The Blue Ridge Barn Flat Guidebook
Food scene
IN ROANOKE --- Our family's favorite spot for a nice meal in Roanoke --- creatively southern-inspired American-Nouveau dishes and expertly crafted cocktail. If you enjoy bourbon - try the off-menu CUBE cocktail. It's the local favorite!
40 moradores locais recomendam
Lucky Restaurant
18 Kirk Ave SWIN ROANOKE --- Our family's favorite spot for a nice meal in Roanoke --- creatively southern-inspired American-Nouveau dishes and expertly crafted cocktail. If you enjoy bourbon - try the off-menu CUBE cocktail. It's the local favorite!
IN ROANOKE --- One of our favorite spots for breakfast, brunch or lunch --- their artisanal fresh baked breads and pastries are almost delicious as those found on side streets in Paris. Highly recommended!
22 moradores locais recomendam
Bread Craft
24 Church Ave SWIN ROANOKE --- One of our favorite spots for breakfast, brunch or lunch --- their artisanal fresh baked breads and pastries are almost delicious as those found on side streets in Paris. Highly recommended!
IN ROANOKE --- Talk about a mouth-watering, cost-effective, not-great-for-your-waistline-but-who-cares breakfast or lunch option --- this place is a true winner and gem! If you like good ol' southern buttermilk biscuits, head on over! (Then check out Black Dog Salvage!)
34 moradores locais recomendam
Scratch Biscuit Company
1820 Memorial Ave SWIN ROANOKE --- Talk about a mouth-watering, cost-effective, not-great-for-your-waistline-but-who-cares breakfast or lunch option --- this place is a true winner and gem! If you like good ol' southern buttermilk biscuits, head on over! (Then check out Black Dog Salvage!)
IN ROANOKE --- In our humble [coffee snobbery] opinion, this joint has the best coffee in the valley (unless you drive to Floyd, VA --- and then Red Rooster Coffee takes the cake!). Grab a coffee, enjoy their expansive outdoor seating, or take your coffee to go. We gladly drive into Roanoke just to grab a coffee here.
39 moradores locais recomendam
Sweet Donkey Coffee
2108 Broadway Ave SWIN ROANOKE --- In our humble [coffee snobbery] opinion, this joint has the best coffee in the valley (unless you drive to Floyd, VA --- and then Red Rooster Coffee takes the cake!). Grab a coffee, enjoy their expansive outdoor seating, or take your coffee to go. We gladly drive into Roanoke just to grab a coffee here.
LOCAL --- Super close (7 minutes away) and often will deliver.
Their bagels are PHENOMENAL (best we've had outside of NYC - a bold statement). We highly recommend ALL their bagels and sandwiches!
A few of our faves include: French Toast Bagel, Jalapeno Cheddar Bagel, and a BLT on a Jalapeno Cheddar Bagel with Cream Cheese instead of Mayo --- DELICIOUS!
7 moradores locais recomendam
Donnie D’s Bagels and Deli
70 Market Center WayLOCAL --- Super close (7 minutes away) and often will deliver.
Their bagels are PHENOMENAL (best we've had outside of NYC - a bold statement). We highly recommend ALL their bagels and sandwiches!
A few of our faves include: French Toast Bagel, Jalapeno Cheddar Bagel, and a BLT on a Jalapeno Cheddar Bagel with Cream Cheese instead of Mayo --- DELICIOUS!
IN ROANOKE --- Another fantastic local option (20 minutes away, in the Wasena neighborhood in Roanoke) for high quality and innovative coffee!
13 moradores locais recomendam
RND Coffee Lounge
1114 Main St SWIN ROANOKE --- Another fantastic local option (20 minutes away, in the Wasena neighborhood in Roanoke) for high quality and innovative coffee!
LOCAL --- Our favorite local BBQ Joint with a very nice and expansive menu --- aways with solid food. They have a nice outdoor patio, sometimes with live music, and also are a great and affordable place for local takeout.
We have quite a few restaurants locally for dining --- but this one is one of our faves!
11 moradores locais recomendam
Three Li'l Pigs Barbeque
120 Kingston DrLOCAL --- Our favorite local BBQ Joint with a very nice and expansive menu --- aways with solid food. They have a nice outdoor patio, sometimes with live music, and also are a great and affordable place for local takeout.
