Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains offers a metro mountain adventure that only becomes enhanced by the return of the warm spring air. Take advantage of the fresh air with a walk through the rich downtown culture, experience the city throughout 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 spend some time getting 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. An immersive experience that takes you through the murals of the city, the Mural Tour of Roanoke showcases the story of the city through art and storytelling, while being guided by the local artists that created them. A new Carvins Cove e-mountain bike tour is coming as well, with miles of beginner-friendly gravel travels making this tour available for all skill levels.
Spring Celebrations in VBR
- Spend Saint Patrick’s Day in one of the 10 best St. Patrick’s Day cities in the United States at the Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, March 15. This free event includes a parade starting at 11 am, 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 taken place for over 30 years. Featuring a plethora of 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 called “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, taking 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 that will feature a concert hall, a Spanish tapas-style restaurant, and three bars within. 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.
About Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing a metro mountain mix of exciting outdoor adventure with refined culture. Visit VBR is the official destination marketing organization for Virginia’s Blue Ridge which includes the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and the Counties of Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke. The region is easily accessible via the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), Interstate 81, and Amtrak’s northeast regional route. For more information, go to www.VisitVBR.com.
