Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains offers a metro mountain adventure that is only enhanced by the return of warm spring air. Take advantage of the fresh air with a walk through the rich downtown culture, experience the city through a variety of festivals, or find a new favorite outdoor adventure just a few miles away.
The Outdoors are Open
- Take advantage of the warming weather and get reacquainted with the outdoors. Reopening for the season this March, hikers and sightseers can take advantage of a shuttle system ferrying guests to the McAfee Knob trailhead, one of the most popular spots in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Hike to the Knob for sweeping views of the mountains and one of the most-photographed spots along the Appalachian Trail.
- 2025 is the perfect year to check off this bucket list hike as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy celebrates its 100th
- Roanoke Mountain Adventures debuts two new tours this season. The Mural Tour of Roanoke is an immersive experience that takes you through the city’s murals. It showcases the city’s story through art and storytelling while being guided by the local artists who created them. A new Carvins Cove e-mountain bike tour is coming as well, with miles of beginner-friendly gravel travel making this tour available for all skill levels.
Spring Celebrations in VBR
- Spend Saint Patrick’s Day in one of the 10 best cities in the United States at the Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival on March 15. This free event includes a parade starting at 11 a.m., live music, and vendors, with local restaurants hosting their own block parties throughout Downtown.
- Roanoke’s premier multicultural festival, Local Colors, represents over 50 nationalities and has occurred for over 30 years. Featuring many authentic, international food and performances, this free event takes place May 17th in Downtown Roanoke’s Elmwood Park.
- Berry lovers will not want to miss the 45th annual Community School Strawberry Festival in downtown Roanoke on May 2 – 3. Over 20,000 people show up to enjoy fresh strawberries in all forms, including the ever-popular shortcake.
- The Salem Red Sox baseball team celebrates opening night on April 4th. Families can enjoy games and special promotional nights nearly every week through the spring and summer seasons.
Virginia’s “New” Ridge
- Historic Grandin Village in Roanoke, Virginia, has two new restaurant concepts that have officially opened their doors. Gianni’s serves dishes inspired by the food traditions of Louisiana, Haiti, and Jamaica in what the owner calls “Southern Caribbean fusion.” Show Pony, specializing in “fine diving,” features late-night comfort food set in a bar-forward joint.
- For the first time ever, Virginia’s Blue Ridge comes together to unveil the vibrant culinary scene throughout the region during VBR Restaurant Week, which takes place May 31 through June 8. Restaurants throughout the City of Roanoke and Salem and the Counties of Botetourt, Roanoke, and Franklin come together to showcase all the region’s food scene has to offer.
- A new hotel is set to open in a former bank in Downtown Roanoke. It will feature a concert hall, a Spanish tapas-style restaurant, and three bars. While the name is still to be determined, it may include a nod to the old bank’s name—“First National.” It is anticipated to open in summer 2025. This boutique hotel will feature 27 rooms, with the concert hall having a capacity of 750.
As you plan your adventure through Virginia’s Blue Ridge, ensure your stay is as memorable as your experiences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy boutique hotel, a luxurious resort, or a charming mountain retreat, we’ve got you covered. Click here for top hotel and resort choices that will make your visit unforgettable!
