visiting roanoke, va

I recently visited a small city – population about 100,000 – which offersvisitors a full menu of things to see and do.  It’s a center of arts and crafts, elegance and culture, with a wide choice of indoor and outdoor attractions.

Roanoke, Virgina beckons guests seeking the solace of tranquil mountain settings.  It sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which extend from Pennsylvania to Georgia and are named for their bluish color when seen from a distance.

This is a very walkable town, a flat, low-rise place with man-made attractions grouped close to each other.  Yet minutes away by car awaits Mother Nature’s magnificent handiwork.

Roanoke’s story began in the 1740s, when two settlers acquired land near salt licks which were used by Native Americans and animals.   Those salt marshes were to lend their name to the first village in the Roanoke Valley, known first as Big Lick, then later as Roanoke.  That was derived from the Indian word “Rawrenock,” as shell beads worn by indigenous people were known.

 

In 1882, the village became a crossroads for the railroad, which marked the start of its rapid growth.  Today, it’s a center of transportation, trade, manufacturing, entertainment and recreation.

The city played a role in the Civil War, serving as a supply center for Confederate troops.  Its most iconic attraction is the Roanoke Star, a 100-foot-high illuminated structure perched on Mill Mountain.  Other attractions are varied and, to me, equally interesting.

Center in the Square is occupied by museums and live theatre facilities.  Among these are collections related to African-American culture, local history and science. 

When I wasn’t taking in information about these miscellaneous topics, I was exploring other chapters of Roanoke’s past.   The local music scene began to flourish in the early 20th century, focused on folk and bluegrass influences.  Over time, they were augmented by other genres including country, rock and jazz.  Visitors today may swing and sway at concert venues, music halls and impromptu Jam sessions that can get underway at restaurants, breweries, wineries and farmers markets.

One of the more intriguing places I happened upon was Black Dog Salvage, a popular if offbeat institution.  Its sprawling show rooms are jam packed with “architectural salvage,” antique items, artwork, vintage goods and souvenirs.

Even if you don’t intend to purchase anything, it’s worth a visit for anyone who loves quirky historic and vintage items.  Viewing the seemingly endless array of artifacts, I concluded that anyone who doesn’t find what they were looking for doesn’t really need it.

For those so inclined, the Roanoke region offers more than 1,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking and paddling.  These include over 400 miles of mountain biking paths which account for its being designated as the mountain biking capital of the east coast.  had left my wheels at home, I experienced some of the reasons for that accolade during walking outings along stretches of several trails.  

Another welcome experience with an interesting story to tell was driving along a stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds through Virginia and North Carolina.  Much of that road was constructed in the 1930’s as part of the New Deal programs that President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented to put Americans back to work following the Great Depression.  After its completion during the 1950s and 1960s, the highway came to be known as “America’s Favorite Drive. 

Enjoying scenic views from that freeway and equally inviting scenes in and close to Roanoke, Virginia are two of many reasons to include that town on your travel itinerary list.  Throw in its artsy vibe, eclectic collection of museums and other attractions, along with close-by outdoorsy activities and the question is why haven’t you included the community on your must-see travel list.

Adding to the sense of history in Roanoke was may stay at the Promissory.  That building opened its doors as a bank in 1882 and helped to finance and shape the city in its early days.  Now it’s a boutique hotel, event venue, Spanish-inspired restaurant and wine bar.

For more information about Roanoke, log on to visitroanokeva.com.