Best local fine craft gallery in the area. Well-curated selection is impeccable and it doesn't get…read moreany friendlier than this sweet little shop's owner and staff. Not to be missed!

This store has a nice selection of fine crafts for yourself or others. They have a wide range of…read moreprices from a few dollars to hundreds for soapstone carvings. Good pottery, good photos and art work.

This quaint independent bookstore is located at 112 Market Street in a small building right next to…read morethe Historic Roanoke City Market Building in Downtown Roanoke. I have always been fascinated by bookstores, especially ones of this size and nature. So today I decided to walk in to explore it first hand. One of the things that impressed me the most was how clean and well organized it was. From the shinny windows of its storefront to its clean floors and shelves. As I entered, I received a warm welcome by a young lady employee with a nice personality who you could tell she loved her job. She most enthusiastically explained what they had available and where everything was. They carried bestsellers, new fiction, and non-fiction, classic and local interest books, along with high-quality used books. BNF features books about the Roanoke and New River Valleys and the works of local authors along with a special selection of Appalachian fiction and non-fiction. They also provided special orders service, helping find hard-to-find books, and book club specials. Their collection also includes the works of more than 50 local and regional authors and the surrounding areas. Book No Further isn't just a bookstore; it's also a gathering place for the community. The shop regularly hosts book signings, author talks, and book clubs, featuring celebrated writers and spotlighting new talent from the Blue Ridge region. Before leaving I had the privprivilege of meeting Doloris Vest, one of the co-owners of Book No Further Bookstore. I thanked her for the great contribution she is providing to the Star City of Roanoke and its community with her engaging bookstore. Books open windows of knowledge and opportunities as well as provide value and entertainment to all of us. With her creative imagination by incorporating different book clubs, community members gatherings, and many other diverse events, she is contributing to the quality of life of this community and to making the City of Roanoke so special.

This fun little bookshop was in the heart of Roanoke's downtown area. There was a smaller upstairs…read morearea with (from what I recall) children's books, while the lower half held fiction and other genres. There were also fun trinkets such as stickers and bookmarks. The staff was helpful and friendly. Would definitely visit again when in town. While the downtown area itself is relatively small, there are tons of shops and restaurants to explore. So if you're interested in visiting this bookstore, consider coming with an appetite so you can make an evening of the adventure!

Corner Hideaway Lucky Finds is a cool place to visit just east of hwy 220, a few miles south of…read moreRoanoke. Lots of stuff to shop. From locally made art and decor to new and used furniture, collectibles, home goods and more. On the way to or from Smith Mountain Lake, it's a good spot to stop and stretch your legs and maybe get a cup of coffee or a cold drink. Watch their social media and stop by when they have a food truck in the parking lot!

During the holiday season, I love discovering unique finds by exploring and shopping at local…read moreantique and gift shops. Today, while I was headed to one in particular, I drove by Willow Tree Antiques & Primatives, located off Buck Mountain Road, in Roanoke, Virginia. And on my way back I couldn't help but to make a stop there. After being awarded the Yelp NC Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Willow Tree Antiques & Primatives, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. Inside the establishment I was able to meet the owner of this family-owned and operated business. Robin Barker is a friendly, elegant, and hospitable lady, who explained how she started the business in 2015, and now the two floor building, 20,000 square foot building, haa around 100 vendor booths, offering a diverse selection of antiques, collectibles, primitives, vintage furniture, unique jewelry, rustic home decor, and hand-made items, just to name a few. As I walked through the establishment, I noticed the many unique one-of-a-kind quality items in very good condition. They were well organized in nice clean vendor booths spaces. Right now many of the items had to to with Christmas and the Holiday Season, but I was told the vendors rotate their seasonal pieces throughout the year and keep their other pieces year round. I only had an opportunity to visit the first floor because they closed at 5:00pm. But I observed many of the items very closely, and purchased a souvenir greeting card with a photograph of the Roanoke Star. This gave me the idea of marketing some of my photographs in this way, and I would use this as a sample of how I can make them and the wording to put on them. After I paid for the greeting card, that by the way all of the items sold here were reasonably priced, I made plans for returning another day to view the items on the second floor. I could either park in the parking lot of this floor and walk the stairs to the second floor, or park in the parking lot of the second floor and be right there. I would highly recommend you too visit this establishment when you have time. At least the many items there will be a treat to your eyes. And who knows, maybe you'll end up coming out with something meaningful to you.

