A limestone spring gave rise to the name Cave Spring, VA, but the hidden stories surrounding that natural feature tell more than maps ever could. With a population of approximately 26,000, the area is a quiet yet historically loaded part of Roanoke County.  Though it’s officially unincorporated, Cave Spring contains the county’s administrative offices—an ironic twist since Salem holds the legal designation of county seat. The original Cave Spring Methodist Church, built in the mid-1800s by craftsman Benjamin Deyerle, still stands as one of the area’s oldest structures. According to church renovation records, a cornerstone was sealed with a Bible and construction documents, yet its precise location remains a mystery.

Despite the absence of traditional downtown sprawl, Cave Spring has hosted several longstanding local events that shape its social landscape. In early May, the Bridlewood neighborhood holds its annual multifamily and multi resident yard sale, a tradition organized by neighbors for the wider community across several streets, encouraging reuse and friendly interaction among local families. Each fall, Cave Spring High School plays host to the Knights Crossing Invitational, a cross country meet run annually at Green Hill Park under sponsorship of the school. The 20th annual edition was held in September 2024 and attracted teams from multiple states, with runners competing on a grass course ranked among Virginia’s fastest meets.

Physical activity and the outdoors are part of daily life here, not framed as getaways but as extensions of the terrain. Though Cave Spring lacks a major central park or amusement site, its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Jefferson National Forest places residents within reach of hundreds of miles of hiking and scenic drives. Wildlife sightings are common along these routes, especially near the Roanoke River Greenway, just minutes from Cave Spring’s residential zones. Fishing and kayaking are accessible, though most local families are more likely to be spotted along nearby trails walking dogs or pushing strollers.

Several local businesses contribute to the area’s distinct identity. Kellys Music has become a fixture for musicians of all ages, offering a mix of retail instruments, accessories, and private lessons. Whether someone is picking up their first acoustic guitar or tuning a professional-grade violin, the staff’s expertise caters to both beginners and seasoned players. Nearby, Cave Springs Painting provides residential and commercial painting services throughout Roanoke County. Known for their detailed prep work and clean finishes, the company handles both interior and exterior jobs.

Restaurants in Cave Spring reflect a mixture of heritage cuisines and local preferences. Petra Mediterranean Grill serves traditional dishes such as beef shawarma, chicken kebab, and house-made hummus, accompanied by imported grocery items like tahini and rosewater. Don Camaron Seafood specializes in fried oysters, hush puppies, and cod dinners, often served in Styrofoam containers that belie the flavor complexity. Taco Rojas features carne asada tacos, green enchiladas, and flan, attracting both dine-in and takeaway crowds.

Local service providers play an important role in keeping Cave Spring homes protected from the ground up. Star City Crawl Space offers specialized crawlspace services including encapsulation, drainage solutions, and insulation upgrades tailored to local conditions. Our professional team helps residents protect one of the most overlooked areas of the home through reliable, detail-oriented service. Contact us today for more information.