CAMP 2016: Things to do in and around Roanoke

The top five things to do in and around Roanoke.

1. Sign up for an award-winning tour of historic downtown Roanoke with Tour Roanoke (@TourRoanoke)

Check out their wine tours as well as their food and culture tours.

2. Explore downtown and take a walking tour (@DowntownRoanoke)

Start at The Roanoke Star and Overlook for a bird’s eye view of the city from this historic landmark. The Roanoke Star is the world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star, constructed in 1949 at the top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke. It’s visible for 60 miles from the air and it sits 1,045 feet above the City of Roanoke (@City_of_Roanoke).

Visit the guys at Black Dog Salvage (@BlackDogSalvage) — 40,000 square-feet filled with one-of-a-kind architectural treasures, antique and custom designs including mantels, stained glass, wrought iron, doors, windows, furniture and antiques.

Stop by Gift Niche — your one stop shopping headquarters featuring anything you could ever want to celebrate your girly girl friendships. The Gift Niche began in 1982 when four mothers came together to share their love of fabulous finds. Stop by for the latest in home decor items, and a wide selection of local souvenirs, including the fabulous “Party on the Head,” right in the Roanoke market square.

Next up is Chocolatepaper (@chocolatepaper). Sample chocolates from around the world, distinctive greeting cards for all occasions, and gifts to excite the mind and tickle the funny bone.

You won’t want to miss the stop at Eli’s Provisions to sample Virginia products. You’ll love the atmosphere and crave the local goodies that fill the shelves.

If you’re looking for something special, La De Da is an imaginative and artistic boutique nestled in downtown Roanoke and teeming with clothing and accessories, shoes, jewelry, antiques and a variety of other handcrafted finds so fantastical they’re sure to brighten your day.

Make it a retro day at the Roanoke Pinball Museum (@RoanokePinball), an interactive museum dedicated to the science and history of pinball. The museum has approximately 25 machines ranging from the 1950s to the 1990s. Pinball players, young and old, will be introduced to the history of pinball and the science behind the game, and have an opportunity to appreciate the color, composition and overall design of the backglasses and playfields.

After a record-breaking pinball game, take the elevator to the top of the Center in the Square (@CenterTweets) building for breathtaking view of the Roanoke skyline from the rooftop. Don’t forget to swing by the Candy Store (@TheCandyStoreVa), a “sweet-lover’s paradise,” conveniently located on the first floor of Center in the Square.

Explore Orvis, a retailer known best as the “longest continually operating fly-fishing business,” also selling products for dogs as well asmen and women’s clothing.

3. Get pampered

Feeling the need for some pampering? Relax at Polished, a chic spa and nail boutique in downtown Roanoke.

4. Prepare yourself for a moderate to strenuous hike to McAfee Knob

One of the Appalachian Trail’s most photographed sites, featuring an overhanging rock formation and an almost 270-degree panorama of the valley. During the hike up to McAfee Knob, take some time to speak to one of the many through hikers who are making their way along the Appalachian Trail. Note: Approximately 8 miles round trip, with significant elevation gain. For more information on the length and difficulty of the trail visit this website.

5. Experience the beautiful Blue Ridge outdoors

Visit Roanoke Mountain Adventures (@RoanokeMTNADV), a full-service outfitter offering guided and self-guided outdoor adventures for mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and birding. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, national forests and scenic rivers, the greater Roanoke area offers world-class outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities. RMA’s experienced team has a passion for the outdoors and will offer guided trips, rentals and shuttles for groups.

Interested in venturing out on your own? Check out the area’s website.

There will be an announcement on planned excursions the week of Oct. 24. Space is limited due to transportation being provided by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The cost of excursions are not part of your CAMP registration and are the responsibility of the attendee.