Washington, DC & the Capital Region - Eastern USA - page 608

About 30 miles east of Roanoke, the tiny town of Bedford suffered the most casualties
per capita during WWII, and hence was chosen to host the moving National D-Day Me-
morial ( 540-586-3329; US 460 & Hwy 122; adult/child $7/5; 10am-5pm) . Among its
towering arch and flower garden is a cast of bronze figures re-enacting the storming of
the beach, complete with bursts of water symbolizing the hail of bullets the soldiers
faced. Walking tours ($3) leave hourly between 10:30am and 3:30pm.
Rose Hill ( 540-400-7785; www.bandbrosehill.com ; 521 Washington Ave; r $100-125) is a
charming and welcoming three-room B&B in Roanoke's historic district.
For eats, head to Wildlflour ( 540-343-4543; 1212 4th St SW; sandwiches under $10, din-
ner mains $15-24; 11am-9pm Mon-Sat; ) , which serves wonderful homemade sand-
wiches and a rustic fusion-meets-New-American menu, with entrees such as maple-soy-
glazed salmon and a hearty meatloaf.

Mt Rogers National Recreation Area

This seriously beautiful district is well worth a visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike, fish or
cross-country ski among ancient hardwood trees and the state's tallest peak. The park
headquarters ( 800-628-7202, 276-783-5196; www.fs.usda.gov/gwj ; 3714 Hwy 16, Marion) of-
fers maps and recreation directories. The NPS operates five campgrounds in the area;
contact park headquarters for details.

Abingdon

One of the most photogenic towns in Virginia, Abingdon retains fine Federal and Victori-
an architecture in its historic district, and hosts the bluegrass Virginia Highlands Festiv-
al over the first half of August. The visitor center ( 800-435-3440; 335 Cummings St;

9am-5pm) has exhibits on local history.
Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum (208 W Main St; adult/child $3/2; 11am-4pm Wed,
from 1pm Thu-Sat) has exhibits on 19th-century life in southwest Virginia. Founded during
the Depression, Barter Theatre ( 276-628-3991; www.bartertheatre.com ; 133 W Main St; per-
formances from $20) earned its name from audiences trading food for performances. Act-
ors Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine (and uh, Wayne Knight, Seinfeld' s 'Newman')
cut their teeth on Barter's stage.
The Virginia Creeper Trail ( www.vacreepertrail.org ) , named for the railroad that once ran
this route, travels 33 miles between Whitetop Station near the North Carolina border and
downtown Abingdon. Several outfitters rent bicycles, organize outings and run shuttles,
including Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop ( 276-676-2552;