You have a long weekend. You want to escape the routine, do something outside, eat good food, maybe hear live music. Roanoke is a three-hour drive from most of the Mid-Atlantic and perfect for a Friday-to-Sunday getaway. Base downtown, walk to breweries, hike in the morning, explore the city in the afternoon. Here's how to structure a great weekend.
Friday arrival evening
3 PM — Arrive at the flats, check in (3 PM check-in). Drop bags. If you're on time, rest a bit.
5 PM — Walk downtown. Grab coffee at RND Coffee (3-minute walk) or walk the neighborhood. Get your bearings. Downtown is small and walkable — you'll find your way.
7 PM — Dinner. Choose your vibe:
- Casual: Scratch Biscuit (fried chicken sandwiches), Wok N Roll (Chinese), Jack Brown's (burgers).
- Mid-range: Martin's Downtown (Southern comfort food with live music), The Laughing Bull (Asian fusion), Tucos (Mexican).
- Nicer: Table 50 (fine dining), Sidecar (modern European).
9 PM — Brewery or bar. A Few Old Goats is downstairs from your apartment. Big Lick Brewing is a 2-minute walk. Go to the one with the best vibe, grab a beer, sit outside if weather's decent. You'll meet locals and get the downtown feel.
11 PM — Back to the flats, sleep.
Saturday morning hike
7 AM — Wake. Make coffee in your apartment kitchen or walk to RND. Pack water, snacks, sunscreen.
7:30 AM — Drive to trailhead. Your options:
- McAfee Knob (30 mins): Iconic hike, 10 miles, 5 hours. Most famous. Crowded but worth it. Go early, you'll be back by 1 PM.
- Humpback Rocks (20 mins): Shorter, 3 miles, 2 hours. Good if you want less of a commitment or to save energy for evening.
- Mill Mountain (12 mins): Right in town, multiple short loop options. Easy morning hike, back by 10 AM. Good if you want to explore more of downtown afterward.
- Grayson Highlands (40 mins): Moderate, 7 miles, 4 hours. Wild ponies, good views, less crowded than McAfee.
Noon–1 PM — Back at the flats. Shower. Laundry if you need it (you have in-unit machines). Eat lunch from your kitchen or nearby restaurants.
2–4 PM — Explore downtown. Walk the galleries, check out the Market Building, walk the Roanoke Greenway. Get coffee again. Browse vintage shops. Visit museums. Chill out after the hike.
6 PM — Brewery hop. Start at A Few Old Goats (downstairs), then head to Big Lick or Twin Creeks. Pick two or three, stay a while at each. You're not rushing.
8 PM — Dinner. Check Martin's Downtown for live music schedule (most Saturdays). Or go to whichever restaurant has good energy that night. The Market Building area is busy Saturday nights.
10 PM+ — Late night. If you're energized, more breweries or dive bars. If you're tired, head back to the flats.
Sunday explore and depart
8 AM — Wake naturally. Make breakfast in your apartment. No rush.
10 AM — Downtown exploration you missed. Walk neighborhoods, check out a gallery, visit the Roanoke History Museum or Artspace. Get second breakfast or brunch at Bread Craft if you want pastries for the road.
Noon — Lunch at a favorite spot from the weekend. RND Coffee and a pastry for the drive, or a full lunch somewhere. Pack coffee for the drive if you're heading back today.
1 PM — Check out (11 AM official, but we're flexible). Leave for home.
Sample alternative itineraries
Active weekend (more hiking)
- Friday: Arrive afternoon, explore downtown, light dinner.
- Saturday: McAfee Knob early, back afternoon, brewery evening.
- Sunday: Mill Mountain or Greenway morning walk, brunch, leave.
Food-focused weekend
- Friday: Arrive, nice dinner (Table 50 or Sidecar), brewery.
- Saturday: Morning hike short or skip, downtown food exploration all day. Hit multiple restaurants and breweries. Live music at night.
- Sunday: Brunch, browse, leave.
Couples getaway
- Friday: Arrive, walk downtown, nice dinner, brewery or cocktail bar.
- Saturday: Shorter hike (Humpback Rocks 20 mins, 2 hours) or skip hiking entirely. Afternoon galleries and shops, dinner at upscale restaurant.
- Sunday: Brunch, stroll, leave.
What to bring / what we provide
We provide: Linens, pillows, towels, toiletries basics, kitchen dishes/utensils, Wi-Fi, TV, AC.
You bring: Clothes, toiletries if you prefer your own, any medications, hiking gear if you're hiking.
Booking your weekend
Reserve Friday 3 PM to Sunday 11 AM at thewestendflats.com/booking. Standard tier is $140/night (two nights = $280, plus taxes). Deluxe $185/night, Premium $220/night. You'll save 15% versus Airbnb rates for the same dates.
Read our full 48-hour itinerary guide for more detailed restaurant and activity picks.
The weekend you needed. The place to stay that makes it easy.