Roanoke, Virginia, is one of my absolute favorite small cities to visit east of the Mississippi and the perfect spot for a weekend getaway any time of year.

A view of buildings along Market Street in downtown Roanoke as seen Sept. 2, 2025. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU. Have a ...

For more information about things to see and do in Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, visit visitroanokeva.com. Steve Stephens is a freelance travel writer and photographer.