“America’s Favorite Drive,” the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is also known as much for cycling as it is for driving. It meanders from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park […]

Blue Ridge Parkway

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“America’s Favorite Drive,” the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is also known as much for cycling as it is for driving. It meanders from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Mileposts, beginning with zero at the northern terminus and ending with 469 at the southern end, dot the parkway and serve as landmarks. The parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain and provides some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, ranging from 650 to 6,000 feet in elevation. Scenic overlooks, historic structures, walking trails, and waterfalls are just some of the highlights along the parkway.

Roanoke is located at approximately milepost 120.

Nearby Breweries

  • Barrel Chest Wine and Beer Expand Collapse

    Barrel Chest has Roanoke’s largest, most expertly curated selection of craft beer and fine wine. It is the only retail store in the area to have beer on tap, wine by the glass, and growler fills to go. Beer options include plenty of names you know and beers brewed on site.

    Open daily.

  • Big Lick Brewing Company Expand Collapse

    Big Lick Brewing Company was Roanoke’s first nano brewery and taproom; while it has grown the idea that it is “specializing in craft beer with an emphasis on quality and variety” has not. You might find anything from a cream ale to IPA to porter at any given time.

    The taproom is open Wednesday through Saturday. Bring your growler for a fill-up to go.

  • Golden Cactus Brewery Expand Collapse

    We brew every week, usually a beer we’ve never made before to keep things fun and fresh. We’re colorful, kid friendly, and love to share behind the scenes of how we brew. Visiting us is like visiting your grandma’s greenhouse on a warm Spring day.

    Hours of Operation

    Mon. – Thurs. 3 pm – 9pm
    Fri. – Sat.  12 pm – 10 pm
    Sun. 1 pm – 8 pm

  • Golden Cactus Brewing Expand Collapse

    Specialty craft beer brewed in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia.

  • Olde Salem Brewing Company – Roanoke Expand Collapse

    The newest Olde Salem Brewing Company location is on the corner of Church and Market Streets in Downtown Roanoke. Come have a beer with us.

    Monday-Thursday: 11am-9pm
    Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm
    Sunday: 11am-8pm

    Be sure to check out our Salem location too.

  • Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage Expand Collapse

    Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage has 23 rotating taps of Starr Hill craft beer, including special pilot batches that you can only find in Roanoke. The location has live music and open mic nights and there’s often a food truck on-site. Brewery is open daily.

  • Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery Expand Collapse

    The Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery – Roanoke is located in the heart of Downtown directly across from Center in the Square. The kitchen specializes in creating locally-sourced, beer-infused dishes designed to complement the season as well as what’s on tap. From Southern classics to modern favorites and our kid’s menu, you’ll find something for everyone. Location serves flagship and seasonal beers, plus unique, locally focused styles brewed on the pilot system and from other taprooms.

  • Twin Creeks Brewing Co. Expand Collapse

    Twin Creeks Brewing Company is Vinton and Roanoke County’s first micro-brewery. The brewery has plenty of options on tap from blonde ales to IPAs to porters. The brewery also has food trucks and live music on site. Extra parking at Vinton Farmer’s Market, Between the farmer’s market and post office, and Vinton Library (after hours).

    Open Thursday through Saturday.

  • Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park Expand Collapse

    Twin Creeks Brewpub is a brewery and restaurant located in the historic Brugh Tavern within Explore Park. Amenities include a full-service restaurant with burgers, sides and appetizers, outdoor fire pits, a Virginia wine and cider bar, and outdoor music events. Additionally, the brewpub can host private events, showers, and parties. Spend the day enjoying the wonderful activities found in Explore Park and relaxed afterward in this rustic and quaint brewpub.

  • Twisted Track Brewpub Expand Collapse

    The Twisted Track Brewpub thrives to be a destination for the whole valley and beyond; the premier brewery in the Roanoke Valley, brewing everything from traditional European ales to American IPAs , stouts and sours, while specializing in lagers. The aim is to add a new twist to the existing craft beer scene and to serve and nurture our wonderful community – our home.

    In addition to hand crafted beer, we offer pub fare with yet another twist and a selection of wines, ciders and soft drinks – something for everyone.

    Open hours: 4:00pm to 9:00pm Tues. thru Thurs., 12:00pm to 10:00pm Fri./Sat., and 12:00pm to 7:00pm Sun

Nearby Shopping & Gear

  • Bay Roc Marina Expand Collapse

    Located on Smith Mountain Lake, Bay Roc rents house boats, ski boats, and waverunners.

  • Blue Ridge Land Conservancy Expand Collapse

    The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy has helped preserve over 20,000 acres of land and 60 miles of streams since its founding in 1996. The group promotes and holds conservation easements, permanent legal agreements that protect what makes western Virginia such a special place to work and play.

    The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy  is a 501(c)3 non-profit.

