There’s more to Roanoke than just the city. Roanoke County offers locals and visitors with several opportunities for entertainment. Here are a few of the free options.
Explore Park
If you have the money to spend, Explore Park offers an in-depth Virginia history tour. If not, the park still offers a nature haven with free hiking and biking trails that wind through the woods and along the Roanoke River. There are 8.5 miles of biking trails and 1.5 miles of hiking trails. If you’d rather relax at the park, bring your rod and reel to fish in the Roanoke River at Rutrough Point or McKee’s Ford. And hey, don’t forget to bring a lunch, as the park also provides picnic tables.
The park also offers a few free events during the year. Be sure to bring your dad to the Roanoke Valley Region of the Automobile Club of America’s annual Father’s Day Antique Auto Show.
Explore Park is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 115. The Father’s Day Antique Auto Show is June 17. (540) 427-1800 or (800) 842-9163. http://explorepark.org
Drive-in movies
If you’re looking to relive the experience of watching movies on the big screen from the comfort of your car, or looking to introduce your children to it, be sure to drive in for Screen on the Green. This summer’s first showing is already past, but two are still to come. The recent hit movie “Night at the Museum” will be shown at Green Hill Park on July 28, and the 1939 classic “Wizard of Oz” will be shown at Vinyard Park on Aug. 25. The audio will be broadcast over a radio frequency so viewers can watch from their cars or bring a portable radio and lay a blanket on the lawn. Concessions will be available for a price, but ice cream will be provided free from K92 FM. Movies begin at dusk.
Green Hill Park is located off U.S. 460; take Diuguids Lane to Parkside Road. Vineyard Park is located off U.S. 460; take Belle Avenue to Berkley Road to Vineyard Park Drive. (540) 387-6455. www.roanokecountyva.gov/parks
Festivals
For senior citizens who are still enjoying an active lifestyle, the parks and recreation department is hosting its second annual Second Wind: A Festival with a New Perspective for Active Adults. The all-day free event features music; informational booths, sessions and classes; and food. This year’s theme is to “stimulate unrealized passions and opportunities.” Sessions and classes include: ballroom and belly dancing, genealogy research instructions, home brewery and wine making, photography, painting, patio gardening, yoga and barbecuing wild game.
Food Lion’s Summer Blast: Music, Magic & Make-Believe, a free children’s festival, is back for its sixth year. Activities include: hay rides, karaoke, puppet shows, face painting, pony rides, arts and crafts, music, clowns and activity tents. In celebration of this year’s theme — “Blast from the Past” — there will be a look-alike contest. Children are encouraged to dress like their parents for a chance to win prizes. Whatever your children’s pleasures, there’s something for everyone at this event. Best of all, the only thing you have to pay for is food.
The town of Vinton’s Dogwood Festival is a free event for the whole family. This year’s festival, which was held this year in April, included live music, an auto show, children’s entertainment and a parade. Carnival rides required tickets.
Second Wind will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at Woodmen of the World. It is located off I-581 at 2306 Peters Creek Road N.W. (540) 387-6455. www.roanokecountyva.gov/parks
Summer Blast will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 11 at Green Hill Park. It is located off U.S. 460; take Diuguids Lane to Parkside Road. (540) 387-6455. www.roanokecountyva.gov/parks
The Dogwood Festival is held annually in downtown Vinton. It is located off U.S. 220; take the Elm Avenue exit toward Vinton. (540) 983-0614. http://vintondogwoodfestival.org
POPULATION: 85,778 (2000 Census)
AREA IN SQUARE MILES: 251
BACKGROUND: Roanoke County was formed from a portion of Botetourt County in 1838. The county’s name is derived from the word rawrenock, which were white shell beads worn by American Indians. The county received its charter from the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1986.
BASICS
- Utilities
- American Electric Power: (800) 956-4237
- Craig-Botetourt Electrical Co-opertion: (540) 864-5121 (serves rural areas)
- Roanoke County Utility: 772-2024, 5204 Bernard Drive
- Vinton Utilities Department: 983-0608
- Western Virginia Water Authority: 853-2456, 601 S. Jefferson St.
