Roanoke - Virginia - Culture

If you look in any direction, the mountains are there to greet you. First impressions of the Roanoke Valley invariably focus on the breathtaking surroundings of the scenic Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. The beauty and solitude of the mountains counterbalance the Valley's energetic bustle and countless opportunities for wholesome recreation and rugged exploration.

Roanoke, Virginia is located midway between New York City and Atlanta on Interstate 81, 168 miles west of the state capital, Richmond. The city is the center of one of Virginia's largest metropolitan regions, and a hub of transportation, finance, and industry for the south-western part of the state. The scenic beauty of the Roanoke Valley, located between the Blue Ridge and the Virginia Allegheny Highlands, makes the city a pleasant as well as an economically diverse place to live and work. The city's position on the East Coast gives it ready access to close to two-thirds of the total population of the nation within a radius of 500 miles.

The Mill Mountain Zoo exhibits over 55 species of exotic and native animals on a three-acre site in Roanoke, Virginia. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway and alongside the famous Roanoke Star, there are also hiking trails on Mill Mountain and a wildflower garden. Winding pathways and observation areas in an oriental setting provide close viewing of such animals as a Siberian Tiger, Red Pandas, Golden Lion Tamarins, Asian Porcupines, and Snow Leopards. Programs are presented at the zoo's amphitheater located at the top of Mill Mountain with beautiful views of the Roanoke Valley below.

History has been called the key to the future. In Roanoke, that key is offered through the History Museum & Historical Society of Western Virginia

The Peaks of Otter is a popular tourist destination.  Today the Peaks of Otter is still a major developed area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the valley formed by Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill, the area has a lodge and restaurant, visitor center, campground, picnic area and historic farm. The mountains all have trails ranging from less than a mile to more than four miles, and there is nearby access to the 2,144 mile Appalachian Trail. In addition, the area is almost totally surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest, which only adds to its appeal as a destination for Parkway visitors.

The Roanoke Area is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain areas. You will enjoy the entire Roanoke area, from Center in the Square to the Mill Mountain Star.

The years brought continued growth, until now Roanoke is the center of a population of 100,000. Airlines make the city a crossroads now instead of railroads, and a diversified business climate has succeeded the dominance of the railroad in the city's development. The city has become, not only the business center of Southwest Virginia, but the medical center as well. Its latest thrust is towards the revitalization of its downtown, an area decimated by the typical 20th century proliferation of suburban malls.

“Explore”, a unique recreational and educational experience, is the county's tourism focus. It opened in 1994, after the National Park Service completed a road to the area. This park is located in East County near Vinton. Explore includes a frontier settlement, North American wilderness zoological park and environmental education center.

Fabricated steel and textile industries are established. The expansion of truck lines and the city's location near the scenic Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway have sustained the economy. Manufactures now include railroad cars, metal and steel products, electrical equipment, clothing, chemicals, and furniture.

National Business College (1886) and Virginia Western Community College (1966) are in the city. Roanoke is headquarters for George Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest (combined administratively in 1995), which covers some 3,000 square miles (7,700 square km), and Mill Mountain (2,000 feet [600 metres]) is within the corporate limits. The Booker T. Washington National Monument (1956; childhood home of the black educator) is 18 miles (29 km) to the southeast.

Roanoke also has been named the "Festival City". Festivals include Festival In the Park, Downtown Roanoke's Railway Festival, Henry Festival, Vinton's Dogwood Festival, The Virginia Championship Chili Cook-off and Strawberry Festival, to name a few.

The city's most visible attraction is its star, a 100-foot-high illuminated steel and concrete structure, which has been a beacon at the top of Mill for more than 40 years. Mill Mountain Star is the world's largest man made neon star located within a city. It stands as a "symbol of the friendliness and civic progress of Roanoke". Press releases identified Roanoke as "Star City of the South". Some nights, the star's glow can be seen for a 60-mile radius and is a landmark for nighttime aviators.

Numerous attractions are within an hour's drive of the city including Caverns, the Salem Museum, Natural Bridge, the historic towns of and Lexington and Peaks of Otter and Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to Smart and then on to Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed and painted views by artists from all over the country. Tour the Chateau Morrisette Winery where you will enjoy a tasting experience of Virginia's delightful, award winning wines.

The beautiful Shenandoah Valley, includes Lee Chapel, the resting of Robert E. Lee, the George C. Marshall Museum and VMI Museum, Stonewall Jackson's home, all in Lexington. Visit the Natural Bridge and view one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the spectacular sound and light show depicting the seven days of creation.

Roanoke is now a center for transportation, distribution, trade, manufacturing, health care, entertainment, recreation, attractions and conventions. Thrice awarded the "All-America City" designation.