Thousands of athletes and tourists may be leaving Monday after taking on the Ironman Triathlon, but the economic gain still lingers.

Roanoke’s history is deeply rooted in the railroad.

WSLS 10 heads to Roanoke for In Your Town.

Rachel and Lindsey sit down with Catherine Fox from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge to talk about fun and free activities to do with your kids.

It’s safe to say people are itching to get out of the house and have something fun on the calendar.

Lindsey and Rachel sit with Catherine Fox, a spokesperson for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Catherines gives us details on the top activities to do locally this month.

Preparations are underway in Elmwood Park and elsewhere as 3,000 people lace up their shoes for the Blue Ridge Marathon in Roanoke this weekend.

While major travel is off the table this spring, there is a way to bring the taste of some of your favorite American cities to your dining room table. Goldbelly, founded in 2013, is a website where you can order food from 800 legendary restaurants and bakeries across the country. It’s also given a boost to small businesses like Texas Inn in Lynchburg. “Where we can only do 50% (capacity) and we’re such a small restaurant as well, it kind of brings in a little extra revenue to keep things going,” said Rankin. AdThe visitor’s center is open seven days a week if you want to stop in and have questions.

ROANOKE, Va. – With the Ironman 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon delayed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced a new date and what’s coming up for this event. The inaugural triathlon, set for June 6, 2021, will include a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. Registration re-opened Wednesday, and with so many people from this year still planning to participate next year, spots are limited. “You need to be in shape to do it all," admitted Catherine Fox, vp of public affairs for Virginia’s Blue Ridge. “Or you can be part of a relay, that’s the other part.

ROANOKE, Va. Businesses in the Roanoke Valley are starting to get on board with a new Stay Safe Pledge.Visit Virginias Blue Ridge came up with the idea, asking businesses and customers to commit to ensuring a safe environment as more people travel during the pandemic. The pledge asks businesses to promise to follow guidelines for face coverings, capacity limits and health screenings. Customers pledge to follow those rules. "This is our opportunity to encourage and ask people to wear masks, to follow the guidelines so that the businesses stay safe and visitors can come and feel welcome to Virginia's Blue Ridge," said Catherine Fox, Vice President of Public Affairs and Destination Development for Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge. Click here to learn more about the pledge and participating businesses.

ROANOKE, Va. – Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge has just been awarded a $10,000 tourism recovery grant. The organization will use that money to enhance branding efforts, marketing the region as a hub to experience metro-mountain adventure, especially to cities within driving distance. “We’re really working hard to find that balance of inviting people to the region as well as making sure that are residents are safe as well, but it’s all about really helping the businesses sustain and recover from this pandemic,” said Catherine Fox, vice president of public affairs and destination development for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded more than $866,000 in marketing grant funds to 90 organizations across the commonwealth.

ROANOKE, Va. – As travel season gets underway and families hit the road, Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge wants everyone here at home and those visiting to know they’re safe in the Roanoke Valley. That's why VBR is asking businesses to take the "Stay Safe Pledge." The pledge asks businesses to promise to follow recommended guidelines from the CDC and public health officials and post the pledge on their storefront. VBR says that helps create an environment of safety while getting more people back in local businesses. The Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge visitor’s center will open back-up starting Friday to help people navigate their stay.

ROANOKE, Va. - Tourism leaders said Amtrak is far exceeding expectations two years after passenger rail service returned to the Star City. Amtrak representatives tell 10 News Roanoke's ridership is the highest of any individual line in the commonwealth. They're curious about a new way to travel and for us, that's great," said Brian Wells, general manager of the Hotel Roanoke. For the Hotel Roanoke, Amtrak means big business. The early success is raising the question of whether Amtrak could expand in Roanoke.