Roanoke, Virginia is a low-rise city. Photo by Dreamstime.com
I recently visited what may be described as a small city – population about 100,000 – which offers visitors 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 both indoor and outdoor attractions.
Roanoke, Virgina also beckons guests who are seeking the solace of tranquil mountain settings, including sites that may be viewed from one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Roanoke, Virginia Appeals to Many Interests
This something-for-everyone dichotomy draws people from near and far to explore and enjoy what has been labeled an inviting mountain town and top trail town. The community sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which extend from Pennsylvania to Georgia and are named for their bluish color when seen from a distance.
For starters, this is a very walkable town. It’s a largely flat, low-rise place. Curb cuts are frequent and make getting around by those with a physical handicap, walking with crutches or rolling in a wheelchair easy.
Roanoke, Virginia’s Growth from Tiny Town to Small City
Roanoke’s story began in the 1740s, when two settlers from Pennsylvania acquired land near salt licks that were crossed by trails laid down by Native Americans and animals. Those salt marshes were a gathering place for buffalo, elk, and deer, as well as for the humans who hunted them.
The salt marshes were to lend their name to the first village in the Roanoke Valley, which came to be known as Big Lick. With the arrival of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad, Big Lick was renamed Roanoke. That was derived from the Indian word "Rawrenock," a name for the shell beads that were worn by indigenous people.
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 steel and concrete structure, which has been a beacon at the top of Mill Mountain for many years. Other attractions are varied and, to me, very interesting.
The Roanoke Star is Roanoke, Virginia’s main attraction. Photo by dreamstime.com
Center in the Square is occupied by museums and live theatre facilities. Among these are collections related to African-American culture, local history, science and pinball machines.
Exploring Roanoke, Virginia’s Music Scene and “Architectural Salvage”
When I wasn’t taking in information about these miscellaneous topics, I was exploring other chapters of Roanoke’s past and reasons for its sightseeing pull. 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, intimate music halls and impromptu jam sessions that can get underway at restaurants, breweries, wineries and farmers markets.
Visiting one of the many farmers markets in Roanoke, Virginia. Photo by Larry Metayer/Dreamstime.com
One of the more interesting and intriguing places I happened upon was Black Dog Salvage, a popular, if offbeat, institution in town. 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 are looking for doesn’t really need it.
Canoeing is a popular pastime in and around Roanoke, Virginia. Photo by Dreamstime.com
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 that account for its being designated as the mountain biking capital of the east coast. While I had left my wheels at home, I experienced some of the reasons for that accolade during walking outings along stretches of several of those 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 1930s 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 was described as "America's Favorite Drive" by a number of publications.
Enjoying scenic views from that freeway and equally inviting scenes in and close to Roanoke, Virginia are two of many reasons to include that city/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, as I came to learn, 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 my 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.
If you go: For more information about Roanoke, visit visitroanokeva.com.
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