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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 is the ‘Star City of the South” has become a new travel hotspot.
According to the latter statisticshad this beautiful mountain hideaway, surrounded by vast Blue Ridge mountains, a year to remember, with record growth across the board.
But let’s be honest: traveling isn’t always a popularity contest. For example, many people also visit Galveston, but it is my least favorite beach town.
That said, let’s unpack why Roanoke, Va experienced a record high in 2025 and see if it’s worth the new hype.
The Best Blue Ridge Gateway
Virginia is more diverse than expected, with a beautiful coastline, nice neighbors in DC, and wonderful mountains to explore.
Because downtown is about 10 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, you get the best of both worlds: urban delights mixed with breathtaking nature.
Think of Roanoke as Virginia’s “Asheville” with much less fame.
That’s a good thing, because Roanoke sees fewer crowds and hasn’t suffered the same level of tourism disruption as some other mountain vacation destinations, like Asheville did.
This charming city of less than 100,000 inhabitants has a small-town atmosphere that you can enjoy before venturing into the vast mountain landscape.
Per Visit Roanokehere are 8 access points to the Parkway: (listed from south to north)
- Milestone 165 — Virginia Route 8
- Milestone 136 — US Route 221
- Milestone 121 — US Route 220
- Milestone 120 — Mill Mountain Parkway
- Milestone 112 — Virginia Route 24
- Milestone 106 — US Route 460
- Milestone 90 — Virginia Route 43
- Milestone 86 – Peaks of Otter / Virginia Route 43
You can drive north towards Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive or south towards Great Smoky Mountains National Park – both equally breathtaking in their own way.
Better yet, now that winter is all but over, spring is a great time to hit the trails with colorful wildflowers and sun-drenched trails to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
A truly hospitable city
Type in “travel news” and it’s almost guaranteed these days that you’ll get results related to concerns about overtourism in some form.
A major driver behind Roanoke’s seemingly overnight success story is their targeted tourism campaigns to lure you in.
That’s right: In a world where many places are snatching welcome mats, Roanoke is stocking up.
Their campaign said: “We call it a Metro Mountain Adventure… combined with the unique downtowns and small towns and vibrant city experiences we have across the region.”
It’s not just Roanoke that will convince you at first glance; it’s the whole region!
Our expert team has selected for you 5 must-visits in the Roanoke region that live up to the hype:
- Salem – charming Main Street with boutiques, local eateries and the feel of a Hallmark movie set
- Buchanan – a scenic riverside map point with access to beautiful driving routes and outdoor excursions
- Fincastle – historic small towns that are postcard-worthy, ideal for a slower Blue Ridge getaway
- Vinton – a local gem with legendary character and easy access to the mountains
- Rocky mountain – a cozy retreat that combines small-town hospitality with the broader beauty of Blue Ridge
Personally, I would choose to 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 has a perfect Google rating of 5.0.
Flying or road tripping?
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 come from, Roanoke is the kind of place where even your kids won’t ask the dreaded question, “Are we there yet?”.
Towering peaks, rolling farmlands, winding mountain roads, bursts of spring blooms and fiery fall foliage make the journey part of the reward, especially as scenic views and beautiful small towns increase the fun as you get closer.
