Roanoke Star/Overlook Located at J.P. Fishburne Parkway & Prospect Road, 540-342-6025, Nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, this progressive, spirited "Star City of the South" is visible from just about every part of Roanoke. The star was erected in 1949 and it is illuminated every night until midnight.

Virginia's Explore Park 3900 Rutrough Rd SE, Roanoke, VA 24014, Located at Milepost 115 in Blue Ridge Parkway, 540-427-1800, While enjoying a leisurely stroll through the forest, experience first hand through costumed interpretation the life of the 1671 Native American, the rugged existence of the 1757 frontier fort dweller, and the evolution of an 1850s community in young America. Authentic and replica buildings serve as a backdrop for this fascinating journey and include a Native American village, frontier fort, one-room school, grist mill, working farm, blacksmith shop, and riverside batteau site. Year 'round, visitors can savor lunch or dinner Wednesday through Sunday at the Historic Brugh Tavern or enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and picnicking from dawn to dusk daily at no charge. The Historic Areas seasonal opening is April 2.

Historic Fincastle, Inc 20 West Main Street, Fincastle, VA 24090, 540-473-3077, Located in Botetourt County, this quiet and quaint village of 450 residents is a virtual museum of American architecture, filled with buildings from the late 1770s through the 20th century. Fincastle and old Botetourt County welcome visitors who seek to explore the past and see a miniature of American history. more... 

Booker T. Washington National Monument 12130 Booker T. Washington Highway, Hardy, VA 24101, 540-721-2094, On April 5, 1856, a child who later called himself Booker T. Washington, was born in slavery on this 207-acre tobacco farm. The realities of life as a slave in piedmont Virginia, the quest by African Americans for education and equality, and the post-war struggle over political participation all shaped his options and choices. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and later became an important and controversial leader. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience firsthand the life and landscape of people who lived in an era when slavery was part of the fabric of American life.  more... 

Art Museum of Western Virginia One Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24011, 540-342-5760, Discover visually stunning exhibitions, creative programs, and an engaging interactive center for all ages while at this museum that also features a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art, decorative arts, and works by Southern artists. Tours, gallery talks, family days, classes, and camps are all a part of the museum's regular programming.  more... 

Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum P.O. Box 1000, Roanoke, VA 24088, Located at Ferrum College in Ferrum, 540-365-4416, Changing gallery exhibits highlighting the folk music, crafts, customs, and material culture of the Blue Ridge Region and Virginia are featured at this unique museum that also contains a re-created 1800 farmstead illustrating a German-American settlement, as well as special hands-on programming, folklife related events, and a gift shop that contains traditional Blue Ridge craft items. more...

Center in the Square One Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24011, 540-342-5700, This beautifully restored, early 20th century furniture warehouse provides free space for seven independent cultural organizations: the Art Museum of Western Virginia, the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, the Science Museum of Western Virginia and Hopkins Planetarium, Roanoke Ballet Theater, Opera Roanoke, the History Museum of Western Virginia, and the Mill Mountain Theatre. Many special events and programs are held at Center throughout the year.  more... 

Harrison Museum of African American Culture 523 Harrison Avenue Northwest, Roanoke, VA 24016, 540-345-4818, Occupying the first floor of the former Harrison School, the first public high school for African American students in Southwest Virginia, which was built in 1916 and is listed in the Virginia Historic Landmark Register and the National Historic Landmark Register, this museum preserves and interprets the achievements of African Americans, specifically in Southwestern Virginia. The annual Henry Street Heritage Festival held the fourth weekend of September. more... 

History Museum of Western Virginia One Market Square third floor, Roanoke, VA 24011, 540-342-5770, Founded in 1957, this museum contains permanent exhibits of artifacts, documents, and other memorabilia that tell the story of Western Virginia from prehistory to modern times. Separate galleries are on site for changing exhibits and the museum also features an orientation theater for information on Roanoke attractions and the history of Roanoke, as well as an archives and library. Educational programs and guided tours are offered. more... 

O. Winston Link Museum 101 Shenandoah Avenue Northeast, Roanoke, VA 24016, 540-982-5465, The largest collection of O. Winston Link's original prints in the world can be found at this museum that also contains an extensive display of N&W Railway artifacts, masterful photography, interactive exhibits, and audio stations. more... 

Virginia Museum of Transportation 303 Norfolk Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016, 540-342-5670, Home to the largest collection of locomotives in the Southeast, this museum is located within the historic N&W Freight Station and it features over 40 pieces of rolling stock in the rail yard, including diesel and steam locomotives. The museum also displays antique carriages, cars, trucks, buses, and trolleys, as well as aviation equipment, interactive exhibits, and a large "O" gauge model train layout with four levels for viewing. more... 

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019, 540-265-5100, 888-265-0019, These two national forests stretch from one end of Virginia to the other, as well as extending into West Virginia, along the ruggedly beautiful Appalachians and virtually every type of outdoor recreation activity you can imagine is available, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, ATV trails, picnicking, cross country skiing, and scenic byways. Almost two million acres offer one of the greatest concentrations in the Southeast and recreation areas range from highly developed to the isolated solitude of the wilderness. more... 

Natural Bridge 15 Appledore Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, 540-291-2121, A National Historic Landmark, this bridge is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and it provides a unique, historic, picturesque, and natural experience. The bridge is over 100 million years old and it stands 215 feet tall, as well as 90 feet wide. 

Mill Mountain Zoo P.O. Box 13484, Roanoke, VA 24034, 540-343-3241, Situated on top of Roanoke`s Mill Mountain, this zoo exhibits over 55 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, such as a Siberian Tiger, Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Japanese Macaques, and Bald Eagles. Special events and educational programs are offered throughout the year and the zoo also contains picnic facilities and a wildflower garden. more...

Science Museum of Western Virginia One Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24011, 540-342-5710, You will find seven permanent galleries, 30,000 square feet of interactive science exhibits, the 120 seat Hopkins Planetarium and giant screen films in the MegaDome Theatre. Visit the Science arcade, exhibit of precious minerals from around the world, a traveling exhibit gallery, lecture hall, library, classroom, and science lab while at this entertaining museum which also offers a wide variety of innovative programs. more... 

Endeavor Ballooning 540-992-0359, Enjoy scenic balloon rides in Roanoke County and Botetourt County balloon rides with this company that provides 45 minute to an hour and 15 minute balloon rides with flight altitudes ranging between 200 feet to 2,500 feet above the ground.

AmRhein Wine Cellars 9243 Patterson Drive, Roanoke, VA 24059, Located in Bent Mountain, 540-929-4632, Specializing in German style wines, this fine winery offers 100% estate grown grapes and bottled wines. Taste their unique varieties of Cabernet Franc, Chambourein, Merlot, Viognier, Chardonnay, and gold medal winning Vidal Blanc while visiting and enjoy tours and tastings year round. Seasonal events, such as the Oktoberfest German Festival in September, Bon Fire Under the Full Moon in October, and Holiday Open House in November and December are held here.