Portions of Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke to close for repairs
If you like driving over the Roanoke River Bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you might want to get in one last ride before it closes. According to the National Park Service, the bridge will be closed from mid-April through Spring 2022. AdCrews will also repair the road failure near milepost 128, starting in the spring of 2022. โWe recognize these Roanoke area closures create short term impacts, however we are pleased to know that in the coming years, this section of the Parkway will be restored in ways that will allow for many more years of high-quality visitor experiences,โ said Alexa Viets, acting superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are in blue .
Daylight Saving Time marks unofficial start of Explore Parkโs busy season
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Daylight Saving Time took effect Sunday morning, which means the sun has risen on Explore Parkโs busiest time of year. The Roanoke County park along the Blue Ridge Parkway has already attracted visitors with its new Twin Creeks Brewpub, which opened last fall. The park expects even more visitors when its Treetop Quest attraction opens at the beginning of April. Explore Park program director Ben Crawley said Daylight Savings Time represents the unofficial start of spring and outdoor activities. โThe weather is starting to change, itโs starting to get warmer, and itโs a little bit brighter for a little bit longer.
Explore Park planning expansion of outdoor adventures in Bedford County
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ Roanoke Countyโs Explore Park may be expanding its offerings to Bedford County. The park currently has 388 acres in Bedford County attached the more than 700 acres in Roanoke County; however, the Bedford County side has not yet been developed. The proposal for Bedford Village includes trails, a beach, a tubing hill, a gondola loop, fishing access, an alpine coaster, a boat house and a day lodge. To be able to develop the Bedford County side of the property will help to add to that,โ said Doug Blount, director of general services and parks, recreation and tourism for Roanoke County. Explore Park is now working with Bedford Countyโs Board of Supervisors to make the plans a reality.
Thereโs still time left to enjoy Illuminights
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Illuminights is wrapping up a magical season, but there are still three more nights left to enjoy the second annual Winter Walk of Lights. There are some new additions this year, including fake snow and lights that sync up to the music. Illuminights is put on by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Center in the Square as a fundraiser. โItโs been a great season here at Illuminights this year. Weโve had great reception and feedback from the folks who have been able to come out to Illuminights.โThe last day for Illuminights is January 2.
Illuminights canceled Wednesday night due to inclement weather
First night of Illuminights kicks off at Explore ParkROANOKE, Va. โ The weather outside is frightful and the folks with Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism are advising you to bundle up tonight. Illuminights announced on its website that the holiday lights event has been canceled for Wednesday, Dec. 16 due to inclement weather. According to officials, anyone who purchased tickets for tonight has received an email with instructions regarding their purchase.
How you can help hungry families in the Roanoke Valley during your visit to Illuminights
ROANOKE, Va. โ Illuminights continues to light up Roanoke Countyโs Explore Park and provide COVID-19-safe holiday fun for families. Organizers are asking folks to bring a couple cans of donated food which they will give it to the Agape Center in Roanoke. This location just opened in the summer and not only doing they minister and mentor those in need, but they also provide food, clothing, and furnishings to anyone who comes by. The executive director, Susan Frase, said one of their favorite things to do is give out birthday baskets to the people they help. โOne lady cried and cried, because nobody is going to remember her birthday.
Illuminights opening pushed back amid new coronavirus restrictions
County leaders announced Tuesday that due to Virginiaโs new coronavirus restrictions, the opening day for Illuminights at Explore Park will now be five days later on Nov. 25. Anyone who purchased tickets for November 20-24 will receive an email with instructions regarding their purchase. Due to COVID-19 precautions, only advance tickets will be sold for the event, with assigned arrival times, meaning none will be sold at Explore Park. While the park wonโt be shining bright until Wednesday, the Artisan Market will still start Friday, November 20, at the Explore Park Visitor Center. It will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 20 through Nov. 24 and 11 a.m. to close on Illuminights operating days.
Do you know the full impact of your Illuminights ticket?
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Itโs nearly time for Roanoke Countyโs Explore Park to shine bright. Starting Friday, Nov. 20, it will as bright as a star with 500,000 twinkling lights as Illuminights returns! The hugely popular event is back and isnโt just a safe way to enjoy the sights of the season. All proceeds from Illuminights go to support the valuable missions of Center in the Square and Explore Park. This year, in an effort to keep everyone safe, youโll have to pre-register to attend.
