Here’s what SmarterTravel had to say about the Roanoke Valley:
What’s Hot: In the last four years, this Blue Ridge Parkway city has attracted hundreds of hipster residents to a revitalized downtown with a new amphitheater venue in Elmwood Park and a new pedestrian plaza in the historic city market. There’s also alfresco dining and nine locally owned restaurants at the newly renovated City Market Building and incredible views from the rooftop pavilion at Center in the Square. Plus, more than 333 new apartment and condo units are in the works downtown.
Why We Love It: Its mountain scenery, Appalachian Trail access, and proximity to almost everywhere on the East Coast.
If You Go: Check out the view from the parkway at Milepost 120, the Roanoke Star Overlook. Take a downtown Roanoke Food Tour, the number-one-rated Roanoke activity on TripAdvisor. Float down the Upper James River in a tube with Twin River Outfitters. Rent a bike from UnderDog Bikes and explore neighborhoods along the Roanoke River Greenway.
