The City of Roanoke is the economic and cultural center of Southwest Virginia. The city is located in the Roanoke Valley of the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The Roanoke Valley is between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Plateau to the west. The city is also within the Appalachian Mountains. The city has a population of over 97,000 people and is the principal municipality of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which had a 2010 population of 308,707. Roanoke is the largest city in the MSA and is the fifth largest in Virginia.The climate in Roanoke is humid continental, which means that the summers are hot and humid, and the winters are cold. The average temperature in July is 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), and the average temperature in January is 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius). Roanoke experiences all four seasons, and the city is known for its beautiful fall foliage.There are many popular attractions in Roanoke. The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is the oldest and largest professional orchestra in Virginia. The Virginia Museum of Transportation is one of the largest transportation museums in the country. It is also home to the O. Winston Link Museum, which is dedicated to the work of photographer O. Winston Link. The Taubman Museum of Art is Roanoke's primary art museum, and the Mill Mountain Zoo is a popular destination for families.Downtown Roanoke is easy to navigate and parking is readily available. There are several parking garages and surface lots throughout downtown, and most are free on weekends and evenings. Downtown Roanoke is home to many businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions, and is a great place to explore on foot.