Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
Top 10 Things to do in Salem, United States
Salem is an independent city in the U.S. commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 24,802. It is the county seat of Roanoke County, although the two are separate jurisdictions. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Salem with Roanoke County for statistical purposes.
Restaurants in Salem
1. Dixie Caverns
Overall Ratings
4 based on 160 reviews
Guided tours through these caverns that highlight a large number of still-growing stalagmites and stalactites.
Reviewed By regiontravelreturns - Roanoke, Virginia
Fun hour-long tour in interesting show cave/mountainside full of limestone formations, including an aptly-named "wedding bell" under which you can be married for just $100.
Our guide (Gabe or Gage) told many interesting stories and really knew both his science and local history. He shared about the cave's discovery, the commercialization of the cave, theories about the ways in which some of the formations are made, and the local earthquake history (you can see the Salem Fault in the "cathedral room" of the tour). Be prepared for lots of stairs, up and down, some of which are uneven. It's around 50-60 degrees inside the cave consistently--dress accordingly. Easy access from the I-81 Dixie Caverns exit near Salem with plenty of parking. Apparently, many guests are "passing through" and find out about the attraction--locals should check it out as well! Can also camp at the site. Also has a gift shop, antique store. Expect a mom-and-pop tourism atmosphere of friendly service. No known admissions discounts except for pre-arranged large groups from schools and the like.
2. O. Winston Link Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By JohnandJaneS - Elmira, New York
And perfectly located near the museum of transportation, both of which are a mecca for train bufs. I'm not, but I appreciate good photography and Winston Link took some beauties.
3. Parkway Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By PCBSML - SW Virginia
Like a number of other groups we saw on the trail, we came here after a beautiful hike up McAffee Knob. Great selection of beer, good service and fun atmosphere. We'd like to come back when the fireplace is going--not needed on this 90 degree day!
4. Roanoke Valley Greenways
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By OhioRich60 - Conneaut, Ohio
We drove this route North from Roanoke for about 1 hour. We had to stop about 8 times to get out and take pictures. It was beautiful. Loved it and plan on doing it again someday.
5. Mill Mountain Star and Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
A "must see" on most visitors list, an 88-foot manmade star (the largest in the world) sits on majestic Mill Mountain along with a beautifully landscaped city park, that boasts hiking and biking trails, and a zoo.
Reviewed By MG L - Sterling, Virginia
There were three of us and we decided to hike up to the big star that looks out over Roanoke. The hike is pretty easy terrain wise but creeps up in elevation so I had to take breaks from time to time to catch my breath. It’s a couple of miles to hike round trip. I recommend bringing some water with you and a flashlight if it’s close to nightfall. The star is a great big star. At its base is a nice lookout point and you can see all of downtown Roanoke and distant mountains. There are public restrooms closeby to the star area and water fountains.
6. Salem Red Sox
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By ThoughtsofRS - Hagerstown, Maryland
A stop in Salem is well worth it.
The baseball stadium is located in between the Salem Civic Center and Football stadium,so it's centrally located.
The lights are very bright,plenty of parking available and the lower bowl seats are terrific.
The upper deck seats aren't quite as good,but they seem a bit steep for a minor league park.
The wide concourses and brick walls give the place a neat retro feel.
Very nice place to catch a game,but keep in mind-this is a Red Sox team,so all the things that annoy non-Red Sox fans in Boston are done here as well.
Still,a great park!
7. Virginia Museum of Transportation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 575 reviews
Antique automobiles and trucks, electric and deisel locomotives, and vintage steam, are all part of the nostalgic show at this historic freight station that doubles as a museum .
Reviewed By RickandDebbie J - Roanoke, Virginia
We have enjoyed the Transportation Museum several times during the Christmas season. At Christmas the museum schedules train rides, Christmas decorations, a Santa Claus, crafts for the grandkids, and a concession area. There are so many examples of every type of transportation on wheels. Our grandkids especially like the massive model train display. The display is on several levels and can be viewed from several angles. The train ride is not long but we love riding with the kids. The craft area allows the children to move around and choose from several different things to make. The Virginia Transportaion Museum is close to downtown Roanoke and allows for a fun day.
8. Salem Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Hokiechip - Roanoke, VA
The Civic Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and I've always enjoyed going to events here. The building also does meetings and catering and one of my groups hold our monthly meeting here and have always found the staff to be very accommodating.
9. Charlotte's Web Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By regiontravelreturns - Roanoke, Virginia
Attractive, typically-sized antique mall with parking on Main Street Salem. New owners have changed the look of the front of the store but many time-honored dealers are still there. Usually has a variety of seasonal merchandise. Most dealers have a bit if everything, but there are some that specialize in books and jewelry. There's a smaller antique mall about a block away as well, and variety store Buy the Season a few miles away sells similar merchandise.
10. Black Dog Architectural Salvage & Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By Karen P - McDonough, Georgia
While visiting my daughter recently in Roanoke, we stopped in to thoroughly check this place out! I couldn't believe all the cool things you can find here! Got to snap a photo of THE black dog. LOL
TAGS
