in the Square
This restored early 20th century furniture warehouse provides space for five independent cultural organizations: Art Museum of Western Virginia, Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, Science Museum of Western Virginia and Hopkins Planetarium, History Museum of Western Virginia, Mill Mountain Theatre, Opera Roanoke and the Roanoke Ballet Theatre. Call 540-342-5700 for more information.
Claytor State Park
Private and state access to boating, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming and sailing. Call 540-674-5492 for more information.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horse Trails, ATV Trails, picnicking, and Scenic Byways are available at The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Nearly 1.9 million acres offer one of the greatest concentrations in the Southeast. Recreation areas range from highly developed to the isolated solitude of the wilderness. The forest is open 24 hours a day. Call 540-265-5100 for more information.
5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, VA
Harrison Museum of African American Culture
Art and local history exhibit reflecting African American Culture. Museum store features cards, prints, masks, books, statues, handbags, gift certificates and more. Donations appreciated. Open Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5pm; Saturday & Sunday 1 – 5pm; closed Monday. Call 540-345-4818 for more information.
523 Harrison Avenue NW, Roanoke, VA
Historic Farmers' Market
The Roanoke Farmers' Market is the oldest such market in continuous use in Virginia. In 1882 licenses were issued to 25 hucksters. The City of Roanoke's first charter formally authorized a municipally owned market in 1884, and the first permanent Market Building was completed in 1886. This formed the core of a continuing curb market in and around the Market Square. The present Market Building was erected in 1922 to replace the original structure. Call 540-42-2028 for more information.
310 First Street, Roanoke, VA
Historic Fincastle
Fincastle was established in 1770. Incorporated in 1772, today the quiet and quaint village of 450 residents is a virtual museum of American architecture from the late 1770's through the 20th century. Fincastle and old Botetourt County welcome those who seek to explore the past and see a miniature of American history. Call 540-473-3077 for more information.
121 E. Murray Street, Roanoke, VA
History Museum & Historical Society of Western Virginia
Permanent exhibits to illustrate the history of Southwest Virginia from prehistoric times up to the present. Separate galleries for changing exhibits. Educational programs and guided tours are offered. Enjoy this journal of local and regional history. Library and Archives are located on the premises. Call 540-342-5770 for more information.
One Market Square, Roanoke, VA
Jefferson Center
Formerly the site of Jefferson High School, the 111,000 square foot Jefferson Center makes available first-rate administrative space for nineteen non-profit and not-for-profit organizations ranging from The Studio School to Head Start. To the public Jefferson Center rents six event facilities, including Fitzpatrick Hall, Fralin Atrium, the L.L. Rice Room, a training theater, a rehearsal hall and the new 1000-seat Shaftman Performance Hall. A primary venue for Opera Roanoke, Roanoke Ballet Theatre and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Shaftman Performance Hall presents an eclectic array of classical and contemporary performances, including family entertainment. Call 540-343-2624 for more information.
541 Luck Avenue SW Suite 100, Roanoke, VA
Mill Mountain Theatre
Professional, live, year-round theatre on two stages at Center in the Square. Nationally known for exciting musicals, dramas, comedies, new works and children's shows. Monthly one-act staged readings of new plays are offered at lunchtime and are free to the Public. The Norfolk Southern Festival of New Works is held in January. The Fall and Spring Children's productions include daytime school matinees. Performances Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday evenings at 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday Matinees at 2pm; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8pm; no Sunday evening performance on Waldron Stage. Call 540-342-5740 for more information.
One Market Square, Roanoke, VA
Mill Mountain Zoo
On top of Roanoke's Mill Mountain, off the Blue Ridge Parkway and alongside the famous Roanoke Star, is an AZA accredited 3 1/2-acre Zoo operated by the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia. The Zoo exhibits 50 plus species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Animals include a Siberian Tiger, Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Japanese Macaques and much more. Special events and educational programs throughout the year, picnic facilities, a wildflower garden and a breathtaking overlook view of the Roanoke Valley. Call 540-343-3241 for more information.
Opera Roanoke
Singers, directors and instrumentalists come from across the country to perform at this nationally recognized opera company. Performances September, January and June. Performance locations vary. Call 540-982-2742 for more information.
541 Luck Ave., Suite 209, Roanoke, VA
Roanoke Festival in the Park
A non-profit event management organization whose purpose is to bring artists, athletes and performers together with the general public for their mutual enjoyment and enrichment; and to promote and financially support the arts by providing annual art scholarships to selected student recipients. In addition to Festival in the Park, we produce the International Wine Tour, FallFest on the Market and other events. Hours of operation vary. Call 540-342-2640 for more information.