Hiking Trails in Roanoke

The Best Hiking Trails in Roanoke, VA

Welcome to The South Peak Condos, located in the heart of beautiful Roanoke, Virginia, just thirty minutes away from Smith Mountain Lake. Explore the best hiking trails and find an activity that inspires your soul. Roanoke, Virginia is full of things to do and places to explore that can help you discover a deep appreciation for nature.

A Wealth of Activities

Roanoke, Virginia, is home to arts and culture, restaurants, and shopping, but if it’s outdoor activities you like best, then look no further. No matter if you prefer water sports or something on dry land, we’ve got you covered. The Roanoke area is home to the world-famous Appalachian Trail, Smith Mountain Lake, and Blue Ridge Parkway.

There is something for everyone. All you have to do is look around and pick an activity that sounds like fun, then give it a try. No matter if you like hiking or climbing, we have parks and trails to suit you and your level of fitness. There are miles of trails and dozens of parks, too many to list here.

Smith Mountain Lake

Located just half an hour from Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake covers more than twenty thousand acres and has more than five hundred miles of shoreline. If your thing is water sports, there are public boat ramps available to use, as well as private marinas. The lake is also a favorite of kayakers, jet-skiing and water-boarding among other water sports.

However, if dry land is more to your liking, you will find endless scenic hiking trails all along the shoreline of Smith Mountain Lake, as well as hills for rock-climbing. There are also five different golf courses located around the lake, as well as Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Blue Ridge Parkway

It’s called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and for good reason. It’s 469 miles long. It begins in the Smoky Mountain National Forest in North Carolina and goes all the way to Shanendoah National Park in Virginia. It is marked with mile posts, just like a highway. It passes through Roanoke, at mile marker 120.

The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the Appalacian Mountains, providing stunning scenery and expansive views. Here in Roanoke you can take advantage of hiking and biking trails, as well as hills to climb. You will, in short, never run out of places to discover.

Appalachian Trail

The world-famous Appalachian Trail is more than two thousand miles long, meandering all the way from Georgia to Maine. Five hundred miles of that go through Virginia, and 120 miles of it right in Roanoke itself.

With 120 miles of trails to choose from, you are sure to find one that suits your overall level of physical fitness as well as your experience in hiking. You can also bring a backpack and stop to admire the scenery from our shelters, which are three-sided structures that would allow you to temporarily camp without a tent.

Places to See

The Roanoke Valley area also boasts many parks for you to visit, including the Fairy Stone Park, home to its namesake Fairy Stones, outcroppings of rare minerals. Fairy Stone Park also has nine miles of trails, and if that’s not enough, a 168-acre lake.

All You Can Ask

No matter what your family or retirement situation, we can have you in a place of your own in no time. Just give us a call or visit our website.

Roanoke’s Premier Community

Decorating Tips for Your New Mountain Apartment

So, you have recently moved, or are about to move, into a beautiful mountain apartment. You simply could not be more excited! Despite your eagerness, there is still one thing left to make it perfect; the decor. Of course, when living in a place such as this, not just any style or design will do.

Living close to natural beauty requires certain tricks to amplify the area and blend it into your home. To help you find just the right look and feel for your motif, follow these simple but effective tips:

Embrace the View

Ensure that the incredible view from your mountain residence is a central part of your decorative planning. Perhaps arrange your furniture in a manner to allow visual access to the stunning exterior. Simply angling a sofa will allow you to enjoy your morning coffee with an incredible view. Take in all that this area has to offer!

Create a Spot to Relax

Consider dedicating a certain area as a relaxation zone for yourself. Even just a comfortable lounge chair near a window will do the trick. You will also want to make sure to get some natural sunlight and access to the air outside.  Of course, keep your favorite stress-relieving activities nearby. Perhaps a book of crosswords or an essential oil diffuser will set the mood you’re seeking. A space like this will do wonders for your spirit!

Summer is for the Outdoors

If you have an outdoor area like a porch, patio, or balcony, you’ll most certainly want to accentuate those spaces. Create a nice setting to enjoy the clear skies, crisp and clean mountain air, and vibrant sunshine. All of these attributes accompany the summertime in this type of region. Perhaps even a grill would be a great choice for a lovely outdoor dining experience.

South Peak Living

Does all this talk of a natural paradise have you wishing for your own? South Peak in Roanoke, VA is the perfect place to live your mountain dream. With various homes and condos available, you’re sure to find something you love. Contact us today to hear more about our amazing community!

