The Harrison Museum of African American Culture occupies the first floor of the former Harrison School, the first public high school for African American students in Southwest Virginia. Built in 1916, Harrison School, with its unique architectural design and historical value, is listed in the Virginia Historic Landmark Register and the National Historic Landmark Register. The Harrison Museum’s mission is: �to research preserve and interpret the achievements of African Americans, specifically in Southwestern Virginia, and to provide an opportunity for all citizens to come together in appreciation, enjoyment and greater knowledge of African American culture.� All visitors will enjoy an enriching experience of African American history and art. Harrison Museum sponsors the Henry St. Heritage Festival the last Saturday of September.
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115, Explore Park features hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, hiking trails, river frontage, outdoor adventure and a visitor information center. The park’s 1100 acres provide nature lovers the opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty and wildlife while hiking, riding a mountain bike, or just strolling through the area. Explore over 14 miles of walking and mountain biking trails, all open to the public at no charge. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the Roanoke River can be accessed at the Park’s Rutrough Point at the end of Rutrough Road, or along River Walk Trail. Take a hike through the park’s historic area to see dozens of reconstructed buildings reflecting the history of Southwest Virginia from the 1800’s through the early 20th century.
Crafteria’s makers market sells food and goods from 100+ craftspeople. Ranging from candles to chocolates to woodworking to jewelry, many products are made right here in Virginia. The building — originally a 1950s Cafeteria — is also home to Little Green Hive Coffee & Tea, Vintage Vault Records & Pop Culture Collectibles, Southwest Native boutique, food windows, and more. This “best of Roanoke” winner is a must-do when you visit the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Historic Roanoke City Market is the oldest such market in continuous use in Virginia. In 1882 licenses were issued to 25 hucksters. The city of Roanoke’s first charter formally authorized a municipally owned market in 1884, and the first permanent Market Building was completed in 1886. This formed the core of a continuing curb market in and around the Market Square. The present Market Building was erected in 1922 to replace the original structure. Today the building is a food court and shopping facility. The market includes unique shopping, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, antique shops, visitor information center and much more. Additionally; the #1 Fire Station, built in 1907 can be seen and is a historic landmark. Modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, it remains open and is free to tours (located on Church Stree
From our atrium (with our many fish tanks, including the 8000 gallon showpiece) to our rooftop with majestic views ranging from mountains to the heart of downtown Roanoke, we hope you enjoyed the variety of exhibits, views, and memories that are made here every day!
ADMISSION IS FREE! – Areas Requiring NO Admission Ticket: Coral Reef, Jellyfish, Predators of the Amazon, & Turtles of Virginia AQUARIUMS [Atrium] LIVING ROOFTOP and OBSERVATION DECKS [Sixth and Seventh Floors] **Weather Permitting. May be closed for special events.
Center is the Square is also home to: The Don and Barbara Smith Children’s Museum, The Harrison Museum of African American Culture, Mill Mountain Theatre, The Science Museum of Western Virginia & The Roanoke Pinball Museum! These museums will require a separate fee.
No other home in the United States more accurately reflects the personality of its owner than Monticello. Monticello is the autobiographical masterpiece of Thomas Jefferson—designed and redesigned and built and rebuilt for more than forty years—and its gardens were a botanic showpiece, a source of food, and an experimental laboratory of ornamental and useful plants from around the world.
Guided tours of the house are offered daily throughout the year; outdoor gardens and plantation tours are offered daily April-October. Children under 5 are free. Reduced rates for adult and student groups are available.
The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia exhibits art from around the world dating from ancient times to the present day. In addition to its permanent collection of approximately 12,000 objects, the Museum presents an ongoing schedule of changing exhibitions, accompanied by related programs and publications. The Fralin exhibits American and European painting, works on paper, and sculpture of the 15th–20th centuries; art from the ancient Mediterranean; Asian art; Native American art. Highlights of the collection of modern paintings, sculpture, and works on paper include American figurative art and photography.
The Museum is handicapped accessible. Admission is free; donations are welcome. Public Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12-5 pm. Docent-led tours by appointment: 434.243.2050.
The Draftsman is a vibrant upscale boutique hotel beautifully situated on W. Main Street in downtown Charlottesville with easy access to the UVA, Medical Center and The Downtown Mall. The evocative spirit of Virginia’s original voices and visions of 3 Presidents—Madison, Monroe and most notably, the profound ingenuity of Thomas Jefferson—are presented in engaging ways with references to the past, present and future of this storied, historic region.
More than just a place to lay your head, The Doyle encourages curiosity for the unique, inspiring and beautiful. A momentous tribute to the art, culture, and history that makes each stay everything but usual. This is the first boutique art hotel to be built in Charlottesville’s historic downtown.
The Japanese word ten can mean “heaven”, “above” or “celebration” and the dining experience at TEN modern Japanese restaurant is all of these things.TEN creates traditional Japanese dishes as works of modern art. Ingredients are approached as building blocks of inspiration, and the plates are crafted to please both the palate and the eye. Superior products are used and the seafood arrives daily from fishing auctions in Japan and Hawaii. Beyond the incredibly fresh sushi, the menu features a variety of hot and cold ala carte items and offers many choices for vegetarians as well as non-seafood eaters. The bar menu boasts an extensive list of Sake as well as exceptional wines by the glass and popular specialty cocktails. And the beautifully designed dining space is as pleasing to the senses as the food and drink.