Fairs, Festivals in the area.. (Roanoke: hotel, cabin, safe)

[LilSunshine]

I was wondering if there are a variety of fairs or festivals in the surrounding Roanoke area during the year, say within 30 minutes of the city. I understand that many of these activities occur during warmer months. I plan to be relocating to the area Summer '09, I was looking for some fun outdoor venues that could be recommended. I have looked at the Roanoke City Mag online, but this only covers what is offered in the city itself. As I look out my window at the 18 inches of snow, I dream of being in Roanoke now! Thanks for your help.

[matthews1965]

We have special events going on all year. For instance,we have a Dickens of a Christmas on our city market with carriage rides, roasting chestnuts etc etc. This takes place on our fab farmers market. It's like a movie set - people walking all over and the spirit of Christmas abounding. We also have a cabin fever event with great bands (city sponsored) to keep us dancing. Our Elmwood park has the Party in the Park during the outdoor season - great bands, beer, cheap, (this is a lawn venue) Dec 6th you have Flotilla for Toys at Smith Mountain Lake (approx 45 min drive) with up to 40 boats decorated to the max. You can ride aboard the Va Dare paddle wheel boat and enjoy the after party at Va Dare marina. (Trust me this is very special) Geez, there is way to much to mention, I could fill a book. Suffice it to say the issue would be deciding what to do instead of being bored and not having anything to choose from. I think we celebrate all the seasons and hold "season appropriate" events all year! Am I bullish on this city - you bet I am!! Keep us posted - happy turkey!!One more thing - this weekend there is a "holiday band reunion" at hotel roanoke which we will attend, and after that we will walk around the market, dropping in different venues for fun and frolic!! We haven't had snow accumulation of any significance in ? - a while. Even when it snows we can usually have fun with it. We took our boat and 12 people for a 4 hour snow cruise a couple of years ago - and the snow has to pretty, yet not heavy accumulation for that. I think you'll love it here - hope this banter helps a bit. Later gator!!

[LilSunshine]

Wow! That is fabulous to hear, I can hardly wait to check it all out myself. We love going to local fairs/festivals here and I'm grateful to hear the Roanoke area has so many to choose from. Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I sincerely look forward to my visit this Spring and relocation this Summer.

[Diamond Dave]

There are multiple events going on every weekend in or around Roanoke. If you're bored, you're not trying hard enough.

[LilSunshine]

Diamond Dave, from my research and surfing this forum, I have to say I am a believer. The area does seem to have an abundance of activities. I love to be outdoors and/or seeing and trying new things. It really does sound like Roanoke will be a good fit for me. Between Medical establishments (for employment), proximity to the mts, lake and all the activities available for enjoyment - i look forward to calling it 'home'. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Stay safe and eat well!
LilSunshine

[vafiddler]

Like everyone else has said, it seems there is more than one festival per weekend somewhere in the Roanoke area, with the exception of the winter (and even some then). Basically pick a type of fruit or a type of music, and there is a festival named in its honor. And then you also have all the country churches putting on mini-festivals where they make apple butter or brunswick stew, sell quilts and crafts, and have music. When you get down here try picking up some of the local papers and you'll see plenty of ads. And the best part is that they are almost all free, cheap, or fundraisers for a good cause.