This adventure will give you a thrill like you've never experienced
Roanoke County's Explore Park has some experiences from the tops of trees to the rippling waves of the Roanoke River. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies.
Illuminights nearly ready to shine for its second holiday season
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Illuminights is returning to Explore Park for its second season and WSLS 10 is once again a proud sponsor of the Winter Walk of Lights. Crews are hard at work setting up holiday light displays that are sure to dazzle once again this year. More than 500,000 lights will be shining bright with some of last yearโs favorites and some new sparklers too. The Winter Walk of Lights will also look much different because of the coronavirus pandemic. Illuminights will also be 15 days longer this year for a 41-night event from Nov. 20 through Jan. 2.
Nearly 6-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke reopens
ROANOKE, Va. โ Drivers can now enjoy a bit more beauty along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Crews completed repairs after a small slope failure and now, the stretch between the Explore Park entrance and the entrance at US 220 in Roanoke County is again open. Those wishing to drive on the Parkway south of the 220 entrance will have to wait quite a while longer. Heavy rain destroyed part of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 128, about 7 miles south of the US 220 entrance. This closure is due to the 150 feet of the road lost near milepost 128 due to flooding in May.
Watch artists make their crafts from start to finish at Artisan Saturdays
ROANOKE, Va. โ On Sept. 26, Roanoke County Parks and Recreation is inviting you to see how some of your favorite art pieces are made. The sixth season of Artisan Saturdays will begin at 10 a.m. featuring 17 artists. From potters to woodworkers and painters you can stop by Explore Park to watch as they demonstrate their craft. The event was inspired by the idea of showing the community how some of the items in Explore Parkโs visitor center are made. Jim Privitera of Earthworks Pottery in Vinton has been part of Artisan Saturdays since it started six years ago.
Roanoke tourism leaders say Blue Ridge Parkway closure may actually be blessing in disguise
ROANOKE, VA. โ Fall foliage is right on the horizon and each year thousands of people hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to see them. But this year, thereโs one hitch โ the Blue Ridge Parkway is still closed from Explore Park in the Vinton area to Bent Mountain from prior storm damage. Despite that, Roanoke Valley tourism leaders said this might actually be a good thing for the regionโs hospitality industry, which is badly hurting from the COVID pandemic. Visit Virginiaโs Blue Ridge President Landon Howard said that could be right in front of Pascalโs door. Visit Virginiaโs Blue Ridge recognizes this plan welcomes people into the region during an ongoing pandemic, which is why it continues to push social distancing, face coverings and strict sanitation procedures.
Backpacking with Brooke: River Walk to Blue Ridge trail at Explore Park
Youโll head right, as the Rock Fish trail will take you down to the River Walk trailThis trail is mostly gravel but has a few grassy areas on the way down. This is also a hot spot for camping, with easy access to the Roanoke River. Once you get to the bottom of the Rock Fish trail, youโll merge with the River Walk. The trail is about a quarter mile, and dumped us back out on the river walk. We walked down along the sand near the bank, just off of the river walk trail.
Illuminights offers free shuttle from Carilion Riverside
ROANOKE, Va. โ This weekend, you can save money and get a free shuttle Illuminights in Explore Park. Starting Friday and running until Monday, you can get a free shuttle from Carilion Riverside Parking Garage and get a $4 discount off gate admission prices. Busses will leave every half hour starting at 6 p.m., with the last return shuttle departing from Explore Park at 11 p.m.Carilion Riverside Parking Garage is located at 1 Riverside Circle and guests are asked to use the entrance facing Reserve Avenue. For more information, visit the Illuminights website or call 540-387-6078.
Santa Claus brings holiday cheer to Illuminights
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ What makes 500,000 lights shine even brighter? A visit from Santa Claus, of course! Santa Claus visited the popular Roanoke County holiday lights attraction at Explore Park on Monday night. Santa is available for stories and photos at Illuminights on the following dates: Dec. 16-19 and 23. For more ticket prices, other dates and information, click here.
