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Salem, Virginia: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

The Salem year runs on two things, the ballpark and the mountains standing behind it. The Red Sox season fills the summer evenings here from spring onward into the fall. The Salem Fair takes over the Civic Center grounds in the middle of summer. October is when the ridges pay out, as the Blue Ridge turns color and the overlook crowds thin. Winter is quiet. The caverns hold the same temperature the whole year round, which makes them the reliable option.

You are in luck if you are planning a visit to Salem, Virginia. This charming town sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a wide spread of activities and attractions. The great outdoors through to the food and drink, there is a version of each in Salem.

Nature lovers are well served in Salem. The town is ringed by natural beauty, the Roanoke River, the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Mountains included. A leisurely hike or something with more effort in it, both are here.

If you would rather stay in town, Salem carries the attractions and activities for that too. Historical landmarks through to family-friendly fun, and the days fill themselves. So pack the bags and go and see Salem, Virginia.

Key Takeaways

• Salem, Virginia is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• The town offers a range of activities and attractions to suit every taste, including outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and family-friendly fun.
• Whether you’re a nature lover or a city slicker, there’s something for everyone in Salem, Virginia.

Exploring the Charm of Salem, Virginia

Salem, Virginia gives you old-world character and modern convenience in the same few streets. This town sits near the Appalachian Mountain Range, which is where the views come from. Here are the best places to explore in Salem, Virginia.

Downtown Salem

Downtown Salem is the heart of the city and it carries plenty. Walk the historic buildings, the 1845 William-Brown House among them, which now hosts the Salem Museum. The boutique shops handle the retail therapy. And Mac and Bob’s Restaurant is the one people name for the calzone.

Roanoke County

Roanoke County wraps around Salem, Virginia and holds the most prominent outdoor country in the region. Roanoke College is the landmark in town, with a long history and architecture worth walking past. And the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Mountains are where the views in the area are.

So Salem, Virginia covers most tastes. The lively downtown or a day on the Appalachian Trail, both work here. So pack the bags and come and explore Salem, Virginia.

Nature’s Bounty in Salem

Nature lovers should start here in Salem. The city is ringed by the Blue Ridge Mountains and they are worth the looking. The Appalachian Mountain Range is close by, and a hike on the Appalachian Trail puts you inside it.

For a more relaxed outdoor experience, head to Longwood Park. This park runs along the Roanoke River and the setting is clean and quiet. Walk the bank, take a picnic with the family, or fish the river for trout or catfish.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the other destination for nature enthusiasts. Hiking, biking and camping all work out there. The trails lead to wide vistas and to waterfalls, and the Lafayette Trail is the popular one for the mountain and valley views.

In Salem the natural side is close and uncomplicated. Take the deep breath and let the place do the work.

Attractions and Fun Activities

Salem, Virginia holds more than its size suggests. History buff, adrenaline junkie, or simply after a good time, Salem has a version of it.

Start with the Salem Civic Center. It is where the concerts and the shows happen, so keep an eye on the schedule. And the Salem Fair runs annually at the Civic Center, which is where the fried food and the carnival games are.

For nature underground, the caverns in Salem are the ones. Dixie Caverns runs guided tours of the caves below the surface. It is an experience that stays with you.

Sports fans should note that Salem is home to the Salem Red Sox, a minor league baseball team. Catch a game at Haley Toyota Field, which is the field inside Salem Memorial Ballpark rather than a separate venue. And there is a ferris wheel and a water park nearby when the fair is running.

For something more laidback, head over to the Salem Museum. It covers the history of Salem and the country around it. And with kids, the Launching Pad Trampoline Park and the Thunder Valley Family Entertainment Center burn the energy off.

And for the adults, the Parkway Brewing Company is the local brewery, with tours and tastings. Dog lovers should take the animal to the Salem Rotary Dog Park for a proper walk.

So there is plenty in the way of attractions and fun activities in Salem, Virginia. Get out there and start working through them.

Sports in Salem

Salem, Virginia does not read as a sports town and it is one. Whether you want to watch a game or play something yourself, Salem has it.

Sports watchers should check out the Salem Red Sox. This minor league baseball team is an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and plays home games at Haley Toyota Field. The stadium is a good place to sit and the atmosphere carries. And a hot dog and a beer with America’s favorite pastime is hard to argue with.

If you would rather take part than spectate, Salem has plenty of options for you too. The James Simpson Jr. Recreation Center is where you go, with basketball courts, a fitness center and a rock climbing wall. It is the straightforward place to work up a sweat.

And in the summer, the Salem Fair is worth an evening. It is not exactly a sporting event, and the games and the rides get the heart going anyway. And the funnel cake is not optional.

For a different sporting experience, look up the Salem Spartans and the ground they actually play on, which is not the Salem Memorial Ballpark despite what you may read elsewhere. The football stadium sits up on high ground with the mountains all around it. That view is the reason to go, football fan or not.

So die-hard sports fan or simply after a fun way to spend an afternoon, Salem has something. Get out there and use it.

Walk McAfee Knob. That is the reason most people end up anywhere near Salem, and the rest of this page is what you do around it. Dragon’s Tooth is the harder and rockier alternative if the famous view is too crowded on the day. Downtown handles the eating afterwards and the Salem Museum handles a wet morning. Everything else here is a bonus rather than a reason.

Historical Salem

The history of Salem, Virginia goes back a long way. It has aged rather better than most of the jokes told about it.

The Salem Museum is where you learn the city’s past. The exhibits cover the Civil War, the Native American tribes and the European settlers. It is a history lesson without the tedium attached.

Speaking of the European settlers, Roanoke College was founded in 1842 and is one of the oldest Lutheran colleges in the country. Walk the campus and look at the architecture, which repays the time.

