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See You In the Roanoke Valley!
Spring 2009
Roanoke Valley Tourism Information
Salem Tourist Information
The Roanoke Valley is located in the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley, just off I-81 at Exit 143 and off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 120. You can experience the amenities of a large city along with all the charm of a quaint downtown in both Roanoke and Salem, conveniently nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia.
Roanoke is recognized for its railroad heritage, many festivals, and historic farmers’ market area, surrounded by unique shops and museums of art, history, and science. You will find true southern hospitality at the many diverse restaurants and attractions.
You’ll surely want to stay over a day or two, but where? Whether you prefer frugal or fabulous, you’ll find accommodations to suit in the Roanoke Valley. The Hotel Roanoke is a grand railroad-era hotel, that first opened its doors in 1882. Completely renovated in 1993, all the charm of bygone days has been revived, while seemlessly integrating the latest technology. It’s perfect for both business and pleasure travelers. The dining room has a longstanding reputation for excellent cuisine—don’t miss the famous Peanut Soup.
Take time to drive up Mill Mountain to discover one of the most spectacular views in the entire commonwealth of Virginia. Gaze down over the Valley just in front of the Roanoke Star, a popular landmark dating back to 1949. The star is 100 feet tall and shines nightly.
Travel back in time to relive the days of the railroad, when steam was king. The O. Winston Link Museum and the Virginia Museum of Transportation will tell you all! While at the Link Museum, watch freight trains as they continue to keep the railroad days alive.
Newly opened in downtown Roanoke is the Taubman Museum of Art. You won’t have any trouble finding the building! It’s a dramatic composition of flowing, layered forms in steel, patinated zinc, and high performance glass, paying tribute to the mountains framing the city. The museum features a theater, library, store, classroom, and café, as well as significant collections of American art, modern and contemporary art, folk and visionary art, and works on paper. You’ll also discover a changing array of regional and national exhibitions. The Taubman is definitely worth a visit!
In nearby Salem, plan to spend an afternoon strolling the downtown historic district, shopping in the boutiques, and dining in one of the great restaurants.
The fantastic, modern Salem Civic Center brings concerts, sports, and special events to town. You’d be surprised at the variety of entertainment offered here—this spring, you can take in Bob the Builder, Conway Twitty, the Lippizaner Stallions, or collegiate basketball and wrestling, among other events!
While you’re in Salem, make time to explore Dixie Caverns, one of eight show caverns located in the region. The cave was discovered in 1922, when a dog disappeared into a mountain... two young boys found the dog—and a cave, too. It was opened to the public only a year later. This cavern is unusual because the tour goes into and up the interior of the mountain, rather than down. Once you’re inside, the path opens into the huge Cathedral Room. You’ll meander over to the Turkey Wing, and later to the Magic Mirror (that’s a pond), where you may—with a willing partner, of course—choose to be married at the magnificent Wedding Bell, a bell-shaped formation, where, in fact, many couples do tie the knot! You can camp, shop at the mineral shop, the pottery, or the antique mall while you’re visiting Dixie Caverns. There’s a lot going on here!
The Roanoke Valley offers scenic beauty, southern hospitality, city amenities, charming small towns, sports and recreation opportunities, luxury hotels, history, culture, and great seasonal festivities.
What are you waiting for? We’ll see you in the Roanoke Valley!
Article text ©2009, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.
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