The Roanoke Valley offers a variety of activities sure to appeal to all ages

The Roanoke Valley offers a variety of activities sure to appeal to all ages

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 handmade crafts and Virginia specialty items. Discover Southern hospitality at our restaurants, shops and attractions.

What makes the Roanoke Valley Unique:

• Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 120.

• Railroad History & Virginia Museum of Transportation —The Valley boasts its railroad heritage at the remodeled historic N & W 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 steam engine, with over 40 pieces of rolling stock in the Museum yard. Also on display are antique carriages, cars, trucks, buses and trolleys and more.

• Virginia’s Explore Park — 1100 acre environmental, historical and recreational park located at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors stroll through three historic areas depicting life in Virginia from 1000 AD to 1850. Staff in period appropriate clothing interpret Native American Village life, life of the Colonial frontiersman, a circa 1860 one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith and farm life.

• Historic Farmers’ Market/ Downtown Roanoke —Includes unique shopping, produce, art galleries, country stores, restaurants, museums, coffee shops, theater and Visitor Center.

• Attractions — Additional attractions include the Science Museum of Western Virginia and Hopkins Planetarium, Art Museum, History Museum, Mill Mountain Zoo, caverns and more. Regional sightseeing includes Natural Bridge, Smith Mountain Lake and Civil War sites.

• Outdoor Recreation — A vast array of outdoor recreation 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.

• The Roanoke Valley is the largest metropolitan area in western Virginia (population 230,000) with major road access via Interstate 81 and a regional airport with over 90 daily flights.

• Accommodations —5,800 rooms available, from the historic to the modern as well as unique bed and breakfasts.

• 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.

Call for a complete regional guide (800) 635-5535 or visit our web site,

www.VisitRoanokeVa.com