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 hand-made crafts and Virginia specialty items. Discover Southern hospitality at our restaurants, shops and attractions.
Points of Interest
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 120. www.blueridgeparkway.org
Railroad History/Virginia Museum of Transportation — The Valley boasts its railroad heritage at the remodeled historic Norfolk & Western freight station housing the Virginia Museum of Transportation. The Museum is home to the largest collection of diesel and steam locomotives in the United States, including the Class J No. 611 and 1218 steam engines, with over 50 pieces of rolling stock in the Museum yard. Also on display are antique carriages, cars, trucks, buses and trolleys and more. www.vmt.org
O. Winston Link Museum — Through his stunningly-artistic, often-surreal photography and audio recordings, the vision of internationally acclaimed photographer O. Winston Link comes to life! Discover the rich culture and heritage that surrounded America’s last major steam railroad, the Norfolk & Western Railway. Enjoy galleries of Link’s work, listening stations, and interactive displays. www.linkmuseum.org
Historic Farmers' Market/Downtown Roanoke/Center in the Square — The Market is the oldest such market in continuous use in Virginia. In 1882 licenses were issued to 25 hucksters around the same time the city was chartered. Today the Market includes unique shopping, produce, art galleries, country stores, restaurants and Center in the Square. Center in the Square is western Virginia's home to museums of History and Science including a planetarium with the capability to show IMAX quality films. Center is fun for all ages. www.downtownroanoke.org
Taubman Museum of Art — Opened November 8, 2008 - Featuring significant selections of American art, modern and contemporary art, design and decorative arts, folk and visionary art, and works on paper, and features a changing array of both regional and national exhibitions. Tours, gallery talks, family days, special events, classes, and camps are part of the Art Museum’s regular programming. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM). www.taubmanmuseum.org
Attractions — Additional attractions include Mill Mountain Zoo, Dixie Caverns and more. Regional sightseeing includes Natrual Bridge, Smith Mountain Lake and the National D-Day Memorial.
Outdoor Recreation — A vast array of outdoor crecreation is available. 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. www.roanokeoutside.com
The Roanoke Valley is the largest metropolitan area in western Virginia with major road access via Interstate 81 and a regional airport with over 40 daily flights. www.roanokeairport.com
Accommodations — Overnight in one of our 5,800 rooms available, from the historic to the modern as well as unique bed and breakfasts. Lodging
Location
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. Roanoke is approximately 251 miles south of Washington DC and 216 miles west of Colonial Williamsburg.
Location
