We stopped in last week and were thoroughly impressed! The owner (Dorsey) and his daughter (Bo)…read morewere extremely friendly and helpful. The selection of art and artists was unbelievable for a relatively small town, and they knew all of their artists well. They took time to show us paintings they had stored in the back, as well as explaining that we could commission an artist to paint a similar painting in a larger or smaller size. We could sense the joy these two professionals experienced when they were able to share their love of art and their deep appreciation for the strengths of each individual artist. We will definitely be back when we are ready to buy one of the masterpieces displayed in this spectacular gallery.

LinDor Arts is one of the most outstanding Art Galleries in Downtown Roanoke. Located on First…read moreStreet, one of the key areas of Roanoke's art scene, it showcases a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and visual art by very talented and renowned local and regional artists. The gallery offers an extensive space for art lovers to explore and purchase some very unique creations. The gallery also offers professional picture framing services, to ensure that each piece is displayed at its best. I had the privprivilege of visiting the Art Gallery today and was given a warm welcome by the owner/manager himself, Dorsey Taylor. For over 15 years he has ran and expanded this art gallery, selling only originals from estates, their collection, and a few select artists, and now use Denise Cormany as their frame designer and framer. It is an amazing work how he has restored and improved the different spaces where the gallery is housed, simply with new walls painted white, treating and polishing the original hardwood floors, and installing a new lighting system that brings out the beauty of all the artworks in exhibition there. Most beautiful items, I might say, of all sizes, styles, and forms. The works of arts there are very appropriate for decorating an entire house or a condominium. Their sized fluctuate from miniature etching or paintings to gigantic size ones that could be used to decorate corporate buildings or majestic historic houses of the Old South West or South Roanoke. But if all these artworks are very valuable, even more valuable is the owner himself for his vibrant personanity, all the work he does in the community, too many to name, and his great contribution of the Arts to the Star City of Roanoke. I highly recommend this Art Gallery to all those reading my review and viewing my photographs accompanying it. Stop by to enjoy the current artworks being exhibited there now, come to an opening of one of their new exhibits, search their website and discover the many artists and their artworks available, bring one home and discover the joy that art can bring. After having lived in Boston for many years, I'll never forget when I was starting out collecting a painting from an Amarican Painter, Mary K. Trotter, that had just arrived to one of their nicest art galleries, I liked it so much that they put it on layaway for me so I could afford it. But after I had paid it off, I considered it priceless, and it brought great joy to me and all those who visited and were able to see and appreciate it.

From the outside I never expected to see such an amazing variety of quality exhibits highlighting…read moreour nation's transportation history. Located in downtown Roanoke's historic freight station, The Virginia Museum of Transportation does a great job in preserving Virginia's transportation history with a major focus on rail, featuring iconic locomotives like the N&W Class J 611 and Class A 1218. It houses a vast collection of steam, diesel, and electronic locomotives, including famous Roanoke-built engines. The museum offers interactive family-friendly exhibits covering trains, automobiles, and aviation, featuring over 30 antique automobiles, aviation displays, an outside railyard with historical locomotives on the rail, and a U.S. Army Jupiter Rocket. In 2025 it also launched the Maritime Gallery, with the Naval History of Virginia, located on a second floor. There they also have an interesting exhibit of the Circus and America's Railroads. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its amazing exhibits. The museum also houses the Traveler's Treasures Gift Shop with lots of desired item for sale, such as pins, posters, apparel, wooden trains, hats, toys, books, and tumblers, among other items. These can be also purchased from their website vmt.org Free parking is available for guests immediately adjacent to the museum. Also, cross from the museum is located the award winning Valley Metro Third Street Station, providing convenient bus transportation. Admissions prices are reasonable at $14.77 for adults, and discounted to $12.66 for Youth (13-17), Seniors, and Students with ID (17-59). Children (3-12) pay $10.55, and 2 & under are Free. I highly recommend you visit this museum if you have not yet done so. It is definitely an enriching experience.

