Roanoke/Salem Travel Information
Roanoke, the largest city in Southwest Virginia and once a thriving
railroad town, was forced to reinvent itself with the decline of the
rails. So, this valley city, set in a bowl in the mountains,
underwent a revitalization of historic buildings and the addition of
new museums which draw many visitors annually. The town is often
called the Star City, for the 100-foot tall illuminated star set atop
Mill Mountain. Roanoke’s namesake is the largest man-made illuminated
star in the world. Mill Mountain, located between the city and the
Blue Ridge Parkway is home to a 5-acre zoo with over 50 wildlife
species. Downtown’s Market Square, started in the 1880s, is one
of the state’s oldest markets where farmers sell their wares. The
square’s food court has a variety of ethnic foods for the sampling.
The 1922 City Market Building houses a wide array of international
foods. Center in the Square, a converted warehouse downtown, is
home to the Art Museum, Science Museum and History Museum of Western
Virginia. Nearby, the Virginia Museum of Transportation depicts the
town’s rail history. A new site, the O. Winston Link Museum presents
photography of life along the railroad. The arts are alive in
Roanoke with presentations by the local symphony orchestra, opera,
ballet and theatre groups. Dining choices run from informal to
upscale dining at “The Library” with its book-lined walls and French
cuisine. The city of Salem, although separate from Roanoke,
twines around its border. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center is
located here as is the famous Hanging Rock Golf Club. The Salem
Museum includes many exhibits. Dixie Caverns provides year-round
underground tours. Located in the Southwestern part of Virginia,
Roanoke is about 190 miles west of Richmond off I-81.
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