Salem

Salem sits beautifully framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway that creates a truly distinctive backdrop for daily life. Known as "Virginia's Championship City," Salem hosts first-class sporting events throughout the year, including the Salem Red Sox at the state-of-the-art Carilion Clinic Field featuring mountain views and a to-scale replica of Fenway Park's Green Monster. As the oldest settlement in the Roanoke Valley, downtown Salem perfectly combines historical charm with modern amenities, featuring antique shopping, the Salem Farmers Market, and unique dining from the famous calzones at Mac & Bob's to craft beers at Olde Salem Brewing Company and Parkway Brewing Company. The region offers over 1,000 miles of trails for outdoor recreation and easy access to Virginia's Triple Crown hiking destinations - Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs - plus unique attractions like Dixie Caverns. Salem's strong community spirit shines through events like the Salem Fair (Virginia's largest and one of the top 100 in the country), Winterfest Beach Bash, and concerts at the Salem Civic Center featuring everyone from country stars to symphony performances. With convenient access to Interstate 81 and multiple Blue Ridge Parkway entry points, Salem serves as an ideal home base for exploring all that Virginia's Blue Ridge region has to offer.