Things to do
If you're flying in, you're landing at an airport with fewer gates than your local grocery store has checkout lanes. Either way, welcome to Roanoke — small town, big mountains, and home of the iconic Shrewd outdoors. It's not the most happening place on earth, but it's ours, and we think you're going to love it.
Outdoorsy things
Fair warning: Kelly's cousin Jamie Bookwalter is a retired-ish professional cyclist with a gift for turning a casual outing into a full-blown athletic event. We call it getting "Jamie'd." Roanoke's outdoor scene is world-class — trails, mountain biking, the Appalachian Trail right in our backyard — and we've listed our favorites below. Just pay attention to which ones come with a Jamie warning.
Carvin’s Cove
With 60 miles of trails winding through 12,000 acres of Blue Ridge wilderness, Carvins Cove is a mountain biking and hiking paradise. Trails range from easy and scenic to advanced and absolutely punishing — so if Jamie invites you here, ask a few questions before you say yes.
Mill Mountain Star
Perched atop Mill Mountain and visible for 60 miles in every direction, the Roanoke Star is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region and has a system of trails that are all accessible from downtown, if you’re willing to walk a little to get there.
Wasena Pump Track
A fun, fast circular track in Wasena Park built for bikes, skateboards, and anything else with wheels. Just a 10 minute scoot or uber from downtown.
Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Forgot your bike? This is your one-stop shop for not just bike rentals, but also kayaks, tubes, paddleboards, e-bike tours, and guided outings to help you explore the area.
The Appalachian Trail
Roanoke is actually the largest city on the Appalachian Trail, with some of the most spectacular stretches of the whole 2,200-mile path right in its backyard — including McAfee’s Knob, Dragon's Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs. Gorgeous, iconic hikes. Just know that if Jamie suggests doing all three in a day, that's called the Triple Crown, it's a brutal undertaking, and you've officially been Jamie'd.
Not-so outdoorsy things
Not everyone's idea of a good time involves a 10-mile hike and a near-death experience — and that's okay. We see you, Aunt Susan. Roanoke has plenty of ways to have a great time that don't require trail shoes or a waiver. Here are a few of our favorites.
Shrewd outdoors
Full disclosure: this one is a little outdoorsy — but Shrewd Outdoors is Laven's family's archery shop and indoor range in downtown Salem. Stop by, shoot a few arrows, grab a beer, and tell them Laven sent you.
Star City Golf Club
If you know Laven, you know he has a deep and abiding love for TopGolf. Star City Golf Club is Roanoke's answer to that — a relaxed, fun way to spend an afternoon swinging clubs and having a few beers.
Hustle Haven
Hot yoga, indoor cycling, and a "Potion Bar" serving adaptogenic drinks — yes, really, and yes it's as cool as it sounds. A great way to sweat out Friday night before Saturday's main event. Consider it pre-gaming, but make it wellness.
Stock
A bar and bistro inside a converted historic fire station — where you can drink craft cocktails and eat Nordic-inspired food while sitting on furniture that's for sale. Only in Roanoke.