Railroad History/Virginia Museum of Transportation – The Valley boasts its railroad heritage at the remodeled historic N & W freight station housing the Virginia Museum of Transportation. The Museum is home to the largest collection of diesel and steam locomotives in the United States, including the Class J No. 611 steam engine, with over 50 pieces of rolling stock in the Museum yard. Also on display are antique carriages, cars, trucks, buses and trolleys and more. For a photographic journey of the end of the steam era visit the O. Winston Link Museum.

Historic Farmers’ Market/Downtown Roanoke/Center in the Square – The Market is the oldest such market in continuous use in Virginia. In 1882 licenses were issued to 25 hucksters around the same time the city was chartered. Today the Market includes unique shopping, produce, art galleries, country stores, restaurants and Center in the Square. Center in the Square is western Virginia’s home to museums of History and Science including a professional theatre and planetarium with the capability to show IMAX quality films. Learn about our past, paint a self-portrait or even touch a plasma ball. Center is fun for all ages.

Attractions – Additional attractions include Taubnan Museum of Art, Mill Mountain Zoo, Dixie Caverns and more. Regional sightseeing includes Natural Bridge, Smith Mountain Lake and the National D-Day Memorial.

Outdoor Recreation – A vast array of outdoor recreation is available. Choose from hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, camping and more. The Appalachian Trail winds its way by the Roanoke Valley as part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

The Roanoke Valley is the largest metropolitan area in western Virginia with major road access via Interstate 81and a regional airport with over 90 daily flights.

Accommodations - Overnight in one of our 5,800 rooms available, from the historic to the modern as well as unique bed and breakfasts.

Location Located within a day’s drive of half the nation’s population, the Roanoke Valley is situated in western Virginia on Interstate 81 at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley. Roanoke is approximately 251 miles south of Washington DC and 216 miles west of Colonial Williamsburg.

Collateral/Promotional Materials Available
Brochures
Visitor Guide (includes Calendar of Events and Lodging guide)
Golf Packages Brochure
CD Photo – Images
Video
Group Tour Manual
Meeting Planners Guide

Seasonal Events

Roanoke Festival in the Park – An annual 11day celebration at the end of May including visual and performing arts, juried fine arts/crafts show and wearable art show, children’s activities, children’s parade, day and evening concerts. Sporting events including running, softball and volleyball and. Celebrating over 30 years. An event for all ages!

Salem Fair - Dates - Thursday before July 4 - second Sunday (over 2 weekends) The Annual Salem Fair is the largest fair and event of its kind in western Virginia . Eleven days of family fun including carnival rides, food, games, commercial exhibits and free musical and entertainment acts. (Free admission and free parking)

Taste of the Blue Ridge Blues and Jazz Festival – The premier food and music festival in the Roanoke region featuring national and international blues and jazz artists the entire day. Guests can also enjoy the best cuisine in the region as restaurants showcase their culinary arts. Held each year in September at Elmwood Park.

Dickens of a Christmas – Occurring the first three Friday evenings in December, Dickens of a Christmas is a Victorian Christmas celebration including community caroling, story telling and horse drawn carriage rides throughout the streets of downtown Roanoke. Area retailers offer free cider, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts to shoppers.