LOVE in Virginias Rail Heritage Region
Come and enjoy what Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region has to offer. Explore the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the mighty 611 steam engine in Roanoke, see where the Bedford Boys departed at the Liberty Station Restaurant, and walk on the Blackwater Creek Trail along an abandoned railway in Lynchburg.
Day 1
LOVEwork in Roanoke
The Rail Heritage Tour begins with a sampling of Roanoke's diverse offerings. Enjoy decades-old steam locomotives while watching modern trains zoom by on busy active tracks at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Explore the extensive collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, rail cars, and model trains. After your visit, stroll along the Goode Railwalk to the O Winston Link Museum to watch trains and enjoy hands-on exhibits about Roanoke’s rail history. The LOVEwork in Roanoke represents Roanoke’s long history of being a rail town.
Get out and explore the mountains and National Forests of Roanoke with Roanoke Mountain Adventures. Guided trips or shuttles and rentals for mountain biking, kayaking, cycling, paddleboarding and other outdoor activities are available.
End your day with a trip down the Blue Ridge Cheers Trail. With a collection of 30 breweries, wineries and craft spirits producers, the Trail is a celebration of our local craft beverages and a fun way for locals and visitors to discover the unique flavors of the region.
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Day 2
LOVEwork at Peaks of Otter Winery
Day two will cover a broad slice of American history. Travel back in time and enjoy Thomas Jefferson's summer home, Poplar Forest Visit the ancient Peaks of Otter where you can enjoy wine at the Peaks of Otter Winery and snap a photo with the LOVEwork. Learn more about the heroism of D-Day's Bedford Boys at the National D-Day Memorial.
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Day 3
LOVEwork in Lynchburg
Day three includes attractions in Lynchburg, where rail and water travel merge. Walk the James River Heritage Trail. Part of the trail traverses two railroad trestles and follows about one mile of old railroad bed across Percival Isle. The LOVEwork in Lynchburg represents the may ways in which the Blackwater Trails can be used.
Enjoy the elegance of a Federal style mansion overlooking the James River at Point of Honor. It is beautifully restored to the Era of Good Feelings. Visit the Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House and be introduced to Lynchburg's fascinating history! Step into the Court Room Gallery where you are greeted by a timeline of Lynchburg and Central Virginia history.
Eat
- Depot Grille - Converted from a freight train station and has antique railroad prints in their N&W room. A model train is also on exhibit.
- Bootleggers Burger
- Neighbors Place
Stay
- Craddock Terry Hotel and additional LOVEwork
- The Virginian Hotel
- Federal Crest Inn B&B
This LOVEwork itinerary was submitted by the Virginia Welcome Center at Covington.
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.