I was in Roanoke for work and work ended early for me and since it wasn't dinner time, I'd say to…read morestop at the Virginia museum of transportation. They have there planes, trains, and automobiles. Reminds me of a movie I once saw. The museum is very nice. They have a big area for trains lots of information about trains. They also have airplanes there. They have one hanging from the ceiling. They have a couple cars actually more than a couple cars. Some of them were very nice, but it's a good place to go for a couple hours and check it out.

The Little Gallery is located in the corner of Market St and Kirk Ave, in the heart of Downtown…read moreRoanoke. It is a fine arts gallery and boutique that always is on the lookout for the finest quality and selection of original paintings, sculptures, art glass, jewelry, and specialty gifts by local and regional artists. Since I moved to Roanoke, I have always been very impressed by the quality of works they carry. The gallery has two large well lit display windows up front and is located in a prime location downtown. People going to or coming from restaurants in the area or other places like the Mill Mountain Theatre oftentimes pass by it on the way to their destination and are amazed by the artworks they see in the windows, just like I am. When I went to visit the gallery this Wednesday afternoon, a very friendly and knowledgeable lady greeted and welcomed me and explained to me the story of how they were able to get this key location to move their gallery to. I told her how important art has always been in my life and in the lives of many in our community. This is an ideal place for local and regional artists to introduce their artwork. They can do so by making an appointment to introduce themselves to the Art Gallery Manager and showing their portfolio and some of their artworks. It is also a wonderful place for members of our community and visitors passing y to acquire beautiful artworks to decorate their homes or to expand their art collection. I remember the joy it gave me when, while living in Boston, I visited an Art Gallery and acquired my most valuable painting by the American Artist who also lived in Paris, Mary K. Trotter. I highly recommend this Gallery to all living in or visiting Roanoke. Stop by and view the artwork they have at the moment. Enjoy doing so and who knows, you might find that special piece of art that you can take home with you and that will bring you joy throughout the years as well as all those who visit and admire it.

Extraordinary art and textiles/jewelry! The LOCAL artists are wonderfully talented and creative!…read more The prices are within my budget, too! The lamps I've only seen in Alexandria, so seeing them in downtown Roanoke is such a pleasure! Owners have such panache and are so genuinely happy to see us! A must to enrich the beauty of your dwelling or your business! Do go!

Left of Center Art Space is a vibrant co-op gallery and working studio that opened its doors in the…read moreold Woolworth Building in downtown Roanoke in October 2019. They are a collective of artists sharing studio, exhibition and teaching space. Along with their artwork, they also feature guest artists throughout the year. The gallery showcases a variety of artistic forms, including painting, pottery, oil pastel, jewelry, sculpture, and weaving. With a focus on diverse creativity, the space also hosts guest artists who contribute to Roanoke's growing art scene. Visitors to Left of Center Art Space can not only observe the artwork in exhibition there, but can also observe the artists in action and interact with them by asking them questions and experience the artistic process firsthand. They also can engage directly with the creative process by participating in art lessons, paint nights, and art receptions. These activities provide a fun, interactive experience for people of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, the gallery offers custom picture framing services, perfect for preserving personal artworks or showcasing your favorite pieces. When I visited the Art Space all the artists there were very welcoming and hospitable, providing me with much information about the place. It was clear that they loved creating their art and also enjoyed sharing the process, as well as the art itself, with visitors and art enthusiasts who visited the place. I walked around observing the artworks being exhibited and the tags with information about the art and sale price. It was a great opportunity to purchase a reasonably priced artwork to decorate a special space in your house, while also supporting and encouraging the local growing art talent. I would definitely encourage all those reading my review to take the time to visit this Art Space and take advantage of all its has to offer. Mingle with the artists here and watch their artistic creative process firsthand, ask questions, and grow with the experience, for art is the food of our souls and enriches our lives.

