Roanoke History Itinerary

History Itinerary for Virginia's Blue Ridge

As one of the oldest states in the Union, Virginia has a wealth of history and heritage, and the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge is proud to be part of that history.

The region boasts a unique railroad heritage and the culture of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains has been shaped by the character and traditions of multiple generations.

A fantastic collection of museums and historical sites provides visitors the wonderful opportunity to experience the history and heritage of our area.

The following three-day guide offers a multitude of ideas on how to enjoy a trip built around the history of Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Day One

The following activities are all located within close proximity to Interstate 81, which travels north/south through Virginia's Blue Ridge.

• Learn about how early settlers influenced the region at the Historic Smithfield Plantation - built in 1774.

• Tour the beautiful and iconic campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

• See how the Salem Museum & Historical Society is preserving the past while informing the future.

• Discover one of the most breathtaking natural sites in Virginia with a trip to Natural Bridge Park, which features a 30-story-tall bridge of natural rock.

Day Two

• Begin your day at the Roanoke Star & Overlook. This incredible structure stands tall over the region and was constructed in 1949.

• Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as "America's Favorite Drive," to the Peaks of Otter, where the charming lodge has been hosting travelers for decades.

• Honor the brave men who gave their lives for our country during WWII with a visit to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford.

• See where Thomas Jefferson used to take retreats at his Poplar Forest estate.

• Find out about the childhood of one of our nation's most iconic African American leaders at the Booker T. Washington National Monument.

• Experience the charm and great flavors of the ice cream and food at Homestead Creamery, known throughout the Southeast for its delicious dairy products.

Day Three

• Explore the rich railroad history of the Roanoke Valley by visiting many spots in Downtown Roanoke.

• Walk through The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, constructed in 1882 by the Norfolk & Western Railroad Company and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Tour the O. Winston Link Museum and learn about the life and work of the man who gave us so many beautiful black & white railroad photographs.

• Learn about the defining moments for the transportation industry in the state by visiting the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

• Sample various products and meet the special people who make up the Historic Roanoke City Market - which began in 1882 and has been recognized as a "Great American Public Place."

For more fun activities, visit our page about History & Heritage in Virginia's Blue Ridge.