The Roanoke Valley

I told you about the Hotel Roanoke in a previous report.  This time around a little about the Roanoke Valley.

The city lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Allegheny Mountains to the east.  It is the 10th largest city in Virginia with a population of about 99,000. It was originally known as the Big Lick named for salt deposits.  It was an important link to the railroad industry when the Norfolk and Western railroad had its headquarters here.

I traveled here not so much to research the history but to discover what's there today for those looking for a destination for a daytrip or overnight. You can fly in, but from the Baltimore area it's about four to four and a half hours away by car. Just get to 81 South and follow it to 581.                                                                                                                    

There are interesting museums to visit. To name a few would be: the Eleanor Wilson Museum at Hollins University, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, History Museum of Western Virginia, O. Winston Link, Taubman Museum of Art, Science Museum and the Virginia Museum of transportation.

And there's also a zoo, the City Market, the minor league team of the Red Sox nearby in Salem, shopping in very quaint stores on streets like Campbell and Market Square and on occasion a symphony, ballet, theatre and opera.

Big attractions, like the circus, play at the Civic Center. I found the downtown area to be very walkable. I parked my car one time and then spent hours simply walking around checking out the sites.                                                                                

Roanoke is known as the Star City because there is indeed a very big star looming over the city on Mill Mountain. It's over 1,000 feet above the city and its lit every night. It is basically a symbol of the progressive spirit of the city.

On your way to or from Roanoke be sure to stop by and see the Natural Bridge and the other attractions at that location. Those other attractions include a wildlife feeding area, the Monacan Indian Village, a butterfly exhibit, the Lost River and Saltpeter Cave.

I had a very nice time here and no doubt you will too.  For more information go to visitvablueridge.com.