{"id":33634,"date":"2018-09-04T10:53:51","date_gmt":"2018-09-04T15:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/?p=33634"},"modified":"2018-09-12T13:21:32","modified_gmt":"2018-09-12T18:21:32","slug":"virginia-blue-ridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/virginia-blue-ridge\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Reasons to Love Virginia’s Blue Ridge"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s long been said that Virginia is for Lovers, but Virginia\u2019s Blue Ridge is quite lovable itself. Between the gorgeous mountain playground and vibrant mix of arts and culture, the region offers diverse experiences for all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anchor your stay in Roanoke, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you\u2019ll find these 7 reasons to fall in love.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blue Ridge Parkway<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Blue
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the Roanoke Valley in Virginia.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An 80-mile stretch of the famed <\/span>Blue Ridge Parkway<\/span><\/a> winds through the Roanoke Valley. \u201cAmerica\u2019s Favorite Drive,\u201d as it is known, captivates motorists, bicyclists, and hikers with views of misty mountains and sweeping panoramas. Stop at the scenic overlooks to take photographs of the sunrise or break away from the highway and hike over 600 trail miles to geologic wonders, dense forest, and cascading waterfalls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roanoke Star and Overlook<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Roanoke
The massive, illuminated star overlooks the Roanoke Valley.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Standing atop Mill Mountain is the <\/span>Roanoke Star<\/span><\/a>, a majestic, 5-pointed, neon symbol of the city\u2019s progressive spirit. Constructed in 1949 as a temporary Christmas decoration, the star was so popular that city officials let it stand. The 89-foot structure shines primarily white nightly except on patriotic holidays or other occasions when it turns red, white, and blue. In front of the star is a viewing platform that overlooks the breathtaking Roanoke Valley.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hotel Roanoke<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Hotel
The historic Hotel Roanoke has been revitalized and restored for a modern day.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A historic hotel dating back to 1882, The Hotel Roanoke<\/a>, Curio Collection by Hilton, brims with Southern hospitality and Gilded Age style. It\u2019s sort of like the Blue Ridge version of \u201cDownton Abbey.\u201d The public spaces rock with original murals, ornately carved woods, dazzling chandeliers, and gilded mirrors from yesteryear. But the 330 upscale guest rooms, fitness center, and swimming pool are appointed with amenities for a modern day and the downtown location is central to the urban vibe. <\/span>The Hotel Roanoke<\/span><\/a> is a member of the Historic Hotels of America.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Black Dog Salvage <\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Black
You never know what you’ll find at Black Dog Salvage.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As home to the DIY Network series, \u201cSalvage Dawgs,\u201d <\/span>Black Dog Salvage<\/span><\/a> specializes in preserving America\u2019s architectural past. Roam through the vast showroom, and you\u2019ll find an eclectic mix of fixtures, furnishings, remnants, and what-nots from vintage structures and homes. Some are sold in the raw while others are repurposed, sometimes in quirky fashion, like\u00a0a clawfoot tub-turned-sofa. Also featured are original works from regional artists and artisans.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a unique overnight experience, book yourself into the <\/span>Stone House<\/span><\/a> next door. The Black Dog team renovated and modernized the historic 1911 residence, now an upscale guest house and event space.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Salem Red Sox Baseball<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Red
Watch this Minor League Baseball team play their hearts out. Photo Credit: Salem Red Sox Facebook<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enjoy a rousing minor league baseball game at Haley Toyota Field<\/a> at Salem Memorial Ballpark. The 6,300-seat, family-friendly stadium is home to the Salem Red Sox, an affiliate of the MLB Boston Red Sox and Class A Advanced Carolina League affiliate. Notable alumni of the <\/span>Salem Red Sox<\/span><\/a> team include All Stars and Chicago Cubs\u00a0players\u00a0Anthony Rizzo and Moises Alou.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Follow the Cheers Trail<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Franklin
White Label Corn Whiskey is the signature spirit at Franklin County Distilleries.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The mountain setting and plentiful waters are optimal resources for locally produced craft beer, wine, and spirits. To name a few: <\/span>Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers<\/span><\/a> is downtown Roanoke\u2019s first craft brewery and features six flagship beers year-round plus a rotating selection of seasonal brews. <\/span>Franklin County Distilleries<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>builds on the region\u2019s bootlegging history with its signature FCD White Label Corn Whiskey. <\/span>Valhalla Vineyards<\/span><\/a> produces French-style wines from its mountaintop location overlooking the Roanoke Valley.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Awe-Inspiring Arts and Artisans<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Sculpture
“Descending Night” sculpture by Jack Howard Potter at Elmwood Park in Roanoke.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Virginia\u2019s Blue Ridge boasts a rich and varied culture of creative arts. The <\/span>Taubman Museum of Art <\/span><\/a>in Roanoke is home to world-class permanent and roving exhibitions. The White Lightning Artisan Trail in Franklin County is a collective of galleries, shops, studios, and makers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roanoke\u2019s long-time commitment to public art means you’ll walk down most any downtown street or under any bridge, and you\u2019re likely to see sculptures and murals, free of charge. Meander along the Art Walk in Elmwood Park, the main gathering spot and outdoor entertainment venue, or take a relaxing break at the shady Century Park Plaza, lined with sculptures representing Roanoke\u2019s seven international \u201cSister Cities\u201d on four continents.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For more information, visit <\/span>www.VisitVBR.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Find what really matters in Chicago with the UrbanMatter app!<\/h3>\n

To download or see reviews from our users, head\u00a0here<\/a><\/span>.<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s long been said that Virginia is for Lovers, but Virginia\u2019s Blue Ridge is quite lovable itself. Between the gorgeous mountain playground and vibrant mix of arts and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":679,"featured_media":33637,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4066],"tags":[6694,6690,6703,2632,6697,6698,6700,6693,6701,3944,6691,6696,6695,6702,1703,6692,6689,6699],"class_list":["post-33634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-category-travel","tag-black-dog-salvage","tag-blue-ridge","tag-blue-ridge-virginia","tag-breweries","tag-cheers-trail","tag-distilleries","tag-elmwood-park","tag-hotel-roanoke","tag-outdoor-art","tag-roanoke","tag-roanoke-star","tag-salem","tag-salem-red-sox","tag-sculpture-gardens","tag-travel","tag-travel-stateside","tag-virginia","tag-wineries"],"yoast_head":"\n7 Reasons to Love Virginia's Blue Ridge | UrbanMatter<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It\u2019s long been said that Virginia is for Lovers, but Virginia\u2019s Blue Ridge is quite lovable itself. 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