Discover Outdoor Treasure In Roanoke, VA

Discover a different kind of Outdoor treasure within a short drive of the Parkway!

Just a short drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke’s concentrated downtown offers a variety of attractions for visitors to the Star City of the South, from shopping to eclectic eateries to a bustling nightlife.

The historic Roanoke City Market is often the first place visitors experience in downtown, and what a wonderful welcome it provides, offering history, tradition, friendly faces and timeless beauty.

Dining options range from an international flavor to the basics at the Roanoke Weiner Stand. Whether it’s Thai or Indian, Mexican or Italian, or just a great steak, crab cake or sandwich, you’ll find it in the more than 60 downtown restaurants.

Outdoor dining is particularly pleasurable, so take advantage of the lively parade of people as you sip and snack. Roanoke’s coffee houses wait to welcome you with their brews of the day, too.

If it’s a cultural adventure you seek, Center in the Square houses an eclectic mix of museums – art, science and history – plus hosts live theatre. Also in downtown are transportation and railroad photography museums, heralding Roanoke’s past as a rail town.

Don’t deny yourself the pleasure of a stroll through downtown – it’s the place to be, day or night. Take a walking tour and explore the historic and modern architecture cohabitating side by side!

Experience Roanoke’s heart – the downtown district. For more details visit their web site at www.visitroanokeva.com or stop by the Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center, which is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, at 101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Roanoke VA 24016, or call 800-635-5535.

One of the reasons why the Roanoke Valley of Virginia is the natural place to visit is its spectacular natural beauty. Take a step outdoors and enjoy hiking the Appalachian Trail, biking on the Blue Ridge Parkway or an array of water sports on the Smith Mountain Lake.

There is action in every season for the sports fans. Don't miss Salem Avalanche Baseball (April - September), Roanoke Dazzle Basketball (November - March) or NCAA college championship games for baseball, basketball and softball. Please check out the calendar of events for specific dates and a complete list of sporting events.