Exploring a charming small town nearby is an amazing way to spend a Saturday out of the house. Whether it’s a solo trip or a day out with friends, visiting Salem, VA, is a must. Just 37 miles from Radford, Salem is known for many things, from its energetic pride in local sports to the calm scenery of Lake Spring Park.
From someone who has lived in Salem most of their life, here are a few ways to spend the perfect day in Salem, including food, shopping, scenery, events, and more.
Food and Drink
Salem has some fantastic food and drink options for all kinds of palates. Here are some of my favorite small businesses that won’t disappoint. Coffee or breakfast—I would suggest Mill Mountain Coffee and Chip and Jo’s. Mill Mountain Coffee is a local company that has always been a great place to get a good cup of high-quality coffee. They offer lots of different food and drink options, and I’ve never been disappointed. Chip and Jo’s is my go-to breakfast place. They have outstanding food and a lovely small-town environment. Some other go-to restaurants are Mac and Bob’s, Allsports Cafe, and Frank’s Pizza. Mac and Bob’s is a local must that has been in Salem for years. It is a staple in Salem culture, and the food and service are great. Allsports is the go-to place if you want to watch your favorite sports team play and enjoy some yummy eats (my favorite is the wings) with your friends. Frank’s Pizza is another local gem with a great staff and even better food. They have an amazing environment and serve pizza, subs, and more food that never disappoints. The last one is the Olde Salem Brewing Co. This is a very popular brewery in Salem that I’ve personally never been to, but have heard some promising things about. Salem has tons of great locations for food and drink options, so there really is something for everyone.
Shopping
Some amazing shopping experiences unique to Salem are Charlotte’s Web Antique Mall, Blue Moon Vintage Mercantile, and New’d. There are plenty of shopping experiences in Salem, but these are just a few of my favorite sustainable second-hand/locally sourced options where you are guaranteed to find something unique. Charlotte’s Web Antique Mall is a large antique store with a wide variety of finds and frequent sales. It’s an amazing place to explore or go hunting for some treasures. Blue Moon Vintage Mercantile is a beautiful shop with all kinds of handmade treasures and art, making it a perfect place for gift shopping. It’s a great way to support local artists and a beautiful small business. New’d is located alongside Newfangled Bridal and Formal. New’d is a second-hand clothing shop that brings together trendy and sustainable. The staff at New’d and Newfangled are immensely helpful and work hard to make sure you find what you’re looking for, or let you browse on your own. Overall, these are only a handful of the many small businesses in Salem that allow for some amazing, unique shopping.
Nature and Attractions
One of the most beautiful things about Salem is the surrounding mountains and natural scenery. Some of the most loved places are Greenhill Park, Lake Spring Park, the Salem Municipal Golf Course, Moyer Park, and the Roanoke River Greenway. Greenhill Park is a pretty large park that is home to equestrian trails and hiking experiences. Greenhill is a great place to fly a kite, ride a bike, play ball, have a picnic, and more. Lake Spring Park is a beautiful park in the heart of Salem with a large duck pond, benches, and a lovely gazebo. Moyer Park is another lovely location with beautiful pickleball courts, a new playground, and picnic shelters. The Roanoke River Greenway is a walking trail based around the Roanoke River with beautiful views and great opportunities for seeing Salem and getting some exercise. The Salem Municipal Golf Course is a well-kept golf course open to the public and is even good for people not interested in golfing, as it’s a great place to see the sunrise and sunset.
Honorable Mentions
Some other noteworthy places/events in Salem are the Salem Farmers Market, the Salem Ice Cream Parlor, the Salem Civic Center, and Red Sox, and Roanoke College. There are so many great places in Salem that deserve an honorable mention, but to narrow it down to what might be most appealing to someone new to the area, these are a great place to start. The Salem Farmers Market happens year-round. Vendors are selling many different things, from fruits and vegetables to handmade soaps. The Salem Ice Cream Parlor is the perfect way to get a sweet treat, Salem-style. They have lots of great ice cream flavors and even food options, all of which are fantastic. My personal favorite thing about the Salem Ice Cream Parlor is the wall covered in pictures from the past to the present of ice cream lovers in Salem. The next honorable mention is the Salem Civic Center, as well as the Red Sox stadium. These locations are next to each other, and both provide viewing experiences for fans of baseball, comedy, concerts, conventions, and more. Lastly, Salem is home to the beautiful campus of Roanoke College, a private liberal arts college that plays a large role in shaping the culture of Salem. Walking around Roanoke College and attending events open to the public are great ways to engage with such a large part of what makes Salem what it is.
With plenty of options for food, shopping, nature, and more, Salem, VA, really is a hidden gem. Whether you want a calm day of nature and sweet cafes or a more action-packed day with sporting events and social restaurants, Salem is a great place to explore. So next time you have nothing to do or just need a change of scenery, consider exploring the beautiful Salem, VA.