on location: south ❖
randy mink
ROAMING
Roanoke ★
The Historic Market District in downtown Roanoke is a shopper’s paradise, offering outdoor stalls, specialty shops and inviting restaurants.
Tour groups enjoy Southern hospitality and big-city amenities in the mountains of Virginia
T
hinking about the pleasures of
Roanoke Valley and other communities
as the world’s largest manmade star,
Roanoke, I don’t know if I’m more
in western Virginia. Just the mention of
the 100-foot-high landmark symbolizes
intrigued by its railroad heritage or its
the gently rolling Blue Ridge Mountains
Roanoke’s progressive spirit. From the
setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
has always cast a magic spell on me,
wooden platform you have panoramic
Shop-hopping in the historic downtown
and waking up to see them outside the
views of the city spread out 1,700 feet
is another big lure. And, as one who “col-
hotel window jump-starts my day.
below and crests of mountains on
lects” vintage hotels, the lore of one of
To start a sightseeing tour of
the Appalachian Trail. Turn around and
the South’s grande dames captivates
Roanoke, the logical place is the sce-
wave at the webcam mounted on
me as well.
nic overlook at the foot of the Roanoke
Roanoke’s
At any rate, this city of 100,000 is an
Star on Mill Mountain. The illuminated
you’ve notified friends with access to
enchanting place that makes for a fun
steel-and-concrete structure, sort of
a computer.
stopover on the Blue Ridge Parkway or
like the star atop a Christmas tree, has
Sharing the Star City’s skyline are
a hub-and-spoke base for exploring the
served as a beacon since 1949. Billed
two other monumental beacons that
36 February 2012
shining
star—provided
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