15 Best Things to Do in Salem, Virginia

By VacationIdea Staff on September 20, 2022 - Updated

City of Salem - City Hall

Salem is a charming small Virginia town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a home to Roanoke College. Salem is known as Virginia’s Championship City, famous for hosting some first-class sporting events, mostly held in the Salem Civic Center. The city’s lively downtown has some beautiful historic buildings such as 1845 William-Brown House that now hosts Salem Museum. There are also many delicious restaurants, including Mac and Bob's Restaurant famous for their calzone. The best time to visit is during one of many popular annual events, including the Salem Fair, the Salem Half Marathon and Olde Salem Days.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Salem Red Sox

The Salem Red Sox is a Minor League Baseball team in Salem, Virginia. It is a member of the Carolina Class A-Advanced League and the Boston Red Sox farm team. From 1995 through 2008 the team was known as the Salem Avalanche. From 2003 to 2008 the team was affiliated with the Houston Astros and from 1995 to 2002 with the Colorado Rockies . Before 1995, Salem Red Sox played under a number of different names and affiliations. They play home games at Haley Toyota Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark. The stadium, a 6,300 seat facility, was opened in 1995. In 2006 it hosted the Carolina/California League All Star Game.

Salem, VA

2.Parkway Brewing Company

Parkway Brewing Company was established in 2012 in Salem, Virginia, with the goal of producing the finest beers possible. It produces 17000 bottles per year and operates a 30bbl 4 vessel brewhouse and a 3.5bbl pilot brewhouse. With those two systems, Parkway produces 22 kinds of beer per year, for the general market distribution and multiple pilot batches that are available only in the on-site tasting room. Their tasting room, attached to the brewery production facility, is a local gathering place where folks come to meet friends, taste fresh beer, listen to some good local music or participate in the trivia night.

739 Kessler Mill Rd, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: 540-404-9810

3.Salem Civic Center, Salem, Virginia

Built in 1967, the Salem Civic Center is a multi-purpose arena in Salem, Virginia with the capacity of 6,820 seats. It is part of the James E. Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex together with the Salem Football Stadium and the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium. The Salem Civic Center was originally named the Salem-Roanoke Valley Civic Center, but changed the name in 1980s when the county withdrew its financial support. In the 1970s, the center was home to the Salem Rebels hockey team. It also hosts the NCAA Division III men's college basketball championship, as well as boxing, rodeos, professional wrestling, high school basketball games and more. It also provides space for concerts, circuses, trade shows and conventions.

1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: 540-375-3004

4.Salem Museum, Salem, Virginia

Salem Museum is located in the historic William-Brown House of Longwood Park, Salem, Virginia. The Museum was established in order to "preserve the past and inform the future." It is managed by the Salem Historical Society. It offers a range of exhibits, programs and special events. William-Brown House was built in 1845 by a merchant and hotelier William C. Williams to serve as a store and residence. The brick structure, built at the eastern end of downtown Salem, Va. was unique for its time. The house stayed in the family for more than a century. It became a Roanoke College fraternity house for a while, then served as an office, and later apartments. It is the first Salem house listed on the national Register of Historic Places. The Salem Historic Society saved it from being demolished, relocated it to a new lot and opened it as a museum.

801 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: 540-389-6760

5.Mac and Bob's Restaurant, Salem, Virginia

Located just across the street from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, Mac and Bob's Restaurant is a popular local eatery famous for a wide range of American favorites including wings, steaks, salads, burgers, seafood, sandwiches, and pasta. The star of the menu is their huge, juicy, great-tasting calzones. There are more than 40 craft beers on tap and many local Virginia beers. The atmosphere is lively, spacious and relaxed, with exposed brick walls, space for 330 guests and a cozy patio. The students of Roanoke College have made Mac and Bob’s their favorite hangout. It is the common venue for high school and college reunions, sporting events, victory celebrations, family gatherings, and everyday get togethers.

316 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: 540-389-5999

6.Jersey Lily's Roadhouse, Salem, Virginia

Located in Ridgewood Farms Shopping Center, Jersey Lily’s Roadhouse is the classic American roadhouse from days past. Cozy and romantic, with funky décor and soft lighting, it brings a roadhouse to life in a modern way, still retaining its welcoming hospitality, comfort food and upbeat atmosphere. Jersey Lily’s is known for excellent grilled steaks, ice-cold beer, freshly baked made-from-scratch rolls, and breaded and fried Chicken Tenderloins. The menu is extensive, featuring more than 30 entrees. The star of their menu is aged steaks that are hand-cut in house. Some of other favorites are chargrilled chicken, juicy hamburgers, baby-back ribs and salads made from the freshest ingredients served with homemade salad dressings.

1650 Braeburn Dr, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: 540-387-9061

7.Alejandro's Mexican Grill, Salem, VA

Alejandro’s Mexican Grill is a mini-local chain that offers classic Mexican dishes, a popular salsa bar and award-winning margaritas. Their Salem restaurant is located in the Mill Lane Commons Shopping center. It is a no-frills counter-serve eatery with extensive menu of everyone’s favorite tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and tortas. Their Salsa Bar has freshly made salsas, chips, sliced jalapenos, onions, lemon wedges and other bits that make meals more interesting. There are a few authentic Mexican dishes that use classic family recipes, such flautas, sopas and enchiladas. One of the most popular dishes is Alejandro’s skewers with two pieces of chicken and one shrimp marinated in a house seasoning sauce, skewered and grilled and served over grilled veggies.

