The Roanoker - January/February 2021 - VBRL6

VBR LIFE

Welcome

to Virginia's Blue Ridge
W H Y D O W E LOV E W H E R E W E L I V E ?

For one thing, we have it all:
Breathtaking mountain views and thriving
downtowns. A rich arts and culture scene
and access to the state's largest lakes,
longest rivers and 600 miles of hiking
and biking trails. Exemplary academics
and nationally recognized health care
providers. We are western Virginia's hub for
business, entertainment, health care and
transportation. Our star communities-
Botetourt County, Franklin County, Roanoke
County, Vinton and the cities of Roanoke
and Salem-offer walkable neighborhoods,
numerous recreational activities, historical
monuments and, above all, a friendly
population that is excited to tell you why
they love living in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

FAST FAC TS

S I G H TS O F V I R G I N I A' S B LU E R I D G E

i n Vi rg i n i a 's B l u e
R i d g e. . .

Wh at Yo u N e e d To K n ow

6 2021 VBR LIFE

...the Roanoke Valley is
just west of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, 250 miles
southwest of Washington
D.C. and 196 miles north of
Charlotte, North Carolina. It is
home to 325,000 people, and
more than 1 million people
use the valley as their regional
center for jobs, transportation,
entertainment and health care.
...Roanoke was named a top
adventure town two years in
a row by Blue Ridge Outdoors
Magazine.
...Roanoke was also named a
Top Digital City by the Center
for Digital Government,
recognizing innovative cities
across the United States.

The Mill Mountain Star was built in 1949 by Kinsey Sign Company and Roanoke Iron
and Bridgeworks. Inspired by a mountainside light display he saw during a drive through
Chattanooga, Tennessee, Roy Kinsey and his three sons created what is now the largest
freestanding star in existence, giving Roanoke the nickname " The Star City. "
The Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, which covers more than 12,000 acres, is the
second largest municipally owned and managed park in the country. Locals and visitors
alike take advantage of the many recreational opportunities at the Cove, such as
hiking, horseback riding, fishing and boating. The Cove is also one of the most popular
destinations for mountain biking in the East with nearly 60 miles of multi-use trails.
Smith Mountain Lake, with 500 miles of shoreline, is the perfect destination for your
very own style of fun, whether you seek days full of activities or just plain relaxing.
Vacationers come from all over the world to fish, enjoy numerous water sports and play
on the 500 miles of shoreline.
Vinton War Memorial, originally built in honor of those that made the ultimate sacrifice
during World War II, stands today as one of the region's premier event spaces. The twostory brick building was first opened to the public in 1948 and renovated in 2007. Four
years later, the " High Ground " Veterans Monument was added to honor veterans and
active military men and women from Vinton and Roanoke County.

JAYSON FIREBAUGH | STAR CITY SKYCAMS

The Roanoker - January/February 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker - January/February 2021