Roanoke, Virginia, is a fun town. And one of the great things about it is how much entertainment people can enjoy for free. Outdoor recreation, historical sites, public art, and more are available throughout the area. Here are some examples of what residents and visitors can do according to visitroanokeva.com.
Outdoors
There is no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in Roanoke. The scenery is breathtaking, the air is fresh, and the price is just right – free. Take a Sunday afternoon drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This majestic road runs right through the Roanoke Valley and motorists can find multiple ways to access the parkway, including an intersection near the Roanoke Star atop Mill Mountain.
Fans of disc golf have several spots in and around Roanoke where they can play. Disc golf locations, include Fishburn Park, Highland Park, and Walrond Park. You can also visit disc golf courses like the Greenfield Disc Golf Course and Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course. If you enjoy hiking, then you can hit the Appalachian Trail. The famous Appalachian Trail winds through portions of this area, and an 8.8-mile stretch of it called McAfee Knob offers quite a few photo ops for those who choose to hike it.
People who enjoy nature’s beautiful colors may want to check out the Virginia Western Community Arboretum, which contains nearly 700 different types of plants. The arboretum is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Public Art
People who have a love for the arts will certainly enjoy seeing all the creativity displayed around the Roanoke area. Elmwood Park is filled with sculptures. These Elmwood Park Sculptures are all located a short distance from the City Market as well as other downtown shops. There is also the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University. This museum is one of the premier arts destinations in the area. Regular exhibits feature a variety of contemporary art. These art pieces have been created by internationally renowned artists, emerging figures, and regional names. You can also visit the Taubman Museum of Art. An architectural marvel, the Taubman Museum of Art boasts a permanent collection of more than 2,100 pieces by artists from all over the world.
History
Virginia has a rich history and the state has made an impressive impact on the nation. A couple of sites to see around Roanoke, include the Booker T. Washington National Monument and Salem Museum. The Booker T. Washington National Monument sits on the site of a historic plantation where Washington was born into slavery. Visitors can see it everyday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Salem Museum is located in the Williams-Brown House. The house was constructed in 1845. The Salem Museum is home to historical artifacts, iconic photographs, and other interesting pieces.
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Bed and Breakfast Options
Are you a visitor from out of town? Or are you a local Roanoke resident on a staycation? If so, there are many bed and breakfast options in the Blue Ridge Mountains that beautiful locations to rest. These bed and breakfasts are also close to the free activities and entertainment in Roanoke.
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