Day 12 A Day in Downtown Roanoke

Day 12 Lunch in Downtown Roanoke, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We spent the day exploring downtown Roanoke. I love this historic and bustling little city, which was created at the junction of two main railroad lines by the visionary owner of the Norfolk and Western Railroad.

We lunched at the Cornerstone Bar and Grill across from the City Market. The Historic Roanoke City Market, also called the Farmer's Market due to the profusion of plants, fresh fruits, and vegetables available during the growing season, is the oldest continuously operating open air market in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It began when 25 licenses were issued to "Hucksters" (Vendors) in 1882.

Day 12 Taubman Museum of Art, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The Taubman Museum of Art opened in November of 2008. What a treat. Sid has promised that we will spend the entire day here in a future visit.

Day 12 Hotel Roanoke, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The Hotel Roanoke was built in 1882 by the Norfolk and Western Railroad, (formerly headquartered in Roanoke) as a haven for travelers. It was owned by the railroad until the 1980s. Its rich history has been carefully preserved. [I wonder if they have special parking for motorcycles...]

Day 12 Hotel Roanoke 1930, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 12 Miniature Graceland, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Judy took me to the renowned Miniature Graceland which is on the front lawn of a Roanoke resident who lives at the base of Mill Mountain. It shows all the major buildings in Elvis' life and even has a working fountain in the meditation gardens next to Graceland! I was so fascinated to find a piece of Memphis in Virginia.

Day 12 Isabella #8, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The day ended with a visit to 7-year-old great-niece Isabella's soccer game. There was a great deal of controversy about the opposing team's larger players. Although the allowed age range is 7 to 10, several of the opposing players were unusually tall for their age. According to Isabella's dad, Pete, one of the boys "must have driven himself to the game and has more facial hair than I do." Needless to say, Isabella's team was outmatched, but they were able to put a goal on the scoreboard. Their coach ended the game with a heartening pep talk. It was fun.

Day 12 Dakota & Dad, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I caught this parting photo of nephew Dave and his 2-year-old son, Dakota, heading home for the night.