Historic Roanoke is only four hours from Knoxville and is an island set against the Blue Ridge Mountains. The island is famous for the lost colony of Roanoke established by Walter Raleigh in 1585. Roanoke is America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital with many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as kayaking and paddling on the Upper James River Water Trail.
Visitors who prefer the great indoors can explore galleries, museums, and boutiques in historic downtown Roanoke. The historic city also hosts many cultural events and festivals and has an exciting nightlife for adults.
There are also several hotels, bed & breakfasts, inns, and motels, as well as cabins and campgrounds for lodgings.