A Brief History of Roanoke, VA

Roanoke, VA has a fascinating history from its early days as a transportation hub to its present-day existence. Today, it’s a tourist hotspot where nature and civilization come together in one beautiful town. This city is a perfect example of a historic American town, and will be long into the future.

Early Beginnings

Originally known as the town of “Big Lick”, it wasn’t until 1882 that the name was changed to Roanoke. Two years later it would become charted as the independent city of Roanoke. This is a status it holds to this very day. As previously mentioned, it was home to some of the most heavily traveled roads in the country. This included the Great Indian Warpath. This passage later merged into the Great Wagon Road, as well as the Carolina and Wilderness Roads.

The Modern Era

Starting in the 1850’s, Roanoke was a major part of the railway system in the United States. It was a key part of the Virginia Railway.  The Virginia Railway was, at the time, one of the most impressive engineering feats of its day. It also transported the local coal, which was used by half of the world’s navies. The finest steam locomotives in the world were manufactured here until diesel-electric became the industry standard.

Today’s Roanoke

Modern day Roanoke continues to distinguish itself in many different ways. These include its tourism industry and unique setting as a mountain town in an urban destination. There are all sorts of different attractions in town. These include several world-class restaurants for foodies to appreciate. There is also a vibrant arts and culture scene. Roanoke boasts historical museums, a symphony, and the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre, which hosts everything from Broadway tours to the Miss Virginia Pageant.  In Roanoke, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether it’s hiking on beautiful mountain paths or going shopping in town, Roanoke is sure to please. Looking for your own slice of paradise in the valley? Contact us at South Peak today!

Things to Do When Visiting Roanoke, VA

If you are a fan of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, then Roanoke will be a treat for you and your loved ones. In fact, this particular city is a great option for anyone who is hoping to relax and take their minds off the busy city life, or those who simply want to go on a holiday. Roanoke is a great combination of local culture, good food, museums, and breweries and also boasts a plethora of outdoor activities for the more physically-inclined. In fact, this city is widely known to be a treat for outdoor people and those who want a bit of fresh air and rejuvenation. Here are a few things you can do when you visit Roanoke, VA.

Golf Courses

If you are a golf lover, you will have plenty of fun in Roanoke. There is quite the variety of golf courses to give you the challenge you are looking for and also the scenery in which you’d love to play. Here, a disc golfer can enjoy nine-hole course at Fishburn and Highland Park, or, if you are looking for something more challenging, the Greenfield Disc Golf Course with its plethora of options. For the more experienced golfer, the 18 holes in Franklin County Recreation Park will give you the challenge you require.

Geocaching

If you are looking for places to visit in Roanoke, VA, then its spectacular outdoor activities and environment should be more than enough to convince you to take a trip. Hiking is a particularly popular activity in Roanoke, with a number of trails crossing all over the state. One of the most popular of these is the Appalachian and McAfee Knob trails which form an 8.8-mile round trip. The highlight of this trail is the spectacular views from McAfee Knob.

Food Tours

Roanoke will not disappoint foodies, either, with plenty of cuisine to keep them occupied. The local food tours are one of the best things to do in Roanoke, VA. You can indulge your taste buds while learning about the rich cultural heritage the city has to offer. Foodies are sure to love the three-hour food tour that goes through some of the most distinguished places in the city. While on this tour, you will get to taste some of the best foods in the area while also getting to see the city’s most significant landmarks. You can expect to visit some local eateries that have been in around for many years and contributed heavily to the city’s food culture.

While visiting Roanoke, VA, you will be exposed to a wide range of activities that will show you the beauty and intense culture the city has to offer. What’s more, you will get to interact with the lively people and learn of the rich culture there. And if you are looking for some accommodation, there is a premier community that will provide you with a serene environment and the comfort you need.

Roanoke, Virginia is a wonderful place with a wonderful array of activities. Every member of the family will surely find something they enjoy amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, find your perfect slice of paradise in Roanoke!

Visiting Roanoke, VA

Roanoke is located in Virginia’s Roanoke Valley with a vast wealth of history. It is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and boasts a beautiful skyline, including the iconic Roanoke Star. Roanoke is a vibrant city jostling with about 6000 inhabitants in luxurious communities such as South Peak. If you ever happen to be in Roanoke, here are a few exciting things to look forward to.

