1. Roanoke, Virginia
It’s easy to get lost on the Blue Ridge Parkway beneath canopies of beautiful foliage, but when you’re ready to find a place with a warm and familiar Southern air, Roanoke, Virginia, extends an open invitation. Locals share a contagious passion for the area, fostering a small-town charm that permeates this Virginia hub where metro life meets many options for outdoor adventure. The Roanoke Valley is full of welcoming accommodations, spanning historic hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and cozy cabins.
Make plans to browse downtown, where eateries, boutiques, and art galleries line the pedestrian-friendly streets that have brought together local farmers and vendors for the Historic Roanoke City Market since 1882. Hop on the Appalachian Trail from several entry points close by, or experience the area’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace via the city’s pristine network of greenways and parks.
