That's where my mom is from! My parents live about 45 miles from there and I go there every year to see family. Have fun in the Magic City (and be sure to get a shot of the star at night).
 

Agreed. I was just there last week visiting my sister who goes to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg which is about 30 minutes away from Roanoke. The night sky is beautiful in southwestern Virginia. You can actually see the stars!
 

Janie - my parents live in Blacksburg (and my dad teaches at VT)! I must have overestimated the drive :)
 

If you can, try to have dinner at The Homeplace. We here at VT absolutely love this place. It's pretty close to Roanoke (in the Salem area or incredibly close to it). Here's a link if you're interested: http://filebox.vt.edu/users/kdesrosi/thehomeplace/

Also, home football games at VT are a lot of fun if you're into football. There's a home game on Thursday night. The Hokies will be playing Boston College.

Just thought I'd jot down some things you might enjoy. Enjoy Roanoke!
 

Thanks Beth, Janie, and Mary! I will see if I can check out The Homeplace in Salem.