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Roanoke Named to ‘Top 25 Hiking Cities in the US’ List by CNN

The Roanoke Roanoke has long been known as an outdoor enthusiast’s haven, but being featured as one of the nation’s premier hiking destinations is an extra feather in the cap.

McAfee Knob in Roanoke is the most photographed overlook on the entirety of the Appalachian Trail. Known for its stunning 270-degree view, rock outcrops, fall foliage, and epic sunsets and sunrises.

Roanoke was recently featured as one of the “25 Best Hiking Cities in the U.S.” by CNN.com. Roanoke was featured at the top of the list behind only Boise, ID. – coincidence? We don’t think so!

Proximity to assets like green spaces, hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountains played a big role in which cities made it on the list. This is one of the main things people mention when talking about the Roanoke hiking scene – some of the most beautiful hikes in the U.S. are just a 15-minute drive from downtown.

This is timely news considering the City of Roanoke just announced over 100 miles of trails and greenways within its limits, and they plan to celebrate with a trail work day and party on Mill Mountain, September 23. And that’s 100 miles solely in the urban core!

Continue reading “Roanoke Named to ‘Top 25 Hiking Cities in the US’ List by CNN”

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COVID-19 Resources

We know there’s a lot of information to navigate regarding COVID-19. From navigating working remotely to changes in job status to having kids at home 24/7 to professional development and learning opportunities, the right tools can make it a little easier.

The goal of this page is to provide resources and information in one place to help residents of the Roanoke Region during this time. We will do our best to update it when we learn new information. You can suggest additional resources using the form at the bottom of this page. Continue reading “COVID-19 Resources”

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Get Help to Pay Off Student Loan Debt with New Program

student loan debt grants

Franklin County is part of a new program of the Virginia Tobacco Revitalization Commission which will help pay off student loan debt for recent college graduates who reside in Franklin County (or another tobacco region community) and fill in-demand jobs.

The Talent Attraction Program will award up to $48,000 per graduate over four years when recipients live and work in the tobacco region at specific jobs in education, health care, engineering, and computer technology. Award recipients also are required to become civically engaged in the community by volunteering with local non-profits or government activities. Continue reading “Get Help to Pay Off Student Loan Debt with New Program”

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Home for the Holidays

Even though the holidays are a little hectic — family, friends, and so many holiday parties — it can be a great time to reconnect with home.

Take some time out for new adventures in the Roanoke Region this season. Meet new people, see new places, sample new foods (and brews) … and share.

We’ll be sharing some of our favorite holiday experiences on Instagram, and we’d love to see yours as well. Tag #Get2KnowNoke and #RoanokeOutside (for those outdoor adventures).

Continue reading “Home for the Holidays”

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Millennials Love the Roanoke Region

Where are the coolest and most affordable cities for millennials? If you guess Roanoke, then you are right.

The Roanoke Region was noted as one of “25 Cities that Millennials Can Afford and Actually Want to Live In” by The Penny Hoarder. Roanoke came in at No. 12 with an affordability rank of 5, millennial happiness rank of 18, and economy health rank of 15.

Continue reading “Millennials Love the Roanoke Region”