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Roanoke, VA Area Guide

Located halfway between New York City and Atlanta, Georgia, Roanoke is 168 miles west of Richmond, Virginia.  The city has a bustling economy and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Virginia, providing a hub for transportation, finance, and other industries in the southern part of the state.  The majestic beauty of Roanoke Valley, nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Virginia Alleghany Highlands, makes Roanoke an excellent place to work and play. 

History

The first pioneers to the area explored the Roanoke Valley during the 17th century.  An exploration party’s report written in 1671 described the Valley as having “blue mountains and a snug flat valley beside the upper Roanoke River.”  Surprisingly, the area remained undisturbed by settlers for seventy years after the initial exploration was completed. 

As the rest of the state slowly developed, pioneers from Virginia and Pennsylvania sought new lands in the rich Shenandoah Valley.  In 1740, newcomers began farming in the Roanoke Valley. 

Towns began to form around the Roanoke Valley early in the 19th century, including Antwerp (established in 1801), Gainesborough (established in 1825), and Old Lick (established in 1834).  The Gainesborough settlement was the most populous until The Town of Big Lick was chartered, and later Gainesborough was renamed Roanoke in 1882.  The completion of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad would mark the beginning of Roanoke’s rapid growth in 1882.  

Community Features

Mill Mountain Zoo

http://www.mmzoo.org

Dixie Caverns

http://www.dixiecaverns.com/

Events

Festival In the Park
http://www.roanokefestival.org  

Broadway in Roanoke - Cirque Dreams: Illumination

For more information on the Calendar of Events for Roanoke, VA please visit: http://www.roanokeva.gov/deptapps/calevents.nsf/ShowCalByKey?OpenForm&Seq=1

Parks and Recreation
The City of Roanoke strives to become the premier parks and recreation system in the region by providing high quality, well-maintained athletic and recreational facilities for Roanoke residents.  The Parks and Recreation Department supports a vision for cultural unity and healthy living that creates a positive living and working environment for everyone here.   In addition to maintaining recreation facilities and passive areas, the department also provides a variety of athletic, educational, recreational, and leisure activities for residents of all ages and abilities. 
For more information about Parks and Recreation in Roanoke, please visit:
http://www.roanokeva.gov/WebMgmt/ywbase61b.nsf/CurrentBaseLink/N25ZELZD722LBASEN

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