Roanoke: The Star City of the South

• HelloHowdy
  [HOU-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [SEE yuh]
• YesYup
  [YUHP]
• NoNah
  [NAH]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [PLEEZ/NOH PROB-lem]
• Thank youThanks
  [THANKS]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [PAHR-dn mee/MAHY bad]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [HOU yawl DOO-in]
• Fine. And you?I'm good. How 'bout you?
  [AHM gud. HOU 'bout yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [YUH speak ING-glish]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [AH aint GET-tin it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [KAN eye chek out thuh MEH-nyoo]
• I don't eat meatNo meat for me
  [NOH meet fohr mee]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [CHEERS!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCan I settle up, please
  [KAN eye SET-ul uhp, please]

• Help!Help!
  [HELP!]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [GET lost!]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [CALL thuh KOPS!]
• Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [GET uh DOK-tur!]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [AHM turnd uh-ROUND]
• I'm illI'm feelin' sick
  [AHM FEEL-in sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna purchase...
  [AH wahn-uh PUR-chus]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [JUST BROW-sing]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [HOU much DUZ it cost?]
• That's too expensiveThat's pricey
  [THATS PRY-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can you cut the price?
  [KAN yuh CUT thuh price?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [WHATS thuh TIME?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [ITS wun]
• Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [TEN THUR-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [MORN-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [AF-tur-NOON]
• EveningEvenin'
  [EEV-nin]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [YES-t'day]
• TodayToday
  [Tuh-DAY]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [Tuh-MOR-rer]
• 1One
  [WUN]
• 2Two
  [TOO]
• 3Three
  [THREE]
• 4Four
  [FOHR]
• 5Five
  [FIVE]
• 6Six
  [SIX]
• 7Seven
  [SEV-en]
• 8Eight
  [AYT]
• 9Nine
  [NINE]
• 10Ten
  [TEN]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [WHEREZ thuh...]
• What's the address?What's the location?
  [WHATS thuh loh-KAY-shun]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out (on the map)?
  [KAN yuh POINT it out (on thuh map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus) comin'?
  [WHENS thuh NEKST (BUS) KUHM-in]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [Uh PASS (to ....)]

Roanoke, originally known as Big Lick, was officially established in 1852. The name 'Big Lick' came from a large outcropping of salt used by wildlife. This area saw significant growth due to its strategic location near the Roanoke River, which facilitated trade and transportation.

The arrival of the Norfolk and Western Railroad in the 1880s was a pivotal moment for Roanoke. The railroad brought an influx of jobs and people, transforming the town into a bustling hub of commerce and industry. In 1882, the town was officially renamed Roanoke and incorporated as a city in 1884.

The Hotel Roanoke, built in 1882 by the Norfolk and Western Railroad, has been a cornerstone of the city's history. This Tudor-style hotel has hosted numerous dignitaries and events over the years. It was renovated and reopened in 1995, maintaining its historical charm while offering modern amenities.

During World War II, Roanoke played a significant role in the war effort. The city's industrial capacity was harnessed to produce military supplies and equipment. The Norfolk and Western Railway's extensive network was vital for transporting troops and materials, making Roanoke a critical logistics hub during the war.

The Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, was erected in 1949. Standing at 88.5 feet, it is the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. The star has become an iconic symbol of the city, visible from many vantage points around Roanoke and serving as a popular tourist attraction.

Roanoke, like many Southern cities, faced significant challenges during the Civil Rights Movement. The desegregation of schools and public facilities was a contentious issue. In 1960, the first African American students were admitted to previously all-white schools, marking a significant step toward racial equality in the city.

In recent decades, Roanoke has become known for its advancements in healthcare. The establishment of the Carilion Clinic and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine have turned the city into a regional healthcare and research hub. This has spurred economic growth and attracted a diverse population of healthcare professionals.

Roanoke has a vibrant cultural scene, with institutions like the Taubman Museum of Art, the Jefferson Center, and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. The city's rich artistic heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, galleries, and public art installations, making it a cultural beacon in the region.

Roanoke is accessible via Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), which offers direct flights from major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago. Alternatively, Amtrak's Crescent line provides rail service to Roanoke from cities including New York, Washington D.C., and New Orleans. For those driving, Roanoke is conveniently located off Interstate 81 and is also accessible via U.S. Route 220.

Roanoke offers several transportation options. The Valley Metro bus service operates throughout the city and surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. For exploring the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby outdoor attractions, renting a car is advisable. Many of the downtown attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.

The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are abundant throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and tips, especially in more rural areas or local markets.

Roanoke is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it's important to take standard precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Higher crime rates have been reported in certain neighborhoods such as Northwest Roanoke and parts of Southeast Roanoke. It’s best to stay vigilant and consult local advice when exploring less familiar areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Roanoke has several medical facilities, including Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. Always keep your travel insurance details handy to cover any medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially for outdoor activities; casual attire is widely accepted. Religion: Do respect local places of worship; some may require modest clothing. Public Transport: Do stand on the right and walk on the left on escalators. Don't play loud music or talk loudly on your phone. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'hello' or a handshake. Southern hospitality is common, so a friendly demeanor goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like barbecue and craft beer. Don't forget to tip waitstaff, typically around 15-20% of the bill.

To experience Roanoke like a local, visit the Historic City Market in downtown Roanoke for fresh produce and local crafts. Take a walk or bike ride on the Greenway trails that connect various parts of the city. Engage with locals at community events and festivals. Don’t miss the iconic Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city. For a unique dining experience, try one of the many farm-to-table restaurants that focus on local ingredients.