8 Best Things to Do in Salem, VA

July 27, 2019 - Updated

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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