Illuminights offering free shuttling from Roanoke on select dates
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ To make it easier for people to get to Explore Park and enjoy Illuminights, free shuttling will be available for five nights. Visitors may park in the Carilion Clinic Riverside Parking Garage and pick up a shuttle on Dec. 14, 20, 21, 22, or 23. Buses will depart every half-hour beginning at 6 p.m. with the last return shuttle departing from Explore Park at 11 p.m.Carilion Clinic Riverside Parking Garage is located at 1 Riverside Circle and guests are asked to use the entrance facing Reserve Avenue. By riding the shuttle, youโll also receive a $4 discount on admission. Those who pre-ordered their tickets have already received that discount.
Blue Ridge Parkway closing early due to weather, Illuminights to remain open
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ The Blue Ridge Parkway will be closing early Thursday due to projected weather, but Illuminights will still be decking the halls. People who still plan on going to Illuminights will have to use the entrance at 3900 Rutrough Road, 24014. Below are directions to Rutrough Road:From Interstate 581, take exit 6 and turn left onto Elm Avenue heading towards Vinton. Immediately take next left turn onto Rutrough Road (Route 658). The service entrance is 3.9 miles the left at 3900 Rutrough Road.
Illuminights getting final touches, still on track for Black Friday opening
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ The final touches are being put on a new holiday light show in Roanoke County. On Wednesday, trees were wrapped with lights and displays were installed. There will be 500,000 lights, holiday music and snow machines in the trees during the 26-day event. Every day here, a few more lights go up at the park," Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Director Scott Ramsburg said. "Weโll be working right down to the end to make sure it all goes off without a hitch.โWSLS is a proud sponsor of Illuminights.
Volunteers needed for Illuminights display at Explore Park
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. - Volunteers are still needed to help light up Explore Park for the holidays. Illuminights is taking over Explore Park for a 26-night event that will deck out the park with more than 500,000 lights starting Nov. 29. Joel Mosca from Mosca Design, the holiday lighting company, said the first challenge was finding the money, then a good location. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Center in the Square and Explore Park. "In addition to getting your [Illuminights] hat and scarf, there are other perks if you volunteer multiple nights," Ramsburg said.
Volunteers needed for Illuminights display at Explore Park
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Volunteers are still needed to help light up Explore Park for the holidays. Illuminights is taking over Explore Park for a 26-night event that will deck out the park with more than 500,000 lights starting Nov. 29. Joel Mosca from Mosca Design, the holiday lighting company, said the first challenge was finding the money, then a good location. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Center in the Square and Explore Park. "In addition to getting your [Illuminights] hat and scarf, there are other perks if you volunteer multiple nights," Ramsburg said.
Tickets on sale for Illuminights, holiday walk of lights at Explore Park
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. - Walking through a magical light display is sure to help your family get in the holiday spirit. On Wednesday, tickets officially went on sale for Illuminights at Explore Park in Roanoke County. This is the first year for the walking holiday light show. Families can walk along a half-mile trail to look at over 500,000 lights. "It's really something magical that will be a holiday experience to make memories for generations," said Scott Ramsburg, the marketing and administration manager for Roanoke County Parks and Recreation.
Explore Park transforms into spooky Halloween wonderland
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. - Roanoke County Parks is taking Halloween to new heights. They are turning the new Treetop Quest challenge course at Explore Park into a thrilling Halloween adventure for all ages. For two weekends you can visit the park to experience interactive ghost stories, puzzles and a giant spiderweb-themed net trampoline. Scare Quest is October 17, 18, 20 and 24-26 at Explore Park at milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 10 News Reporter Megan Woods gives you a sneak peek at this new Halloween experience.
Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights coming in December
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va.- - 'Tis the season, five months early. Roanoke County and Center in the Square announced a new partnership to host an annual holiday light show at Explore Park. Doug Blount says this event will make Explore Park a year-round destination. Roanoke County is preparing for thousands of tourists who will come to the region to walk through the winter wonderland. That's what I love about it," said Wendi Schultz, tourism and events coordinator for Roanoke County.
Explore Parkโs Winter Walk of Lights coming in December
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va.- โ 'Tis the season, five months early. Roanoke County and Center in the Square announced a new partnership to host an annual holiday light show at Explore Park. Doug Blount says this event will make Explore Park a year-round destination. Roanoke County is preparing for thousands of tourists who will come to the region to walk through the winter wonderland. That's what I love about it," said Wendi Schultz, tourism and events coordinator for Roanoke County.