A former railroad headquarters, Roanoke, the largest city in Virginia's
southwest, moves with a new energy. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge
Mountains, Roanoke offers a weekend getaway that combines interesting
shopping and good food.
Anchored by the Farmers' Market, a continuing presence on Market Street
since 1882, the downtown has managed to eschew chain stores for local
boutiques and eateries. That in itself goes a long way toward making
Roanoke's shopping district, at least the streets long the market, an
icon of southern charm.
Chocolatepaper and Firefly Fare rate among our top choices. At
Chocolatepaper, walk straight past the mugs and mini-stuffed tigers to
the sweets. The chocolatier gains fame for its five-inch chocolate
rendition of the city symbol, the Roanoke Star, as well as for the
shop's delectable truffles with a hint of espresso, pomegranate, sea
salt caramel or champagne.
Firefly Fare proves fast food can be both healthy and good. Using
locally sourced items, this eatery in the repurposed City Market, the
former refrigeration structure for farmers, dishes up Teriyaki tofu,
quinoa salads and a sweet potato soup that's among the best we've
sampled.
First and Sixth, opened about two months, serves sophisticated takes on
southern fare that don't obscure the entrees basic ingredients. Among
the entrees are Dr. Pepper glazed pork tenderloin, Southern fried
chicken with macaroni and cheese, and our favorite, Low Country shrimp
and grits.
What else is downtown? You can't miss the remodeled Taubman Museum of
Art. It's striking, angular glass façade "is a statement of where
Roanoke is going," says David Mickenberg, executive director. The 81,000
square foot facility's permanent collection focuses on American art
from 1865 to the 1930s. Highlights include works by Norman Rockwell,
Edward Steichen and others. We also like the Mixed Bag Gallery, a
cleverly set presentation of Judith Lieber purses donated by a local
woman.
Signature 9 and the Market Gallery feature a mix of watercolors,
photographs, sculpture and hand-crafted pottery and textiles. John
Wilson, Wilson Hughes Gallery, creates pop art and abstract sculptures
from thrown away items. His bicycle sculptures recombine wheels and
frames to make new statements.
Noted area artist Eric Fitzpatrick's studio door features a paintbrush
knocker. His interpretive landscapes recently appeared in the movie
"Lake Effects" as stand-ins for a character's art. In Fitzpatrick's
gallery, located in his South Roanoke home, you can purchase his
watercolors and oils as well as prints of Virginia Tech game days done
in what Fitzpatrick labels "whimsical realism."
If you like rummaging for finds, don't miss Black Dog Salvage, a 40,000
square foot warehouse, named for the black Labrador who often greets
visitors. This is the place to admire "stuff," from Victorian tubs to
massive glass and wood doors taken from a manor home to stained glass
windows, wrought iron fences, antique oak fireplace mantles, plus old
lighting fixtures, locks and whatever else has been rescued from about
to be demolished buildings.
Where to stay? Situated hillside across the railroad tracks from
downtown, the Hotel Roanoke is the city's grande dame. Built by the
railroad in 1882, the renovated property reopened in 1995 as a
Doubletree. For those who prefer a modern style, try the recently
refurbished Sheraton Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center. A short
drive to downtown, the Sheraton has a gym, indoor and outdoor pools and
is pet-friendly.
Related links
www.visitroanokeva.com
www.hotelroanoke.com
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