The Roanoke Star is an iconic symbol of Virginia's Blue Ridge and a must-see spot when visiting the region.

The star sits perched atop Mill Mountain and overlooks the surrounding valley and Blue Ridge Mountains, serving as a beacon and welcoming sign to visitors.

It is illuminated every night.

As the largest, free-standing, man-made, illuminated star in the world, the Roanoke Star is one of the most photographed attractions in the area and the scenic overlook at the base of the structure is a popular stop for an incredible view of the region.

Virginia's Blue Ridge is meant to be explored and their trails provide you an experience in your own mountain playground. The Roanoke Valley offers numerous hiking trails, ranging in levels of difficulty and lengths.

One of the most popular trails in the area is the 8.8-mile round-trip hike to McAfee Knob, an iconic part of the Appalachian Trail. The breathtaking views from McAfee Knob are unforgettable but difficult to describe, which is one of the reasons it is the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail.

It's a steady climb of 1,700 feet that is moderately difficult and you should give yourself at least 4 to 6 hours to make the trip.

Before visiting McAfee Knob, please familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace 7 Principles. McAfee Knob is one of the most popular hikes on the East Coast and it's critical that we all do our part to recreate responsibly and help preserve this beautiful space for years to come.

Downtown Roanoke’s premier microbrewery, taproom and beer garden, specializing in craft beer with an emphasis on quality and variety.

Plenty of parking and across the street from two other great spots: Golden Cactus Brewing and Tuco's Taqueria.

One of our favorite spots in Roanoke to grab a bite to eat. Martin's has a laid back vibe with amazing food and drink—there's a reason we picked them to cater our wedding!

A huge spot with 8 coin-operated pool tables available for play. They also host DJs on the weekends, trivia on Thursdays, and karaoke on the first Friday of every month.

From 8pm-11pm on Thursdays they have live music on their rooftop, so grab a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.