The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR41

including wood-oven pizzas. They also
host lively live music and community
events.
* Operating from a charming 1922
house, Sweet Donkey Coffee House
offers delightful Counter Culture
Coffee and serves as a welcoming
neighborhood space with live music,
food trucks and a vibrant calendar of
events.
* Barrel Chest Wine & Beer is a haven
for wine and beer enthusiasts, offering
an extensive selection of wines, craft
beers and accessories to suit all tastes.
* Plans for a new boutique hotel are
underway, to feature 21 rooms and
an upscale bistro, and mark the first
sizable hotel to come to the mostly
residential neighborhood.
WASENA
* Start your day with artisanal coffee
from RND Coffee, where carefully
crafted brews await to awaken your
senses.
* As the day progresses, quench your
thirst with a variety of craft beers at
Wasena Tap Room, a haven for beer
enthusiasts - and the pork nachos are
always a good idea!
* Chef Nate Sloan and his staff invite
you to savor the flavors of locally
sourced cuisine and sip on custom
cocktails at bloom Restaurant & Wine
Bar, a culinary experience not to be
missed. Every plate is ready for its
close-up!
* Love an indoor adventure? Experience
indoor rock climbing and fitness
activities for all skill levels at River
Rock Climbing Gym.
* Rent outdoor gear and expertly
plan your next adventure amidst
breathtaking natural surroundings
thanks to Roanoke Mountain
Adventures. Grab a kayak and hit the
Roanoke River practically right outside
the store's front door!
* Grab your pup and enjoy the dogfriendly
patio at The Green Goat,
located just off the Roanoke River
Greenway in an environmentallyfriendly
hybrid switching locomotive
(and former home to the
transportation museum). They focus
on great food in a relaxed atmosphere
that won't break the bank.
2024 VBR LIFE 41
WEST END
* Experience the thriving West End
area, where entertainment, history
and great food converge. Join the
community at events like West End
Wednesdays and Sunday brunches at
popular spots like Food Hut Roanoke
and Tuco's Taqueria Garaje.
* A local burger joint with a menu
inspired by Virginia Tech football
legend Frank Beamer, Beamer's
25 offers brunch, lunch and dinner,
all with a sports atmosphere that's
perfect for football enthusiasts.
* The Roanoke Diversity Center
provides a welcoming community
hub, fostering support, education,
empowerment and advocacy for
LGBTQ+ individuals and groups in the
area. It actively promotes collaboration
with the broader community to
enhance the overall quality of life for
everyone.
* Stop by the LEAP Farmers Market,
held every Tuesday from 3-6 pm
(year-round, rain or shine) beside
the LEAP Hub. The expanded midweek
farmers market hosts a wide
range of vendors selling fresh fruits
and vegetables, locally made bread
products, cheese, meat, eggs, milk,
plants and more.
* West End Park is a cozy green space
that draws both youth and adults from
the vicinity. Its recent enhancements,
including a new playground and
swing sets, make it an ideal spot for a
leisurely picnic or afternoon with the
kiddos.
WILLIAMSON ROAD
* Embark on a culinary journey thanks
to the Greater Williamson Road Area
Business Association! They work
hard to showcase a melting pot
of international flavors with nearly
450 international restaurants and
businesses. Savor global cuisine at
spots like Cuban Island Restaurant,
Cheesesteak Factory Jerk House, City
Corner 2, Cuisine Kreyol, Viet Sub and
Coach & Four.
* Explore Lee Theatre Lofts, a historic
residential space offering a glimpse
into the 1940s charm of Roanoke.
* Embark on a delightful treasurehunting
adventure at Happy's
Outdoor Flea Market, where a vast
array of vintage goods, collectibles,
antiques and unique finds from local
vendors await discovery.
Too Many Books
HANNAH ARMSTRONG
The Roanoker January/February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker January/February 2024
