If you like to bowl and are in Roanoke, Virginia, you know where to go already. For those freshly-bitten by the bowling bug, these are the best local alleys. The daytime price for a game is usually under $4.
Those who want to take a break can walk over to the food counter for drinks and on-the-spot snacks. Games like pool, mini basketball and arcade racing are available. Each of the following places also feature leagues, discount passes, and weekend specials complete with lots of flashing lights.
Lee Hi Lanes
1830 Apperson Drive
Salem, VA 24153
540-389-0000
Lee Hi Lanes is normally open from 9 a.m.-midnight. Of the three bowling alleys local to Roanoke, this one stays open the latest Friday and Saturday, until 2 a.m.
The “last call” weekend hours mean there is no toleration of horseplay, so play nicely at Lee Hi. Lane maintenance varies from week to week, which means a two hundred game is possible for the intermediate bowler. Keep trying.
One good special: At least one night per week, Lee Hi features ninety-nine cent bowling.
Vinton Bowling Center
1200 Vinyard Rd
Vinton, VA 24179
540-344-2063
The hours at VAC vary from day to day. Saturday is the prime bowling day here, when they’re open 12-12.
Vinton’s alley appears less-visited than either Lee Hi or Hilltop Lanes. The game room is nice and service is very friendly here. Want a weekend lane at the last minute? Vinton Bowling Center is your best bet. Call ahead during the week, though.
One good special: Wednesdays and Saturdays feature “Fifty-cent Mania.” You pay five dollars upfront, then fifty cents for each game until closing.
Hilltop Lanes
5918 Williamson Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
540-366-8879
Open every day from 9 a.m.-Midnight, except for Sundays when they open at 10 a.m.
All things considered, Hilltop Lanes is the best bowling center of this trio. The lane condition and sound system is good everywhere; Hilltop’s is a bit better. If you want a weekend lane here, be early.
One good special: AMF offers a $19.95 pass that allows two free games a day, for an entire season.
A few excellent bowlers frequent all three alleys. So be ready for some impromptu competition, if you’re up to it.
Prefer to keep it casual, but planning to hit the alley often in the near future? You may be tempted to purchase a personal ball and bag. Buy your own bowling shoes first. They will pay for themselves within a half-dozen bowling trips, and be around for years. The comfort you get from your own shoes could translate into better games.