We have quite a few restaurants locally for dining --- but this one is one of our faves!
LOCAL ---- Local Coffee Shop in Daleville, VA. Recently rebranded to "Nature's Cool Coffee Company".
Land of a Thousand Hills
90 Town Center StreetLOCAL ---- Local Coffee Shop in Daleville, VA. Recently rebranded to "Nature's Cool Coffee Company".
Outdoor Activities
LOCAL --- Take a float on the James River in Buchanan, Virginia (20-minutes away) ---- canoe, kayak, or tubing --- they've got you covered. This is our favorite warm weather local outdoor activity!
27 moradores locais recomendam
Twin River Outfitters
640 Lowe StLOCAL --- Take a float on the James River in Buchanan, Virginia (20-minutes away) ---- canoe, kayak, or tubing --- they've got you covered. This is our favorite warm weather local outdoor activity!
LOCAL --- Carvins Cove Nature Reserve is overflowing with outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, and boat rentals. It is also the second largest municipal park in the nation. It holds a major water source within its 12,700 acres.
45 moradores locais recomendam
Carvins Cove Recreation Area
State Route 648LOCAL --- Carvins Cove Nature Reserve is overflowing with outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, and boat rentals. It is also the second largest municipal park in the nation. It holds a major water source within its 12,700 acres.
Tucked in the Jefferson National Forest of Virginia, McAfee Knob has earned quite a reputation for its beautiful viewpoint. A hike of around 4.5 miles will take you 1,740 feet in elevation, which will be well worth the reward as you sit out on the ledge of McAfee Knob practically floating above the Shenandoah Valley.
This busy hike deserves its popularity. McAfee Knob — arguably the icon of Appalachian Trail in Virginia — is not only great for snapping pictures of hikers standing atop its overhang, the views from the outcrop are far reaching. Start at the busy VA 311 trailhead and trace the AT northbound along Catawba Mountain. The moderate hike skirts past two trail shelters, then works up the slope of McAfee Knob. Open onto a long brow of overhanging rock where a mass of mountainlands extend to the horizon. An alternate return route is possible via a fire road.
Know Before You Go: This must-do hike is busy. Consider undertaking the hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and during the week.
Length: 7.8-mile there-and-back
Outstanding Features: Most photographed spot on AT
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.38036, -80.0893
Getting There
From the VA311 parking area, cross the street and pick up the white blazed Appalachian Trail. Remain along the Appalachian Trail until McAfee Knob Spur Trail. Turn left and the overlook will be just a few steps away.
116 moradores locais recomendam
McAfee Knob
Appalachian National Scenic TrailTucked in the Jefferson National Forest of Virginia, McAfee Knob has earned quite a reputation for its beautiful viewpoint. A hike of around 4.5 miles will take you 1,740 feet in elevation, which will be well worth the reward as you sit out on the ledge of McAfee Knob practically floating above the Shenandoah Valley.
This busy hike deserves its popularity. McAfee Knob — arguably the icon of Appalachian Trail in Virginia — is not only great for snapping pictures of hikers standing atop its overhang, the views from the outcrop are far reaching. Start at the busy VA 311 trailhead and trace the AT northbound along Catawba Mountain. The moderate hike skirts past two trail shelters, then works up the slope of McAfee Knob. Open onto a long brow of overhanging rock where a mass of mountainlands extend to the horizon. An alternate return route is possible via a fire road.
Know Before You Go: This must-do hike is busy. Consider undertaking the hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and during the week.
Length: 7.8-mile there-and-back
Outstanding Features: Most photographed spot on AT
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.38036, -80.0893
Getting There
From the VA311 parking area, cross the street and pick up the white blazed Appalachian Trail. Remain along the Appalachian Trail until McAfee Knob Spur Trail. Turn left and the overlook will be just a few steps away.
Dragon’s Tooth, another breathtaking viewpoints along the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, stands out atop Cove Mountain. Join other hikers on the climb to this popular destination as you crisscross creeks and make an elevation gain of 1,505 ft.
