Roanoke is rich in history, boasting numerous buildings on the National
Register of Historic Places, as well as three areas on the National
Register of Historic Districts - the Historic Market Area, Warehouse
Row and Old Southwest. Roanoke's Center Square combines its past with
the future through a grouping of three museums, a planetarium, theater
and the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge. The following are just a few
of the attractions and historic sites around the Roanoke area.
Art Museum
of Western Virginia
The museum offers examples
of 19th & 20th-Century paintings, sculpture, graphic art and Appalachian
folk art. Tours, films, classes and frequent performances are also held
here. One Market Square, Roanoke: (540) 342-5760
Arts Council
of the Blue Ridge
The Council is the major
voice for more than 75 cultural groups and individual artists in the
Roanoke area. The Council's regular programs include the "City
Art Show" and "Center Scholars", as well as regional
art newsletters, highlighting local, state and national cultural issues.
Volunteers welcome! 30 E.Church Ave., Roanoke: (540) 342-5790
Blue Ridge
Institute
The Institute, which is
known as the center for Blue Ridge folklore and based at Ferrum College,
highlights music, crafts and decorative arts. Visitors can witness folk
culture through gallery exhibits and a 17th-Century German-American
farmstead. Ferrum College, Ferrum: (540) 365-4416
Dog Mouth
Fountain
Local lore says that whomever
drank out of this landmark fountain would return to Roanoke. Salem Avenue
& Market Street, Roanoke.
Fire Station
#1
Built in 1906 during the
era of horse-drawn fire wagons, the station houses modern equipment
today. Among the memorabilia still inside is a functional pole to slide
down. Church Street, Roanoke.
Harrison
Museum of African-American Culture
The museum which is based
in what was the first public high school for blacks in Western Virginia,
preserves and interprets the achievements of African-Americans native
to southwestern Virginia. Exhibits include artwork from local artists
as well as rotating works from Africa and museums around the country.
523 Harrison Avenue, Roanoke: (540) 345-4818
Historic
Farmers Market
This is the oldest continuously
operating farmers market in the entire state. Campbell & Market
Streets, Roanoke: (540) 342-2028
Hollins
College
The college's theater was
built in 1924 and the art annex, which included the first exhibition
gallery in the area, was erected in 1948. The college sponsors hundreds
of free events each year that are open to the public, including an international
film series, art exhibits, dance productions and the Literary Festival.
Hollins: (540) 362-6000
Hotel Roanoke
Built more than a century
ago, the hotel offers old-world charm and outstanding service, as well
as a 63,000-square-foot conference center. 100 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke:
(540) 985-5900
Jefferson
National Forest
The 710,000-acre forest
lies within the Roanoke area and extends to the western tip of the state.
The diverse vegetation and elevations found in the forest create habitats
for many species of animals. Hunting, fishing, camping and picnicing
are all offered here. Roanoke: (540) 265-6054
Mill Mountain
Theatre
One of the most celebrated
non-profit theaters on the East Coast, Mill Mountain attracts some of
the finest talent in the country. Main Stage Theatre seats 411. One
Market Square, Roanoke: (540) 342-5740 or (800) 317-6455 /Group rates
available.
Mill Mountain
Zoo
Situated atop Mill Mountain,
the zoo features 45 species of native and exotic animals on a 10-acre
site. Some of the animals include a Siberian tiger, red pandas, tree
kangaroos and numerous reptiles. A children's petting area is also offered.
Mill Mountain, Roanoke: (540) 343-3241 /Group rates available.
Roanoke
Star
Perhaps Roanoke's most
famous landmark, this 100-foot monument is the world's largest manmade
star. The star was built in 1949 as a symbol of Roanoke's progressive
spirit. Mill Mountain, Roanoke: (540) 342-6025 or (800) 635-5535
Roanoke
Valley History Museum
The museum takes visitors
on a trip that spans the 10,000-year history of the Roanoke area. Exhibits
show early settlements of Native Americans through the present day.
One Market Square, Center in the Square, Roanoke: (540) 342-5770
Science
Museum of Western Virginia and Hopkins Planetarium
The museum features a Chesapeake
Bay "Touch Tank" with live marine animals native to the Chesapeake
Bay area, a bubble room and the Learning Theater, Hopkins Planetarium
and Star Shows, as well as traveling exhibits from around the country.
One Market Square, Center in the Square, Roanoke: (540) 342-5710 /Group
Rates Available.
Smith Mountain
Lake
Located about 45 minutes
southeast of Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake has earned a reputation as
one of the best fishing spots in the eastern U.S. The area also offers
miles of hiking trails, as well as boat launch facilities, picnic areas
and camping areas; visitor center. Moneta: (540) 721-1203 or (800) 676-8203
Virginia's Explore Park
The park is home to an
early Blue Ridge settlement, a working 19th-Century farm and a one-room
schoolhouse. Visitors can also learn how to cook over an open fireplace,
weave on a loom and make furniture; open April through November. 3900
Rutrough Road, Roanoke: (540) 427-1800 /Group rates available.
Virginia
Museum of Transportation
Stroll down the museum's
Main Street and view early automobiles, fire engines, carriages and
aircraft. Also featured is the largest collection in the United States
of Class J No.611 steam engines. 303 Norfolk Avenue, Roanoke: (540)
342-5670 /Group rates available.
