The Roanoker - January/February 2017 - VL52

SHOPPING

Loving Local Options
By Liz Long
Whether your style is modern and chic
or traditional and rustic, the Roanoke Valley has a multitude of terrific shopping centers,
locally owned retail and specialty stores, and delightful restaurants to please every palate.

Traditional and Rustic

With so many options, those with traditional or more rustic
There are a few well-known local businesses that come to
tastes will enjoy perusing the area's farmers' markets, findmind when considering the treasure hunts for antiques and
ing handcrafted treasures and meeting local artists who find
pieces that look as though they've been
everyday inspiration in the Blue Ridge.
passed from generation to generation.
It's easier than ever to support local and
ROANOKE VALLEY
Of course, there's the famous Black Dog
bring it back into your home, plus you'll
SHOPPING
Salvage in Southwest Roanoke, known
love when everyone oohs and ahhs over
CENTERS
nationally with their reality TV show, "Salyour latest finds!
vage Dawgs," on the DIY Network. DownIn addition to dozens of one-of-atown Salem offers its own antique market
Modern and Active
kind local shops and retailers, the
on West Main Street, with more than 50
Perhaps you're more into the modern
Roanoke Valley is home to several
vendors offering everything from antique
approach for décor and gifts. Valley View
larger shopping centers where you
furniture and pottery to textiles and paintMall and Tanglewood Mall offer plenty of
can find your favorite brands and a
ings. The Roanoke Antique Mall, located
great stores to pick and choose your new
variety of specialty items, including
on Orange Avenue near Vinton, features
favorite clothing item or anything else
furniture, jewelry, wine and home
a wide array of antiques and collectibles
your heart desires. Major retailers like
goods.
offered by 130 dealers.
Belk, JCPenney and Macy's, plus brands
Valley View Mall and Tanglewood
like H&M, Old Navy, Loft and many more
If you're hoping to bring a piece of the
Mall, both in Roanoke, are the rewill keep shopaholics busy for the weekBlue Ridge into your home, look no furgion's main shopping malls featurend. With the Virginia 419 area coming tother than St. Pierre's Woodworking and
ing stores like Macy's, Belk, JCPengether to provide a better experience for
Sawmill in Floyd. Bill St. Pierre's beautiful
ney and Sears, as well as popular
shoppers and visitors, it's easier than ever
handcrafted furniture is made with plenty
brands such as Loft, Old Navy, H&M,
to find items you'll enjoy.
of love and reclaimed wood. Every unique
Victoria's Secret and Francesca's.
piece is made from locally sourced wood
Looking to treat yourself or loved one
And after you've shopped til you
from trees, many that have fallen in citiwith a little special something? Put chocodrop, you can fill up on a delicious
zens' yards or discovered in old barns and
latepaper in downtown Roanoke at the top
meal at any one of the numerous
buildings. Just imagine having a genuine,
of your list. This 10-year-old local shop is
restaurants nearby. -LL
one-of-a-kind piece of the Valley as your
the ultimate spot for indulgence, whether you're looking for fun gifts and cards,
fireplace mantel or custom bed or desk!
or simply want a sweet pick-me-up from
"We don't do the everyday thing you
their display cases (they offer everything from truffles and
can buy anywhere," says St. Pierre. "We've grown a great reputation and we also try to give back to the community. People
chocolates to your favorite jelly beans). Chocolatepaper Vice
love what we do because nothing is sourced in; it's true local
President Melissa Palmer loves that the shop is known for their
craftsmanship and local materials that we're using and that
delights and are supported by the community.
makes a difference."
"Shopping local supports grass roots efforts to create a

52 | 2017 VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE

The Roanoker - January/February 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker - January/February 2017