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.
