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Ironto Safety Rest Area

4.4 (18 reviews)
InexpensiveRest Stops

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Finding beauty at the rest stop: 39°!
Courtenay O.

Pit stop with beautiful flowers and history! Bonus! Women's restrooms were clean, with hot water and hot drying machines, and activated door in and out for physically challenged - or those wishing to avoid germs. Afterwards, I toured the grounds, finding beauty (daffodils?) and history (Truss bridge). Also got some safety tips on a sign, near the dispenser for dog poop bags. This is a nice stop for walking, learning, relieving oneself, and soaking up nature's beauty.

Entrance to the Ironto Safety Rest Area
Bruce K.

Serving the northbound traffic on I-81 not too far from Roanoke, this rest is similar to others on Virginia's interstates with a central brick building that has separate men's and women's and another building with vending machines. There are some other interesting features here including a neat bridge and some shade from the sun if you were thinking of taking a nap. It's a good spot for a stretch. [Review 13763 overall, 1084 of 2020, number 1198 in Virginia.]

Lots of people who died from smallpox buried here
Mateo M.

It's clean, free and not too crowded, no downside at all. If you're close by and need a bathroom break, or just some time to stretch your legs, stop on by. It was a little cold to hang out too long, but noticed some nice looking picnic tables, and there are vending machines as well. Check out the commemorative plaque as well, some interesting history here as well.

Aieda B.

Needed a place to stop and rest as well as use the restroom. I dreaded using the restroom because, I mean, it's a rest stop lol. The whole area is very well lit and has plenty of parking. A nice amount of vending options are available, they even have a Starbucks machine with craps at $3.25. There are many small shelter areas to set up lunch or a meal. There are grills and a fish cleaning station at a couple of shelter spots. Very clean and well kept landscaping. The restroom for the women was surprisingly very clean for a rest stop. I felt comfortable enough to do my business and wash my hands without turning up my nose in disgust the whole time. There was a woman who came in to service the restroom while I was in there and she was very sweet, she had a mop, and a nice amount of cleaning equipment to use. I will definitely stop here again and maybe try to get some sleep.

Neal E.

Another quality Virginia Rest Area sponsored by Geico! This one is located on Interstate 81 (I-81) Northbound, very close to the town of Elliston, VA - even though it's named for Ironto, VA - which is a tad farther away from the physical rest stop. As usual, stopped in to stretch the legs, use the restroom facilities, and get my bearings. From the VDOT web site: Safety Rest Area: We are open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. The facility is open to all vehicles. Amenities: Handicapped accessible Telephones, including phones for the hearing impaired Picnic area with grills Vending machines Pet rest area See attendant on-site if a family rest room is needed.

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2 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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4 years ago

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6 years ago

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3 years ago

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7 years ago

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2 years ago

Very nice. Relatively clean and everything worked correctly. Good location. This stop was easy access off and on I-81 North.

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4 years ago

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Photo of Dana B.
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3 years ago

Small rest area and has the basics. Easy to access but could be improved compared to other stops.

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13 years ago

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

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6 years ago

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12 years ago

Stopped here for a bio-break during a long drive along I-81. The facilities were clean and well-maintained.

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10 years ago

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12 years ago

This is one of the cleanest rest areas I've ever been to. It's in a great location, since there are no other places to stop in this area.

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12 years ago

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Review Highlights - Ironto Safety Rest Area

Very nice and clean rest area.

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I-81 Travel Plaza - The blown tire while awaiting road service.

I-81 Travel Plaza

(3 reviews)

The plaza shop and restrooms are always perfect. My wife and I bought a house in SC and are in the…read moreprocess of moving from NY to SC. On my last trip down, towing a very fully loaded trailer behind my RAM Rebel 1500 pickup, At about 12 midnight, I had a trailer tire blow out just after gettin on I-77 from I-81. I called the I-81 travel plaza for roadside assistance. The mechanic on duty was Don. He arrived at my location a couple hours later as he was out on another service call when I called. He brought a new trailer tire, made sure my damaged rim was good after getting the blown tire off. It took him a while, but he got me back on the road and I arrived at my destination in SC safely. The service was GREAT, Don was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. If I had to find a negative something to comment on, it would be charging me $125 for a $76 tire, and $293 for the service. It is what it is and they know they have you by the short curly hairs in your nether region, so they really over charge you. Also, they do not take credit cards or checks, so they will follow you to the next exit and wait for you at the ATM. It can really be expected. I'm sure they've been screwed out of payment by so E people so they make sure you're not gonna beat them out of their due, even if it is exorbitant. Lesson learned: don't hit the road without a good spare and the proper tools. Would I recommend them? In a pinch, ABSOLUTELY. Don was awesome and very diligent about all his work. Thank you I-81 travel plaza and THANK YOU Don M.

They will rob you blind. I had a double blow out. called and the service guys that came out were…read moregreat. after all was said and done, they sent me a work order to sign. nothing on it. couldn't even open the invoice. then they sent the bill. they charged $3400 to change 2 tires. I've been in this business a long time and they tried to tell me I had a special tire. mind you I've been buying these 245/70/17.5 for low deck trailers for years. never paid $850 per tire. Stay away from these crooks. I was also told they gotta pay for all them expensive toys they keep buying. Crooks.

Hampton Inn Salem - Reception

Hampton Inn Salem

(48 reviews)

$$

We stayed at the Hampton Inn while attending the Front Line Freedom hike and had a great…read moreexperience. The hotel was extremely accommodating to our group. They allowed us to gather in the lobby for a few hours at night with others participating in the hike, which made it a great place to connect and spend time together. They also have a beautiful outdoor area with a fire pit where we were able to relax, enjoy some cigars, and have a few drinks after a long day. It really added to the overall experience. One of the standout touches was the staff opening the breakfast buffet early for us since we had very early morning hikes. They did this for two days over the weekend, which did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated. The staff was friendly, accommodating, and went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well maintained. Highly recommend this Hampton Inn, especially if you are traveling with a group. They truly went above and beyond.

My 20 year old son and I stayed here for one night in May 2026 after his move-out from Virginia…read moreTech. Lots of pluses. First, the location is close to I-81 and convenient for the 20 minute drive to Blacksburg. Second, the interior lobby is cheerful with colorful glass art. Third, the fitness center was nicer than expected with several treadmills. Fourth, the queen-size beds were quite comfortable. Finally, the DIY breakfast from 6am-10am is what you would expect from Hampton Inns. Overall, I would recommend this Hampton Inn if you're passing through the area and need a location that is convenient to I-81.

Ironto Safety Rest Area - reststops - Updated May 2026

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