In the 1740s, settlers began moving into the Roanoke Valley, drawn by fertile farmland and the mineral-rich salt licks that gave the early settlement of Big Lick its name. This rural community changed dramatically in 1882, when the Shenandoah Valley Railroad intersected with the Norfolk and Western Railway. Within a few short years, Big Lick became the city of Roanoke, earning the nickname “The Magic City” for its rapid growth and emergence as a center for coal transport and industry. Today, it has a population of about 97,000, yet its past is still visible in the brick warehouses and historic depots standing near the tracks that fueled its rise.

The influence of the railway years in Roanoke is preserved in the Virginia Museum of Transportation, where massive steam locomotives and vintage rail cars illustrate the industrial energy of that period. Just a short walk away, the O. Winston Link Museum displays striking black-and-white photographs capturing the last days of steam trains in America. Art also has its place in the city’s story; the Taubman Museum of Art, with its modern steel-and-glass design, houses both regional works and nationally recognized exhibitions. These venues offer a clear view into the cultural and industrial shifts that shaped the city over time.

Outdoor space is abundant in Roanoke, with Mill Mountain Park being one of the most recognized destinations. The park’s hiking trails lead to the Roanoke Star, a towering illuminated structure visible for miles, and the Mill Mountain Zoo, which features species ranging from red pandas to snow leopards. For those looking for even more natural exploration, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve spans over 12,000 acres, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the country and a haven for mountain biking, kayaking, and backcountry hiking.

Seasonal events play a major role in the community’s rhythm. Festival in the Park fills late May with live music, art vendors, and performances. Winter’s Dickens of a Christmas transforms downtown into a Victorian-era scene complete with carriage rides and roasted chestnuts.

Unusual businesses contribute to Roanoke’s character in ways that stand apart from typical retail. Black Dog Salvage, made famous on the television show Salvage Dawgs, rescues architectural pieces from old buildings—massive wood doors, iron gates, and vintage light fixtures—then sells them to builders, decorators, and collectors. Chocolatepaper combines two unexpected specialties under one roof, offering handmade chocolates alongside quirky stationery, greeting cards, and novelty gifts.

Dining options reflect a balance between innovation and tradition. Lucky serves Southern-influenced dishes such as buttermilk fried chicken with collard greens, and shrimp and grits made with local stone-ground cornmeal. Fortunato offers house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas topped with imported cheeses and cured meats, and desserts like panna cotta and tiramisu. These kitchens focus on quality ingredients and well-executed recipes, giving the city’s food scene a distinct character.

Roanoke also holds stories of the unexplained. The Hotel Roanoke, operating since 1882, has accounts from guests and staff of footsteps in empty halls, voices without a source, and sightings of figures in period clothing. St. Andrew’s Catholic Church has its own local tales of ghostly figures along its steps at night, woven into the city’s quieter lore.

Some of Roanoke’s oldest structures have stood for more than a century, a reminder that buildings here endure when they’re cared for. Star City Crawl Space supports that longevity with crawl space cleaning, drainage installation, vapor barrier placement, and mold removal to keep properties sound and ready for decades ahead. Contact us today for more information.