Surrounded by the ancient peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and buffering the hustle of Interstate 81, Roanoke, Virginia (pop: 100,011) is a cultural and outdoor gem in Southern Appalachia.
Once a large-scale railroad hub, the city itself remains an economic beacon for much of the bucolic, rural landscape in Southwestern Virginia. Nowadays, the metro-area has transformed into not only a health care bastion of the region, but also a recreational juggernaut.
Aesthetically, Roanoke is an immensely picturesque community, one where the towering brick and marble buildings of economic prowess in the 19th and 20th centuries remain steadfast in their presence. When one meanders through downtown, it’s not hard to simply duck down an unassuming side street and witness the beauty of a historic building, a quaint café or cozy restaurant.
In terms of motorcycle riding, there’s a web of two-lane country roads shooting out from downtown Roanoke. Pushing through the heart of the city is U.S 11, which ideally parallels I-81, ultimately offering a slew of opportunities to roll into countless small towns that reside at the heart of the charm that is Southwestern Virginia.
Just east of Roanoke is the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the city itself located near the northern terminus of the legendary 469-mile route that stretches all the way south and ends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Western North Carolina.
Where to stay: Hotel Roanoke
Constructed in 1882, the 329-room luxury lodging is a Tudor-style structure that is as magnificent on the outside as it is upon entry.
With endless views of the city skyline and Blue Ridge Mountains nurturing the background, the hotel itself is a step back in time, this place where fine dining, craft cocktails and high-quality accommodations were key to complementing the perfect vacation.
In terms of dining and beverages, the hotel offers a few of the finest and most exquisite spots in Roanoke. While the Regency Room offers a wide-selection of entrees (“Doublebone Frenched Pork Chop,” “Smoke In Chimneys Grilled Whole Trout,” “Shrimp & Grits,” “Brasstown Beef Filet Mignon”), the “American Rustic” style Pine Room serves up “Slow Roasted Pork Shank,” “Hearth Whole Striped Bass” and “Charred Bone-In Ribeye.”
But, for all intents and purposes, the main focal point inside the Hotel Roanoke is the mesmerizing 1882 Lobby Bar, this genuine ode to the intrinsic and tangible allure of this classy spot to sit, converse, and actively, happily soak in the whirlwind atmosphere.
What to eat: Texas Tavern
With only 10 stools to consume your tasty meals, the Texas Tavern is a pillar of Roanoke’s culinary culture, nightlife curiosity and vibrant history that’s still in motion.
“Serving Roanoke since 1930,” the beloved 24-hour establishment is the epitome of the classic American diner. Turn’em-n-burn’em plates of scrumptious food, the menu is straightforward and to-the-point: steaming burgers, bowls of chili, ham and cheese sandwiches, egg sandwiches, and hot dogs. That’s it, and that’s all you truly need when it comes to a meal-on-the-go.
Beyond the late-night shenanigans and jovial nature of whoever and whatever saunters into the tavern (also, it doesn’t serve alcohol), keep in mind it is a “cash only” business. However, there is an ATM onsite. Word to the wise, instead of grabbing a to-go order, find a seat and interact with the essence of this time capsule.
But, you won’t need to break the bank to enjoy this culinary icon, seeing as you can get a “Cheesy Western” (burger with an egg) and a filling portion of chili for under $10 and still have enough change leftover for a more than generous tip to the find employees keeping the lights on and the grill warm day-in and day-out.
Where to roam: Mill Mountain Star
Known as the “world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star,” the Star landmark is something to truly admire, either from seemingly any vantage point in Roanoke or from atop Mill Mountain (a peak 1,703 feet in elevation).
By the numbers, the Star stands at 88.5 feet tall and weighs in the neighborhood of 60,000 pounds. It’s also been estimated that the Star is visible for upwards of 60 miles from the air. At night, the Star glows brightly, this unique and cherished symbol for the “Star City of the South.”
Locals and visitors alike either motor up to the Star via an access road or take a more adventurous way by hiking one of the handful of trails leading to the pleasantly serene and scenic overlook.
What to hear: 5 Points Music Sanctuary
Located on Maple Avenue, the 5 Points Music Sanctuary has become a beehive of melodic activity since the operation took over a historic former church the better part of a decade ago. These days, the space welcomes some of the finest local, regional, and national acts from all genres — rock to soul, hip-hop to bluegrass.
The venue is a well-known nonprofit in the region and beyond for its selection of programs that provide a much-needed platform for music therapy, hearing loss advocacy, and accessibility efforts.
Founded by director Tyler Godsey, the ongoing mission and journey of 5 Points started as a way to honor and assist his two children who were born deaf, who eventually received cochlear implants and now are able to enjoy the sacred, universal pleasures of live music.
In conclusion
The magnetic splendor of Roanoke, Virginia, lies in one simple fact, in that it hasn’t been spoiled by the inundation of what many other Southern Appalachian are currently going through — bulldozed by gentrification, out-of-control real estate markets, and this sense of a loss of cultural identity in a fast-paced modern world.
With cities like Asheville, North Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Greenville, South Carolina, getting all the attention when it comes to this intersection of southern hospitality and everything you may want in a metro-area — outdoor recreation, craft ales, fine dining, homemade coffee, handmade everything, etc. — Roanoke encompasses all of those traits and amenities, and yet is quite possible the last vestige of what it means to explore and, perhaps, put down roots in a pristine southeastern town.