Getting There: The Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is located along VA311. Start off on the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth trail. About two miles in, the trail will intersect the Appalachian Trail. Turn right onto the Appalachian Trail for a strenuous 0.7 mile hike to pick up the Dragon’s Tooth Spur trail. A leisurely hike of less than a mile on this path will place you at the foot of Dragon’s Tooth.
61 moradores locais recomendam
Dragons Tooth Trail Head
Appalachian National Scenic TrailDragon’s Tooth, another breathtaking viewpoints along the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, stands out atop Cove Mountain. Join other hikers on the climb to this popular destination as you crisscross creeks and make an elevation gain of 1,505 ft.
Getting There: The Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is located along VA311. Start off on the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth trail. About two miles in, the trail will intersect the Appalachian Trail. Turn right onto the Appalachian Trail for a strenuous 0.7 mile hike to pick up the Dragon’s Tooth Spur trail. A leisurely hike of less than a mile on this path will place you at the foot of Dragon’s Tooth.
Roaring Run is an excellent easy hiking trail for the whole family. The easy, well-marked trail begins at a historic iron furnace and winds back and forth along the Roaring Run stream. You will pass rock walls, cascading water, and cross five footbridges before ending at beautiful Roaring Run Falls.
Roaring Run is more than a hiking trail; it is also a great trout stream with a natural water slide at lower levels. At higher levels, it becomes a Class V+ creek. Bring your water shoes and a bathing suit because the natural water slide is a thrilling ride.
Easy!
Approximately halfway to the falls is a natural water slide. Toilets and picnic area with charcoal grill.
Distance: 1.5-mile out-and-back trail
27 moradores locais recomendam
Roaring Run Loop Trail
Roaring Run RoadRoaring Run is an excellent easy hiking trail for the whole family. The easy, well-marked trail begins at a historic iron furnace and winds back and forth along the Roaring Run stream. You will pass rock walls, cascading water, and cross five footbridges before ending at beautiful Roaring Run Falls.
Roaring Run is more than a hiking trail; it is also a great trout stream with a natural water slide at lower levels. At higher levels, it becomes a Class V+ creek. Bring your water shoes and a bathing suit because the natural water slide is a thrilling ride.
Easy!
Approximately halfway to the falls is a natural water slide. Toilets and picnic area with charcoal grill.
Distance: 1.5-mile out-and-back trail
Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails, not only along the Parkway, but also in Virginia.
Sharp Top Trail: A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top that rewards hikers with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area.
Flat Top Trail: A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike.
Harkening Hill Trail: A moderate 3.3-mile trail that leads to an elevation of 3,375 feet. Trail head begins at Peaks Visitor Center.
Johnson Farm Trail: A moderate 2.1-mile trail that leads to the Johnson Farm, which has been restored to represent regional life in the 1930s. Living history demonstrations are done seasonally.
Abbott Lake Trail: An easy 1-mile trail through woodland forests and an open field, looping around beautiful Abbott Lake.
123 moradores locais recomendam
Peaks of Otter
Peaks of Otter has some of the most popular hiking trails, not only along the Parkway, but also in Virginia.
Sharp Top Trail: A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top that rewards hikers with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area.
Flat Top Trail: A strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike.
Harkening Hill Trail: A moderate 3.3-mile trail that leads to an elevation of 3,375 feet. Trail head begins at Peaks Visitor Center.
Johnson Farm Trail: A moderate 2.1-mile trail that leads to the Johnson Farm, which has been restored to represent regional life in the 1930s. Living history demonstrations are done seasonally.
Abbott Lake Trail: An easy 1-mile trail through woodland forests and an open field, looping around beautiful Abbott Lake.
Shopping
IN ROANOKE --- Our favorite shop for unique home items, design inspiration, and local antique vendor treasure hunting. Acclaimed warehouse carrying an eclectic variety of antiques & restored furniture in an airy space. Home to the DIY Network's "Salvage Dogs."
55 moradores locais recomendam
Black Dog Salvage
902 13th St SWIN ROANOKE --- Our favorite shop for unique home items, design inspiration, and local antique vendor treasure hunting. Acclaimed warehouse carrying an eclectic variety of antiques & restored furniture in an airy space. Home to the DIY Network's "Salvage Dogs."
