Posts made by author 'Rick Payne'

You can't miss the Tudor style Hotel Roanoke when you are driving through, walking around, or flying over the Star City. Originating in the 1880's, "The Grand Old Lady" was established by Norfolk & Western to provide "modern" amenities to travelers of the railroad. Today, The Hotel Roanoke is part of the Hilton Curio collection but retains the elegance and grandeur of days gone by. 

While Roanoke is, once again, on the passenger train route via Amtrack's Northeast Regional route; locals know that The Hotel Roanoke isn't just a handy destination for a road trip pit stop. In fact, there are FIVE ways to indulge in the beauty, history, and culinary delights of our landmark destination!

1. STEAM Coffee + Eatery: Beginning daily at 6 a.m., you can get your morning started right with your favorite Starbucks brand coffees and smoothies. With free wi-fi and a seemingly endless offering of nooks and crannies throughout the...

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Music therapy, hearing loss advocacy, and music accessibility are vital to a diverse and cultured community. 13% of adults have some difficulty hearing and 2 out of every 1,000 babies are born with hearing impairment. But, it's not everywhere that you will find therapeutic treatment paired with a world class concert experience with eclectic art and rotating installations, unmatched acoustics and lighting design, and a full bar!

Built in 1927 as a historic church, 1217 Maple Avenue includes 22' arched ceilings with intricate moldings. Now, as 5 Points Music Sanctuary, it has become an iconic event and performance venue with ample parking, comfortable seating options, and a diverse lineup of artists and performances designed to celebrate the power of sound in all its glory.

5 Points Music Foundation, a 501c3, has a simple mission: to pursue the power of sound in all its glory. That's the inspiration behind incorporating live performance,...

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Have you ever watched a movie where someone surprises their partner with a luxurious picnic overlooking a scenic paradise? Or seen Instagram photos of a "too perfect" luxury charcuterie setup? Well, it's not just for movies or the Insta-famous anymore! 

Thanks to Roanoke entrepreneur & visionary, Jonathan Kelly, you can sit back and relax while the team at Flaneur Picnics plans and does all the work for your picturesque picnic. Maybe you want to surprise a special someone for an anniversary or birthday lunch; perhaps you want to impress your intimate friends; or reward a hard-working team at work with a seriously delightful and relaxing lakefront spread.

Summer is at its peak. What better time to call in some help in making some magic while you enjoy the fun and sun? Flaneur picnics offers the ultimate pic...

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There are many waterfalls in the greater Roanoke region that you can enjoy on a day trip. Whether you just want a quick jaunt to enjoy your lunch or you are up for a steep hike, there is a perfect waterfall adventure for you. Here are just a few of the beautiful waterfalls that you can find your way to on a short (less than 5 mile) hike. Access and parking fees are minimal and most are open year-round and during daylight hours, whether permitting. 

Roaring Run 

*accessible 1.5 mile hike

*easy for families

*features bridges, picnic spots, historic furnace to this 30 foot waterfall

*Jefferson National Forest in Botetourt County

*free

*sunset to sundown

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We are a month into summer and, boy, is the temperature turning up! School is getting ready to start back up for many and that tends to set a tone of summer vacation season coming to an end. It's not too late for a quick getaway, though! Fortunately, Roanoke is just a half-day road trip away from some delightful beaches where you can slow down and make a splash. Our proximity to the coast is a big factor in choosing Roanoke as home for many people. Here are four of our favorite coastal getaways within a half-day drive from home. 

Just a little over a 5 hour drive, Beaufort, NC is a coastal village with small town charm. Beaufort's wild horses can be reached by boat, where they have free run of the main area of Rachel Carson Reserve. The town boasts a historical site, unique boutiques, award-winning se...

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