The state of Virginia is very diverse. You have the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Southwest portion of the state and Virginia Beach on the Eastern Coast. We have been exploring our neighboring state for the last year. My favorite part of the state, so far, is the Roanoke area surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The lesser-known town of Vinton, Virginia, is a suburb of Roanoke.
The Town’s new motto is; ARE YOU IN?Town of VINton.
Downtown Vinton, VA
History of Vinton, VA
In 1797 the Gish Family moved into the area and established a gristmill on Glade Creek. The area was known as Gish’s Mill. When the railroad expanded into the Roanoke Valley, Gish’s Mill became a stop for the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Ohio Railroad. In the late 1870s, the Gish family led a movement to establish a town around the train depot site. In 1884 this area was incorporated as the town of Vinton.
The city of Roanoke, Virginia, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southwestern part of the state. For us, it’s become one of our favorite getaways! Roanoke is only about a 2 1/2 hour drive from our home in North Carolina. What is there to see In Roanoke VA?
Besides the beautiful location, you will find great entertainment, restaurants, and outdoor recreation! It’s also known for the Roanoke Star which is located on Mill Mountain.
After taking the drive to the top of Mill Mountain, you will have a breathtaking view of the city below.
FUN FACT: The word Roanoke came from the Indian word “Rawrenrock” a name for the shell beads worn by the Indians and used for trading.
Historyof Roanoke, Virginia
The city is also known as the “Capital of the Blue Ridge” and a crossroads for the railroad. The city began in the 1740s. Mark Evans and Tasker Tosh came from Pennsylvania to stake a claim on land near the salt licks. For generations, the salt licks and marshes were gathering places for buffalo, elk, and deer. It’s also where many Native Americans hunted. The first village in the Roanoke Valley was started here in 1834 and was named Gainsborough. The town was also known as Big Lick named after the salt licks in the area.
Roanoke County was formed in 1838 with a county population of about 5,000. The town of Salem and the community of Vinton soon grew and were connected to Big Lick by a narrow brick road.
The railroad came to the valley in 1852 but missed Big Lick, so the town center was moved closer to the tracks and was renamed Roanoke for the river and county. The original town became Old Lick.
The Magic City
Why was Roanoke Called the Magic City? Employees were needed to maintain the coal trains going to and from Norfolk, so the railroad built the Roanoke Shops. They provided good pay and steady employment for skilled workers which attracted many people to Roanoke. The city got the name Magic City because it was the fastest-growing urban area in the South from 1880 to 1890.
Things to see in Roanoke
Mill Mountain Park
Mill Mountain Zoo
Roanoke Star(Mill Mountain Star)
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Roanoke County Explore Park
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Taubman Museum of Art
DowntownRoanoke
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Florida has so many places that are fun to explore! The drive from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs is one of the prettiest drives we have taken in Florida. We drove on US-19 ALT N which follows the gulf coast. It’s only about a 30-minute drive but it takes you past some really cool cities; Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and Tarpon Springs.
Each of these cities is full of great restaurants, beautiful scenery, and fun adventures. Clearwater has some of the best beaches in the US. Dunedin is a hidden gem with Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands to explore. Palm Harbor has championship golf, and Tarpon Springs is like visiting a Greek Village.
Things to do in Clearwater
Clearwater is west of Tampa and is known for its beautiful gulf coast beaches. Clearwater beach is located on a barrier island and has been voted the #1 Beach in the US for several years. With a wide variety of restaurants, you will find whatever you are craving!
You will find several miles of white sand beaches, warm gulf waters, and beautiful sunsets!
Wildflower Cafe
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The Midwest is full of beautiful countryside, warm and welcoming people, and lots of interesting places. To me, Wisconsin is the crown jewel of the Midwest. It’s a beautiful state with a lot of places to explore! I am a little partial, though, since it’s my home state.
The city of Green Bay, Wis., is a wonderful place to have an adventure whether you are traveling as a family or having a couples getaway.
Green Bay, Wis., is probably best known for the Green Bay Packers and for cheeseheads. I can tell you that there is much more to this small town! It is located at the base of Door County in the northeast part of the state. The city is also located at the head of The Bay of Green Bay(which feeds into Lake Michigan), and at the mouth of the Fox River. The population of Green Bay is about 107,000, which makes it the third-largest city in Wisconsin. My list showcases some of the highlights of this wonderful city.
10 Fun Things to do in Green Bay
Tailgating
Green Bay Packer Game
Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame
National Railroad Museum
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
The NEW Zoo& Adventure Park
Heritage Hill State Park
Green Bay Botanical Garden
Neville Public Museum
Fox River Tours
1. Tailgating outside Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is known for great tailgating! Tailgating has been around since 1869 and started at a college game between Rutgers and Princeton, but the term “tailgating” was first used by the Green Bay Packers in 1919. You can find anything there, hamburgers & hot dogs, ribs & steaks, brats & sauerkraut, cheese curds, and much more! I think that almost everyone going to the game enjoys some kind of tailgating. Of course, the beer also flows! Even though it’s not my thing, Wisconsin has plenty of beer!
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