- Natural gas
- Highland Propane Co.: 777-7928
- Roanoke Gas Co.: 777-4427
- Southwestern Virginia Gas Service Corp.: (540) 639-1611 (propane only)
- Telephone
- Verizon: 954-6222 (residential); (800) 440-8000 or (804) 954-6888 (business)
- Cox Communications Roanoke: 776-3848
- Cable
- Cox Communications Roanoke: 776-3848
- R & B Cable of the Roanoke Valley: 966-3300 or 992-2211 (wireless)
GOVERNMENT
- Local officials
- Roanoke County
- County Administrator: Elmer Hodge: 772-2004
- County Attorney: Paul Mahoney: 772-2007
- Board of Supervisors, 772-2005
- Chairman: Joseph McNamara (Windsor Hills District)
- Vice Chairman: Richard Flora (Hollins District)
- Michael Altizer (Vinton District)
- Joseph B. “Butch” Church (Catawba District)
- Michael Ray (Cave Spring District)
- Clerk: Diane S. Childers: 772-2003
- Treasurer: Kevin Hutchins: 772-2056
- Commissioner of Revenue: Nancy Horn: 772-2046
- Sheriff: Gerald S. Holt: 387-6185
- Police Chief: J. R. Lavinder: 561-8064
- Commonwealth’s Attorney: Randy Leach: 387-6174
- Circuit Court Clerk: Steven A. McGraw: 387-6205
- Vinton
- Mayor: Brad Grose: 982-0379
- Vice Mayor: William E. Obenchain Jr.: 982-8146
- Town Council
- Town Clerk: Darleen Bailey: 983-0607
- Robert R. Altice
- Carolyn Fidler
- Tom Rotenberry
- Fire Chief: Benny Powell: 983-0629
- Treasurer: Barry Thompson: 983-0608
- Police Chief: Herbert G. Cooley: 983-0617
- Town Attorney: Elizabeth Dillon: 387-2320
- Town Manager: Kevin Boggers: 983-0607
- Assistant Town Manager: Consuella Caudill: 983-0607
- Government services
- Roanoke County
- General Information: 776-7271
- Building Inspection, Permits and Zoning: 772-2065
- CORTRAN, County of Roanoke Transportation for the elderly and disabled: 343-1721 ext.3
- Health Department: 387-5530, Salem
- Magistrate: 387-6092 (and Salem)
- Marriage Licenses: 387-6205
- Parks and Recreation: 387-6078
- Sanitation: 387-6225
- Schools: 562-3700
- Social Services: 387-6087
- Va. Cooperative Extension: 772-7524
- Vinton
- General Information: 983-0605
- Town Treasurer: 983-0608
- Health Department: 857-7800
- Permits: 983-0605
- Planning and Zoning: 983-0605
- Sanitation: 983-0646
- Water / Sewer: 983-0646
SERVICES
Retirement, assisted living, nursing facilities
Following is a list of some retirement, assisted living and nursing facilities in Roanoke County:
The Berkshire Health Care Center: 705 Clearview Drive, Vinton, 982-6691
Edinburgh Square: 129 Hershberger Road N.W., 366-1888
Elm Park Estates: 4230 Elm View Road (across from Tanglewood Mall), 989-2010
Friendship Retirement Community: 327 Hershberger Road N.W., Roanoke, 265-2100
Recycling
Roanoke County: Currently offers no curbside recycling program. Residents are directed to Cave Spring Middle School: newspaper, aluminum and plastics (PETE #1 and HDPE #2); or Hollins University: newspaper, aluminum, clear glass and plastics (PETE #1 and HDPE #2).
Vinton: The town collects clean aluminum and steel cans, clear and green plastic bottles, milk jugs and newspaper. Call 983-0646 for a recycling bin.
Vinton Scrap & Metal Co.: 282 Wayland St., Vinton. Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon. Buys aluminum and scrap metal. 342-9772.
Child care
Following are some of the child care centers available in the Roanoke County area:
Roanoke County
Alpha Christian Child Care Centers: 504 Dexter Road, 563-4333
Bonsack Baptist Weekday Early Education Center: 4845 Cloverdale Road, 977-0485
Cave Spring United Methodist Weekday Preschool: 4505 Hazel Drive S.W., 989-3673
Child Care Network: 4225 Brambleton Ave. S.W., 989-3459
Children’s Discovery Center: 3706 Peters Creek Road, 563-2632
Colonial Avenue Preschool: 4165 Colonial Ave. S.W., 774-2084
Country Bear Day School: 5220 Starkey Road, 774-2547
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Preschool: 1887 Electric Road S.W., 774-8746
HoneyTree Early Learning Centers: 3320 McVitty Road; 1530 Patrick Road; 7507 Plantation Road; 4330 Franklin Road, 2230 Electric Road; 2619 Belle Ave. Several other locations in Roanoke and Salem. 344-4543.
