Exploring Roanoke

By Thomas Becher

Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains is Roanoke, the largest metropolitan area in western Virginia. At the heart of the city stands an historic hotel that opened 125 years ago when Roanoke was a sleepy town called Big Lick. It is here that the Norfolk & Western Railroad, which built the hotel to cater to travelers, developed a hub that put Roanoke on the map. While the region’s economy is more diverse today, one Roanoke hallmark has endured: the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, site of the 2007 OWAA annual conference.

The Hotel Roanoke is recognized for its Tudor-style architecture and its place on the National Registry of Historic Places. For citizens of Roanoke, the hotel is a community centerpiece, a symbol of its past and future.

Don’t let the historic façade fool you, however; the Hotel Roanoke is one of the nation’s leading conference centers, with 63,000 square feet of meeting space, state-of-the-art technology, 332 modern guest rooms with wireless Internet access, a health and fitness center and an outdoor pool. 

A short stroll across a pedestrian bridge from the hotel lies downtown Roanoke, with its famous farmer’s market, boutiques and shops (including an Orvis store) and more restaurants per capita than any other Virginia city. Dining in the hotel is exceptional, as well. The Regency Room, with its renowned peanut soup and spoon bread, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Casual fare is available in the evenings in the Pine Room Pub.  

Those who can pry themselves away from the attractions will find the real action outside. The Roanoke Valley is minutes away from all types of outdoor activities – hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, fishing in mountain streams, kayaking and canoeing on lakes and rivers or even picnicking on Mill Mountain overlooking the city.

Here’s what you can look forward to while in Roanoke:

Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Roanoke is the largest city along the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, often rated as the top scenic drive in the United States. There’s nothing like a relaxing drive along the Parkway – from dramatic curves through the forest to stunning views atop mountain ridges. And with a maximum speed limit of 45 mph, there’s never a rush hour.  

TIP: Take Route 220 south to the Blue Ridge Parkway outside Roanoke. Head north on the Parkway to a road leading to Mill Mountain, home of the world’s largest illuminated standing star. At 88 feet tall, the neon star can be seen for miles. Take in the view of the Roanoke Valley before heading north on the Parkway to the Peaks of Otter at Milepost 86. Climb the 3,000-foot Sharp Top before ambling to the Peaks of Otter Lodge for dinner (see www.peaksofotter.com).

Hiking

With trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway, in nearby George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and with the Appalachian Trail passing through the Roanoke Valley, there are hikes for every skill level.

TIP: Experience one of the best views on the Appalachian Trail with a 7-mile round-trip hike to McAfee Knob. For details, visit www.roanoke.com/outdoors/hiking/wb/xp-42910 or see the November OU, page 35.

Fishing

Trout fish in the Roanoke, Smith, or Jackson rivers and mountain creeks. Or try for bass and stripers on Smith Mountain Lake.

TIP: Review the trout stocking schedule (http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/stock/troutstock.cfm) before you go.

Water sports

The Roanoke region’s lakes, reservoirs and rivers offer a plethora of choices – from motorboating on massive Smith Mountain Lake to a relaxing paddle on a quiet stream.

TIP: Put in at Smith Mountain Lake State Park to paddle the lake’s many quiet coves. Visit http://www.state.va.us/dcr/parks/smithmtn.htm for more information.

Biking

Whether road biking along the Blue Ridge Parkway or mountain biking on nearby trails, the Roanoke Valley is full of options.

TIP: Mountain bike at Carvins Cove reservoir, site of the 2006 U.S. Challenge mountain biking course. Find maps at http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=BGD035-068.

Questions?

Visit the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Web site at www.visitroanokeva.com. Contact Catherine Fox, tourism director, at 540-342-6025 or cfox@visitroanokeva.com.    

Thomas Becher is president of tba, a public relations firm based in Roanoke.