Is the pace really slower here? Well, that depends. There are so many ways to relax in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But there's a whole lot more to see and do. From galleries and shows to sports and shopping, there's always a new experience just moments away.
Roanoke has earned the nickname "Star City of the South" by being the recreational, cultural and business hub of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Roanoke and the surrounding cities and counties that make up the Roanoke Valley host more festivals and cultural events than any place west of Richmond. Visitors to the Roanoke Valley have so many choices - visit a festival, enjoy the great outdoors, explore the local arts scene, expand their horizons at a historic site, or all of the above. Most importantly, it all happens amid the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains.