Category: ATTRACTIONS

The Franklin County Historical Society was chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1968 for the stated purpose of collecting and preserving the history of Franklin County, Virginia. To that end, we offer memberships to the general public to encourage interest in local history. We operate a history museum and research library to provide public access to our collected materials. We publish booklets with historical themes for the purpose of education and research assistance. We are happy to share our resources with those who are interested - and welcome the sharing of resources by others. 460 S. Main Street Rocky Mount, VA 24151 (540) 483-1890

Currently under Construction: Located on Norfolk Avenue, the David R. and Susan S. Goode Railwalk allows pedestrians to walk a path paralleling the train tracks and view historic memorabilia along the way from Market Street to Warehouse Row. It tells the story of Roanoke’s rail history, both visually and audibly: There's a platform, signals, whistles, plaques and storyboards with information about the events that formed this history. Norfolk Avenue Roanoke, VA 24011 (540) 853-2000

Visitors can experience the spectacle of the great fly-wheel rotating, the pistons pumping, and the sound of steam escaping with a hiss. Long before the arrival of the first westward explorers, the cool waters of Crystal Spring flowed from an unknown source into what is now Southwest Virginia's Roanoke Valley. When Scots-Irish immigrants settled the region in the mid 1700's, the Evans family harnessed these waters to power a grist mill, and Crystal Spring has played an important part in Roanoke's history ever since. In 1905, the City purchased the Snow Steam Pump from the Snow Steam Pump Works of Buffalo, NY. The pump was a mechanical marvel of the day. The Crystal Spring Pump Station has been recognized as an important part of Roanoke's history. The Station is listed…

Experience Virginia's heritage migration route and travel the road of early settlement from the valleys through the mountains of western Virginia. The Roanoke Valley was a hub granting Native Americans and frontiersmen access into the Trans-Appalachian West. Discovery the diversity of the region through historic districts, museums, and live interpretation. Get a FREE Guide or visit the web site for proposed routes. 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025

The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, winds through the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Here, the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Traditional Country music is as beautiful and rugged as the landscape itself. Our mission is supporting economic development by promoting Heritage Tourism and Blue Ridge and Appalachian culture. Experience authentic mountain music where it was born at eight major venues: Ralph Stanley Museum, Country Cabin II, Carter Family Fold, Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, Rex Theater & Old Fiddler’s Convention, Blue Ridge Music Center, Floyd Country Store & County Sales, and Blue Ridge Institute & Museum of Ferrum College. 1 Heartwood Circle Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 492-2085

Any visit to the town of Buchanan has to include a walk across the famous Swinging Bridge. It's part of the town's historic district and portions of the bridge were originally constructed in 1851. The bridge operated as the Buchanan Turnpike Company's Toll Bridge and it cost five cents for every person to pass through the bridge, with an additional five cent charge for each horse, mule and wagon. At 366 feet in length and 57.5 feet in height, the bridge is the only one of its kind to cross the James River. A walk along the bridge provides a wonderful view of the river. The bridge has many significant ties to the town of Buchanan's history, which is part of why it is displayed on the Town's official seal.…

Come visit the Botetourt County Historical Society and Museum in Fincastle. Our mission is to preserve and protect the historical heritage of Botetourt County by providing education to the public through exhibitions, publications, programs and activities. We also house preserved photographs, family journals, records and artifacts in the Botetourt County Historical Society Museum and selected sites. Open Monday through Saturday 10-2 and Sunday 2-4. 3 West Main Street Fincastle, VA 24090 (540) 473-8394

Booker T. Washington National Monument commemorates the life of this famous educator, writer, orator and presidential advisor. Exhibits, films, farm, tours and special events tell of his remarkable rise from enslavement to being one of the most influential, but controversial, African Americans of his time. FREE Admission! Group Tour Services: Curriculum-based education programs for K-12 Guided tours for tour groups with reservations. Can work with groups on special program requests. 12130 Booker T. Washington Highway Hardy, VA 24101 (540) 721-2094

The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, the official state center for Blue Ridge Folklore, documents and presents the traditional crafts, music, customs, decorative arts and beliefs of the region through rotating gallery exhibits, a living history farm museum, an archive and public programming. Exhibit Galleries - Free. Farm Museum rates vary. 20 Museum Drive, Ferrum College Ferrum, VA 24088 (540) 365-4416

The Zone is a go kart track and much much more! We offer Batting Cages, Mini Golf, an Arcade and two Party Rooms! We can host your parties, whether they be for birthdays, church functions, company team building meetings or just for the FUN of it! New at the Zone - our Tea Party Room - A Princess Party Room for your favorite Princess. We are conveniently located about 40 minutes from Roanoke and about 30 minutes from Smith Mountain Lake. So bring your family and friends, whether its for competition or just plain FUN, The Zone is the place for YOU! 1175 State Street Rocky Mount, VA 24151 (540) 484-1250