Virginia's Explore Park

Virginia's Explore Park is a mostly-wooded twelve hundred acres nestled beside the Blue Ridge Parkway and Roanoke River, dedicated to combining southwest Virginia's recreational, natural, and cultural offerings in one location. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, go boating -– including canoeing and kayaking -- walk through a historical area of original 19th-century and reconstructed 18th-century area buildings, and attend a variety of events, programs, and classes. The Park is also the home of the Parkway Visitors Center, featuring the Blue Ridge Parkway Welcome Center and Museum. The Visitors Center is open seasonally, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between early April and early November.How to get to Virginia's Explore ParkThe primary entrance to the Park's general areas and Visitor Center is by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway, at Milepost 115. The Parkway's closest access to the Park is from Route 24 in Vinton, taking the Parkway south. This will also be the quickest way from Roanoke and Bedford. Those coming through Roanoke but wishing to avoid the Parkway, driving commercial vehicles -– which are not allowed on the Parkway -- or who want direct access to the Roanoke River by car for fishing, a boat launch, and other recreational activities, can use the Rutrough Road entrance: from 13th Street (which becomes Bennington Avenue) in Roanoke City, turn left onto Route 116, then the next left turn onto Rutrough. Rutrough leads to both the Park's service road and the general areas, and dead-ends at Rutrough Point, the Roanoke River's intersection with Back Creek.Best and worst times to go to Virginia's Explore ParkNearly all of the Park's attractions are outdoors, and the lion's share of its events, programs, and classes are outdoors, so pick a time when the weather will be amenable – though much of the Park is also shaded by woods, which helps on even the most sweltering summer days.Must see/do at Virginia's Explore ParkThe Park has fourteen miles of hiking and biking trails offering a variety of difficulties and terrains, ranging from the 0.8 mile Beginner Trail to the 2.04 mile Endurance Loop. The trails run mostly through the deciduous forest, with some along the Roanoke River. The Visitors Center's museum puts all of the surroundings in context. The historical area is a tranquil oasis winding through the woodlands, and the historical buildings include wall-mounted posts explaining when the buildings were constructed and how they fit in to their farm or community.Admission to Virginia's Explore ParkAdmission to the general areas of the Park and the Visitor Center is free. Admission to direct access to the Roanoke River at Rutrough Point is $2 per visit, or $20 for an annual pass. Some special events, programs, and classes charge a fee, starting at $5 for events, and higher for longer-duration recreational classes and programs.Parking and Public Transportation to Virginia's Explore ParkA large free parking area is available at the Visitor Center. Farther down the Park road another free, smaller but generally adequate parking area is available beside (though a short walk from) the historical area. There is no regular public transportation to the Park available.Food at Virginia's Explore ParkThe only food available at the Park, besides event vendors, is candy, jams, and jellies available at the gift shop. But the Park is a short drive from Vinton and a slightly longer one from Roanoke, which are filled with all varieties of restaurants.Insider tip for visitors to Virginia's Explore ParkA few Saturdays during the April to November season are Artisan Saturdays, which include free live music, author appearances, and other cultural events.Author's bio: Danny Adams is a Virginia native, reference librarian assistant, and freelance author who has been blogging about and photographing southern and western Virginia for several years, and is preparing to publish a series of family saga historical novels about Virginia's Shenandoah Valley that will run from the mid-17th century to the present day. He can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/madwriter.

Mayflower Hills Park, located in Roanoke, VA, is a serene green space perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation. The park features scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for families and nature lovers alike. With its lush landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, Mayflower Hills Park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Generated from this place's information