Things to do in Roanoke, VA

  1. Rent a condo

One of the really great things about Roanoke is the luxurious life it offers. If you and your loved ones are looking for a relaxing experience, South Peak Living is the place for you. With vintage charm and a modern mix of style, you will sure get the best of both worlds. Book a private condo for a weekend here

  1. Climb McAfee Knob

The McAfee Knob is known first for its unbridled course, coupled with its vertical 20-foot edges that will take even the most experienced hiker days to climb. The hike, summit to summit, will take days to complete. However, visitors can enjoy a shorter trek to see the incredible view in only a few hours. Whichever you choose, it is sure to be a rewarding experience. Consider taking friends along for the ride!

  1. Visit the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

The natural reserve, the biggest in the state of Virginia and the second-largest in America, is home to one of the longest off-road mountain bike trails in the world. If you are a first-timer, you will find that the first rise is what feels just right. If you are all about conservation, however, then the cove is just as ideal. The reserve also offers camping options for individuals and groups.

  1. Try out a new restaurant

Roanoke boasts of a large number of great restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. From fine dining to food trucks, there is something for everyone at Roanoke. Besides, the area’s vast heritage ensures that all cultures have representation in Roanoke. Most restaurants have chefs trained in their respective traditions, ensuring that the menus are authentic to the last detail. In Roanoke, you can be sure to get the very best of fine dining, and at affordable prices. This is easily one of the most rewarding things to do in Roanoke, VA.

  1. Visit the Mill Mountain Theatre

The culture and rich tradition of Roanoke will carry the day any day. In any case, a visit just isn’t complete until you have sampled the theatre, with its prestigious performers from all around the world. The national museum will also indulge you as you view art pieces that are as old as Roanoke itself. If you are looking to learn the history of Roanoke, the museum would be the ideal place to begin.

All in all, both the outdoors and the indoors are great places to visit in Roanoke, VA. If your time is split wisely between both, you can get a firsthand rich experience on how awesome it would be to live in this amazing city. And for more information about luxury condos to rent while you’re here, reach out to the team at South Peak Condos today!

 

 

Luxury Living in Roanoke

South Peak is known as one of the most luxurious communities in the Roanoke Valley area – but what does that statement really mean? The word “luxurious” has seen a lot of use in advertising, describing things ranging from vacation cruises to checkout line candy bars. For some, the word has lost meaning. Others hear it and are immediately skeptical. Given all of this preconceived opinion, it’s not unreasonable to raise an eyebrow when you see or hear the term used to describe a community. But South Peak’s beautiful housing, gorgeous surroundings, and accommodating downtown really do live up to the reputation. If you’re searching for true luxury living in Roanoke, the community at South Peak can’t be beat.

How to Live a Luxurious Lifestyle

Wondering how you, too can live a life of luxury? Here are a few of the things you can do in a South Peak home.

Explore the outdoors.

As a community, South Peak has its feet in two different worlds. The maintenance-free condos have all the modern conveniences and come in a variety of builds, welcoming single living to full-fledged families. Meanwhile, near-by Blue Ridge Mountains are a great host for outdoor recreation enthusiasts as well as quiet exploration. Numerous hiking trails spread throughout the valley, some leading to the Appalachian Trail. Being in such close proximity to mountains is something many people never get to achieve, but those living in South Peak can see them every day—some even from their homes. Nature plays a big role in the community, and as such outdoor activities are plenty, including incredible fishing and golf.

Arts and Live Entertainment

The Appalachia region was known as a thriving arts community many years ago, and Roanoke carries that tradition proudly. Local art and craft fairs abound, as does the love of music and performance. The Mill Mountain Theatre carries a great deal of prestige, attracting performers not just from across the nation, but from around the world. And as part of its year-round show schedule, local performers are also showcased. It’s an awesome example of showcasing not just an art, but the artists in the community as well. Theater has a big place in the heart of Roanoke: besides Mill Mountain Theatre, it’s also home to the Jefferson Centre and Berglund Performing Arts Center. Their stages host a wide range of live art performances.

Amazing Food

If you want to live a luxurious life in Roanoke, you’ll be doing your fair share of dining, made all the more tempting by the diverse range of options available to you. As the community has grown through the decades and people from different walks of life have come to call Roanoke home, outside cultures have had a profound influence on the culinary scene. The Virginia food tradition stands tall alongside cuisines from different regions of America and the globe itself. You’ll never be at a loss to find something you love, and there’s no shortage of new tastes to explore. If you’re wondering how to live a luxurious life, it’s hard to find a better example than indulgent, rich food every day.

For more information about South Peak, reach out to us today.