  • Boat & Kayak Rentals at Carvins Cove Expand Collapse

    Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the second largest municipal park in the nation. It holds a major water source within its 12,700 acres and overflowing recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, and boat rentals. The cove includes 11,363 acres that are protected by the largest conservation easement in Virginia’s history.

    With more than 60 miles of trails and an 600-acre reservoir Carvins Cove is a mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating paradise.

    The Marina rents 14′ row boats along with single and tandem kayaks.

  • Cardinal Bicycle – Orange Avenue Expand Collapse

    Cardinal Bicycle has been serving the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia since 1977. Cardinal has a knowledgeable sales staff, a certified mechanic with over 25 years of experience, and a certified fit professional. They have two location, one on Orange Avenue and the other in Grandin Village.

  • Clean Valley Council Expand Collapse

    The Clean Valley Council is a non-profit organization that has served the Roanoke Valley for more than 30 years. CVC provides educational programming and citizen participation events to spread the word about litter prevention, recycling, waste stream reduction, stormwater pollution prevention and protecting our natural resources.

    CVC provides educational resources and programming for the school systems, the public, and the municipalities in the cities of Roanoke and Salem, the counties of Botetourt and Roanoke and the town of Vinton. The group hosts and sponsors several regional litter cleanup events and e-waste collections each year.

  • Float Fisherman of VA Expand Collapse

    The Roanoke Valley Chapter of the Float Fishermen of Virginia is a varied group of boaters that includes rafters, kayakers and canoeists. The group floats the rivers, streams and waterways of Virginia and works to preserve and protect these important natural resources.

  • Gander Outdoors Expand Collapse

    If you’re going fishing at Smith Mountain Lake or hiking on the Appalachian Trail, make sure you’re prepared with a stop at the Roanoke Gander Outdoors. The store has a tremendous assortment of the top brand-name gear as well as technical clothing designed to make your day more enjoyable.

  • Good Times Cycle and Adventure Expand Collapse

    Community driven bike shop and outdoor recreation vehicle outfitter. Local rider owned and operated. Located along the Roanoke River Greenway, just a few blocks from Morning Side Bike Park and the trails on Mill Mountain.

  • Mast General Store Expand Collapse

    Located at 401 South Jefferson Street, the Mast Store’s “newest” location dates to 1915 and has been occupied by two of the city’s top retailers. Thurman & Boone Furniture originally built the structure and for a time shared space with Heironimus and WDBJ radio before both relocated.

    “We are excited to be a part of all that is happening in and around Roanoke,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “The city’s star is continuing to rise with new opportunities for locals and even more reasons for visitors to plan a stay in the Roanoke Valley.”

    Mast Store’s Roanoke location will feature traditional fashions, rugged outdoor gear and outerwear, travel clothing, hiking and casual footwear, home décor and country gourmet foods, and barrels overflowing with hundreds of old-fashioned favorite candies.

    A visit to Mast is an experience.

  • Orvis Expand Collapse

    Located in Downtown Roanoke, the Orvis retail store is a one-stop shop for your fly fishing needs. The store carries a selection of fly rods, flies, clothing, lessons, and more. Plus, Orvis offers periodic fly lessons.

  • Outdoor Gear Consignment Shop at RMA Expand Collapse

    One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

    No longer a kayaker, sell your old boat. Thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail but don’t have a backpack, pick up a used one.

    The Outdoor Gear Consignment Shop at Roanoke Mountain Adventures is a great way to get a little cash for that outdoor gear you no longer use, and it’s a great way to get a deal on that piece of gear you’ve been wanting but can’t justify buying at full retail price.

    Come browse the current selection of gently used gear between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

    And if you want to unload your gear, contact James or Dan at 540-525-8295 or email info@roanokemountainadventures.com with descriptions, desired sales price and pictures (if available).

  • River Rock Youth Climbing Programs Expand Collapse

    The River Rock Climbing Gym has multiple youth programs, clubs, and activities throughout the year. Some of these clubs include Parent;s Night Out, Member Kids Club (ages 5+), Youth Club, and a Youth Competitive Team.

  • Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) Expand Collapse

    The Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) is a recreational hiking association of volunteers who preserve and improve the Appalachian Trail as the nation’s premier, continuous, long-distance footpath. Founded in 1932, the club is celebrating  90 years of service and adventure on the Appalachian Trail.

    The RATC is an all volunteer 503(c) nonprofit Appalachian Trail (AT) trail maintenance organization. The club maintain 120 miles, 16 Shelter/Privies and 53 bridges on the Appalachian  Trail from Lick skillet Hollow in Giles County, VA to Black Horse Gap in Botetourt County, VA. This includes Virginia’s “Triple Crown”, i.e., Dragon’s Tooth, mcafee-knob-shirtMcAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. McAfee Knob is the most photographed spot on the AT with approximately 50,000 hikers visiting each year. Virginia’s “Triple Crown” has become a destination hike and draws visitors/hikers from all over the USA.

