Finding LOVE in the Virginia Mountains
This two day itinerary takes you on a search for LOVE in the Virginia Mountains. Visiting the Virginia's Blue Ridge area includes a wide variety of outdoor recreation, amazing museums and some of the best scenery in Virginia. Come visit the towns and cities along the Blue Ridge Parkway "One of the most visited parks of the National Park Service".
Day 1
LOVEwork at the Vinton War Memorial
Surrounded by scenic beauty, Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a perfect destination for visitors wanting a little of everything in the Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. Snap a photo with the LOVEwork in Roanoke which ties into Roanoke’s rail heritage.
Visit Mill Mountain Park, home to the famous Roanoke Star, Roanoke Parks and Recreation’s Discovery Center and Mill Mountain Zoo. Also available at the park is 10 miles of multi-use trails, Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden and outdoor classroom, a unique playground, picnic area and pavilion with grills and acres of natural beauty.
Explore the Virginia Museum of Transportation’s extensive collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, rail cars, and model trains. Head to Center in the Square for several different museums offering something for everyone: The Don and Barbara Smith Children’s Museum, The Harrison Museum of African American Culture, Mill Mountain Theatre, The Science Museum of Western Virginia & The Roanoke Pinball Museum!
Roanoke is an outdoor lovers’ paradise! Hike the Appalachian Trail. The Trail becomes more difficult the further south you travel, with climbs as high as 3,000 feet, crossing ridges and valleys to Roanoke. Bike along Roanoke Valley Greenway featuring 26 miles of trails. Kayak or canoe on the Upper James River Water Trail. Get back to nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of 45 miles of the Upper James, including 14 pristine miles designated as a Virginia Scenic River.
Also visit these LOVEworks:
- LOVEwork in Salem - This LOVE travels around the community, so be sure to visit their website for its current location!
- LOVEwork at Northside High School
- LOVEwork at Vinton War Memorial
Eat
- Mac & Bob’s – Salem
- The Homeplace Restaurant
- Ruth’s Place – Rocky Mount
- The Roanoker - Roanoke
- The River & Rail - Roanoke
Stay
Day 2
LOVEwork in Bedford
Spend day two in Bedford County and surrounding areas. Bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, the James River on its northeast and Smith Mountain Lake to the south, Bedford is boasts miles of history, culture, outstanding architecture, boutiques and fine dining. Stop by and snap a photo with the LOVEwork in Bedford. The LOVEwork was designed to highlight some on the area’s many tourism attractions including Smith Mountain Lake, the Peaks of Otter, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Poplar Forest, orchards, wineries and the National D-Day Memorial.
Explore One of only two homes Thomas Jefferson designed for his personal use, Poplar Forest. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the neoclassical architecture of the octagonal house has been returned to Mr. Jefferson's design. Visit the National D-Day Memorial honoring the Allied forces that participated in the invasion of Normandy during World War II. With its stylized English Garden, haunting invasion tableau, and striking Victory Plaza, the Memorial stands as a powerful permanent tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of D-Day participants.
Hike, bike, picnic, boat and more at Smith Mountain Lake. Campsites and cabins are available as well as boat rentals. The park offers more than 1,500 acres, hiking trails, picnic areas and ranger programs, such as guided night hikes and canoe trips. The LOVEwork at Smith Mountain Lake represents different activities that can be found at the lake.
Take a scenic drive, hike or camp along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Meandering 469 miles, the Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. A hundred species of trees, a variety of flowering shrubs and wildflowers as well 54 different mammals and 59 species of birds live along the Parkway.
Bask in the beauty of Peaks of Otter. Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill have dominated the view in this region of Virginia for centuries. Enjoy interpretative programs, wildlife exhibits, walking trails and self-guided wildflower walks. A campground, restaurant and lodge are also available. Taste some delicious wine and snap a photo at the LOVEwork at Peaks of Otter Winery.
Eat
Stay
Check out our map of places where you can add more LOVE to your vacation. Be sure to share your pictures on social media by tagging @VisitVirginia using the hashtag #LOVEVA.