There are some things that you just have to do every summer! Here are 9 Roanoke Valley favorites that we don't want you to miss this year.

1. The Salem Fair: Between June 29 and July 10th, the Fairgrounds will see around 350,000 people. The food sure has changed over the years and you might be surprised at the wide array of "Fair Food" available. Rides, entertainment, and a petting zoo are just a few of the sights at this agricultural fair which is the largest in the state and is one of the top 100 fairs in the country!
2. Explore Park: There is something for everyone at Explore Park. No, seriously…everyone! Whether you're into mountain biking, kayaking, climbing trees, or grabbing a locally brewed beer at Brugh Tavern; you will certainly enjoy the serene experience of being immersed in nature just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
3. Visit Our Amazing Wineries: How does watching a sunset from atop a mountain with a glass of local Syrah sound? Our wineries are diverse and simply beautiful. Each unique, explore your options for wineries that offer music, food, firepits, yoga, and more!
4. Party in Elmwood Park: Downtown Roanoke boasts a delightful park complete with a playground, walking paths, and fountains. But, in the summertime on Thursday nights, we turn up the volume for Party in Elmwood featuring 19 weeks of live music and local food trucks! 
5. Baseball! The Salem Red Sox are a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball and boy, do they deliver some ball! You can find them playing at home all summer long! 
6. Float the Roanoke River: A few years ago, you would have had to venture out of town to find an outfitter that would set you up with a relaxing river float right through the serene center of the city, but that was before Roanoke Mountain Adventures (RMA) was on the scene. Now, you can plan a day trip of a calm, cool float that ends with lunch at Wasena City Tap Room or The Green Goat! 
7. Bicycle the Greenway (and ice cream!): If that river float has you ready to see more of the city, the crew at RMA can set you up with a bicycle and you can cruise down the Greenway to Blue Cow Ice Cream Shop or Chris's Coffee & Custard for a refreshing treat! 
8. Hike the Appalachian Trail: The Roanoke Valley is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, with many right on the Appalachian Trail! Novice? No problem! Roanoke Outside organizes group hiking events so that you can learn the ropes with experienced experts.
9. Explore Virginia's History: Is summer really complete without a field trip to one of Virginia's historical sites or museums? The Crooked Road Trail, Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Poplar Forest, Booker T. Washington National Monument, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, History Museum of Western Virginia, National D-Day Memorial, and so much more are all just day-trips for us here in the Valley!

Let us know what kind of summer fun you choose to get into by tagging us on Facebook at #hometownblessings and be sure to share your pictures so that we can all enjoy all that the Roanoke Valley has to offer!