Know Before You Go: About Roanoke
Concrete jungle meets soaring mountains in the self-proclaimed, 'Capital of the Blue Ridge'
Experience the best of both worlds in Roanoke, with a mountain getaway to Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and all of the perks of a recreational, cultural and business hub. Just follow the giant, illuminated star atop Mill Mountain and straight on 'til morning.
Seasonal Cues
Around fall, expect temperatures from the mid-70s to high-80s and increasing humidity. The cold season lasts from December to late February, with average highs below 52 degrees. At an elevation of 1,149 feet, the Roanoke Valley experiences snow from mid-November to late March. Rain on the other hand, may also appear at any time of year—light rain is typical of the cold season, and thunderstorms are common in the warm season, which are responsible for the blazing spectrum of foliage that rewards fall visitors. In spring, take in an abundance of wildflowers.
The Great Outdoors
If your crew is all about the outdoors, just look out your window for unlimited adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a meandering drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or access the nearby Appalachian Trail, not just for hiking enthusiasts. Hike 3 miles to McAfee Knob, a vertigo-inducing ledge with unmatched panoramic views, to snap a photo—it's the most photographed part of the entire Appalachian Trail. Drive to the summit of Mill Mountain for views over the whole valley, and behold a delightfully kitschy local landmark—the Mill Mountain Star, the largest of its kind in the world. If it’s an adults-only trip, head an hour south to Chateau Morrisette Winery where you can toast to an afternoon of the regions best wines. Later, learn about local culture at the History Museum of Western Virginia, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, Hopkins Planetarium or the Taubman Museum of Art, all in downtown Roanoke. End your day with an outdoor concert at the beautiful, 4,000-person capacity venue, Elmwood Park Amphitheater.
Doing Business in the Blue Ridge
Roanoke is likely not one of the largest cities you've visited, but the Greater Roanoke region is the business center of Western Virginia and something of a medical industry hub. The health care industry is the biggest employer, followed by retail trade and the public sector. Transportation, construction and manufacturing—especially of car parts, windows and tires—represent smaller but significant businesses. Accommodations and food services are also important, partly because Roanoke is the largest city adjacent to the visitor-drawing Blue Ridge Parkway.
Getting There
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, minutes from downtown, has flights to nine major cities and is served by the regional carriers of American, Delta and United, with frequent Allegiant Air service to Florida. The city connects to Interstate Highway 81, where you can head north towards New York or south to Atlanta. U.S. Route 220 is another major north-south highway that will take you to Roanoke. If you're planning a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, know that there is no gas available along the 469-mile route.
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