Northview Preschool: 521 Ridgecrest Drive, 362-1473
Shenandoah Baptist Preschool: 6520 Williamson Road N.W., 366-2432, ext. 129
Southview United Methodist Church Preschool: 3539 Peters Creek Road, 362-1767
St. Philip Lutheran Preschool: 8115 Williamson Road N.W., 362-5940
Wachovia Child Development Center: 7711 Plantation Road, 563-7961
Vinton
Evangel Childcare Ministries: 2360 Hardy Road, 982-3694
HoneyTree Early Learning Centers: 2308 Washington Ave., Vinton. Several other locations in Roanoke and Salem. 890-8100.
Lancerlot Sports Camp Afterschool and Summer Program: 1110 Vineyard Road, 981-0205
Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Preschool: 707 E. Washington Ave., 344-4125
Vinton Day Nursery and Kindergarten: 2021 Hardy Road, 890-1110
EDUCATION
Public schools
High schools
Cave Spring High School: 3712 Chaparral Drive, S.W., Roanoke, 772-7550. Principal: Steve Spangler.
Glenvar High School: 4549 Malus Drive, Salem, 387-6536. Principal: Joe Hafey.
Hidden Valley High School: 5000 Titan Trail, S.W., Roanoke, 776-7320. Principal: Rhonda Stegall.
Northside High School: 6758 Northside High School Road, N.W., Roanoke, 562-8155. Principal: Frank Dent.
William Byrd High School: 2902 Washington Ave., Vinton, 890-3090. Principal: Richard Turner.
Middle schools
Cave Spring Middle School: 4880 Brambleton Ave. S.W., Roanoke, 772-7560. Principal: Steven Boyer.
Glenvar Middle School: 4555 Malus Drive, Salem, 387-6322. Principal: Julie Myers.
Hidden Valley Middle School: 4902 Hidden Valley School Road, S.W., Roanoke, 772-7570. Principal: Ken Nicely.
Northside Middle School: 6810 Northside High School Road N.W., Roanoke, 561-8145. Principal: Lori Wimbush.
William Byrd Middle School: 2910 Washington Ave., Vinton, 890-1035. Principal: Janet Womack.
Elementary schools
Back Creek Elementary School: 7130 Bent Mountain Road, Roanoke, 772-7565. Principal: Jodi Poff.
Bent Mountain Elementary School: 10148 Tinsley Lane, Bent Mountain, 929-4281. Principal: Karen Mabry.
Bonsack Elementary School: 5437 Crumpacker Drive, Roanoke, 977-5870. Principal: Dr. Deedie Kagey.
Burlington Elementary School: 6533 Peters Creek Road, N.W. Roanoke, 561-8165. Principal: Amy Shank.
Cave Spring Elementary School: 5404 Spring Lawn Ave., S.W. Roanoke, 772-7558. Principal: Thad James.
Clearbrook Elementary School: 5205 Franklin Road, S.W. Roanoke, 772-7555. Principal: Karen Pendleton.
Fort Lewis Elementary School: 3115 West Main St., Salem, 387-6594. Principal: Melissa Jones.
Glen Cove Elementary School: 5901 Cove Road, N.W., Roanoke, 561-8135. Principal: Jan Nichols.
Glenvar Elementary School: 4507 Malus Drive, Salem, 387-6540. Principal: Danny Guard.
Green Valley Elementary School: 3838 Overdale Road, S.W., Roanoke, 772-7556. Principal: Tammy Newcomb.
Herman L. Horn Elementary School: 1002 Ruddell Road, Vinton, 857-5007. Principal: Susan Reynolds.
Mason’s Cove Elementary School: 3370 Bradshaw Road, Salem, 387-6530. Principal: Tommie Ann Perdue.
Mount Pleasant Elementary School: 3216 Mount Pleasant Blvd., Roanoke, 427-1879. Principal: Ellen Walton.
Mountain View Elementary School: 5901 Plantation Circle, N.W. Roanoke, 561-8175. Principal: Rebecca Eastwood.
Oak Grove Elementary School: 5005 Grandin Road Ext., S.W. Roanoke, 772-7580. Principal: Cristina Flippen.
Penn Forest Elementary School: 6328 Merriman Road S.W., Roanoke, 772-7590. Principal: Linda Wright.
W.E. Cundiff Elementary School: 1200 Hardy Road, Vinton, 857-5009. Principal: Sherry Bryant.
