Home for the Holidays – Sleighing Winter Break

Bringing good cheer at the rooftop bar at Six and Sky overlooking downtown Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Let’s catch up! From coffee to craft cocktails, here are the best places for sipping with old friends    

• Second Cafe: The cutest new coffee shop in Roanoke. Lots of cozy seating, friendly staff, and quality drinks.  
• The Albemarle Bakery and Coffee House: Another great option for a catch-up coffee sesh with your friends. They also offer extra-tasty food options.
• Sweet Donkey Coffee: This is a classic coffee spot in Roanoke. If you still haven’t been here, seriously where have you been? 
• Six and Sky Rooftop Grille: A modern rooftop bar with a creative menu and stunning views!
• Train Station Speakeasy: This is a limited-time pop-up speakeasy at the train station venue (the perfect chance to peek into this very cool space). They offer festive cocktails and cozy seating. So, if you’re in town on a Monday or Sunday before Dec. 22, you gotta check this out! 
• Town Center Tap House: If you’re looking for a fun environment in Daleville with great food and lots of beer options, this is a go-to for all of Botetourt.
• Anastasia’s Speakeasy: This one is kind of a secret, but we don’t gatekeep. They’ve got authentic cocktails, rare bourbons, and delish bites in a sneaky spot in Rocky Mount, VA.  
• Olde Town Social House: Cozy up in their vintage-style living rooms with wine, beer, cocktails, and small plates.
• A Few Old Goats Brewing: AFOG recently opened a new location in Buchanan! You should definitely find out what the hype is all about.
• Bloom: A bright yet intimate restaurant offering small plates and craft cocktails that tell a story.  
• Olde Salem Brewing: Right on historic Main St. in Salem so you’re sure to see some friendly faces. They also have a location on Market St. in downtown Roanoke.
• Big Lick Brewing Company: Great beer, fun environment, pinball machines, and board games. They also often have live music, so check their schedule online.

Handmade mugs and other art pieces, available at Sycamore Station in Salem, Virginia.

Last-minute shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Shop small and get it done before you know it! 

• Sycamore Station: The cutest community spot in Salem. They sell art from local artisans as well as sandwiches and various drinks if you like a quick bite or a coffee while you shop.  
• The French Farmhouse: Perfect spot if you’re shopping for someone who loves rustic, elegant decor.  
• Mast General Store: From treats to home goods to outdoor gear, this is one of those places where you can find something for everyone on your list. All while shopping small, too!  
• Crafteria: Find small-batch food and handmade goods from 60+ craftspeople. Find anything from records, pottery, coffee, candles, Applachia-themed gifts, jewelry, and woodworking. 
• Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center in Clifton Forge: Their shop offers one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces from artists of all mediums!  
• Roanoke Mountain Adventures: If you’re shopping for someone outdoorsy and love a good deal, this one is for you. They sell everything from bikes to boats and even ski equipment! They also offer guided e-bike tours around the city if you’re down for an adventure! 
• Rock Outdoors: If you’re in the Smith Mountain Lake area, you have to check out this boating, fishing, and outdoor shop in Westlake Center, featuring top brands like Boggs, Chubbies, Hydroflask, Sanuk, Drake, Huk, and more. 
• Gifts Ahoy: Another gem in the SML area. This store, located at the Bridgewater Plaza, offers souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and even some delicious, mouth-watering fudge.  
• Black Dog Salvage: If you wanna gift something that tells a story, this is the place to shop. You can find literally anything in there. Anything.
• Crystal Spring Grocery: A refreshing eatery that also sells local artisanal goods and quality wine.  
• 310 Rosemont in downtown Roanoke: A contemporary boutique where you’ll find all the latest trends for both men and women.  
• Artisan Christmas Market at Explore Park: This market features unique handmade gifts from over 30 local artisans! 
• Walkabout Outfitter in Downtown Roanoke and Valley View Mall: Shop the best outdoor brands such as Patagonia, L.L. Bean, KAVU, CamelBak, Cotopaxi, and many more!

The magical Winter Walk of Lights at Explore Park, showcasing the nature section of Illuminights.

The Classics. Roanoke isn’t Roanoke without these holiday activities

*Make sure to click the links to check the dates for these events.  