1304 W Main St, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: 540-387-1420

8.Corbin’s Confections, Salem, Virginia

Having peanut or other nut allergy can make life pretty difficult for those who love sweets. How do you know for sure that what you are buying is truly without any trace of peanuts, which can cause a life-threatening reaction in you? At Corbin’s Confections, you can be sure, since the owner and head baker is also allergic to nuts. To help other folks with the same problem, she opened the Salem’s and area’s first and only completely gluten-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free bakery. The bakery specializes in freshly baked goods such as breads, buns, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, scones, pies, cookies, or brownies. And if you request it, they can also make their dairy-free, egg-free and soy-free.

18 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: 540-404-0300

9.Dixie Caverns

The western region of Virginia is home to a number of beautiful caverns, many of which are sadly closed to the public. But where other caverns may fail, the Dixie Cavern delivers as it’s been welcoming guests to explore its awe-inspiring interiors since 1923. Much like snowflakes are unique and display individual beauty, so do each of the Dixie Caverns. See for yourself just how incredible and beautiful the natural world can be, with magnificent formations to behold within the cavern’s walls. While exploring the Dixie Caverns on your own is more than welcome, the best way to get the most of your trip is through their guided tours which can be booked ahead of time and last an average of fifty minutes. Meanwhile, the caverns are also home to a 44-dealer antique mall, and a full hook-up campground for those who want to spend the night at Dixie.

5753 West Main Street, Salem, Virginia 24153, Phone: 540-380-2085

10.Launching Pad Trampoline Park and Family Center

Jump into an incredible day of fun at the Launching Pad Trampoline Park and Family Center, the one and only trampoline park in all of Roanoke Valley. When Launching Pad says that they’ve got enough attractions to keep your family busy for the entire day, they mean it. The park has more than 10 activities to try out in addition to its thousands of square feet of trampolines. Get competitive at the Dodgeball Court, get some major air while testing your aim at the Dunk Lanes, or test your power and balance at the Jousting Pit or Rope Ladder. Launching Pad also has a Flight Training Wall for climbing enthusiasts, a Launch Tower for adrenaline junkies, and bumper cars for those who just want to have a bumping good time. Don’t miss out on the Real American Ninja Warrior Course either, which is a true test of strength.

1300 Intervale Drive, Salem, Virginia 24153, Phone: 540-404-9235

11.Olde Salem Brewing Company

Literally built on heritage, the Olde Salem Brewing Company is nestled in the center of Salem’s Historic Main Street District. The building that the brewing company calls home was erected a mere 114 years after the town’s foundation by James Simpson in 1806. As such, Olde Salem Brewing Company truly believes that each glass of their craft beer holds a piece of history. Their goal is simple, to make thoughtfully crafted beer that is worthy of enjoyment and sharing between friends and the community. Visitors to the taproom and sample expertly crafted options like the Sweet Carolime, a Mexican Lime Lager, the Jump German Pilsner, and a fruity Raspberry Wheat memorably named the Heartbroken in Disrepair.

21 East Main Street, Salem, Virginia 24153; Phone: 540-404-4399

12.Thunder Valley Family Entertainment Center

Traveling to Salem with your family? The Thunder Valley Family Entertainment Center is your ticket to a fun day of laughter and great memories without having to break the bank. Founded in 1997, Thunder Valley is best known for its Go-Kart tracks. The entertainment center features both an indoor and outdoor track, with the latter having the fastest karts in Thunder Valley. That’s not all the park has to offer though, as even the littlest of racers can satisfy their need for speed safely at the Kiddie Kart Track. Thunder Valley also has a laser tag arena, a nostalgia-inducing arcade, and a bowling alley. If that’s not enough, guests can also head to the center’s mini-golf course or their batting cages.

1865 Dillard Drive, Salem, Virginia 24153, Phone: 540-387-9477

13.Hanging Rock Golf Club

Swing your golf clubs in the center of Roanoke Valley’s stunning natural beauty at the Hanging Rock Golf Club. With a championship course designed by Russell Breeden that overlooks the Valley, the Hanging Rock Golf Club has been awarded many national awards such as a three-and-a-half star rating from Golf Digest, and a spot on the Washington Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Must Play Courses in the Mid-Atlantic list. Visitors to Hanging Rock are sure to enjoy a challenging and memorable course as this 18-hole layout has challenged some of the state’s most seasoned veterans. Open seven days a week, visitors are encouraged to book their tee times ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

1500 Red Lane, Salem, Virginia 24153, Phone: 540-389-7275

14.Dilly Dally

It’s amazing just how much Dilly Dally Cafe can squeeze into 1200 square feet of space! This beloved café is practically a neighborhood institution with an incredible 110 years of operation under its belt. Despite their age, the café always has something new to offer as it specializes in local and Virginia-made goods that will have you taking home more than you realized. Pick up some fantastic local honey, maple syrup, homemade salsa, and spices, or even locally made items like candles and soaps. When you’re done shopping, have a seat and tuck into some of Salem’s most delicious hotdogs, or have a taste of their popular homemade chicken salad. Be sure to try their irresistible ice cream and cupcakes while you’re at it.

1511 Eddy Avenue, Salem, Virginia 24153, Phone: 540-404-4227

15.Mamma Maria's

Dishing up some of the most delicious, and most authentic, Italian cuisine in Salem is Mamma Maria’s, a local favorite eatery with over 20 years in the business. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing, zesty salad or a freshly baked deluxe pizza, Mamma Maria’s has got you covered with its authentic recipes and fresh ingredients. Tuck into any of their gourmet pizzas, or build your own with the wide variety of toppings that they have to choose from. Don’t forget to sample some of their classics like the Eggplant Rollatini or the Stuffed Shells Florentine either. Make sure to save some room for dessert, too, as Mamma Maria’s make a mean line-up of mouthwatering and decadent gelatos that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

2025 W Main Street, Salem, Virginia 24153, Phone: 540-389-2848