Other
Arnold R. Burton Technology Center: 1760 Blvd., Salem, 857-5000. Principal: Andy McClung.
Roanoke County Career Center: 100 Highland Road, Vinton, 857-5004. Principal: Becky Rowe.
Roland E. Cook Alternative School: 412 Poplar St., Vinton, 857-5009. Principal: Gail Hagerty.
Church schools
Children’s Discovery Center: 3706 Peters Creek Road, 563-2632. Christian education for pre-K to fifth grade. Call for tuition.
Faith Christian School: 3585 Buck Mountain Road, 769-5200. Provides Christ-centered education. Grades K-12. Call for tuition. Tuition assistance is available. Principal: Samuel Cox. Grammar school administrator: Diane Kelly. Head of middle and upper school: Eric Cook.
First Wesleyan Christian School: 3706 Peters Creek Road. 563-2632. Member of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Call for tuition. Administrator: Juanita Sampson.
Mineral Springs Christian School: 1030 Bible Lane, Vinton. 890-4465. Grades preschool-8. Call for tuition. Administrator: Bobby Harris.
Roanoke Valley Christian Schools: 6520 Williamson Road, 366-2432. Basic and college preparatory Christian education. Grades K4-12. Call for tuition. Administrator: Rick Brown.
Private schools
Community School: 7815 Williamson Road, 563-5036. Progressive, nontraditional curriculum for grades preschool-8. Call for tuition. Director: Holly Hirst.
Roanoke Valley Montessori School: 4122 Cresthill Drive, 989-3096. For children ages 2-6 years. Call for tuition.
North Cross School: 4254 Colonial Ave. S.W. 989-6641. College preparatory curriculum for grades JrK-12. Call for tuition. Headmaster: Paul Stellato.
School officials
Superintendent: Dr. Lorraine Lange: 562-3900, ex. 10111
Clerk of School Board: Brenda Chastain, 562-3900, ex. 10112
School Board, 562-3900, ex. 10112
Chairman: Marion Roark
Vice Chairman: Jerry Canada
Michael Stovall
William “Bill” Irvin III
C. Drew Barrineau
School calendar
AUG. 21: First day of school
SEPT. 3: Schools closed, holiday
SEPT. 19: Two-hour early dismissal
SEPT. 20: Interim midpoint
SEPT. 27: Interim reports sent home
OCT. 10: Two-hour early dismissal
OCT. 23: End first grading period
OCT. 24: Schools closed
OCT. 31: Report cards sent home
NOV. 6: Schools closed, parent/teacher conferences
NOV. 21-23: Schools closed, holiday
NOV. 28: Interim midpoint
DEC. 5: Interim reports sent home
DEC. 20: Early dismissal
DEC. 21-JAN. 1: Schools closed, winter break
JAN. 7: Exams
JAN. 8-9: Exams; early dismissal for secondary
JAN. 10: Exams; early dismissal
JAN. 11: Schools closed; end first semester.
JAN. 21: Schools closed, holiday
JAN. 22: Report cards sent home
FEB. 6: Schools closed, parent/teacher conferences
FEB. 14: Interim midpoint
FEB. 15: Schools closed
FEB. 18: Schools closed, holiday
FEB. 22: Interim reports sent home
FEB. 29: Two-hour early dismissal
MARCH 20-31: Schools closed, spring break
APRIL 2: End third grading period
MARCH 30: Report cards sent home
APRIL 4: Schools closed
APRIL 18: Schools closed
APRIL 21: Schools closed
MAY 9: Interim midpoint
MAY 16: Interim reports sent home
MAY 26: Schools closed, holiday
JUNE 5: Exams
JUNE 6 & 9: Exams; early dismissal for secondary
JUNE 10: Exams; early dismissal
JUNE 12: Graduation
Libraries
Public libraries
- Headquarters Library: 3131 Electric Road S.W., Roanoke, 772-7507. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Open Sunday, September through May, 1-5 p.m.
- Bent Mountain Branch: 10148 Tinsley Lane, Bent Mountain, 929-4700. Monday, Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Glenvar Branch: 3917 Daugherty Road, Salem, 387-6163. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Hollins Branch: 6624 Peters Creek Road N.W., 561-8024. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Mount Pleasant Branch: 3218 Mount Pleasant Blvd., 427-3130. Monday, 9-5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Vinton Branch: 800 E. Washington Ave., Vinton, 857-5043. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- College libraries
- Hollins University: Wyndham Robertson Library, 362-6591. Open to the public. Call for hours.
