One of the great things about living in Roanoke is the easy access we have to so many different places and attractions. You really can access just about anything from, here including world-class outdoor amenities, great arts and cultural offerings, shopping, historic sites, and much more. I had the opportunity this past week to visit a few of these places and thought I would highlight some of the great places and opportunities that surround us. So, if you are looking for more—after you have completed your local shopping, visited our museums, and caught a seasonal performance or two—I encourage you to explore our larger neighborhood and enjoy.
Small Town Arts and Culture
Within an easy and, in both cases, scenic drive are two unique performance venues. In Floyd, the Floyd General Store offers a regular lineup of great roots, bluegrass, and gospel music in a country store setting. In Clifton Forge, you can find performances at the Historic Masonic Theater - a 110-year-old restored theater, offering all types of events. Additionally, Clifton Forge offers access to arts at the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center and the Clifton Forge School of the Arts. Both are currently offering several opportunities that could help you complete your Christmas shopping list.
The Great Outdoors and More
In near proximity to Covington—another town worth checking out—is the Humpback Covered Bridge. Built in 1857, the bridge is the oldest remaining covered bridge in Virginia and offers great photo opportunities. For outdoor enthusiasts the surrounding area, which includes the George Washington National Forest, offers river access, hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic views, forest roads, and more.
In Paint Bank there is another great general store and cozy restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch next to a roaring fire. In Buchanan, there is a great little bookstore, river access, and even a pedestrian bridge across the James River! Fincastle offers some amazing architecture along with some of the oldest history in the area.
There is so much more than mentioned in this short post and all of these places are within a day’s journey from Roanoke. So, this Holiday Season, why not take a little time and visit our neighbors. You might just be pleasantly surprised by what they have to offer!
- Bob Cowell