I already mentioned that our friends are pretty amazing here and they are definitely our favorite thing but there are a few honorable mentions worth writing home about. Chris and I have had a very hard time narrowing this list of Roanoke favorites but here's what we came up with:
Roanoke Top 10 Favorites
1. Christ Our Redeemer church - A modest, truth-filled, and personable place to worship with some of the most genuine people we've ever met.
2. Mountain views - Everywhere you drive in Roanoke, you feel encapsulated by mountains (one of which has an awesome erector set-like star on top; hence the nickname, "Star City.") The fall is especially gorgeous here and, well, fall's my favorite.
3. Grandin Village - Within walking distance from our house, this tiny downtown houses great restaurants (see #9), ice cream/coffee shops, retail stores, a Co-op, local market on Saturday mornings, and a movie theater, "The Grandin" built in 1932. If you go about a mile down the road from Grandin Village, you will be at Black Dog Salvage featured on DIY Network's Salvage Dawgs.
4. Mount Vernon Rd. (Raleigh Court) - Our street, simply put, is the best. Everyone is always outside in the warm months on front porches ready for good conversation. We were taught early on about "Flamingo Parties" where you just stick a pink flamingo in your yard and everyone on the block shows up with a chair and a few drinks to enjoy - instant party! And in one word I have to add: location, location, location.
5. Kroger - This sounds ridiculous but we LOVE Kroger. This isn't just any grocery store. There are a few in the area that have an extra special reputation. One of them has been deemed "Beer Kroger" and the other, "Wine Kroger" for exceptional selections of fine beverages.
6. Hiking - Roanoke is the perfect spot to become one with the great outdoors. We have hiked McAfee Knob, Dragon's Tooth, Cascade Falls, and Bottom Creek Gorge (some even multiple times). It helps that two of the hikes are right near great restaurants so you have even more to look forward to when you're done. Cascade Falls is near Blacksburg/ VA Tech - Cabo Fish Taco is great! McAfee Knob is near The Homeplace: an old farmhouse-turned-restaurant situated on gorgeous pastures -- family-style country cooking at its finest! All of this has been an awesome way to entertain visitors and explore new views of the valley.
7. Local Brews - This area has awesome breweries and wineries. I have learned so much more about beer living here. My favorites are Devil's Backbone, Vienna Lager and Wild Wolf, Blonde Honey. I'd highly recommend taking a tour.
8. Downtown Roanoke - There are awesome places to eat, shop (La De Da, Chocolate Paper, the market, etc.) and stay (Hotel Roanoke!). Don't let the quaint, small-town feel fool you...it's packed with greatness.
9. Restaurants - Blue Apron (in Salem): This is our favorite fine dining experience in the area. Reservations are necessary in this beautifully intimate restaurant with exposed brick walls and a Charlestonian personality. In Grandin Village go to Jimmy Sardines pizza (especially on Buy 1 Get 1 Thursdays) and 1906 Ale House for scallops and burgers . Downtown we frequented Jack Browns, Alejandro's, Billy's, and Wasabi. We must also mention El Rodeo for Friday night margaritas with friends!
10. Our House - Built in 1929, our four square home has a ton of character. Everything from glass door knobs, original gum wood molding and doors, radiators, space where an old telephone booth used to be, original tub and knobs, and a kitchen nook all tell a story. The outside is even better. The welcoming brick archway leads into a massive front porch with a swing. We spend so much time on the porch. I can never get enough of the view of our mature weeping cherry and maples, colorful flowers in the planters, and frequent "hellos" from neighbors. The backyard has a small screened porch and an amazing array of perennials. In the first year, the flowers gave us a seasonal surprise party. We also have a "secret garden" behind the detached garage that we have lovingly deemed "the barn." To the people who lived in the house before us: thank you for working so hard in this yard; we've thoroughly enjoyed it!
So, that's it! A Roanoke Top 10 list. If you haven't visited before, I hope this is inspiration enough for you to come visit. I just have to get used to the idea of being a visitor myself...
Until Next Time,
Lauren
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