Even seasoned travelers like us here at Travel Off Path question the dividing line between North and South.
Is Maryland really the South?
Better yet, is North Carolina an oxymoron?
Those answers are up for debate, but what we do know is that a lesser-known city dubbed the “Star City of the South” has become a new travel hotspot.
According to the latest statistics, this gorgeous mountain hideaway surrounded by vast Blue Ridge mountains had a year to remember with record growth across the board.
Let’s face it, though — travel isn’t always a popularity contest. For example, a lot of people visit Galveston, too, but it’s my least favorite beach town.
That said, let’s unpack why Roanoke, Virginia experienced a record 2025 and see if it’s worth its newfound hype.
The Best Blue Ridge Gateway
Virginia is more diverse than given credit for, with a beautiful coastline, fun-filled DC neighbors, and wondrous mountains to explore.
With downtown being roughly 10 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, you get the best of both worlds: urban delights intermixed with stunning nature.
Think of Roanoke as Virginia’s “Asheville” with far less notoriety.
That’s a good thing, meaning Roanoke sees fewer crowds and hasn’t faced the same level of tourism disruption as some other mountain getaways, as Asheville did.
This charming city of a smidge under 100,000 people has a small-town feel to enjoy before venturing into the sweeping mountainscape.
Per Visit Roanoke, here are 8 access points to the Parkway: (listed from south to north)
- Milepost 165 — Virginia Route 8
- Milepost 136 — U.S. Route 221
- Milepost 121 — U.S. Route 220
- Milepost 120 — Mill Mountain Parkway
- Milepost 112 — Virginia Route 24
- Milepost 106 — U.S. Route 460
- Milepost 90 — Virginia Route 43
- Milepost 86 — Peaks of Otter / Virginia Route 43
You can head north toward Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive or south toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park — both equally stunning in their own way, respectively.
Better yet, now that winter has all but subsided, spring makes a great time to hit the trails with colorful floral blooms and sunlit pathways to take in the crisp mountain air.
A Truly Welcoming City
Type in “travel news” and it’s all but guaranteed nowadays to give you results related to overtourism concerns in one form or another.
One key driver of Roanoke’s seemingly overnight success story is their purposeful tourism campaigns to lure you in.
That’s right — in a world of many places yanking welcome mats away, Roanoke is stockpiling them.
Their campaign stated, ““We call it a Metro Mountain Adventure… combined with the unique downtowns and small towns and vibrant city experiences that we have throughout the region.”
It’s not just Roanoke that will win you over at first sight; it’s the entire region!
Our expert team handpicked 5 Roanoke region must-visits for you that live up to the hype:
- Salem — charming Main Street with boutiques, local eats, and Hallmark film set feel
- Buchanan — a quaint riverside map-dot with access to gorgeous drives and outdoor excursions
- Fincastle — historic and postcard-worthy small towns, ideal for a slower-paced Blue Ridge jaunt
- Vinton — a local gem with storied character and easy mountain access
- Rocky Mount — a cozy hideaway that blends small-town hospitality with the broader Blue Ridge beauty
Personally, I would opt for a stay at Fincastle’s 25 East Main Bed and Breakfast for a step back in time, surrounded by mountainous greenery in the heart of Southwest Virginia.
It holds a perfect 5.0 Google rating.
Fly In Or Road Trip?
Roanoke may fly under the radar, but you can fly into Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport (ROA) from numerous major U.S. hubs, including:
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Dallas (DFW)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Chicago (ORD)
- New York (LGA)
That said, spring and fall are 2 of the best times of year for an unforgettable road trip.
No matter where you’re coming from, Roanoke is the type of place even your kiddos may not ask the dreaded question, “are we there yet?”.
Towering peaks, rolling farmland, winding mountain roads, bursts of spring blooms, and fiery fall foliage make the journey part of the payoff, especially as scenic overlooks and delightful small towns add to the fun the closer you get.
