Roanoke, Virginia

Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Geographic Coordinates: 37.278500, -79.958100

Climate: Roanoke has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, and experiences precipitation throughout the year.

Population: 215781

Language: English

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Roanoke, Located in the southwestern region of Virginia, United States, Is a city surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated in the Roanoke Valley. It boasts a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when Native American tribes inhabited the area. In 1852, Roanoke was established as a town and eventually became an independent city in 1884. Roanoke’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes through it and offers stunning views of mountains and valleys.

Visitors can hike or bike on one of many trails in nearby parks such as Mill Mountain Park or explore scenic beauty on horseback at Explore Park. The downtown area has undergone significant revitalization over recent years making it a hub for arts, Culture, And entertainment. The Taubman Museum of Art showcases contemporary art from regional artists while Center in the Square houses multiple museums including Science Museum of Western Virginia and Harrison Museum of African American Culture.

The city also has a thriving culinary scene with numerous restaurants offering diverse cuisines ranging from traditional Southern dishes to international flavors like Thai or Indian cuisine. Local breweries such as Deschutes Brewery offer craft beer lovers unique brews to enjoy. For history buffs, There are several sites worth visiting such as Virginia Museum of Transportation which displays vintage locomotives from different eras along with exhibits showcasing transportation innovations throughout history.

Roanoke also hosts several annual events that draw visitors from all over including Festival in The Park which features live music performances by local musicians along with food vendors selling delicious treats while Salem Fair offers carnival rides for thrill-seekers during summer months. Roanoke is an excellent destination for those seeking adventure amidst nature’s bounty while enjoying cultural experiences that range from art galleries to culinary delights. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural immersion, Roanoke has something to offer for everyone.

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1. Mill Mountain Star and Park
2. Taubman Museum of Art
3. Virginia Museum of Transportation
4. Center in the Square
5. Roanoke Star and Overlook
6. Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Explore Park
7. Roanoke City Market Building
8. O.Winston Link Museum
9. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
10. Jefferson Center

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• Roanoke, Virginia boasts a diverse range of industries and businesses.
• The city is home to world-class healthcare facilities like Carilion Clinic and LewisGale Medical Center.
• Roanoke has a strong manufacturing sector with companies such as Dynax America Corporation, ITW Food Equipment Group, and Yokohama Tire Corporation operating in the area.
• The city also has a growing technology industry with companies like Rackspace Hosting Inc., Interactive Achievement Inc., and Meridium Inc.
• Roanoke serves as an important transportation hub for the region with Norfolk Southern Railway’s headquarters located in the city.
• Tourism is also a significant industry in Roanoke thanks to its scenic beauty and rich history.
• Many tourists visit attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway or Mill Mountain Zoo each year.
• In addition to tourism, there are many retail stores in Roanoke ranging from small local shops to large national chains such as Walmart Supercenter or Target store locations throughout town offering various products/services from clothing & accessories to groceries & electronics etc.
• Finally, education is another important industry for Roanoke thanks to several colleges and universities located within the city limits including Virginia Tech’s Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute.

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Noteable History

1. The Lost Colony of Roanoke is a mystery that has never been solved. In 1587, English settlers established a colony on Roanoke Island, but they disappeared without a trace.
2. Virginia Dare was the first child born to English parents in America at the Roanoke settlement in August 1587.
3. During the American Revolution, British forces occupied Roanoke Island from 1776 to 1783.
4. Union forces captured and occupied Roanoke Island during the Civil War in February 1862.
5. The Wright Brothers made their first successful flight at Kitty Hawk near Roanoke in December 1903.
6. Queen Elizabeth II visited Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne near Roanoke in May 2007 to commemorate the founding of Jamestown.
7. The Andy Griffith Show was set in fictional Mayberry, which was based on Mount Airy near Roanoke where creator Andy Griffith grew up.
8. The Booker T Washington Birthplace National Monument is located near Hardy and commemorates the birthplace and early life of educator Booker T Washington who founded Tuskegee Institute.
9. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway passes through nearby Asheville offering stunning views of mountains, forests, waterfalls and other natural wonders along its route from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
10. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters – Harpers Ferry Center for Appalachian Trail Studies is located just outside Harpers Ferry WV which is about an hour drive from Roanoake VA.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Taubman Museum of Art
2. Virginia Museum of Transportation
3. Mill Mountain Star and Park
4. Roanoke Valley Greenways
5. Center in the Square
6. O Winston Link Museum
7. The Roanoke Pinball Museum
8. Salem Red Sox Baseball Stadium
9. History Museum of Western Virginia
10. Roanoke City Market Building

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Sports Teams

1. The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs is a minor league ice hockey team that was founded in 2016 and plays in the Southern Professional Hockey League. They have won one division championship.
2. The Roanoke Express was a minor league ice hockey team that played from 1993 to 2004 and won two championships during their tenure – one in the East Coast Hockey League and one in the United Hockey League.
3. The Roanoke Dazzle was a basketball team affiliated with the Charlotte Bobcats that played in the NBA Development League from 2005 to 2006, winning one division championship.
4. The Roanoke Valley Rebels were a minor league football team that played from 1967 to 1970, winning three championships during their tenure.
5. Virginia Tech Hokies is a major college sports program with many fans and alumni located throughout the region, although not based solely in Roanoke. Their football team has won numerous conference championships and has appeared in multiple major bowl games, including two national championship games.
6. Hollins University Athletics fields several women’s sports teams at various levels of competition including basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, cross country, swimming & diving, equestrianism (IHSA), riding (IDEX), golf (ODAC), lacrosse (ODAC) , field hockey(ODAC). Hollins University is located just outside of Roanoke.

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Cultural Events

1. Roanoke Festival in the Park
2. Strawberry Festival
3. Dickens of a Christmas
4. Blue Ridge Folklife Festival
5. Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
6. Juneteenth Celebration
7. Greek Festival
8. Virginia’s Veterans Parade
9. Roanoke Pridefest
10. Microfestivus Craft Beer Festival

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Cuisine

• Texas Tavern – a classic diner serving famous cheesy western sandwiches and hot dogs.
• The River and Rail – a farm-to-table restaurant featuring Southern-inspired dishes.
• Local Roots – another farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
• The Regency Room at Hotel Roanoke – an upscale dining experience with classic American cuisine.
• Billy’s Restaurant – known for their seafood dishes, including fresh oysters and crab cakes.
• Fork in the Alley Brick Oven Pub – casual pub fare with wood-fired pizzas as their specialty.
• Taaza Indian Cuisine – authentic Indian food featuring vegetarian options.
• Cuban Island Restaurant- serving authentic Cuban cuisine such as ropa vieja, empanadas, and mojitos.
• Lucky- A modern take on Asian street food that serves sushi rolls & bowls.
• Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill- A lively spot for live music & pub grub like burgers & wings.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Mill Mountain Park offers hiking, biking, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
2. Explore Park features zip lining, ropes courses, and disc golf.
3. Roanoke River Greenway is a walking and biking trail located along the river.
4. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
5. Smith Mountain Lake State Park is perfect for boating enthusiasts as well as those who love to fish or camp.
6. Wasena City Tap Room & Grill serves delicious food in a brewery setting with outdoor seating available.
7. Elmwood Park hosts concerts and other events in an outdoor amphitheater.
8. Roanoke Star boasts stunning views of the city with nearby hiking trails to explore.
9. Bennington Place Playground offers a fun play area for children with picnic spots nearby.
10. Fishburn Park has tennis courts and a playground for kids to enjoy!

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Go Everywhere

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