WEEKEND GETAWAY
Mountain Color 4 Don’t-Miss Activities in Virginia’s Blue Ridge by Vanessa Infanzon photography courtesy Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
In the fall, North Carolinians are fascinated with nature’s colorful display along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just across the state border, Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge blends our craving for outdoor adventure with the comforts of city living. After hiking the Appalachian Trail or driving through the mountains, the city provides the amenities — a hot meal and a warm bed — to complete a perfect day.
Vault, the hotel’s lobby restaurant. Imagine customers waiting in line to see a bank teller, where the area now is a bar. One of the original bank vaults may be reserved for small dinner parties.
Shades of art and history
Many historic buildings in downtown Roanoke have been transformed into funky places to stay, shop and dine. Fire Station One, a boutique hotel with seven uniquely decorated rooms, is in former Fire Station No. 1, built in 1907. On the first floor, Stock Café, with a Nordic and Scandinavian-inspired menu, offers small plates, entrees and Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish sandwich.
The Virginia Transportation Museum in downtown Roanoke features three sections — Auto Gallery, Aviation Gallery and Outdoor Railyard — with historical information and interactive activities at each exhibit. Model T Roadster, Piedmont Motor Car, Plymouth, Studebaker and many more are on display. Watch a brief film about the history of Norfolk and Western Railway before seeing more than 10 locomotives and getting inside the cab of a 1966 diesel locomotive. Learn about women in flight, Tuskegee Airmen and other pilots who made significant contributions during the early years of aviation.
Another boutique hotel, The Liberty Trust, was built in 1910 to house First National Bank. Enjoy a cocktail and appetizer at The
Roanoke’s Taubman Museum of Art offers free admission to visitors. Permanent collections in five galleries include works by glass artists Jon
Colorful accommodations
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | OCTOBER 2023