If "Virginia is for lovers," Roanoke is for outdoor lovers. And history lovers. And fall foliage fanatics ...

A peak along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A weekend getaway in Roanoke Valley will take you off the beaten path. Actually, the peaceful mountain paths were at one time well worn by the historical treks of bison and Indians, before the area was settled by immigrants in the 1700s. The valley has historically been a busy crossroads: first footpaths, then roads, then railways.

Navigating the Blue Ridge Parkway today affords not only beautiful views but a look back in time. Due to the Appalachian terrain, major trails converged in the Roanoke Valley; it is said that 43 million Americans can trace their heritage back to families who migrated through here. Retrace their steps along the Crossroads to Settlement(crossroadstosettlement.com) part of Wilderness Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Start at the very spot Lewis & Clark began their walk of fame in Botetourt County or at the hub of it all at Historic Roanoke City Market, the oldest of its kind in Virginia. It's a must-see-stop to gather locally grown veggies, artisan cheese, freshly baked bread and local art before wandering along the Blue Ridge Parkway to absorb the fall color.

Satisfy your inner outdoorsman and urban hipster by hitting the city trails. More than 10 miles of greenways connect Roanoke parks and urban spaces. Hike or bike Mill Mountain Star and Park trails for a view of the valley with memorable changes from sunset to starrynight sky. Below the country's largest neon star, the "Star City" boasts shops for all paces and places, from Orvis outfitters to funky Black Dog Salvagearchitectural finds.

If the downtown boutique shopping or the hilltop hikes leave you hungry, Roanoke offers countless restaurant and café options. Treat yourself to a wide assortment of sandwiches, soups, vegetarian options, wraps and to-die-for desserts at Wildflour Market & Bakery (wildflour4thst.com). Try the Parthenon wrap or Dragon's Tooth sandwich, followed by any of the 16 cake-by-the-slice options (such as Marie Antoinette or Death by Chocolate). Days spent enjoying crisp, cool fall weather mean hearty appetites for brick oven s'mores, pizzas and legendary burgers and dogs at hideaway Fork in the Alley(forkinthealley.com). Local Roots(localrootsrestaurant.com) serves up sustainable, organic, local and ethical foods (and shares their S.O.L.E. philosophy). Locals and tourists both vote this spot a fresh "fan favorite" in the farm-to-table movement, where you can cozy up to a plate of wood-fired potatoes, golden oyster mushrooms and Big Pine trout in browned butter.

Visitors to the valley consider it tradition to try the peanut soup at the historic Hotel Roanoke(hotelroanoke.com), where you can also spend the night in 1880's history with modern-day amenities. If B&Bs are what you seek, try the eco-chic Black Lantern Inn with five-star service (blacklanterninn.com).

Visitors to the valley consider it tradition to try the peanut soup at the historic Hotel Roanoke(hotelroanoke.com), where you can also spend the night in 1880's history with modern-day amenities. If B&Bs are what you seek, try the eco-chic Black Lantern Inn with five-star service (blacklanterninn.com).

Of course, if you do nothing else but climb (by car or by foot) the peaks and valleys of the Blue Ridge Parkway in peak leaf season this October, you will have seen the most legendary attraction of them all in fall.