Fuel Your DIY Dreams at Black Dog Salvageīlack Dog Salvage is one of the most unique places to visit in Roanoke. This is one of the best things to do in Roanoke VA for train lovers. The museum is an easy walk from downtown Roanoke hotels and the Roanoke Valley Greenway. Kids under 13 are $8.44 and children under 3 are free. Admission is $12.66 for adults and $10.55 for seniors, students, and kids 13-18. The Virginia Museum of Transportation is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am – 5 pm and Sundays from 1 – 5 pm.

The 45,000-square-foot building includes more than 2,500 objects that represent automotive, aviation, and mass transit history in Virginia and beyond. Along with the most extensive collection of diesel locomotives in the south, you will also learn about Roanoke’s period as a major railroad hub.

The engine has been lovingly restored and embarks on periodic excursions amidst adoring fans. You can visit the last remaining J locomotive, the 611, at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in downtown Roanoke. The most famous of these is the Norfolk and Western J class, which was built to run on the N&W main line between Norfolk and Cincinnati. More than 400 steam locomotives were built in Roanoke between the late 1880s and the mid-1900s, along with hundreds of freight cars. The railroad arrived in Roanoke in the 1850s, and it wasn’t long after that the city made a name for itself manufacturing steam engines. Here are some of the adventures that we enjoy most when we visit Virginia’s Star City. Yes, there are more than 9, but we wanted to focus on our favorite things to do in this awesome mountain town. Sure, you can treat yourself to some fine beer and a stroll through the farmers’ market, but there are so many things to do in Roanoke, VA that you will regret not spending more time there. If you are passing through on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you may be tempted to pop into Roanoke for an afternoon. Travel Tip: Give yourself at least two or three days to explore Roanoke and the surrounding towns and villages. There is a metro bus that services the downtown Roanoke area as well as a commuter bus that links the Roanoke Valley with New River Valley. Roanoke is just 83 miles from Greensboro, NC, 126 miles from Raleigh, and 195 miles to Washington D.C. We almost always recommend driving to Roanoke, because then you can explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, which, in my biased opinion, is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Roanoke is located in the mountains of western Virginia, and the area is home to a small regional airport, as well as an Amtrak station for the Northeast Regional Daily. In short, whether you want to stroll around the perfect mountain town, hit the trail, or embark on the perfect scenic drive, you will find a million things to do in Roanoke VA. Oh, and don’t forget the outdoor adventures… Roanoke is home to an amazing number of parks, hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and mountain biking opportunities that are perfect for all types of outdoor lovers. Planning a family getaway? Roanoke is also one of our favorite east coast vacation spots for families with kids. In fact, Roanoke is home to some of the best food, craft brews, and wine in the whole state of Virginia.

Located in the heart of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is one of the largest metropolitan areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and an ideal spot to grab a beer, while away a rainy day, or luxuriate in the perfect farm-to-table meal. Roanoke, Virginia is one of my absolute favorite small cities to visit east of the Mississippi, and the perfect spot for a weekend getaway any time of year. Looking for a mountain destination with a walkable downtown, fantastic art, quirky museums, and indulgent restaurants and breweries? There are so many things to do in Roanoke, VA!

Roanoke pinball museum