• Illuminights: Who doesn’t love a classic with a twist? This Winter Walk of Lights at Explore Park is mindfully reinvented each year making it just as exciting.  
• Land of Lights: This drive-thru light experience in Franklin County is free and for the whole family! You don’t even have to leave the warmth of your car to experience the magic!  
• Mill Mountain Theater: This theater is our go-to for watching the classics we all love. Check out their schedule and go with your friends and family. They truly know how to put on a show!
• Botetourt Chamber of Commerce Tinsel Trail: Beautifully decorated trees designed by local businesses and organizations. These are displayed in historic downtown Fincastle. 
• Fashions for Evergreens: Did you really come home for the holidays if you didn’t go look at the trees at the iconic Hotel Roanoke? Make it a whole experience and grab a drink at the 1882. 
• Dickens of a Christmas: A can’t-miss holiday event in downtown Roanoke featuring vendors, food, and entertainment.  
• Roanoke Valley SPCA Pet Costume Contest: This is a fan-favorite event. We don’t need to explain why.  

Holiday spirits and festive cocktails at Miracle at Stellina, a holiday pop-up bar in Roanoke, Virginia. Photo from @foodfixxe on Instagram.

“I wanna do something fun with my friends, but I don’t know what” 

• Ice Bumper Cars: Who doesn’t love bumper cars? What about on ice where you can spin 360 degrees? A guaranteed great time no matter who you go with!  
• Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Hockey: There’s nothing like going to a Dawgs game. These high-energy games never disappoint.  
• Motel Studios Class: If you’re in the mood to try something new or wanna show off your artistic side, a class at this fun studio would make the perfect date.  
• Bingo or Trivia at Twin Creeks Brewing in Vinton: Enjoy cold pints, get a little competitive, and who knows, maybe you’ll even win some prizes!   
• Elf on the Shelf Adventure: This a fun scavenger hunt that might just help you discover your new favorite local store (you could even win some $$$).  
• Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Stellina: The most festive way to grab a drink with your friends! Christmas-themed cocktails in a literal Christmas wonderland bar.
• Grandin Holiday Lights Extravaganza: This is a fun, family-friendly stroll or jog around Grandin Village to look at the colorful Christmas lights.  
• Holiday Open Skate at Lancerlot Ice Rink (Vinton): Lace up your skates at this fully-sized rink with tons of open ice availability. For nearly two weeks during winter break, there are multiple holiday skate sessions per day with lights, festive music, and cocoa at the snack bar!

Crispy pizza, smoked wings, and craft cocktails at Jaybird Tavern in downtown Roanoke.

A lot has changed since you’ve been gone. Here are other new places you need to check out 

• Jaybird Tavern: Crispy pizza, craft cocktails, smoked wings… do we need to say any more than that?  
• Panda Boba: If you like boba, you have to try this new boba spot in Vinton. They’ve got tons of flavors for you to mix and match.  
• Noodle Factory: This new spot features fluffy bao buns and flavorful ramen. Perfect for the chilly weather!  
• Donnie D’s Roanoke location: Who doesn’t love a good Donnie D’s bagel? And now they’re in Roanoke!  
• Market on Melrose: Nutritious, high-quality groceries in NW! This is the perfect spot to spice up your grocery shopping while exploring a brand-new spot in our region!  
• Gianni’s: Authentic creole food filled with flavor in the Grandin area.  
• Galactica Arcade in Valley View: Blast off into fun at this modern, new arcade, now open inside Valley View Mall!  

Celebrating the new year with sparkling joy in the Roanoke Region of Virginia.

Uncork the New Year! Here’s Where to Have A Bubbly NYE

*Some of these may require tickets in advance.

• Sidewinders: Jake Bradley will be rocking the main stage and DJ Dakota will be on the second level. Free toast at midnight!
• 5 Points Music Sanctuary: They’re having a NYE party featuring Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land and other guests.
• Six & Sky Rooftop Grille: 3 different music acts plus multiple bars, fire pits, photo booth, party favors, and champagne toast.
• Martin’s Downtown: Chad Nickell & The Loose Change are bringing all the heat! Did someone say pickle shots??
• The Park: 2 DJs, special performances, midnight toast, and they’ll also be showing the live NYC show!
• Hike Mill Mountain: If you’re looking for a more relaxed, fresh start, consider walking or hiking Mill Mountain for the best fireworks views.

Welcome Home and Happy Holidays!

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