City Guide: Roanoke

Roanoke is known by several names.

Actually, this is a city of three names and each makes a notice of Roanoke's unique feature. From the early years it was referred to as Big Lick by the early settlers in the area since 1874 and only recently it was renamed as the city of Roanoke. In addition, Roanoke boasts of an 88-foot man-made star on majestic Mill Mountain that won the nickname as Star City of the South.

You can come and see Roanoke for yourself if you choose one of the on-site hotels at Booked.net. Be it a room in cheap hotel in Roanoke to a lap of luxuries all available at Booked.net. Our listings include maps, photos and secure forms on every hotel.

Modern Roanoke is shaped by the railroad to Virginia and Tennessee which has crossed the area of the city since the early 1850s. With time the supply wasn't enough and new railway was laid to nearby Shenandoah that greatly fueled the city's development as the main crossing in the region. The growth in terms of income and foreign investments surpassed all expectations and Roanoke won an additional name as “Magic City.”

Actually, the last name that the city has won is the best reflection of what modern Roanoke is. There is really something special about this city. As soon as you arrive there, you will see how exceptional it is as this is a destination that will leave you with no desire to return home.

With a multitude of its museums, galleries and theaters Roanoke is going to keep you occupied throughout your stay. First it will overload you with a set of must-see attractions;

• The O. Winston Link Museum exhibits the world's largest collection of the photos

• Mill Mountain Star and Park, the largest hand-made star in the worldVirginia Museum of Transportation houses collections of antique automobiles and trucks

• Art Museum of Western Virginia offers American art of the 19th century

• Mill Mountain Zoo with more than 45 species of animals

If you want to see how sensible by day Roanoke turns in to a pulsating destination after-dark, you should meet at sunset at the Market Square. This is more than a place to make a purchase, but a point around which life in Roanoke revolves. Vivid during the day, the square turns into an adventure land at night as the biggest part of clubs and world-class restaurants are concentrated there.

If you suddenly get tired of its cultural splendor there is always an escape in Roanoke regarded as the largest rural community in Virginia. It will take you a few minutes drive to get to the city's edges to indulge in camping, hiking and so on.

From rural wilderness to its cultural flavor, Roanoke is a chic destination to explore with Booked.net.