Salem: Eureka! I have found it!

by John Long

Salem Tourist Information

“Eureka! I have found it! I have found a town mid the mountain-guarded, river-divided valley of Roanoke... that will be a large and thriving city within the next ten years!”

So gushed an out-of-town investor in 1890 of the promise of Salem, Virginia. He was a bit over-optimistic on village’s future—Salem never quite became another Chicago—but when he extolled the “fertile, beautiful, and healthful” town he certainly got it right. For more than two centuries visitors have found Salem an unexpected gem, an American hometown off the beaten path, with shops, restaurants, and attractions to delight every age. Stay an hour or a month—Salem never disappoints!

You’ll want to begin your stopover in Salem at (where else?) the Salem Visitors' Center. You’ll find it conveniently located in the lobby of the state-of-the-art Civic Center. Pick up info on area attractions and a walking (or driving) tour of Salem’s historic areas. The friendly staff will make you feel welcome.

Traveling with a history buff? The past still lives in and around Salem. The Salem Museum (in Longwood Park on East Main St.) preserves the local past through fascinating programs and exhibits, which tell the story of the Roanoke Valley from Indian trails to interstate highways.

Have a sports fan in the car? Salem boasts one of the best baseball stadiums in the minor leagues. Catch the excitement at a game of the Salem Red Sox, a Class A Advanced affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Or stay for one of the numerous national athletic championships hosted by Salem—March 19-20 brings the NCAA Division III National Basketball Championship to Salem.

Maybe someone in your party loves the sport of shopping. Along Main St. (US 460) and in the downtown historic district, you’ll find numerous antique malls and specialty shops.

And everyone gets hungry! Salem boasts dozens of great places to eat, but if you ask a local, they’ll probably direct you to Mac and Bob’s right on Main St. Owner Bob Rotanz started the eatery right after graduation from nearby Roanoke College, where he played for the National Champ lacrosse team (look closely at the restaurant’s logo—it pays homage to the sport!). From the original 10-seat sandwich shop, Mac and Bob’s has grown into an upscale delight, seating hundreds indoors and now another hundred in a new outdoor dining area. You won’t leave Salem hungry!

Want to enjoy some subterranean splendor? Just west of town you’ll find Dixie Caverns, a favorite attraction for nearly 80 years. Folks still get married beneath the dome of the “Wedding Bell” rock formation. The Caverns also features a pottery, an antique mall, and camping. The angler will find the fish are biting nearby as well!

Salem offers plenty of hotels and bed & breakfasts, as well as easy access to other attractions in and around the Roanoke area. Spend some time here—and when you leave, you’ll join our 1890 friend in proclaiming “Eureka! I have found it!”

Article text ©2007-2010, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.

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