Black Roanoke Can't-Miss Experiences
Harrison Museum of African American Culture
Explore the past and present of Black communities in the Roanoke Valley and beyond at this cultural institution.
Learn MoreRoanoke Star
You can't miss the Roanoke Star, an icon of the Blue Ridge skyline perched atop Mill Mountain.
Learn MoreCrafteria
Shop from hundreds of local artisans at this creative hub, where you'll find candles, jewelry, snacks, and more.
Learn MoreKnown as “Star City,” Roanoke is not just a beacon for outdoor recreation, but a place where Black culture is illuminated. As the largest city along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, there’s no shortage of incredible mountain views. Programs like Humble Hikes provides Black youth the opportunity to expand their horizons and shopping at Hmble Hstle supports their cause. Visit the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, where exhibits bring to life the stories, artistry, and impact of Black communities in the Roanoke Valley. It’s a space for reflection, learning, and pride. Just a few blocks away, Crafteria sells a selection of handmade goods from dozens of regional artisans. It’s the kind of place where you’ll always find something that speaks to you while supporting local creators.
No trip to Roanoke is complete without a visit to the iconic Roanoke Star. Sitting atop Mill Mountain, this local favorite offers the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the city below—perfect for a scenic hike, a picnic, or just a quiet moment to take it all in. Throughout the city, you’ll find Black-owned eateries like RND Coffee and Carribica Soul, plus community events like NYA Events that bring Roanoke’s unique personality to life. It’s a place where culture and craft go hand in hand—where every mural, museum, and mountain vista adds something special to the story of Virginia.
Roanoke Heart & Soul Itinerary
Take in all the Star City has to offer, from breathtaking vistas to downtown antiquing and cultural highlights.Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar
A modern American restaurant and wine bar featuring locally sourced ingredients, seasonally curated menus, and great hospitality.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Known as "America's Favorite Drive," this route follows the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the…
Caribbica Soul
Caribbica Soul has a menu of vibrant and flavorful Caribbean and Soul food, plus frequently hosts live music.
Center In The Square
From our atrium (with our many fish tanks, including the 8000 gallon showpiece) to our rooftop with majestic views ranging from mountains to…
City Market
The Historic Roanoke City Market is the oldest such market in continuous use in Virginia. In 1882 licenses were issued to 25 hucksters. The…
Crafteria
Crafteria’s makers market sells food and goods from 100+ craftspeople. Ranging from candles to chocolates to woodworking to jewelry, many…
Dillon's Hot Dogs
This family-owned establishment prepares subs, sandwiches, fried fish, and of course, hot dogs, for an easy and crowd-pleasing meal.
Elmwood Park Art Walk
This park includes a tree-lined walkway with decorative fountains and a series of sculptures throughout the landscape.
Explore Park
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115, Explore Park features hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, hiking trails…
Fire Station One
Fire Station One is a boutique hotel offering one-of-a-kind accomodations in downtown Roanoke. The connected Txtur showroom has tons of great…
Harrison Museum of African American Culture
The Harrison Museum of African American Culture occupies the first floor of the former Harrison School, the first public high school for…
Island Jerk
Get some delicious Jamaican food to-go from Island Jerk, then head to nearby park to enjoy a picnic.
Lucky Restaurant
Blending Lower Eastside Manhattan flair with Southwest Virginia char, with high-end comfort food like Rappahannock Oyster Co. oysters, marrow…
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge and Statue
This landmark honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with plaques and inscriptions to recognize his contributions to the Civil Rights…
McAfee Knob
One of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail offering almost 270 degree panorama views.
Mill Mountain Star
Built in 1949 and visible from just about every part of the Valley is this splendidly illuminated, 100 foot-tall Star situated on the top of…
RIDE Solutions Self Guided Bicycle Tours
Self-guided bike tours providing history on the area, including a 9.5 mile route around Roanoke.
RND Coffee
Roasters Next Door (RND) is a small-batch roastery and coffee lounge driven by great coffee and fostering community through the fusion of…
Roanoke River Blueway
The Roanoke River Blueway is currently accessible at 17 local, state, federal, and private river access points. Amenities available at each…
Shades of Color
Shop from racks of colorful clothing and accessories in this downtown shop.
She's International Boutique
Find eclectic and worldly clothing items from this boutique, which specializes in European and contemporary fashions.
Sidecar
Intimate European eatery serving seafood, steak & housemade sausages, plus charcuterie & cocktails.
Smith Mountain Lake
The ideal destination for most any outdoor activity; particularly all types of races, boating, sailing, fishing, golfing and so much more!
Taubman Museum of Art
The Taubman Museum of Art is part of the lively metro mountain mix of arts, culture and outdoor fun in the heart of downtown Roanoke…
The Collective
The Collective is a space for creatives that aims to think outside of the box, offering meeting spaces and hosting special events.
The Liberty Trust
The Liberty Trust is a 54-room boutique, historic, luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. With custom-made…
Virginia Museum of Transportation
The Virginia Museum of Transportation fires the imagination! The whole family can enjoy decades-old steam locomotives while watching modern…
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meet the curators behind heart & soul
Xavier
Xavier Tramaine Duckett is a community leader, artist, entrepreneur, traveler, and mentor based in Roanoke, VA, where he was raised in a culture of service, generosity, and love for community. In 2015, Xavier moved back to Roanoke after finishing his football career at ODU, with the mission to not only give back to his community, but to uplift it. He recognized the need for local youth empowerment programs and founded nonprofit The Humble Hustle Co. with that in mind. Xavier has leveraged his diverse background to impact youth and inspire others. His work continues to uplift his community and its members.
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