The Roanoker July/August 2024 - 23
road trip
day one
I
n early spring, the drive to the Blue Ridge
region of Virginia is scattered with pops of
color - similar to the autumn but enticing hues
of purple and pink. A quick internet search
revealed I was admiring Eastern Redbud, coincidentally
named the state's " Wildflower of the Year'
in 2013 by the Virginia Native Plant Society. And
it's no wonder; the interstate is covered with these
stunning trees, making my trip from Atlanta wonderfully
scenic. The drive, in fact, felt surprisingly brief -
though Google Maps insisted it was seven solid hours.
Perhaps those beautiful blue peaks beckoning my eye
in the distance somehow shortened the journey.
I'd booked lodging for my long weekend at Liberty
Trust Hotel, situated in the heart of downtown
Roanoke. Its stately form stood against the cerulean
sky, and, though I was asked if I needed assistance with
luggage, I politely declined, having just one bag to
bring upstairs to the fifth floor. Roanoke is beautiful, I
typed on my Instagram story, showing off that I'd not
only made it but was enjoying the skyline from my private
windows. After " resting " from the trip (honestly,
I was far too excited), I walked over to Six and Sky,
a panoramic rooftop bar and restaurant just a block
or so away, located on Center in the Square's rooftop
and freshly opened weeks before.
Once settled in at the bustling bar, a friendly mixologist
offered the name of her eyelash technician
after she batted them at me and I complimented her
- then, after I said I was visiting, she shared Roanoke's
nickname among locals: " Welcome to the 'Noke! " She
and the other bartender, who crafted a gin cocktail to
my not-too-sweet specifications, informed me that
Roanoke is undergoing a bit of a renaissance, just
in time to pique their 20-something interests and
encourage them to stay in the place they grew up.
The view of the railroad tracks and
Blue Ridge in the distance from the
Market Square Pedestrian Bridge.
After cocktail hour, I headed back to Liberty Trust,
where I would be dining in style inside the Vault.
The Vault is cleverly named to commemorate the
early 20th century, when the building served as First
National Bank, Roanoke's financial hub. Now on the
National Register of Historic Places, both hotel and
restaurant allow visitors to bask in hospitality and history.
My dinner began with one of their best appetizers,
Devils on Horseback: a delicious concoction
with fresh dates, bacon and tangy goat cheese. While
I savored, Chef Andy Schlosser and I discussed everything
from food to music - until my bowl of ramen
TheRoanoker.com
July/august 2024 23
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The Roanoker July/August 2024
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker July/August 2024
The Roanoker July/August 2024 - Cover1
The Roanoker July/August 2024 - Cover2
The Roanoker July/August 2024 - 3
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The Roanoker July/August 2024 - FACES 1
The Roanoker July/August 2024 - FACES 2
The Roanoker July/August 2024 - FACES 3
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The Roanoker July/August 2024 - Cover3
The Roanoker July/August 2024 - Cover4
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