IN ROANOKE --- The Historic Roanoke City Market brings an enticing array of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants during growing season. The market even boasts a variety of fresh meats—all from local farms!
Everything sold in the market area has been certified as "locally grown." Each day, the products sold at our market are arriving fresh from a local farm that's been inspected and approved as meeting all health and sanitation codes as well as statewide agricultural requirements.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Roanoke City Market
Market Square SoutheastIN ROANOKE --- The Historic Roanoke City Market brings an enticing array of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants during growing season. The market even boasts a variety of fresh meats—all from local farms!
Everything sold in the market area has been certified as "locally grown." Each day, the products sold at our market are arriving fresh from a local farm that's been inspected and approved as meeting all health and sanitation codes as well as statewide agricultural requirements.
LOCAL --- Our favorite local spot (7 mins away) for fresh local produce!
Bryant Orchards Farm Market was established in 2019, but our story starts long before then. Jimmy Bryant, aka dad, started his career in the fruit & vegetable industry in 1978 with just 3 acres that he leased. Preston Bryant began working with dad....well, since he was a toddler, and farming quickly became his love! Bryant Orchards now farms around 250 acres of apples & peaches. Barb Bryant, aka mom, has been the backbone of the retail operations our family has had over the last 20 years. Over the years, the retail stands have grown and expanded from selling peaches and vegetables under a tent, to a metal storage building. Preston's wife, Kelsey, started working with mom in the retail operation in 2010.
Bryant Orchards Farm Market
Plateau WayLOCAL --- Our favorite local spot (7 mins away) for fresh local produce!
Bryant Orchards Farm Market was established in 2019, but our story starts long before then. Jimmy Bryant, aka dad, started his career in the fruit & vegetable industry in 1978 with just 3 acres that he leased. Preston Bryant began working with dad....well, since he was a toddler, and farming quickly became his love! Bryant Orchards now farms around 250 acres of apples & peaches. Barb Bryant, aka mom, has been the backbone of the retail operations our family has had over the last 20 years. Over the years, the retail stands have grown and expanded from selling peaches and vegetables under a tent, to a metal storage building. Preston's wife, Kelsey, started working with mom in the retail operation in 2010.
LOCAL --- You could easily travel a few more minutes to a large chain grocery store (Kroger, Food Lion, Wal-mart) - but you could also choose to shop local at our hometown small grocery store just 3 minutes from the Barn Flat! This charming family-run operation has all the basics and essentials you'll need for your visit.
Troutville Grocery & Goods
5414 Lee HwyLOCAL --- You could easily travel a few more minutes to a large chain grocery store (Kroger, Food Lion, Wal-mart) - but you could also choose to shop local at our hometown small grocery store just 3 minutes from the Barn Flat! This charming family-run operation has all the basics and essentials you'll need for your visit.
LOCAL --- The locally owned Heritage Family Market (10 minutes away) sells deli sliced meats & cheeses, and has a bakery with fresh bread, cinnamon and raspberry rolls, and whoopie pies. They sell bulk foods like flour, sugar, spices, soup mix, cappuccino mix, hot cocoa mix and nuts packaged for purchase. Frozen fruits and vegetables as well as dried fruits are also available for purchase. The store also sells jar goods like salsa, chow chow, pickles, relish, jams and jellies.
Much of the store’s inventory comes from Amish and Mennonite suppliers in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but several Virginia-produced items are on the store’s shelves as well.
8 moradores locais recomendam
Heritage Family Market
36 Botetourt RdLOCAL --- The locally owned Heritage Family Market (10 minutes away) sells deli sliced meats & cheeses, and has a bakery with fresh bread, cinnamon and raspberry rolls, and whoopie pies. They sell bulk foods like flour, sugar, spices, soup mix, cappuccino mix, hot cocoa mix and nuts packaged for purchase. Frozen fruits and vegetables as well as dried fruits are also available for purchase. The store also sells jar goods like salsa, chow chow, pickles, relish, jams and jellies.
Much of the store’s inventory comes from Amish and Mennonite suppliers in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but several Virginia-produced items are on the store’s shelves as well.
Sightseeing
IN ROANOKE --- The Roanoke Star is an iconic symbol of Virginia's Blue Ridge and a must-see spot when visiting the region. It also features beautiful views of downtown Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley.