For more history, the Salem Historical Society holds it. They carry the detail on the city’s past, the Williams-Brown House included, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the closest thing to going back.

And then the Civil War. Salem played a small but important part in it, and the museum and the historical society both cover that. It is not light material.

So that is the short history of Salem, Virginia. Not a rollercoaster, and worth knowing before you walk the streets.

Food and Drink in Salem

You cannot visit Salem without eating properly while you are there. Pizza through to craft beer, this city carries it. Here are the best places to grab a bite or a drink in Salem:

Main Street

Main Street is the heart of Salem’s food and drink scene. Restaurants, cafes and bars sit along it. A quick bite or a long sit-down meal, Main Street handles both.

Craft Beers

Salem turns out some of the better craft beers in the region. Beer lovers should make the tasting room at Olde Salem Brewing Company. The range runs from IPAs to stouts and most of what sits between.

Shopping

For a different kind of stop, head to Mac and Bob’s. Alongside the food they carry a good selection of local food and drink products. Check out the salsa bar and pick up some margarita mix while you are in.

Calzones and Pizza

For Italian food, Mac and Bob’s is the answer. They run a variety of calzones and pizzas made with fresh ingredients and cooked properly. And the signature BBQ chicken pizza is the one people order.

Restaurants

Salem carries a variety of restaurants, Mexican, Italian and American cuisine among them. The best of them for a plate is Three Li’l Pigs Barbecue. The BBQ runs to pulled pork and brisket, with mac and cheese and cornbread alongside.

So Salem holds up on food and drink. Craft beer through to pizza, and something will suit. Get out there and work through it.

Shopping in Salem

Looking to do some shopping in Salem? You are in luck. This charming town covers antiques, collectibles, furniture and the ordinary retail therapy. Salem has the range for it.

Head over to Main Street for the walk. This historic street is lined with unique shops and boutiques, which is where the one-of-a-kind item turns up. And the antique mall is worth the time.

For something a bit more modern, the Ridgewood Farms Shopping Center holds the big-name stores. Clothing through to electronics, all in one convenient location.

And there is the unusual end of it. Salem holds a collectibles shop for the rare finds, and a furniture store carrying genuinely eclectic pieces.

Whatever you are after, Salem has a version of it. So grab the wallet and go.

Family Fun in Salem

Looking for family fun in Salem? There is plenty of it. Salem runs trampolines through to dog parks, and something will land.

To let the kids burn off some energy, check out Launching Pad Trampoline Park. This indoor trampoline park runs foam pits and dodgeball courts. You will end up bouncing around with them.

Thunder Valley Family Entertainment Center is the other great option. This center runs bowling lanes, arcade games, laser tag and mini golf. A whole day goes into it and there is still more left.

Dog lovers should make the Salem Rotary Dog Park. This off-leash dog park is where the animal runs and meets other dogs. And there is space enough for you to play fetch.

For the more adventurous family members, there is the ninja warrior course at Salem Fitness Center. Test the strength and the agility across the obstacles and see who gets furthest.

For something more low-key, head to Mason Creek Greenway. This scenic trail suits a leisurely walk or a bike ride. And the birdwatching along the way is decent.

And last of all, do not forget the basketball courts at Salem’s local parks. Challenge the family to a game of one-on-one and see how it goes.

Whatever the family is into, Salem has a version of it. Get out there and use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any cool hiking trails near Salem, VA?

Yes. Salem, VA is ringed by mountains and forests and the trails run through all of it. Check out the Appalachian Trail, the Dragon’s Tooth Trail or the McAfee Knob Trail for the views and the work that earns them.

What are some unique activities to do in Salem, VA?

For something different, try axe throwing at Blue Ridge Axe Throwing. Or a ghost tour of the historic downtown area. There is a pottery class at the Salem Art Center, and a llama trek at Smith Mountain Llama Company if you want the odd option.

Any hidden gems in Salem, VA that tourists often miss?

There are. For a different kind of shopping, check out the Salem Farmers Market or the Salem Antique Market. History buffs should make the Salem Museum or the Longwood House Museum. And for a sweet treat, Kettle Cooker Express does the kettle corn.

Can you recommend some must-visit places around Roanoke College?

Sure. For outdoor fun, head over to Carvins Cove Natural Reserve or the Mill Mountain Zoo. For food and drinks, the Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery or the Fork in the Market. And for culture, the Taubman Museum of Art or the Jefferson Center. Most of these sit over in the next city, so allow for the drive.

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened on a tour of Dixie Caverns?

We will not spoil all of the surprises. The stalactites and stalagmites down there have a character of their own. Expect some unexpected twists and turns on the underground adventure.

Frequently asked questions about Salem, Virginia

Why is the Salem Museum in a house from 1845?

Because the house is the exhibit as much as anything kept inside it. The Williams-Brown House is one of the oldest buildings left standing in the town, and putting the collection into it saved both at once. What you get inside is the Civil War, the Native American history of the valley and the European settlement that followed it. It is a small museum. An hour covers the whole of it comfortably.

Is Dixie Caverns worth the tour?

It is, particularly on a day when the weather has closed the ridges in. The caves hold the same temperature all year, so the tour works as well in August as it does in January. It is guided rather than self-directed, which means you go at the pace of the group. The formations are the point and they are close enough to see properly. Wear shoes with some grip on them.

Why does the Appalachian Trail bring so many people past Salem?

Because two of its best-known viewpoints sit within a short drive of the town. McAfee Knob is the ledge that ends up on every poster, and Dragon’s Tooth is the rock scramble that gets you honest about your fitness. Both are day hikes rather than expeditions. The parking fills early on weekends. Start before the light does and you will have the top to yourself.

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