RECREATION
Parks and recreation
The following is a partial list of activities offered by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism department. Roanoke County also offers nearly 30 parks and facilities for recreation. 387-6078. www.roanokecountyva.gov/parks
Youth services: Programs include the ASK after-school licensed day-care program for grades K-5 and summer day camps for all ages. 857-5035.
Teen Center: The Teen Center located in the Brambleton Recreation Center offers teen memberships for grades 6-12, and features a game room, lounge, computer lab, food court and basketball court. Programs at the Teen Center include pizza parties, pool tournaments and day trips. 772-7529.
Adult and senior leisure programs: Classes include fitness programs, computer education, dance, art, ceramics, pottery, sign language, potlucks, recreational / social events, day trips and overnight trips. 772-7529.
Therapeutic recreation services: Provides recreation and leisure services for the physically and mentally disabled. A variety of recreation programs, day trips and activities. 772-7529.
Outdoor education at Camp Roanoke: A full residential camp facility for youth summer camps, corporate retreats and groups rentals. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, caving and mountain activities, which can be arranged for private or corporate groups. The challenge course and climbing tower are available for leadership training and corporate teamwork programs. 387-6114.
Special events: Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism hosts many special events throughout the year, including Tons of Fun Children’s Festival, outdoor events at Green Hill Park and the annual lighting of the Roanoke County Christmas tree. 387-6078.
Recreation sports leagues
- The following is a list of league sports offered by the Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Department. 387-6078, ext. 243.
- Softball and baseball: Youth baseball and softball (ages 6-18). Adult softball.
- Football and cheerleading: Youth football (ages 6-12) and cheerleading (ages 6-18).
- Soccer: Youth soccer (ages 6-18).
- Basketball: Youth basketball (ages 7-18).
Swimming pools
Following is a partial list of the private and public swimming pools in the Roanoke County area:
Roanoke County
Private pools
- Carter Athletic Center: 4254 Colonial Ave. S.W., 989-7284
- Castle Rock Swim Club: 5950 Brahma Road, 772-1977
- Hunting Hills Country Club: 5220 Hunting Hills Drive, 774-4429
- North Lakes Swim Club: 5321 Greentree Lane, 562-9811
- Roanoke Athletic Club: 4508 Starkey Road., 989-5758
- Spring Run Swim Club: 3517 Ran Lynn Drive, 774-9952
Vinton
Public pools
- Vinton Swimming Pool: 814 Washington Ave., 983-0644
- Private pools
- Aqua Net Swim Club: 899 Finney Drive, 890-8099
- LancerLot Family Fitness Center: 1110 Vinyard Road, 981-0205
Golf courses
Following is a partial list of golf courses around Roanoke County:
Public courses
- Brookside Par 3 Golf Course: 6303 Williamson Road, 366-6059
Private courses
- Hunting Hills Country Club: 5220 Hunting Hills Drive, 774-4429
- Driving ranges
- Big Lick Golf, Learning Center & Driving Range: 4855 Hollins Road, 563-4699
Health clubs
The following is a partial list of health clubs in Roanoke County:
- Carter Athletic Center: 4254 Colonial Ave. S.W., 989-7284
- Curves for Women: 7216 Williamson Road, 563-5318
- Gold’s Gym: 3270 Electric Road, 527-4653
- Lancerlot Family Fitness Center: 1110 Vinyard Road, Vinton, 981-0205
- Roanoke Athletic Club: 4508 Starkey Road, 989-5758
Tennis courts
Following is a list of some of the tennis courts in the Roanoke Valley. In this list, the first figure indicates the number of courts at a site; the second is the number of lighted courts.
- Bent Mountain: 1-1
- Cave Spring High: 4-4
- Clearbrook: 2-0
- Darrell Shell Park: 3-3
- Forest Hill Swim Club: 2-0
- Garst Mill: 3-3
- Glenvar High: 4-4
- Hollins University: 10-2
- Hunting Hills Country Club: 8 outdoors (4 lighted), 2 indoors
- Loch Haven: 1-0
- Mount Pleasant: 3-3
- North Lakes Swim Club: 2-0
- Northside High: 4-4
- Oak Grove: 1-0
- Roanoke Country Club: 6 clay outdoors (lighted), 2 hard outdoors, 5 clay indoors
- Stonebridge: 4-4
- Stonegate Swim Club: 4-2
- Sun Tennis Center: 2-2
- Walrond Park: 10-10
- Whispering Pines: 1-0
