The Roanoke Valley and the neighboring scenic towns and counties - together known as Virginia’s Blue Ridge - is the quintessential mountain destination. As the largest metropolitan region along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia’s Blue Ridge has so much to offer visitors. Endless choices for creative cuisine and more shopping than you can squeeze into a weekend are just the beginning. The vibrant arts and culture scene includes one-of-a-kind opportunities like the Taubman Museum of Art, the renovated Center in the Square, the Virginia Museum of Transportation and more. It’s all surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, which means outdoor fun on the rivers, streams, lakes, trails and back roads. Get a bird’s eye view of Virginia’s Blue Ridge from the Roanoke Star and Overlook, featured on the cover, just off of Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 120. Then head to the Visitor Information Center, open daily 9am to 5pm, to plan a perfect Blue Ridge Day. Contact: Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, 101 Shenandoah Ave, Roanoke, VA 24016. www.visitvablueridge.com or 800-635-5532 or 540-342-6025.