top of page

think outside

<  swipe left or right to view gallery, or navigate with the arrows  >

photo credits

Why Roanoke?​

escape the concrete jungle.​

it's not just us >

Livability company logo.

Breathe deep the breath of God for nine months in a region that many have recognized as one of the most beautiful areas of the United States, the Blue Ridge Mountains. This provides a world-class setting for what we call experiential learning. And if you have scrolled (or swiped) through the photo gallery above and that wasn't enough to get your attention, here are five reasons that Roanoke rocks.​​

1. The Outdoors: Nature’s Playground
(Like, literally.)

Photo of Roanoke Valley from the Roanoke Star.

Roanoke is where you can put your gear (and glutes) to work. Trails, rivers, forests; this place is basically a REI ad come to life. Here are some highlights:

  • Hiking heaven: Over 600 miles of trails nearby, including the Appalachian Trail and McAfee Knob, voted the most picturesque overview on the entire AT.

  • Biking paradise: Whether you are into biking on roads, gravel, or a greenway, we have it all. And then some. Fallon Park features an all-season cyclocross course, and if you really want to get off the beaten path, you will not be disappointed. Roanoke has become known as America's east coast mountain biking capital. You can even bring your unicycle (if you’re into that kinda thing).  

  • Water everything: Carvins Cove, Roanoke River, James River, Smith Mountain Lake. Kayak, fish, paddleboard, hammock, jump off cliffs (into water of course) or just admire the beauty while hanging out with friends. Within a couple of hours of Roanoke is some of the best whitewater rafting east of the Mississippi. The New River Gorge and Gauley Rivers attract rafting enthusiasts from all over. And Roanoke has just begun a substantial construction project to build what will be Virginia's first in-river whitewater park—right in the heart of the  city.

  • Events & races: Blue Ridge Marathon (America's hardest road race), trail running series, triathlons, and more.

  • Go Outside Festival a.k.a. GO Fest: The coolest outdoor festival on the east coast! Tons of gear demos, fantastic food, and live music. Multiple blocks are closed downtown to host the madness…it’s amazing.

  • Roanoke and Roanoke County, combined, feature more than 90 different parks of all sizes.

2. The Art Scene: More than Just Mountain Murals
(But we have those too, and they're awesome.)

Photo of the Taubman Museum.

For a small city, Roanoke’s arts scene packs a big punch. It’s got all the gallery-and-pottery energy without the big city ego. For a high-level overview, check out It's Here, the new Roanoke Arts & Culture website, or check out the Roanoke Arts Commission. Other highlights include:​

  • Taubman Museum of Art: Award-winning architecture and world-class exhibits. It is stunning.

  • The Harrison Museum of African American Culture showcases and celebrates the art and history of African Americans in the Roanoke Valley.

  • Local classes: Painting, pottery, dancing, glassblowing—you name it, there are fun things to do every night. Roanoke Art by Night is a monthly favorite.

  • Street art & public pieces: Roam downtown and stumble into beautiful murals everywhere.

  • Live performances: From Shakespeare to indie bands, the local stage is never boring.

3. The Food Scene
(Carbs. Coffee. And—of course—tacos.)

Young woman working in a coffee shop.

But are there any good coffee shops?! According to our coffee snobs (a.k.a. Cody), the “coffee is legit.” You can eat delicious food all day—don’t worry, you can hike it off later.

  • Restaurants: From wood-fired pizza to high-end Southern comfort food.

  • Breweries & cideries: Craft everything. Local everything. Hoppy everything.

  • Coffee shops/Bakeries: You won’t need to look beyond the coffee and coffee cake from RND Coffee Lounge, though the Sweet Donkey is also a fan favorite.

  • Food trucks: Tacos, BBQ, donuts—the three most important food groups.

4. Live Music & Entertainment
(We won't oversell this but our fellows tend to love the vibe.)

Photo of a rock concert at an event center.

Are you not entertained?! (Please tell us you understand that reference. If not, look it up. And watch the movie! You’re welcome).​

5. Sports and Recreation
(And other random fun things to do.)

Someone outside playing disc golf.

​If your idea of recreation is moving your body or yelling supportively (heckling welcome) while others do, you're in luck.

  • Professional teams: Salem Red Sox (baseball), Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs (hockey), and Roanoke FC (soccer—or football, depending on your preference and nation of birth).

  • Golf. Disc golf. And climbing: River Rock indoor climbing gym has been voted the best climbing gym in the entire Blue Ridge three years in a row. 

  • Running & cycling groups: For every pace, including “I just like snacks.”

  • Rec leagues: Kickball, volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee—because you’re never too old for recess.

  • And, last (on this list) but not least for those who have read this far... Don't miss the Roanoke Pinball Museum! Okay, so we do not consider pinball to be a sport, but defining what is and is not a sport is a trickier conversation than one might initially suspect. But seriously, how could we leave it off of a list like this? It is just quirky enough to fit Roanoke perfectly. 
     

If you become a Blue Ridge Fellow, we'd look forward to your discovering and adding new things to this list during your time here.

​

Blue Ridge Fellows mark

live in biblical community  >    |    apply >

​​​

bottom of page