Changes Include Local Artisan Wares and Expanded Access to Park
The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Explore Park will open for the season on Friday, April 3, marking its earliest opening date since the park was re-opened by Roanoke County.
The Visitor Center will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM through Sunday, November 8. The facility features a gift shop, a museum highlighting frontier culture and an audiovisual presentation about the history of the Parkway. Changes at Explore Park this season include the following:
Gift Shop to Feature Artisan Crafts – New this year the gift shop will carry a wide range of hand-crafted items from local and regional artisans including jewelry, pottery, art, carved wooden items, quilted crafts, jams, candies and more. Also available for purchase will be a variety of snacks, beverages, Blue Ridge Parkway memorabilia, and unique items created exclusively for sale at Explore Park. Starting in June the Visitor Center will host Artisan Saturdays, featuring live demonstrations such as craft-making, book signings, and music.
Expanded Park Access – Also starting April 3, visitors will be able to drive further into the park to access trails, the Roanoke River and historic buildings on the property. Roanoke County plans to seasonally open a portion of the Old Salem Turnpike from the Visitor Center parking area to the Journey’s End parking area for greater public access.
New Outdoor Programs – Roanoke County staff have planned an expanded lineup of recreation opportunities at the park this season. Choose from several guided nature hikes focused on topics such as birding, stream ecology and forest wildlife. Stand-up paddleboaring, fly-fishing, and wilderness survival classes are being offered through partnerships with several local businesses. Full-day outdoor adventure camps for youth will be available this summer, including satellite transportation from Tanglewood Mall. Finally, plans are also in place to launch a free interactive scavenger hunt for park guests in the coming months.
Since taking over operation of Explore Park in fall 2013, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism has continued to make improvements to the property. Passive recreation spaces and trails have been maintained and preserved for public use. The Arthur Taubman Center and Mountain Union Church have been renovated and restored, with 18 weddings already booked for the upcoming season.
Look for more information and future updates online at www.ExplorePark.org.
