Roanoke, the perfect launching point for an unforgettable trip.
Nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway in central Virginia, lies the Star City of Roanoke. A drive through nature along the Blue Ridge Parkway in either direction is an enchanting way to enter the city, but Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and Amtrak also service the area.
We visited Roanoke towards the end of summer when the foliage was lush and vibrant, and the wildflowers were in bloom. I can only imagine the splendor of fall colors in this area come the cooler months.
With young children, we focused more on family-friendly attractions, but the Blue Ridge is quite a popular destination for those interested in craft breweries and pub tours along Virginia’s Blue Ridge “Cheers Trail.” Check out maps, itineraries, cycling tours, group tours, and the like at visitroanokeva.com.
The Grand Dame of Roanoke is the Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center. The hotel was originally built in 1882 by the railroad, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tudor style building sits above downtown Roanoke, separated from the city by the railroad tracks that brought in the first guests of the hotel. The hotel has benefitted from a multi-million dollar restoration and renovation project, and is currently a member of the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton.
The Regency Room offers a breakfast buffet daily and a not-to-be-missed dinner experience on Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Regency Room dinners feature a multi-course menu featuring heritage recipes such as the Hotel’s Heirloom Peanut Soup, roasted quail and rack of lamb entrees, and bananas foster prepared table side. A dance floor and live music from a string quartet transported us to a forgotten time when people “dressed” for dinner and made an entire evening of the experience. I suggest you do the same!
Hotel tip: Request a room with a view of the Star!
Begin your visit to Roanoke with a stop at the Visitor Information Center located just across from the Roanoke Hotel in an old passenger train station. The staff was very helpful in assisting us with maps, brochures, and recommendations for restaurants and attractions. They have information about the Blue Ridge region surrounding Roanoke as well, so it is a good resource for Blue Ridge drives, area hiking trails and day trips!
An enclosed walkway connects the Hotel Roanoke to the center of downtown Roanoke. From this location, you are an easy walk to Center in the Square and the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Center in the Square hosts multiple museums and attractions on the various floors of the building. Here you’ll find aquariums, an arcade, an interactive museum for children, and a pinball museum for older kids and kids at heart. Just a few blocks away is the Virginia Museum of Transportation, which is a must see for train lovers and vehicle enthusiasts in general. Displays include a large rail yard, antique cars, model train displays, as well as exhibits on air and sea travel. Both of these attractions make for the perfect activity on a rainy day or to break up the many outdoor activities available in the area!
A trip to Roanoke wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Roanoke Star. Make the short 3 mile drive up to Mill Mountain Park where you’ll find the Star, along with hiking trails, wildflower gardens, picnic areas, and the Mill Mountain Zoo.
The breakfast buffet at the Hotel Roanoke is lovely, but venture out to the City Market building and grab a table at Scrambled. Pancakes as big as your face and delicious vanilla french toast will not disappoint. The City Market houses several other restaurants to grab lunch or a to go picnic for your hike.
The Regency Room at the Roanoke Hotel offers a a not-to-be-missed dinner experience on Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Regency Room dinners feature a multi-course menu featuring heritage recipes such as the Hotel’s Heirloom Peanut Soup, roasted quail and rack of lamb entrees, and bananas foster prepared table side. A dance floor and live music from a string quartet transported us to a forgotten time when people “dressed” for dinner and made an entire evening of the experience. I suggest you do the same!