WanderLove: The Ultimate Scenic Road Trip from Roanoke to Abingdon in Southwest Virginia
Wanderlust is a strong desire to travel, but in Virginia, we embrace it as WanderLove. Discover Virginia's stunning landscapes on this epic road trip through Southwest Virginia, from Roanoke to Abingdon. This expert-curated itinerary highlights scenic routes, outdoor adventures, iconic attractions, top restaurants, and lodging options for an unforgettable getaway.
Featured Locations: Fort Chiswell Animal Park, Big Walker Lookout Tower, Olykoe Donuts, Bolling Wilson Hotel, Blue Blaze Bike Rental, Virginia Creeper Trail, The Martha Hotel & Spa, Wolf Hills Brewery, Barter Theater
Previous WanderLove routes explored Virginia's coast from Norfolk to Chincoteague and Fredericksburg to Kilmarnock. Now, venture into the mountains from Roanoke to charming Abingdon. While I-81 offers a quick 2-hour drive, our leisurely Route 11 path maximizes adventure. Note: Hours and availability may have changed post-COVID; verify with businesses before visiting.
ROUTE 11: ROANOKE TO WYTHEVILLE
81 miles, ~2 hours
Start in Roanoke with outdoor fun on the Roanoke Valley Greenway's 30+ miles of paved trails. Rent bikes from Roanoke Mountain Adventures if needed.
Explore trails in Mill Mountain Park, then admire city views from the iconic Roanoke Star in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Shop downtown at Black Dog Salvage, star of DIY Network's Salvage Dawgs. Snap a photo with their reclaimed LOVEwork.
Head south on Route 11 to Christiansburg. Try the Huckleberry Trail to Blacksburg; reserve bikes contactlessly via ROAM New River Valley app.
Detour to Claytor Lake State Park for paddleboarding or kayaking with Mountain2Island Paddleboard Company. Relax on the beach with snacks.
In Draper, visit Draper Mercantile & Trading Co. for lunch, shopping, and bike rentals near New River Trail State Park (57 miles for hiking, biking, horseback riding).
Nearby, Iron Heart Winery offers private cabana rentals ($100/4 hours, includes wine, setup) amid scenic spots.
Arrive in Wytheville at Big Walker Lookout Tower & Country Store: Climb 100 feet for Blue Ridge views; shop local artisan goods, fudge, jams.
Visit Southwest Virginia's largest zoo, Fort Chiswell Animal Park: Petting zoo, Safari Bus rides (limited capacity, sanitized).
Dining Highlights
The River & Rail Restaurant—Southern bistro in Roanoke with local, seasonal fare (patio/curbside).
Scrambled—Casual breakfast in downtown Roanoke.
Pop’s Ice Cream & Soda Bar—Classic diner (online/curbside).
Skeeter’s Hot Dogs—Wytheville icon since 1920s.
Farmburguesa—Roanoke farm-to-table burgers.
Al’s on First—Southern homestyle in Pulaski.
7 Dogs Brew Pub—Burgers, brews.
Graze on Main—Elevated Southern at Bolling Wilson Hotel.
Wiffle Pops—Gourmet ice pops in Wytheville.
Moon Dog Brick Oven—Pizza in historic Wytheville (50% seating/takeout).
West Wind Farm Vineyard—Pet-friendly winery near New River.
Lodging
The Inn at Virginia Tech—Campus hotel with dining.
Bolling Wilson Hotel—Pet-friendly boutique in Wytheville with rooftop views.
Trinkle Mansion B&B—Historic elegance.
New River Retreat—Cabins/cottages in scenic spots.
Claytor Lake State Park Cabins—Yurts, campsites too (seasonal rules apply).
ROUTE 11: WYTHEVILLE TO ABINGDON
55 miles, ~1 hour 20 minutes
Detour to Beagle Ridge Gardens & Herb Farm for lavender fields and garden shop.
Hungry Mother State Park: 108-acre lake, beach, boating, trails, ziplines at Hungry Mother Adventures (Virginia's longest zipline).
In Abingdon, bike the Virginia Creeper Trail (34 miles downhill) via Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop shuttle. Stop in Damascus (Appalachian Trail hub).
Enjoy Barter Theatre Moonlight Drive-In for live performances from your car.
End at Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace for artisan goods and LOVEwork photo.
Dining
Wolfe’s BBQ—Marion smoked meats.
Abingdon Vineyards—River-access winery.
Jack’s 128 Pecan—Quirky downtown spot.
The Pakalachian—Fusion food truck.
White Birch Food & Juice—Healthy eats.
Bone Fire Smokehouse—BBQ with music (curbside).
Wolf Hills Brewing Co.—Craft beers, events.
Lodging
General Francis Marion Hotel—Historic boutique.
The Martha Hotel & Spa—1832 upscale with pools.
A Tailor’s Lodging—Charming inn near trail.
Hungry Mother State Park—Cabins/yurts/campsites.
Creeper’s End Lodging—Group cottages.
Damascus Old Mill Inn—Trail-access historic stay.
More Virginia road trips:
- WanderLove: Fredericksburg to Northern Neck
- WanderLove: Norfolk to Chincoteague
