CURRENT FEATURES

Cozy Corners and Cat Therapy at Toebean Cat Cafe

With adoptable cats, cozy spaces, and a mission rooted in rescue, Toebean Cat Cafe has grown into a Roanoke favorite, earning recognition across six Best

Star of the Star City

Facing the Storm: Justin vanBlaricom and the Power of Showing Up

The Noke Van Co co-owner and Platinum “Star of the Star City” winner reflects on resilience, rebuilding, and the Roanoke community that helped carry them

Courtesy of City of Roanoke

Any Way the Water Flows

Century-old tunnels hide a secret beneath the city.
Lakeside Amusement Park was built in 1920 on Mason's Creek., Courtesy of Roanoke Public Libraries.

A Lost Gem

Lakeside Amusement Park punctuated Roanoke Valley summers for more than 60 years. Written by Clayton Trutor / Photo above: Lakeside Amusement Park was built in

Contests and Events

2027 Best Of Central + Southwest Virginia Weddings

2027 Best Of Central + Southwest Virginia Weddings

We are thrilled to launch our annual Best Of Central + Southwest Virginia Weddings! Our region has become an elite wedding scene filled with incredible

2026 Best Of Roanoke Winners’ Toolkit

Congratulations on being voted as a winner in the 2026 The Roanoker Magazine Best Of Roanoke Awards!

From Print to Podcast

Season 4 / Episode #1: Built to Last with Justin vanBlaricom

Built to Last with Justin vanBlaricom

Our latest episode goes on site to Noke Van Co, where we sit down with the vanBlaricoms to discuss Justin's platinum Best of Roanoke win,

On the Record with Beth Macy

It's a can't-miss season finale as we chat with bestselling author and local champion Beth Macy about her new book, the craft of writing and
From Print to Podcast: Shaken & Skilled with Bartender Brittany Browning

Shaken & Skilled with Bartender Brittany Browning

From her unique approach to bartending to the way she inspires everyone around her, Brittany Browning is a force behind the bar.

Blogs: Behind The Page

kids square

RVRA Launches Kids Square Exhibit

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority grand opened an exhibit at Kids Square located at Center in the Square in Downtown

Botetourt Center at Greenfield

Google Advances Data Center Campus Project at Botetourt Center at Greenfield

In collaboration with Google, Botetourt County today announced progress on Google’s planned data center campus at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, marking a transformative investment
Lou Gramm

Lou Gramm Kicks off Festival in the Park May 22

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, AT 10AM LOCAL Legendary rock vocalist Lou Gramm, best known as the powerful voice behind Foreigner’s greatest hits, will

Richards DrPepper Ticket

Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges Announces Comedy’s Best Kept Secret Featuring Matt Richards

Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges is proud to announce the next installment of its popular Comedy’s Best Kept Secret series, headlined by acclaimed comedian Matt Richards.

Home & Garden

Recreating a Dreamy Blue Kitchen

Recreating a Dreamy Blue Kitchen

Inspired by a beloved former home, this Old Southwest renovation layers sky-blue cabinetry, warm metallic accents, and tailored updates into a kitchen that feels timeless
The open wood shelves are from a slab of wood that Pam had cut up from Black Dog Salvage. Pam notes that this open shelving, and the glass cabinets, require that you get comfortable with the fact that people can see your dishes.

Colonial Outside, Parisian Inside

A Southwest Roanoke home blends Parisian polish with modern geometry, bold stone, and personal history to create a home designed purely for joy.

Current DEPARTMENTS

Local Colors Festival May 16 Elmwood Park

Events Calendar May/June 2026

Top May and June Events Around the Roanoke Area
Bruce and Peggy Todaro on the deck of the Green Goat, with the Wasena Bridge behind them.

Wasena Will Come Full Circle Soon

The new bridge, skate park, and blueway will be welcomed by pedestrians, businesses, and customers.
Artist Casey Murano discussed her watercolor, Come On, Surprise Me, at an artist talk.

Inspired by Nature

The celebration of a heralded book leads to ongoing community projects.
Artist Brian Counihan, Roanoke Arts and Culture Coordinator Douglas Jackson, and other artists and community members create people-centered floats for this year’s Daisy Art Parade in the main floor of Art Project Roanoke, located in the heart of downtown.

Where Everyone’s an Artist

Art Project Roanoke hosts community events on the first floor and artist studios above.
Group photo from one of the two national events Tincher Pitching did this winter in Roanoke, the Pitching Summit.

From Buchanan to the Big Leagues of Softball

When his daughter asked him to teach her how to pitch, Denny Tincher began a journey that would produce a national champion, a historic no-hitter,

Do You Love Great Stories About the Roanoke Valley? We Do Too!

Help Us Continue Our Mission of Covering the Mountains of the South. Thank You!

Dining

Grilled Mexican Street Corn “Elote” ©Sara Schober

Southern Spoonful: Amaizing Summer Corn

Peak-season sweet corn brings its signature sweetness and Southern charm to these summer-ready recipes. Written by Becky Ellis / Photographed by Sara Schober Sweet corn season,

Signature birria tacos are served with a flavorful broth for dipping.

Birria and Beyond

Birrieria La Vaca’s brick-and-mortar dishes out fan-favorite tacos and homemade desserts.

What I’ve Learned & Loved About Our Food Scene

Local history never tasted so good! Discover the surprising history, cultural influences and farm-to-table legacy that shapes Roanoke’s distinctive and delicious food scene.

Serving Up a Decade of Flavor

For nearly a decade, Mountain Grille has brought friends, flavors and fun to local events across Roanoke County, earning Platinum in this year’s Dining Awards.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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