Discover Vinton: Market, History and Greenways

Vinton brings together local traditions, sites of remembrance and convenient routes for active days. Those looking to plan a trip around a market visit, history and outdoor activity will find a variety of ideas here: from the Vinton Farmers Market and museums and monuments to short sections for walking, cycling and birdwatching. When searching for a vacation rental, you can therefore first decide which focus should shape your trip.

Local Flavor at the Vinton Farmers Market

Since 1988, the Vinton Farmers Market has connected visitors with local farmers, artisans and small businesses. It is therefore a good place to get to know Vinton through its local producers and businesses. The market takes place from May through October: Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. These set times make it easier to plan a market visit as part of your day. For an independent trip with your own food arrangements, a vacation rental can be especially appealing if buying regional products is part of your vacation.

Sites of Remembrance and Insights into History

The Vinton-Roanoke County Veterans Monument, known as “High Ground,” honors former residents of Vinton and Roanoke County who were killed in action, as well as military personnel who have served or are currently serving. The handcrafted monument is also Vinton’s first public artwork. Another site of remembrance is the Vinton War Memorial, built in 1948 to commemorate the sacrifice of Vinton’s residents during World War II.

More than 4,000 objects have been acquired for display and preservation at the Vinton History Museum. This makes a museum visit an opportunity to explore the town’s history through numerous objects rather than learning about it only through individual monuments. At Holdren's Country Store on Gus Nicks Boulevard, you can also see sections of the brick walls of Vinton's former Gish's Mill. The mill is explicitly part of the town’s earlier history; what remains visible are the preserved sections of wall.

Short Routes, Cycling and Small Watercraft

The Glade Creek Greenway is an easy, 0.6-mile section for walking, cycling, running, walking dogs, birdwatching and using strollers. Access is available via U.S. Route 460 (Orange Avenue), Gus West Nicks Boulevard, S. Pollard Street and Virginia Avenue. Parking is available in the Tinker Creek Greenway parking lot. For families with different ideas about their vacation, this section offers a manageable way to combine activity and observation without having to turn it into a longer day route.

Those who want to plan an active trip differently can include the Gladetown Trail. Parking is available along the street or in the parking lot at the Craig Avenue Recreation Center. For outings on the water, the Tinker Creek Canoe Launch is available; use is limited to small watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. You should take this restriction into account when planning and choose the desired equipment accordingly.

Travel Ideas for Your Accommodation Search

Vinton can therefore be explored in several ways: a market visit provides a time-based focus, museums and monuments offer insights into history, while the Greenway, Gladetown Trail and Canoe Launch provide active variety. When choosing your vacation rental, consider which of these interests are essential to your trip and which market hours or parking options you would like to include in your plans. During the week-long Vinton Dogwood Festival, people from throughout the region visit Vinton. Those who would like to compare additional places can also include Roanoke, Bent Mountain, Cave Spring and Hollins in their broader travel plans.

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