24 hours in Roanoke, Virginia
Got just 24 hours in town? Don't panic — we're breaking down exactly where to spend your time so you walk away with the real flavor of the place, not just a checklist. First stop: the food, because nothing tells you a destination's story faster than a good meal, and we're pointing you straight to the spots locals actually love. The secret to making the most of a short visit isn't trying to see everything — it's choosing the handful of experiences that matter most and giving yourself room to actually enjoy them. That's the heart of slow travel, even when your clock is ticking: fewer stops, deeper moments. So skip the overpacked itinerary and let us guide you toward the hidden gems and can't-miss classics that'll make this trip one you actually remember.
Welcome to Roanoke, Virginia.
On the tip top of the mountain, The Roanoke Star (Mill Mountain Star) rises to over a 100 feet and lights the mountain each night. Built in 1949 as a Christmas decoration, it was so popular that this symbol of the city remains to this day. An easy 15-minute drive from downtown, follow the signs to the star; close parking makes for easy accessibility.
Once upon a time, it was the First National Exchange Bank in downtown Roanoke. Today, it’s the chic Promissory Hotel, transformed into a 27-room boutique hotel. Much of the original bank architecture has been preserved and, in the basement, the massive vault continues its legacy as a masterpiece. From signature one bedroom suites to studio lofts, the location puts you in the middle of this walkable downtown. It also houses a music hall - The Exchange - which promises inspiring shows; visit the website for its pcoming schedule. On site, Suerte, a Spanish restaurant as beautiful in appearance as the artistry on the plate. Suerte serves dinner and weekend brunch.
Begin with a BIG breakfast
Raise your hand for breakfast tacos, biscuits. . . make it easy on yourself, one of everything on the menu will work.
The best advice for Scratch Biscuit Co., come hungry. Made fresh daily, it’s a breakfast joint that is a biscuit mecca for the Southern taste buds. When a cathead biscuit stares you in the face, it’s the ideal wake-up call for the day. What’s inside? If it can be put inside a biscuit, you’ll find it on the menu. Do yourself a favorite and experience the hot honey chicken biscuit, and by all means, make it crispy. The sides make the choice difficult and the breakfast tacos simply can’t be missed. Maybe the fried bologna biscuit will transform you back to when you were in sixth grade and mama had one waiting for you when you got home. A sensory - and tasty - visit to Scratch Biscuit Co. will begin your day in the best possible way.
Walk through art at Taubman Museum
As far as art museums go, this is one of the finest in the United States. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026, the Taubman Museum of Art holds collections of visual masterpieces in addition to the building itself being an architectural marvel. Permanent and rotating exhibits provide the best in all medias. My favorite, “Sparkling Legacy: The Judith Leiber Collection” that stretches the boundary of art and bags. Open Thursday through Sunday, and as always, admission is free. End your visit on the top floor for a beautiful view of the town.
Break for barbecue at Mama Jean’s
From an airstream trailer (look out back) to a permanent space in the city, Mama Jean’s BBQ dishes up pulled pork, beef brisket plus smash burgers and sides that satisfy the barbecue lover in us all. If there’s still room, never forget the banana pudding.
Take me to the Woodshed
In the heart of Appalachia is Woodshed: An Appalachian Joint. And, inside, ceramics, candles, books, jewelry, food, hand-crafted items all produced by those who hail from this part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a prerequisite for being inside the shop. Weird things, unusual things, one-of-a-kind things that tickle your Southern fancy. Located in downtown, make a stop at Woodshed and support the locals.
Saving yesterday at Black Dog Salvage
I suppose I’m the only one who had never watched Salvage Dawgs on Discovery. After meeting Black Dog Salvage founder Mike Whiteside (right) and walking through the massive building filled to the gills with wood, steel, furniture and doo-dads, I understood what the fuss was all about. I immediately began searching for my garden gate that I had dreamed up, moving from one section to another, finding more and more rad doo-dads, iron rails and quirky toppers. Although I didn’t leave with a gate, I left with a bicycle wind whirly gig for my garden. If you can dream it, you can find it, and if you can’t find it, they can make it. Plan to spend lots of time here, especially if you’re a fan of yesterday. Everything is for sale . . . except the dog (s). Open daily.
Elevated dining at Dorothy & Frank’s
There seems to be a theme pulsing through Roanoke, the lure and respect of yesterday, reviving and celebrating everyday. There are many choices to top off your day or visit to Roanoke, but if you miss Dorothy and Frank’s, well, you just can’t. A restaurant, cocktail bar and a hi-fi lounge (upstairs), great food jams with great atmosphere to end the day with a high-five. It’s fancy (quite comfortable especially sitting near the open front windows) in Dorothy’s and upstairs in Frank’s, it’s a laid-back 70s vibe with cocktails and vinyls where everyone is a friend. Cheers! My recommendation, Broiled Virginia Oysters to start - and the Local Tomato Burrata - and for the main, the Roasted Chicken, wow. End with an espresso and satisfaction is assured. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are good, too. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Located downtown.
