Roanoke Area Information
Roanoke is the third largest city in Virginia, located in Western Virginia among the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located just off Interstate 81 and U.S. Routes 220, 221, 11, 460 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is a 4 hour drive from Washington DC, a 3 hour drive from Richmond and a 90 minute drive from Greensboro, NC.
Founded in 1882 the city grew rapidly during the peak of the railroad era. Diversified industries and the service sector now make up the economy in Roanoke.
The metropolitan area is home to 236,000 people. It's mountains and many attractions have drawn visitors for years. Recently it has appealed to retirees from throughout the east and Midwest.
Some good websites to check for more information are:
www.visitroanokeva.com
www.roanoke.com
www.theroanoker.com
www.commonwealthcoach.com
Some Local Attractions
Blue Ridge Parkway– America’s longest unspoiled roadway traveled by more than 26 million motorists, hikers and bikers. The parkway comes within a mile of Roanoke. Roanoke is the largest city along the parkway. The parkway celebrates 75 years in 2010.
Virginia Museum of Transportation– a huge collection of transportation memorabilia including trains, trolleys, carriages and more. (Located downtown Roanoke.)
Farmer’s Market– first opened in 1882 this open-air market is the oldest, continuous operation of its kind in Virginia. A unique mixture of history, museums, boutiques, shops, restaurants and fresh produce. (Located downtown Roanoke.)
Center in the Square– located on the Farmer’s Market it is home to the History Museum & Historical Society of Western Virginia, the Science Museum of Western Virginia & Hopkins Planetarium and the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge. (Located downtown Roanoke.)
The Taubman Museum of Art– At the heart of downtown Roanoke, the new 81,000 square foot Taubman Museum of Art proves an arresting landmark. As Roanoke's most contemporary structure, it provides an analog for the city's evolution from industrial and manufacturing town to technology-driven city. The building's forms and materials evoke both the drama of the surrounding mountainous landscape of the Shenandoah Valley. More than 16,000 square feet of gallery space for permanent collection and temporary exhibition galleries are located on the building's second level. Illuminated glass treads lead visitors up a limestone-clad grand staircase to the galleries.
Valley View Mall – located near the Roanoke Regional Airport, Valley View is the region's largest mall with nearly 200 stores within and around the mall.
Booker T. Washington National Monument– Reconstructed mid-1800’s tobacco plantation. (Located in Hardy, Virginia, near Roanoke.)
Jefferson National Forest– one of the largest national forests on the east coast offering hiking, camping, picnicking and scenic vistas. (Encompasses hundreds of square miles including the outskirts of Roanoke.)
Mill Mountain Star– The world’s largest man-made neon star built as a community-spirited project atop Mill Mountain, overlooking Roanoke. (Located downtown Roanoke.)
Harrison Museum of African American Culture– Features an extensive collection of memorabilia, objects and photographs highlighting the achievements of African Americans in the Roanoke Valley. (Located downtown Roanoke.)
Virginia Tech/Blacksburg – less than an hour away is Blacksburg, home to Virginia Tech, Virginia's largest public university.
Salem– established in 1812, Salem offers many historic sites and a small town feel a short distance from Roanoke.
Lexington – Home to Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. This historic town features museums, shops and more. (Located 65 miles north of Roanoke.)
Fincastle – Established in 1770 this quiet community is the county seat for Botetourt County, which once encompassed territory all the way to Wisconsin. It was as far west as you could get in the 1770’s. The town retains many of its original buildings. The courthouse was designed by Thomas Jefferson. (Located 25 miles north of Roanoke.)
Buchanan – Established in the 1830s this small town on the James River was the western terminus of the James River and Kanawha Canal. Filled with history and shops it is the classic American small town, right down to the community movie theatre. (Located 30 miles north of Roanoke.)
Natural Bridge of Virginia – One of the seven wonders of the world. A naturally occurring geological formation in the form of a bridge. (Located 40 miles north of Roanoke.)
To The Rescue Museum - This national EMS museum is dedicated to Julian Wise who formed the first volunteer rescue squad in the nation in Roanoke. Located in Roanoke.
Smith Mountain Lake – The second largest lake in Virginia with over 500 miles of shoreline. At the State Park visitors can enjoy 1,500 acres of swimming, fishing, picnicking and hiking. Located near Roanoke.
