The Roanoker JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 I Volume XLII I Number 1/2 THE SOURCEBOOK 40 COMING HOME A newcomer family experiences us at our best and accepts the welcome. by Shari Dragovich 42 NEIGHBORHOODS Great places to live in every price range and to match every family's needs. DEPARTMENTS 10 Letters/Worth a Click FEATURES 26 12 TOP FAMILY EXCURSIONS FOR '15 From the Editor 14 The Look 16 The Flavor Match your family size and character to a getawary for the afternoon or the weekend. by Mason Adams 30 18 THE WEEKENDER: THE HOMESTEAD The Quiz FOR THE HOLIDAYS 20 Luxury, exploration and fun await, just up U.S. 220 in Hot Springs. 25 by Deborah Huso The Calendar Get Outside! 112 On The Town 114 Where are They Now? Bonus: See page 113 for info on voting for The Best of Roanoke 2015 ON THE COVER David Hungate shot Jonathan Carlin and Beth McGee as they stood on the Taubman Museum balcony at dusk. 32 54 JOHN PARK 104 by Sandra Brown Kelly EDUCATION The reach for excellence runs across all levels. by Jessica Wright 62 ARTS & CULTURE Our rich array continues to thrive in the face of fiscal challenges. by Dan Smith 70 MEDICINE The mantra of excellence in patient care takes full hold in the valley. by Mason Adams 76 BUSINESS Made here, sold around the world. Plus a look at where the jobs are. by Beth Jones, Martha Bourlakas THE 1914 SAFFORD HOME: A DREAM COME TRUE 84 Shawn and Kristine Safford's falling in love with Roanoke was completed when they found an older home they could make their own. The opportunities continue to expand for getting out and having fun. by Jessica Wright 104 DINING: FOUR OF THE VALLEY'S BEST RESTAURANTS Great tastes abound at Metro!, River & Rail, Alexander's and Local Roots. by Jes Gearing RECREATION by Gene Marrano 90 SHOPPING How does a relatively small market continue to be bigger than itself for local retail? by Sandra Brown Kelly 97 RETIREMENT VISIT US AT THEROANOKER.COM for exclusive content, including photos, extra events and more! 6 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 Three people talk about how to get the most out of our bounty. by Sandra Brown Kelly THE R OANOKER.COMhttp://www.THEROANOKER.COM http://www.THEROANOKER.COM