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.
181 moradores locais recomendam
Estrela de Mill Mountain
2000 J B Fishburn PkwyIN ROANOKE --- The Roanoke Star is an iconic symbol of Virginia's Blue Ridge and a must-see spot when visiting the region. It also features beautiful views of downtown Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley.
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.
LOCAL --- Everyone should experience a drive on The Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway runs from Virginia all the way to Cherokee, North Carolina. Beautiful scenery all the way. Overlooks and amazing vistas the whole way. No big trucks are allowed on the Parkway and the speed limit is 45. This allows you to take in all the amazing sights that creation has to offer. Of course, there are exits all along the way to take in the art, culture, and crafts of the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains.
There are three local parkway entrances: in Blue Ridge Virginia (closet), Roanoke, and Buchanan.
47 moradores locais recomendam
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
56 Roanoke River PkwyLOCAL --- Everyone should experience a drive on The Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway runs from Virginia all the way to Cherokee, North Carolina. Beautiful scenery all the way. Overlooks and amazing vistas the whole way. No big trucks are allowed on the Parkway and the speed limit is 45. This allows you to take in all the amazing sights that creation has to offer. Of course, there are exits all along the way to take in the art, culture, and crafts of the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains.
There are three local parkway entrances: in Blue Ridge Virginia (closet), Roanoke, and Buchanan.
For the Little Ones!
Whether it's a picnic, a brisk walk around our quarter-mile walking path, or just playing with the children, Troutville Town Park is for you! Our family helps maintain this park and it's a super special location to both the Troutville community and our family.
The Troutville Town Park is as well known locally as it is to hikers of the Appalachian Trail and cyclists on the Transamerica Trial (Route 76). There are several shelters for picnicking, a quarter-mile paved walking trail, and plenty of playground equipment for just playing with the children. Located close to an AT trailhead and on the stretch of Route 76 through Botetourt County, hikers and cyclists can be found taking a break from their journey under shade trees in the park. The Annual Party in the Park is held in early September each year.
Troutville Park
5340 Lee HwyWhether it's a picnic, a brisk walk around our quarter-mile walking path, or just playing with the children, Troutville Town Park is for you! Our family helps maintain this park and it's a super special location to both the Troutville community and our family.
The Troutville Town Park is as well known locally as it is to hikers of the Appalachian Trail and cyclists on the Transamerica Trial (Route 76). There are several shelters for picnicking, a quarter-mile paved walking trail, and plenty of playground equipment for just playing with the children. Located close to an AT trailhead and on the stretch of Route 76 through Botetourt County, hikers and cyclists can be found taking a break from their journey under shade trees in the park. The Annual Party in the Park is held in early September each year.
The Addy Grace Foundation has built an all inclusive public playground to be located at the Daleville Town Center in Daleville, VA, Next to the new YMCA. Together we can build a better community for our children and for the future.
What Is An All Abilities Playground?
Children with disabilities often cannot play on a standard playground and therefore cannot take advantage of the amazing benefits that play provides.
An all-abilities playground is a space that provides inclusive play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. These types of playgrounds are designed to promote the healthy development of all children’s physical, social, cognitive, and sensory abilities.
This all-abilities playground in Daleville will give all children in the Roanoke, Virginia area the chance to play, grow, and learn side-by-side.
Important note: This park is note shaded, so plan strategically when to visit (e.g., mornings, evenings, non not/sunny days).
Addy Grace Foundation All-Inclusive Playground
The Addy Grace Foundation has built an all inclusive public playground to be located at the Daleville Town Center in Daleville, VA, Next to the new YMCA. Together we can build a better community for our children and for the future.
What Is An All Abilities Playground?
Children with disabilities often cannot play on a standard playground and therefore cannot take advantage of the amazing benefits that play provides.
An all-abilities playground is a space that provides inclusive play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. These types of playgrounds are designed to promote the healthy development of all children’s physical, social, cognitive, and sensory abilities.
This all-abilities playground in Daleville will give all children in the Roanoke, Virginia area the chance to play, grow, and learn side-by-side.
Important note: This park is note shaded, so plan strategically when to visit (e.g., mornings, evenings, non not/sunny days).