Years ago malls revolutionized suburban shopping; in a similar fashion Roanoke has creatively combined the city's cultural offerings into one exciting location called Center in the Square.  When you add the adjacent Historic Farmer’s Market with its shops, stalls and eateries you have an especially appealing one-stop attraction. The flower and vegetable stands encircle the shops and restaurants. Restaurant chefs sometimes go right out the door for fresh salad and vegetables for your lunch or dinner.

Since Center in the Square opened in 1983, it has been the focal point of Roanoke.  The action even moves out of this world at Hopkins Planetarium, part of the Science Museum of Western Virginia, one of the three museums in the complex.  Regular weekend presentations explore the universe on the 40-foot dome, and other shows such as To Fly and Space Shuttle have extended runs.  On the second Friday of each month there is a live sky-show lecture. 

The Science Museum of Western Virginia has plenty of family appeal with its hands-on exhibits featuring geology, weather and the flora and fauna of Virginia. Anyone who has ever despaired at the often misleading local television weather forecast will enjoy playing anchor at the museum's studio.  A weather map and other props are in place; all you have to supply is the jargon and you're ready to roll tape.  Television is also featured in an exhibit on energy designed to test endurance, not imagination.  You bike your way to fleeting fame;  the faster you pedal, the clearer your screen image becomes.

    There is so much to see, touch and discover you may end up spending more time than you anticipated.  Just don't forget there are two more museums to explore at Center in the Square plus the Mill Mountain Theatre, which offers year-round performances.

You'll learn how the city got its name at the Roanoke Valley Historical Society Museum.  The town was first called Big Lick because animals frequented this part of the Shenandoah Valley for the rich salt deposits.  Following the animals came the Native Americans whose shell beads were called "rawranoke."   The Historical Society has collected more than legends.  Their displays begin with Native American baskets, bowls and beads, then move to the belongings of settlers along the Valley Trail.  Life on the frontier can be better understood after viewing such artifacts as mill equipment, a blacksmith's work table and farm implements.  The turbulent times of the War Between the States and the Reconstruction period are also covered.

From the state of fashion to the state of art, Roanoke is enjoying an active artistic renaissance with galleries proliferating around Center in the Square.   Within the center you'll find the Art Museum of Western Virginia.  Rotating exhibits include nationally and internationally known artists as well as folk art from the southern mountains.  Permanent collections demonstrate American works from the 19th and 20th centuries.  Educational opportunities can be found at Art Venture, a children's center.

    The science museum charges admission, both for the planetarium and for the exhibits.  There is also an admission to the history museum but the art museum is free.  Hours for the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the Art Museum of Western Virginia and the Roanoke Valley Historical Society Museum are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. .(the history museum closes at 4:00 P.M. on weekdays) and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 P.M.  Only the science museum is open on Monday.

    Across the street from Center in the Square is Studios on the Square, an artists’ cooperative where painters, sculptors, carvers, weavers, potters and others artists produce and sell their work.  Adjacent to the center  is the Historic Farmer’s Market with two main areas of interest: the market building with its specialty shops and ethnic food booths plus colorful street stalls offering local produce. Shops run the gamut from chic, like Wertz’s Country Store with its basement level wine shop, to neighborhood merchants and flower vendors.  Some shops are closed on Sunday.  The Historic Farmer’s Market is open six days a week, year-round.  Be sure to take advantage of the wonderfully diverse restaurants in this area. You can have a world taste tour at Carlos Brazilian International Cuisine (312 Market Street) or the Mediterranean Italian and Continental Cuisine Restaurant (127 Campbell Avenue).  For American fare and hamburgers famous throughout the region try 309 First Street Fine Food & Drink (309 Market Street).  For information on Roanoke attractions call (800) 635-5535.

An elevated pedestrian walkway connects this bustling Market Street area with Roanoke’s “Grand Old Lady,” the newly restored and reopened 19th-century Hotel Roanoke.   Back in 1882, when Roanoke was still Big Lick, a hotel was built on this hill overlooking the community.  The Hotel Roanoke was developed by railroad magnate Frederick J. Kimball.  From the beginning, the hotel’s rooms were full. Of course originally, there were less than three dozen rooms; now there are more than 300.  But many of the hotel’s distinctive touches have remained.  The Tudor facade is still striking and the Czech-made chandeliers that once graced the Crystal Ballroom are now part of the new state-of-the-art conference center.  A $42 million restoration and new construction project was unveiled when the hotel reopened as a Doubletree hotel in 1995.  Even if you don’t stay in this delightful property take the time to stroll through the public rooms or enjoy a meal in the Pine Room or Regency Dining Room.  For information call (800) 222-TREE or (540) 985-5900.

Directions:  From I-95 in the Richmond area, pick up Route 360 west to Burkeville.  Then take Route 460 west to Roanoke.  In Roanoke Route 460 becomes Orange Avenue which intersects with Route 581 south.  Take Route 581 south to the Elm Avenue exit and turn right on Elm.  You can also take I-64 west to I-81 south, near Roanoke take Exit 143 to I-581 and then Exit 6.  Go right two blocks on Elm Avenue and turn right onto Jefferson Street.  Turn right again at Campbell Avenue at Market Square.  A parking deck adjoins Center in the Square.

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