About the Inn at Burwell Place in Salem, VA

601 W Main St, Salem, VA 24153

Exterior front of the Inn at Burwell

Located near downtown Salem, the Inn at Burwell Place is a lovely place for your next visit to Southwest Virginia. Salem's downtown is a very walkable historic district that combines small town charm and vibrant energy. You'll find antique malls, craft breweries, coffee shops and plenty of restaurants offering excellent cuisine! The Inn offers free parking (1 car per guest per room), and we typically have personal check in daily between 4 and 5PM. This gives us an opportunity to meet our guests and share any local info they may need! For later check in, we can leave instructions on how to gain entrance to the house. We've been hosting guests here for 30 years, let us take care of you!

The original history of the Inn

The Inn at Burwell Place was built in 1907 in Salem as a two and a half story house in the Colonial Revival style, known as the McVitty House. It was one of several historic mansions that bordered Lake Spring Park. The owner, Samuel McVitty, occupied the house until 1915, and the house was purchased by Lewis Dawson in 1917. He added a wing to the rear of the home in the 1920's, and in the years since, the house has seen substantial landscaping. The house features elliptical fanlight windows and gabled dormers, with a full length wraparound porch and Tuscan columns. Settle into the charm of this historic southern mansion and enjoy your stay!

What is there to do in nearby downtown Salem?

Shopping & Culture

  • Antiques and boutiques - Charlotte's Web Antique Mall, Grandma's Attic, and Blue Moon Vintage Mercantile
  • Local farmer's market - Enjoy the open air market from spring to december, with local farmers, artisans and vendors
  • Roanoke College - The historic Roanoke College campus sits next to downtown Salem

Dining & Drinks

  • Mac & Bob's Restaurant - A long time staple known for tremendous calzones and a casual, sports bar atmosphere
  • Brood - An excellent bistro offering southern American dishes and a large wine list
  • Olde Salem Brewing Company - A popular local craft brewery located on Main Street, often featuring food trucks in the rear of the lot.

History & Attractions

  • Historic Walking Tour - A 22 point self guided walking tour takes you past the Old Roanoke County Courthouse and the 1845 Williams-Brown House.
  • Lake Spring Park - A cute park a short walk from downtown, with resident ducks and a peaceful spring fed pond
Exterior porch of the Inn at Burwell Entry / landing photo of the Inn at Burwell Interior photo of the living room at Burwell Place Interior photo from the Inn at Burwell - Stair Landing

What about things to do in the nearby area?

The Inn is convenient to many things to do and see! We are 5 minutes from Roanoke College, 5 minutes from the Salem Civic Center. We are 35 minutes away from Virginia Tech and Radford, 20 minutes away from Skyline Drive, 20 minutes from downtown Roanoke and the Roanoke Civic Center, 15 minutes from Dixie Caverns, 18 minutes from the newly reopened Home Place Restaurant. The local Greenway is also nearby, which can take you for a journey for miles down the river. There's lots to do and see in the area!