A book is like a whole new world waiting to be opened and explored. And visiting Too Many Books for…read morethe first time was like a journey to many worlds in one space and time. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I was also awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, 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 Too Many Books, a beloved independent used bookstore located in the heart of Roanoke's Historic Grandin Village, is a perfect example. Owned and managed by Linda Stedman for many years, this cozy, two-story bookshop features a massive inventory of approximately 50,000 used books, which include fiction and non-fiction. There one can easily find vintage paperbacks as well as hardcover books in categories such as children's literature, history, science fiction, art, and philosophy; with extensive sections dedicated to Virginia, Civil War history, and genealogy. I was very impressed with the selection of books which included: antiquarian books, leatherbound books, out-of-print titles, limited editions, first editions, signed books by the author, and other collectible ephemera. It was a pleasure meeting the owner who came across as a very warm and deeply knowledgeable bookseller, as well as her other friendly staff in this bookstore with a very inviting atmosphere and fair prices. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its amazing merchandise. The store lists portion of its specialized inventory online via its AbeBooks Merchant Page. It also hosts author signings, literary discussions, and ocational major storefront sales. As a matter of fact it was holding one of those sales today where hardcover books were 20% off until the end of the month. I particularly liked a book by former Predident Barack Obama's Chief Official White House Photographer, Pete Souza, titled: "Obama: An Intimate Portrait." The author also served as an official photographer for President Ronald Reagan. The used book in almost new condition was selling for $50, so with the discount one could buy it for $40. One can check their official Too Many Books Instagram for events and most current inventory of books. I highly recommend this used bookstore, for its inviting ambiance, fair prices, and deeply knowledgeable and hospitable owner and staff.

The only thing missing from this classic style used bookstore is giant piles of books in corners…read moreand backrooms that threaten to fall over at any moment. Instead, they are all categorized, priced, and shelved under the watchful eyes of the proprietors. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and any time we had a question, they were there to answer it. What a pleasant way to spend and hour or two, perusing the shelves looking for treasures.

The women who run/own are delightful. They've been at it for decades. They're full of stories and…read moreideas. Helped me through many iterations. They completed the frame on time and could not have been nicer. While my frame wasn't cheap (what frame is?) it wasn't too pricey either. A good value for what I got.

Excellent framing. On top of that, they ran into a supply chain issue that delayed delivery of the…read moreframed item. They were professional in communicating about this in a timely manner and gave a discount even though the delay was not on their end. Top notch!

This place is a mess. I'm trying to find a specific aisle, but the numbering system is crazy…read more Furthermore, there's no one there to help you. After walking around for a half hour, I finally figured out where I needed to go. The checkout system is mainly self checkout. My item didn't scan. Rather than take me to the full service register, the employee Played on her phone for a while until she was able to get the SKU number to work. Mind you, her register was right next to mine. Then, the payment would not work. So she had to come over yet again. This could've been very simple and quick process, but there's an issue with their self check out and the SKU numbers. Trying to pop in and out to get one item ended up taking over a half hour. And the worst part is that I knew which I'll it was supposed to be at. Another note, they gave me the wrong aisle. They were off by one number. There is plenty of parking in front of the store and there is a lot of space to walk in between aisles. The problem is that there are not enough employees to help, and the numbering system is totally off. How would you have aisle number 75 and 76 in the front And then go all the way back and you're in the 70s. I'm trying to find the 30s and I can't find them. That's because they're tucked all the way in the back in the corner. And those numbers are significantly smaller than the rest of the higher numbers.

Maria in the custom framing department is remarkable she took her time and patience to help…read moreguide my husband and I on a frame that we just weren't sure what or how we wanted to pursue but she easily helped and guided us through so a bit Thank you. Maria

An amazing place to paint your pottery. We've been going for a while now, and I've made plenty of…read moreprojects. Here's photos of some of them. Some are after firing and some are before.

My friends and I had a wonderful experience initially creating the artwork. The employees we…read moreencountered were more than helpful and accommodating. We were told by staff that our art work would be ready to pickup within two weeks. They also informed us that one person in our group could return to pick up the art for everyone. I want to note, the owner was not present at that time. However, upon returning to pick up mine and my friend's art , I had an unpleasant experience with the owner. The owner was very hostile and combative towards me. She became angry because our group (4) requested separate tickets at the time of purchase. The interaction continued with the owner as things were very disorganized as she struggled to locate our art pieces. She later refused to allow me to pick up the art for my friends. Despite us being told by staff that it's a common practice for one person to pick up art for people in their group. I was required to show physical proof of others in my group. I felt as though I was singled out in this experience and will not be returning to this location.

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.

While I was visiting the Corners Shopping Center in Cave Spring, Virginia, trying out a new…read morerestaurant, I discovered this retail chain, specializing in greeting cards, gift wrap, ornaments and gifts for all occasions. One that I used to love years ago, especially during the Holiday Season, and one that I thought had been extinguished a long time ago. Yet it hadn't. It was alive and well, and greater than ever before. After being awarded the Triad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new stores and restaurants, 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 this Greeting Card Shop in Cave Spring, Virginia, is the perfect example. I'm talking about the Banner's Hallmark Shop. The beloved Greeting Card Shop of yesteryear still exists today. As long as we have people we love and appreciate. There will always be a demand for greeting cards. They provide a way of telling others how much they mean to us and how much we appreciate them. As soon as I entered the shop, I encountered a display setup celebrating Snoopy's Birthday. And to help celebrate it they were having a 20% Off Sale on all Peanuts Gifts, Gift Wrap, and Stationary. A very friendly and helpful young lady greeted me and welcomed me to the store and offered to help me find anything I was looking for. She then went to the Keepsake Ornaments section and explained to other customers how some of the modern ornaments had acquired movements and other interesting effects. As long as we have Christmas Trees, there will also be a need for ornaments. She told me how some people still collect them and enjoy showing them off to family and friends during the Holiday Season. The store was clean and everything in it was so organized. I loved all the gifts they had and the extensive collection of Greeting Cards for all occasions. We tried to look for a Thank you card to give to my Auto Dealership Sales Consultant that sold me my new car, but couldn't find one. Yet in his office he had a collection of cards that he had received from his customers throughout the years. That goes to show you that even in greeting cards, there is always a nitch that even big companies like Hallmark haven't yet explored. Before I left the place, after having viewed all their gifts and items, I ended up signing up for the Hallmark Crown Rewards Club and purchasing a Snoopy typing on a typewriter cellphone holder to take advantage of their sale. I highly recommend you visit this beautiful store when you need to find a gift and card to give to that special person on a special occasion, weather family or friends. For those Special Hallmark Moments still exist today, and never will go out of style.

Plenty of parking in front of the store. They have a great selection of gifts. Went in for a card…read moreand left with much more. Very friendly and helpful staff. Super organized and in a busy shopping plaza. Many sales happening now and they give a free card monthly if you sign up on their mailing list that can be redeemed at any hallmark location.