Wonderful store. Lots of great things. A Holiday treat…read more Bought a pie safe and other treasures. Main woman that runs the place was very helpful.

The Knittin' Coop is a women-owned business founded in 2019 by Robin Ferguson who currently owns…read moreand operates the business. Located in the Historic Downtown Salem, it is a BBB Accredited Business with a rating of A+, offering a wide selection of yarns, patterns, accessories, and classes for knitting and spinning enthusiasts. With a focus on local and indie dyed yarns, as well as popular brands like Malabrigo and Rowan, the shop provides a vibrant community space for crafters of all levels. After being awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants, businesses, and entertainment venues, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And the Knittin' Coop, in Salem, Virginia, is a perfect example. I discovered this, one-of-a-kind, women-owned business one day after having had breakfast at the Bean Bliss Coffee Bar on S College Ave, in Salem, Virginia. It was the shop next door, and I couldn't help but to go in and visit after seeing their colorful and lively Holiday Season decorations on the windows of their shop. Inside, I found a cozy shop for yarn and fiber arts, plus classes and event led by the friendly owner, who greeted and welcomed me with open arms. Besides having a special talent for selecting a wide collection of beautiful merchandise, she is a survivor entrepreneur of the covid era which began shortly after she started her business. This hardship led her to create one of the most beautiful and practical websites that I have ever seen. Not only creating a place for customers to purchase her merchandise contactless, but establishing a strong relationship with her customers this way, so now they can visit her shop to gather for one of her workshops, borrow a book from her lending library, feel the products before purchasing them, or simply spend some time chatting with the owner who has a wonderful personality. Beside the great variety of very unique and quality, colorful yarn, of which I had never seen before in larger, corporate shops, she also carries items such as books, accessories, sweaters, scarfs, just to name a few. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the variety and quality of the products sold there. The place is also decorated with artworks with meaningful and some funny quotes. There is also a good size room on the side where people can gather to attend one of the owners workshop, or simple to relax and knit. I highly recommend this place and encourage everyone to give it and the friendly, entrepreneurial owner your total support.

Adorable store. Great selection of yarns, tools, and notions. Robin is so knowledgeable!read more

There's something here for everyone at Roanoke's only jewelry consignment store. From high end…read moreKonstantin pieces to these cool moderately priced lava rock dragon earrings. The owners are really nice, too.

Easy 5 stars for this wonderful local five and dime type of store that's been under the same…read moreownership for decades. It's small downtown establishment that packs a punch. Amazing service from the woman who assisted me on gift ideas. They offer so much and have unique VT, UVA & JMU items too! Even children's collegiate branded items. They are beginning to roll out Christmas merchandise now. I totally get why this quaint store has a full five stars on Yelp.

This little gift store is located in the heart of Roanoke's Historic Market Square. I always enjoy…read morelooking at their window displays, which contain many quality items tastefully displayed. Besides being a place where one can find a good variety of beautiful gifts for all occasions, one can also find very nice Virginia and Roanoke City souvenirs, as well as Virginia Tech Hokie Bird and Virginia Cavaliers t-shirts and items. The pink flamingo is the store's logo, which has been opened for over 40 years. Victoria, one of the store's owner, and working there on the the I visited was very nice and helpful in showing me around. For the small space, they have a very nice variety of quality items very well placed all around the store. It's a pleasure just visiting the store, and one will always find something irresistible to have to buy and take home. I would recommend this store to anyone who is around Roanoke Market Square and looking to see a nice variety of good quality items in a small but well used space, and treated with excellent customer service that will make you feel at home while shopping.

I've been there several times to add to my comic book and magazine collection. He has a great…read moreselection and even wrestling magazines. I prefer to buy local and I highly recommend a visit to The Basement.

This place is awesome! Don't go there if you are in a hurry, lots of different things to see.read more