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.

I wish I could teleport this store to New York so I could shop there more regularly. I love…read moregreeting cards and the selection here is incredible and it took incredible restraint on my part to only buy seven of them! My husband on the other hand, showed no such restraint in the confection department as we spent a lot of green on candy purchases both times we visited the store during our long weekend in Roanoke. They also have so many neat gift ideas and items for your house. If you like to have fun cocktail napkins at your parties, you will find a huge assortment here. If I'd had a bigger suitcase, I would have bought more. The staff here is super friendly and helpful. They seem to enjoy what they do and it shows in the pride they take in the store and in their interactions with customers. Excellent place!

This amazing gift shop family business is full of surprises. Located on Market Street near the…read moreRoanoke City Market, it carries a wonderful selection of the finest artisan chocolates from around the States, as well as a nice variety of creative greeting cards, and gifts of all kinds. The store is completely packed from wall to wall and display case to display case in a well organized way and they manage to always be caught up with the current Holiday Season at hand. Besides this, it has a warm and friendly group of employees who greet you warmly from the time you step foot in the store and are always ready to answer any questions you might have of any of their products as well as assist you in selecting a gift or putting together a group of nice chocolate for that special person in your life. From the time you enter the store, you encounter a vast variety of greeting cards, chocolates, and gifts of all kinds; including books, local souvenirs of the Star City of Roanoke, and many curiosity items that will be the a surprise and topic of discussion of anyone fortunate to receive it as a gift. I highly recommend this unique chocolate, greeting cards, and gift shop to all those who are looking for a special gift for a family member, a friend, or a loved one, during the Holiday Season, for their birthday, or just to make any day a special day by surprising them with that "one of a kind" gift.

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.

Wonderful service. Always happy to support a small local business. No matter how busy it is, it…read morealways feels like I am a priority. Highly recommend!

Always great and professional services we have been costumers for many years and always satisfiedread more