    Show your support for the Appalachian Trail by purchasing a McAfee Knob t-shirt. All proceeds from shirt sales will be utilized by RATC to continue our mission to maintain, protect and preserve with an emphasis on Virginia’s Triple Crown, i.e., Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs.

  • Roanoke Mountain Adventures Expand Collapse

    Roanoke Mountain Adventures is a full service outfitter offering guided trips/rentals for mountain biking, road cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing and other activities.

    Want to explore Roanoke on a e-bike? Check out there guided Views and Brews E-Bike Tour.

    In addition RMA offers shuttles, instructional clinics and rentals for all their outdoor gear. They also have an Outdoor Gear Consignment shop at their location, selling used boats, bikes, outerwear and other outdoor gear.

  • The River Rock Expand Collapse

    The area’s premier climbing gym, The River Rock, is an indoor rock climbing gym located on the first floor of the River House next to the Roanoke River Greenway and Wasena Park. The River Rock features 8,500 square feet of roped climbing and bouldering, with over 90 lead and top-rope routes and 160 boulder problems.

  • Trout Unlimited Expand Collapse

    The Roanoke Chapter of Trout Unlimited is a diverse group of more than 265 people with the common interest of pursuing the Trout Unlimited mission to “conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds.”

  • Verus Kayaks Expand Collapse

    verus kayaks logoVerus Kayaks is a specialty kayak company based out of Roanoke, Virginia. We pride ourselves in making the best carbon composite and HDPE plastic kayaks and accessories, with designs that are as unique as the paddlers who choose to use them.  Getting people on the water is our goal, and we are constantly working to achieve that goal through our line of whitewater boats at Verus Kayaks and our recreational kayaks at Blue Ridge Boats and Boards.

    Founded in 2017, Verus Kayaks started as a grass roots operation in a barn in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We consider ourselves a small player in a world of large kayak manufacturers and we see this as one of our greatest strengths.  Being small and nimble allows us to be more personable with our surrounding community and really bringing out what makes getting on the water so great in the Roanoke region.  You can see our full lineup of boats at www.veruskayaks.com.

  • Walkabout Outfitter – Downtown Roanoke Expand Collapse

    Co-Owned by Kirk Miller, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and Eagle Scout; Walkabout Outfitter carries clothing, footwear, and equipment for camping, hiking, backpacking, travel and everyday wear.

    Walkabout Outfitter sells outdoor, travel, and lifestyle clothing from The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and offer plenty of footwear options to include: Keen, Chaco, Merrell and Ahnu.  Walkabout sells top of the line gear from Osprey, Eagles Nest Outfitters, MSR, Leki, Petzl, Black Diamond and more.

  • Walkabout Outfitter – Valley View Mall Expand Collapse

    Co-Owned by Kirk Miller, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and Eagle Scout; Walkabout Outfitter carries clothing, footwear, and equipment for camping, hiking, backpacking, travel and everyday wear.

    Walkabout Outfitter sells outdoor, travel, and lifestyle clothing from The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and offer plenty of footwear options to include: Keen, Chaco, Merrell and Ahnu.  Walkabout sells top of the line gear from Osprey, Eagles Nest Outfitters, MSR, Leki, Petzl, Black Diamond and more.

  • Wingman Outfitter Expand Collapse

    Wingman Outfitter is a unique, growing company that has transformed and enhanced the experience of the canoe. The primary product of Wingman Outfitter is the Canoe Cooler Outrigger, however the company also offers useful dry bags and quality apparel.

    The Canoe Cooler Outrigger is a durable multi-functional patent pending Cooler Outrigger that is the only product on the market that utilizes coolers to provide additional storage and when properly used added stability to your canoe. All materials are sourced from reputable U.S. companies and manufacturing is completed in Roanoke, VA.

    Key features of the Wingman Outfitter include:

    • Aluminum frame that telescopes from a setting close to the boat for a more streamlined float and a setting further out for additional stability.
    • Carpeted platform that serves many functions including additional seating for a third passenger, kids, your dog, or a raised platform from which to fish from.
    • Two 2,500 lb. rated heavy duty non-stretch polyester webbing straps and stainless steel ratchets for mounting to any canoe
    • Two durable Wingman Outfitter branded 48 quart white Rubbermaid coolers.

    Additionally, platform extensions and the highly-useful table adapter set can be purchased with the Canoe Cooler Outrigger. The table adapter set allows the platform to double as a campsite table.

    Wingman Outfitter is a Roanoke, Virginia-based company that is changing the way that anglers, adventurers, and the casual canoe-rider enjoy their experience on the water. By adding a multi-purpose platform to the canoe, there is stability, comfort, and safety added to anyone’s voyage.

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