Before getting lost in the Southwestern Virginia wilderness or embarking down the Appalachian trail, travelers should stop over in one of Southwest Virginia's more urban locales. All offer family attractions, great eats, and robust night life.
Roanoke, Virginia - The Star City
Roanoke is Southwest Virginia's largest city, home to approximately 90,000 people. Roanoke is called the Star City because the city itself sits below a giant neon star perched atop a mountain. Take a drive up Mill Mountain to get an up close view of the star. One can stop by the Mill Mountain Zoo after checking out the tall, glowing star.
Roanoke also offers a host of cultural venues for tourists. Museum lovers should not miss the brand new Taubman Museum of Art located right off of Interstate 581 in downtown Roanoke. Also in downtown Roanoke is the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Western Virginia History Museum.
If travelers visit the Star City in the Spring or Summer, be sure to check out Roanoke's Market Square, located in the Historic City Market. On weekends, the Market Square is bustling with local vendors selling homegrown fruits, veggies, folk art, and other wares. While browsing the local goods, do not miss the Science Museum, Theatre, and historic Market Building all on Market Square.
Downtown Roanoke is also home to several local eateries that do not disappoint. Corned Beef & Co. and Metro! are two local favorites. Roanoke is also home to plenty of affordable family dining and chain restaurants.
Blacksburg, Virginia - Home of the Hokies
An hour south of Roanoke on Interstate 81 takes travelers to the Blacksburg/Christiansburg area. One cannot mistake the presence of Virginia Tech and its impact on Blacksburg. If you do not mind a crowd, be sure to stop by on a Saturday during college football season. The Virginia Tech fans will be grilling en masse. Find some tickets and cheer on the Hokies.
If college football is not your cup of tea, take a stroll through downtown Blacksburg. Local art shops and eateries make Blacksburg's downtown one of the most eclectic in Southwest Virginia. Buy some folk art or a handmade guitar, then head over to one of the many local eating establishments for some one of a kind cuisine. Downtown Blacksburg also hosts several festivals during the spring and summer. Check the calendar and plan your Blacksburg stop accordingly.
Abingdon, Virginia - Come See the Historic Barter Theatre
According to legend, Daniel Boone founded what is now Abingdon when a pack of wolves attacked his dogs on his first expedition to Kentucky. He named the spot Wolf Hill and eventually a small community formed at Wolf Hill in Boone's wake.
Abingdon is one of Virginia's most beautiful, picturesque cities. Its simplicity and historic appearance are unmistakable. One of Abingdon's most historic buildings is the Barter Theatre. Built around 1832, the Barter Theatre is still in operation today. One can even barter food or wares for admission, but this age old practice is seldom used today. Visitors now pay cash to watch performances from February through December. The Barter Theatre is a venue not to be missed.
If art is your thing, make certain to schedule a stop in Abingdon in August. For the first two weeks of August, the Virginia Highlands Festival features some of the finest art and folk art Southwestern Virginia has to offer. Art lovers should also stop by the William King Regional Arts Center. The Center is home to three galleries showcasing art from both Virginia and the world at large. Abingdon is boasts the one-of-a-kind Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum, a display of upper class life in mid-19th century Virginia.
If you get thirsty while traveling through Southwest Virginia, check out the Abingdon Vineyard and Winery. Red and white tastings run from March through December. Simply follow the signs picturing grapes to find the Winery.
When planning your next Virginia vacation, be sure to check out Southwestern Virginia's urban centers. Typically overlooked in favor of the rugged Southwestern Virginia outdoors, Roanoke, Blacksburg, and Abingdon are all worth a day or two of family time. Importantly, all three locales are very affordable!
