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.
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.
Things to do in Vinton, VA
Although it’s not a large town, there are some very cool things to do in Vinton. If you’re into outdoor recreation, you can connect to the Roanoke Valley Greenway or launch your canoe from the Tinker Creek Canoe Launch which connects to the Roanoke River Blueway.
We found some great restaurants, a wonderful public library, and the farmers market. The farmers market is on W. Lee Ave. and is open Tuesday-Friday 9-5, and Saturday 9-2. It operates from April through December.
Roanoke Valley Greenways
The Roanoke Valley Greenway is a network that includes over 400 miles of paved and natural surface trails for all types of hikers. You can take a stroll along a waterway, explore parks, or train for a race in your own backyard. Find your perfect trail HERE.
The above photo is from the Vinton Messenger. It’s a photo of the bridge on the Tinker Creek trail.
Tinker Creek
Tinker Creek is a stream that flows into the Roanoke River near Vinton. The creek is good for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing! The canoe launch is located on 3rd street in Vinton.
The newly built Tinker Creek Greenway offers a 1-mile paved trail along the creek. Be on the lookout for wildlife! Wood ducks, green heron, swallows, Baltimore orioles, eastern phoebe, indigo bunting, and yellow-throated warblers all make their homes there.
Roanoke River Blueway
The Roanoke River Blueway offers many recreational opportunities in the upper Roanoke River. Including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tubing, wading, wildlife view, and education. Check out more HERE.
Vinton restaurants
- Dogwood restaurant-come as you are home cooking
- FarmBurguesa-best burgers ever!
- Pancho Mexican restaurant-small, family business
- Our Daily bread bakery & bistro-great pastries
- Big Belly pizza– subs, burgers, and great pizza
- Smiley’s Grill & BBQ-pulled pork sandwiches and more!
In Conclusion…
Virginia is for explorers! We are enjoying our travels there and you will too! Vinton is a small town but worth your time and since it’s a suburb of Roanoke, you have many more restaurants and museums available.
If you have a favorite town in Virginia, I would love to hear from you! Please comment below. We also appreciate you following us on social media and sharing this post with your family and friends.