Craving a day trip or weekend getaway? Thankfully, we’re just two hours away from one of CNN’s 10 Best Towns to Visit in 2026 — Roanoke, VA.

Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, this city ranks highly for its access to outdoor activities. But if you stay within Roanoke’s city limits, you’ll also find a walkable downtown and a growing food scene.

Take a quick trip up north to find out why Roanoke has been called Magic City and the Star City of the South.

Drive time: ~2 hours

Est. population: 98,800

Avg. temperature in August: 87°

🎟️ Things to do

Roanoke River Greenway | River’s Edge to Bridge Street | A 15 mile paved path which leads cyclists and runners to major sections of the city, without having to dodge cars. Roanoke is known as America’s East Coast Biking Capital, so the greenway is the place to be on two wheels.

Virginia Museum of Transportation | 303 Norfolk Ave. | Discover the history of river and rail transportation, among others, at this museum.

Roanoke Pinball Museum | 1 Market Sq. SE, second floor | Button mash on classic pinball machines dating back to the 1930s, or more modern ones with themes like “Stranger Things,” “Star Trek,” and “Ghostbusters.”

Woodshed: Appalachian Crafts + Coffee Cafe | 409 S. Jefferson St. Shop from nearly 200 Appalachian craftspeople at this maker’s market. Pro tip: Pop around the corner to The Vintage Vault to find vintage albums, CDs, and cassettes.

Black Dog Salvage | 902 13th St. SW | Get lost at this architectural salvage store and explore arts from local makers in this 40,000-sq-ft warehouse.

Skyline over Roanoke, VA — Roanoke has a walkable downtown and access to the mountains. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons, JC7792

🍲 Memorable eats

The Hatch | 32 Market Square SE | This popular restaurant is known for its Southern fare like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. Pro tip: go for brunch and get the chicken and waffle sliders.

Fork in the Market | 32 Market Sq. | Located in the historic City Market Building downtown, it features a variety of family faves like pizza, burgers, and local craft beers.

Starr Hill Pilot Brewery and Side Stage | 6 Old Whitmore Ave. | This brewery features great brews and a back patio for food trucks by the Roanoke River.

Roanoke River Greenway bridge. — The Roanoke River Greenway spans about 15 miles across the city. | Photo via @playroanoke

🏨 Accommodations

Roanoke Boutique Hotel | 539 Day Ave SW | This award-winning bed and breakfast is close enough to walk downtown but far enough away to enjoy a quiet stay.

Hotel Roanoke | 110 Shenandoah Ave NW | This historic hotel may have opened in 1882, but guests will enjoy renovated rooms, an outdoor pool, and fine dining.

A family walking outside the Hotel Roanoke. — The historic Hotel Roanoke is within walking distance to downtown favorites like the Taubman Museum of Art. | Photo provided by Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge