A Weekend In {Roanoke}
Blue Skies & Breweries
Words by Jennifer Simonson Photos of courtesy Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
If you are the type of person who thinks the perfect vacation consists of outdoor adventure and great beer, Roanoke Virginia should be on your list. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, Roanoke has long been an outdoor destination. However, after two of the nation’s largest breweries opened their East Coast headquarters in the area last year, it is quickly becoming a craft beer lover’s destination.
Friday
Roanoke is the largest city along the iconic 2,200-mile Appalachian hiking trail. McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots along the trail because of its breathtaking 270-degree panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding valley. It’s a steady climb of 1,700 feet over the nine-mile loop, but don’t complain too loudly. You will likely be surrounded by a hiker or two who has been on the trail for weeks, possibly months. Because of its popularity, it is best to do this hike on Friday before the weekend rush.
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Once you are back down, head to Ballast Point’s new tasting room. The San Diego Brewery opened its East Coast location last year. Choose a brew from more than 100 beers on tap. Dishes like Shrimp & Stone Ground Grits made with North Carolina Logan Turnpike Grits, NC Shrimp and local vegetables reflect its new East Coast home. But don’t worry, California-style steak burritos and fish tacos still fill out the menu. Even if you are not hungry, the second story outdoor patio overlooking Green Lake is reason enough to visit.
Saturday
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Roanoker. This town favorite has been serving Southern classics like country ham, sausage gravy, and pecan pancakes since World War II. No trip to Roanoke is complete, however, until you try their famous, ‘Today Show approved’ buttermilk biscuits.
Burn off breakfast hiking to Dragon’s Tooth, but don’t let the short hike fool you. The five-mile loop is one of the more difficult hikes in the area. The last mile will test your bouldering skills and ability to squeeze through rock formations before reaching the 35-foot tall quartzite rock spire, known as the Dragon’s Tooth, and an amazing 360-degree view.
If the Salem Sox are playing during your visit, head six miles west of downtown Roanoke to Haley Toyota Field to watch a game. Enjoy mild temperatures, ice cold beer, and hot dogs as you watch minor league baseball players striving to make it to the major leagues.
Sunday
Spend Sunday Funday in Roanoke’s historic downtown. Chow down on Fried Chicken Biscuits and Gravy at Billy’s before shopping at the independent shops in the historic market district. Save some time to explore the Center in the Square, a seven-story center for arts and culture. The museums, aquariums, kids center and butterfly garden will pique anyone’s fancy, but you are likely to spend the majority of your time in the Roanoke Pinball Museum playing the more than 50 pinball machines made from 1932 until today.
Spend the rest of the afternoon sampling beer from Roanoke’s best downtown breweries. Oregon’s award winning Deschutes Brewery opened its East Coast tasting room in downtown Roanoke last August. Try one of their famous Black Butte Porter, Pacific Wonderland Lager or Nitro Obsidian Stout all made on location. Or for a truly local beer,
grab a brew down the street at Big Lick Brewing Company, Roanoke’s first nanobrewery.
if you go…
The Hampton Inn and Suites is the perfect jumping off point for all things Roanoke. Smack dab in the middle of downtown, the hotel is steps away from 60 restaurants, bars and parks. The sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains might entice you to skip the excitement outside and stay in with a glass of wine to enjoy the view.
