The Roanoker - January/February 2019 - VL6

VALLEY LIFE

Welcome

Welcome to
the Valley.
W H Y DO W E L OV E R OA N O K 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.
The Roanoke Valley is 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 the Roanoke Valley.
FA S T FAC T S

S I G H T S O F R OA N O K E

T h e R o a n o ke Va l l ey I s . . .

W h a t Yo u N e e d To Kn ow

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."

6 2019 VALLEY LIFE

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.
Originally built in honor of those that made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II,
the Vinton War Memorial stands today as one of the region's premier event spaces. The
two-story 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.
The year 2019 marks 18 years since 9/11. The City of Salem honors the first responders
with a 9/11 Memorial that was once displayed at the Old Virginia Brick site. The 16,000pound steel beams from the north tower of the World Trade Center can be viewed at
their new home in front of Fire Station One in downtown Salem.

COURTESY OF THE ROANOKE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

...just west of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, 250 miles southwest of Washington D.C. and
196 miles north of Charlotte,
North Carolina.
...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.
...named a 2018 Best Affordable
Place to Live by Livability and a
Favorite Travel Destination by
Expedia. Roanoke also made
USA Today's 2018 list of top
10 best metro job markets
and VacationIdea's list of the
25 most beautiful East Coast
destinations.

The Roanoker - January/February 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker - January/February 2019