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Check out the Roanoke BLOG for can't-miss events and attractions and to learn where the locals go!
The Roanoke Valley, capital of the Blue Ridge, allows you to experience all four spectacular seasons in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia, located on Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Valley is recognized for its railroad heritage, many festivals and historic farmers' market area, with nearby shopping including handmade crafts and Virginia specialty items. Discover southern hospitality at our restaurants, shops and attractions.
Located within a day's drive of half the nation's population, the Roanoke Valley is situated in western Virginia on Interstate 81 at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley. The largest metropolitan area in western Virginia (population estimated 290,000), the Valley is served by Roanoke Airport, providing jet service to major destinations.
Explore the Roanoke Valley's railroad heritage at the remodeled historic N&W freight station, which houses the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Home to the largest collection of diesel and steam locomotives in the United States—including the Class J No. 611 and Class A No. 1218 steam engines—there are more than 40 pieces of rolling stock in the museum yard. Also on display are antique carriages, cars, trucks, buses and trolleys. Experience American’s steam locomotive era through acclaimed photography at the O. Winston Link Museum. Rail artifacts, interactive displays and films complement the dramatic black and white photography.
The Historic Farmers' Market in downtown Roanoke is the oldest such market in continuous use in Virginia. Today the market includes unique shopping, produce, art galleries, country stores, restaurants, museums, coffee shops and theater.
New to downtown Roanoke, the Taubman Museum of Art will open to the public in November 2008. The award-winning building designed by noted Los Angeles architect Randall Stout is a dramatic composition that pays sculptural tribute to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 81,000-square-foot museum will house exhibition galleries and education spaces, including an interactive art center and gallery for children, a flexible theater/programming space, a multi-purpose auditorium, research library, shop, studio classroom and café.
Other Roanoke attractions include Center in the Square, a multi-cultural center housing the Science Museum of Western Virginia and Hopkins Planetarium, History Museum, and Mill Mountain Theatre. Visitors may also be interested in the Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke Star and Overlook, Dixie Caverns, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, and more. Regional sightseeing includes Booker T. Washington National Monument, Natural Bridge, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, and National D-Day Memorial.
A vast array of outdoor recreation can also be found in the Roanoke Valley. Choose from hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, camping and more. The Appalachian Trail winds its way by the Roanoke Valley as part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Smith Mountain Lake offers a wide variety of water sports. In addition, the Roanoke Valley now offers complete golf packages.
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