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Virginia�s
Blue Ridge Region - Mountains of Possibilities
Virginia�s
Blue Ridge Region - Mountains of Possibilities
Roanoke,
VA � September 2011 � The Roanoke Valley � this scenic, vibrant urban area
nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains has something for everyone. Roanoke
is known for its beautiful location as part of the Shenandoah Valley, rich
railroad heritage, adventurous outdoor activities, blossoming arts community,
abundant home-grown-to-home-made markets, and much more. With so much to
offer, this region has become a must-see spot, whether for an afternoon
or as your vacation destination.
When
you come to the Roanoke Valley (www.VisitRoanokeVA.com),
you will be able enjoy the vast outdoor opportunities that await you during
any season. If you have access to a car, take an afternoon drive on the
beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America�s favorite drives, and home
to some of the nation�s most beautiful scenery in the spring and fall.
Have a mountain bike? Try a challenging single-track ride through the nationally
known Carvin�s Cove Natural Reserve, the second largest municipal park
in the country. You can even enjoy the Roanoke Valley on foot by taking
a leisurely walk on the ever popular greenways or hiking a portion of the
Appalachian Trail. And don�t forget about the fishing, boating, and water
activities just a short distance away at Smith Mountain Lake. If you�re
more of an urban-dweller, take to the downtown part of Roanoke by foot
and check out the city�s great local retail and market vendors.
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The
cultural viability gives visitors the opportunity to listen to the classical
sounds of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke or travel along
southwest Virginia�s Crooked Road, exploring the history of our local bluegrass
music. Experience major productions at the Roanoke Civic Center or check
out local thespians at the Showtimers Theater in south Roanoke. There also
numerous art galleries, including the fine art of the Taubman Museum of
Art and the exhibits on railroad photography at the O. Winston Link Museum.
In
addition to the amazing art and outdoor adventures, history comes to life
just 30 minutes outside the core area. The Booker T. Washington National
Monument takes visitors back in time to relive the birthplace of one of
the most influential voices in American history. Also, visitors can pay
tribute to some of our country�s fallen soldiers by visiting the National
D-Day Memorial in Bedford, which sustained the highest per-capita losses
of any community the nation during the Normandy Invasion. The Virginia
Museum of Transportation brings our unique railroad heritage to life with
opportunities to climb aboard steam locomotives and learn about the trains
of today. Visitors can also turn the pages back in time at the History
Museum of Western Virginia and educate themselves about how life was lived
in this part of the country. You�ll learn about the history of this great
area while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Before
you visit, be sure to check your calendar. The area serves as a hot spot
for a variety of food, music, and cultural celebrations that take place
throughout the year. Between the Dogwood Festival in the Spring, the Salem
Fair Festival in the Summer, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival in the
Fall, and the Dickens of a Christmas Celebration during the holidays, the
Roanoke Valley has every season covered, and those are just a few of our
most popular special events.
With
so much culture and local charm, it should come as no surprise that the
Roanoke Valley is also home to outstanding local cuisine. Local farmers
markets are scattered throughout the area, and visitors can sample the
fresh fruits and vegetables the valley has to offer. You can visit the
Historic Farmer�s Market in downtown Roanoke and taste a fresh peach that
has been locally grown or a ripe, juicy tomato that has just been picked
off the vine. Take a trip to one of the many local wineries and sample
some of the rich, robust wine produced in southwest Virginia. Join the
Roanoke Millionaires Club and pay a visit to the Texas Tavern, a local
greasy-spoon favorite that has been in operation since 1930. And you can
check off �Best Biscuits� from your food bucket list when you try one that
has been freshly made at The Roanoker Restaurant, which recently had their
biscuits featured on The Today Show. No matter what type of food or drink
you�re craving, you�ll find restaurants ranging from sushi to sandwiches
and everything in between.
A
taste of Americana awaits you in this beautiful region of the Blue Ridge
Mountains. No matter what you�re interested in, the Roanoke Valley has
mountains of possibilities. For more information, visit our website at
www.VisitRoanokeVA.com,
stop by the Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center, or phone 800-635-5535.
Contact:
Catherine
Fox, Director of Tourism
Roanoke
Valley CVB
800-635-5535
(ext. 114)
or
Traci
G. Klepper
Geiger
& Associates
for
the Roanoke Valley CVB
850-942-6685
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