East Coast Destination

Roanoke, Virginia: The Star City of the Blue Ridge Parkway

(Images by Ruksana Hussain)

Beautiful lakes, rivers and outdoor trails welcome you to this green gem in the mountains. To start on the right note, begin at Hotel Roanoke, a historic property with a fabulous lobby, most of which, along with the elevator area, is original to the hotel which opened in 1881.

Then visit the Star of Roanoke, the reason for the Star City moniker. You can drive, hike or bike to it but stop at the lookout point from where you can view all the mountains of the valley on a clear day. The star, in fact, is three stars made into one, and changes colors through the year.

Roanoke’s history is steeped in American Indian origins. The trains built the city, but the rail roads also brought with them prosperity and now the more famous landmark locally is Virginia Tech. Roanoke is midway between New York City and Atlanta, making it a good central stop for east coast road trips.

Attractions

Mountain biking is big here and urban biking is a way of life. Head out for biking the Roanoke Greenways and you can discover why

Roanoke is one of the best places in the nation for mountain biking and road cycling. Get fitted for your equipment at Underdog Bikes, and then take an exploration along the scenic urban trails that connect over 30 miles of the area’s natural beauty to its charming neighborhoods and vibrant downtown!

The temperate climate and gorgeous views will make this biking experience unforgettable. You can also request a guide who will share the history of the city with you as you explore different inner-city pathways. On a good weather day, this is an activity you will not get enough of.

The arts play a big role here too. An art walk around the city may perchance find you admiring the dog sculpture at the fire station or seeking columns under bridges. A stroll through Elmwood Park will also bring you along a series of pillars representing Roanoke’s many sister cities around the world. The Taubman Museum is one of the most recognizable buildings in Roanoke and rightly so. The architect is Rendall Stall, a student of Frank Gehry’s so the resemblance in style is easy to see.

Other places to have on your agenda are the Pinball Museum and Harrison Museum of African American Culture. After, head to Center in the Square in the heart of downtown Roanoke. Some stops include the Living Coral Reef Aquarium, and the historic Mill Mountain Theatre.

The Star of Roanoke, the reason for the Star City moniker.

Don’t miss on the local art scene.

Tour and attend a film at the Historic Grandin Theatre for the cinematic arts, which has served the community of Roanoke since 1932 and has remained architecturally unchanged since its opening. A beauty!

Dine and Wine

Sip on a delicious craft beer at Chaos Mountain Brewing Co. or take a libation vacation as you sample an array of handcrafted cocktails at a few of Roanoke’s finest establishments such as Lucky and Stellina.

If in nearby Salem, enjoy a few local libations at hangouts such as Macado’s, Mac n’ Bobs and Red Rooster Bar. For breakfast, you’ll have to stop in at Scratch Biscuit Company, where the Jezebel biscuit is their specialty. For lunch, consider Billy’s where you can have soups and sandwiches, avocado dip, lamb chop lollipop, cream of chicken and mushroom soup with crab cakes with succotash or Local Roots to dive into soups, flatbread, cheese plates and more. Ramps and morel mushrooms are used a lot here as they are locally grown so be prepared to see them on menus everywhere. Fortunato is a great Italian spot for dinner.

Day trip

A little further away in Franklin County, The Land of Two Lakes and Four Rivers, embrace small town charm as you experience early rural life at the Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum, a recreated German immigrant farmstead that gives you a snapshot of the history of the region.

Then cuddle up to a furry friend and engage in unique hands-on experiences at not one but two alpaca farms: Pacabella and Smith Mountain Lake Alpaca.

Cuteness overload guaranteed! Alpacas have 22 colors from white to black and live to be about that age as well. Their fiber is hypoallergenic which explains the demand for it and has also resulted in a shift in them being viewed as exotic animals to now farm animals.

Amidst all this, don’t forget that sunrise on the Blue Ridge Parkway of Virginia is a sight to behold. Enjoy a leisurely sunrise drive when time permits so you can fully indulge in the natural beauty of the area.

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