Located in the Roanoke Valley off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this city plays a vital role as the transportation hub for passengers and coal mining industry. You can explore the heritage of the railway and visit the Museum of Transportation., with a wide array of exhibits, including well kept steam locomotives. You can also take a trip to the summit of the Mill Mountain; once you reach the top, you can take a closer look at the man-made star. The Mountain offers beautiful landscaped parks, hiking trails and a zoo. This could very well make Roanoke a perfect place to spend quality time.

Read more in Tripatini contributor Sanjeeb Mallick's post 3 Places You Shouldn't Miss in Virginia.