Looking for an affordable summer vacation that combines adventure and relaxation in a picture-perfect setting? Enter: A road trip to Virginia's Blue Ridge.

This mountainous region (less than three hours from Richmond) includes Roanoke, Virginia, and its surrounding areas. If we only had a weekend, here's what we'd do:

Friday

Check in at Fire Station One, a historic firehouse-turned-boutique hotel in downtown Roanoke.
Walk to Sidecar for craft cocktails and European fare.
Savor scoops at Blue Cow Ice Cream's original location.
Drive up Mill Mountain to see the Roanoke Star.

Saturday

Fuel up with scratch-made bagels from Donnie D's.
Hit the Appalachian Trail to hike Hay Rock.
Tube down the river with Twin River Outfitters.
Dine with a view at 1772 Rooftop on Main.

Sunday

Wake up with coffee and pastries from RND Coffee Vinton.
Zipline through the forest at Explore Park.
Unwind with a massage at The Spa at Hotel Roanoke.
Toast to a great weekend at Twisted Track Brewpub.

Plan your mountain getaway