Once known as “Big Lick”, Roanoke is today the largest city in Virginia, west of Richmond. With its population of close to 100,000, it’s also the biggest city on the Blue Ridge Parkway and, in some ways, the capital of southwest Virginia.
Its metropolitan area boasts enough city flavours to provide a touch of elegance and culture. While its location between the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway means that the wild is not too far away either, with mountains dominating the horizon in all directions. The heart of Roanoke is Market Square, which holds the oldest on-going farmers’ market in Virginia, a multi-ethnic food court situated within the restored City Market Building and a number of restaurants, bars and shops.