The charming City of Salem, Virginia, is perfectly situated for a mountain getaway, conveniently accessible via State Route 460 and I-81. In Salem, the heart of dining, nightlife, and entertainment lies in its vibrant historic downtown.
Adventure is All Around
Downtown Salem is the perfect hub for outdoor adventures. Within minutes you can find yourself on world-class mountain bike trails and epic hiking trails, including the most famous footpath on the East Coast — the Appalachian Trail. On weekends between March and November, the innovative McAfee Knob Shuttle takes hikers from downtown Salem directly to the trailhead.
For paddlers and anglers, the Upper James River Water Trail and the Roanoke River Blueway are nearby. Both rivers offer great scenery and relaxing tubing trips.
A Lively Main Street
Salem is not your typical sleepy, small town Main Street. Downtown Salem is alive with shops, restaurants, craft beer, a farmers market and vibrancy inspired by the campus of Roanoke College. You’ll want to stay a few days to take in the sites and the outdoor recreation. Boutique lodging in downtown makes it easy to walk to shops and restaurants. The Rowland Hotel is home to the upscale Frankie Rowlands Steakhouse. A few blocks away, The Lofts at Downtown Salem offers stylish one-bedroom loft style accommodations in a restored 1924 building that once housed an automobile dealership.
Known as Virginia’s Championship City, sports fans can plan a visit to catch some action. Salem hosts college championships and other sports tournaments throughout the year. Every spring and summer, the Salem Red Sox play home games in one of the most scenic minor league stadiums in America. For two weeks each summer, the Salem Fair rolls into town with rides, games, music and food.
Downtown Events
- Olde Salem Days – Join the City of Salem and Rotary Club on September 13th to celebrate locally handmade, hand-altered, and home-baked crafts!
- Lewis Gale Salem Half Marathon – Experience the charm of downtown Salem on the run! Sign up now for races of varying distances, happening October 11th.
