Roanoke: Star City of the South
Roanoke is now a center for transportation, distribution, trade, manufacturing, health care, entertainment, recreation, attractions, and conventions. The city’s 96,000 square foot regional airport offers access to many cities in America and Europe through four major airlines or their regional affiliates. The airport also provides air cargo facilities.
Roanoke has been awarded the “All America City” designation three times. The city is a blend of amenities and small town comfort with a rich history, great homes, quaint neighborhoods, and great bargains. Roanoke pulsates with the warm friendliness of a southern city showcasing a historic marketplace, vibrant shops, businesses, and boutiques.
The city is divided into three key neighborhoods, south Roanoke, old southwest, and Raleigh Court. South Roanoke is the older, historic part of the city and home to established businesses and Roanoke Memorial Hospital. It is a maze of narrow tree-lined streets dotted with Colonial and English Tudor style homes. Over the years south Roanoke has added multiliving communities for singles and seniors to the city landscape.
The old southwestern part of the city is a central part of the Historic District. Restored Victorian homes are very visible throughout the area. It is also home to Bluefield College and several elementary schools.
Raleigh Court is the most upscale, modern part of the city. It is a family style neighborhood that attracts young and old alike. This neighborhood has all the charm of days gone by combined with modern living and a large shopping mall.
Roanoke’s historic farmer’s market serves as the mainstay for downtown commerce. The market began in the early eighteenth century and is still active as one of the oldest markets in the country. City dwellers and visitors rub shoulders under yellow and white awnings as they purchase fruits, vegetables, jams, baked treats, and plants. 190 shops, galleries, specialty stores, artisans, multicultural dining, boutiques, and bakeries surround the market. It also hosts year-round activities and events including The Virginia Championship Chili Cook-Off.
Roanoke has also been named the “Festival City”. Some of the festivals include Roanoke Festival in the Park, downtown Roanoke’s Railway Festival, Henry Street Festival, Vinton’s Dogwood Festival, and Strawberry Festival.
Next to the market area is Center in the Square a unique downtown cultural center. The center promotes cultural activities, art, drama, theater, history, and education. It is attractive to all age groups. Center in the Square is home to the Art Museum of Western Virginia, the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, Mill Mountain Theater, the Roanoke Valley Historical Museum, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and Hopkins Planetarium. Center in the Square also offers performances by the Roanoke Symphony and Opera House.
A short distance away from Center in the Square is The Virginia Museum of Transportation. The museum displays an educational and historic tour of the railroad system in Virginia along with modes of transportation from the past and present. Kids thrill to see the old wagons as well as modern rockets.
Roanoke City is home to the famous 88 Ã?½ foot-high illuminated steel and concrete star. It is the largest man-made star in the world. The star was built in 1949 on the top of Mill Mountain. From this vantage point stunning views of the city can be seen. The star’s beams of light can sometimes be observed as far away as 60 miles. Roanoke Star stands as a symbol of industry, friendliness, and progress. The star has become a colorful icon over the city making it the “Star City of the South”.
Just next door to the star is the city’s Mill Mountain Zoo. It is a 10-acre recreational area that is home to a variety of animals from the exotic to the common. Visitors enjoy watching tigers, pandas, macaques, reptiles, and other rare species. Children take pleasure in touching the animals at the petting zoo and riding the miniature trains.
Shoppers can find many malls and specialty shops in Roanoke. The Valley View Mall is the largest mall in southwest Virginia. The mall has five major department stores, 130 retailers, 17 restaurants, and multiple specialty booths. Valley View Mall also hosts special events coordinated with impressive displays during the holiday seasons. Other malls include the Crossroads Mall, Towne Square, Tanglewood, Towers Shopping Center, and Cave Spring Corners. Each shopping venue has its own distinctive features ranging from movie houses to wholesale warehouse clubs.
The city also provides a host of sporting activities, health & fitness clubs, and year-round events. For example, the Roanoke Civic center in downtown Roanoke serves as a venue for a variety of events. This includes hockey games, fiddle & banjo club performances, circuses, basketball tournaments, boat shows, harvest festivals, expos, and concerts.
Roanoke has two major hospitals as well as numerous clinics and treatment centers. Roanoke Memorial Hospital is part of the Carilion Health System. Roanoke Community Hospital, which is also affiliated, with Carilion provides a medical center for children. These outstanding medical centers and health care providers with specialized practices are especially comforting to the senior citizens who reside in the city.
Roanoke City’s wonderfully clean and beautiful environment, low cost of living, and southern comfort makes it a haven for everyone. Whether you’re interested in science, nature, history, art, recreation or entertainment – the city has all the services and niceties that create a superior quality of life and make it a great place to live.