Looks like a house, acts as a hub for rotating art and history exhibits. This Queen Anne Victorian…read morehome used to belong to Alexander Black, a prominent figure in Blacksburg, but is now a cultural center for art, and also has a children's room, a small library and a genealogy center. I got to explore the space for a bit before they closed for the day. I was impressed with the children's area, which is fun and has quite a few things for kids to play with. Other than the children's area, everything else is mostly look-but-don't-touch. Art, historical objects and documents, maps, books, furniture and a few cozy places to sit are the rest of the cultural center. This is a nice place to stop into when you're in Blacksburg if you want to know more about the history of the city, but it's also a quick visit.

This house occupies a prominent spot in downtown Blacksburg. It is open for free visitation, but…read morethe hours are limited and it is not open on Sunday, which is a bit tough from a tourist perspective. When I visited, a weekend Street market was going on outside. It is a splendid looking structure outside and in, and had a variety of exhibitions on the history and natural environment of the area as well as some art on display. There was a gift shopped themed toward local history. One can also sit on the covered porch outside. Bathrooms and water fountains were available on the second floor, and it was a hot day.

Christiansburg is a cozy and quaint little town in Virginia, so I'd expect nothing less from their…read moreart and history museum. The Montgomery Museum of Art & History is indeed cozy and quaint, and it is housed in a former bank. You'll pick up on that detail as soon as you step inside -- there's a literal vault that you can step into! They embrace the bank-ness of this space nicely. The museum has rotating exhibits, and when I was there, they were displaying Girl Scouts paraphernalia and locally made quilts. It was really cool to see old-school Girl Scout outfits and patches, as well as intricately created quilts made by community members. This museum seems to really take the time to built exhibits around the community, and involve the community, which is really cool to see. There is also a library that holds information about local history, historic families of the region, cultural achievements from the area, and historical documents. People are free to visit and peruse through the books and papers that are available in the library. Admission to the museum is free! Parking is also free and plentiful. The museum is open every day except Sunday and Monday, so plan accordingly.

On my way back from having had breakfast at the Greenwood Family Restaurant in Troutville,…read moreVirginia, which was established in 1952 and is about 15 miles north of Roanoke, I happened to pass by the Troutville Grocery & Goods store. A charming hometown marketplace that has been family-owned and operated since 1935 and has been passed down through generations. In 2016 it experienced some hardships but the community played a significant role in saving and revitalizing the grocery store. Local residents, businesses, and churches donated time, labor, and money to help keep the fourth-generation business from closing. Today the store is very clean and organized and offers a variety of fresh meats, fruits, seasonal items, and baked goods. They also sell photography and handmade goods on-site. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality items they sell. Besides essential items like bread, milk, and eggs, they also sell decorative items made out of wood, framed photographs, and beautiful handmade quilts. I particularly like one of Virginia Tech featuring the HokieBird. I highly recommend you give the place a visit and your total support. In this day and age it is rare to find these kinds of stores, but when one does they should be cherished as something very special.

I love visiting museums because they take us back in time and through real objects of the time and…read moreexhibits of such, we get to better understand the period and the significance of that time period. The Salem Museum and Historical Society is a local history museum located in the historic 1845 Williams-Brown House, in Salem, Virginia. The museum features exhibits across five floors that trace the area's history from early Native American settlements to the Civil War and modern era. It features permanent and rotating exhibits, such as "The First People of the Roanoke Valley," and offers educational programs, the Logan Library & Archive Room, and a gift shop. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted. Also, ample free on-site parking is available for the convenience of all those who visit the museum. When I arrived a very knowledgeable and friendly museum staff member greeted and welcomed me. The young gentleman quickly explained a little bit about the museum and some of the exhibits located on each floor. I was particularly interested in the Roanoke College History. I had the opportunity of visiting the college last year when I was invited to attend the Sister Cities dinner there, and was very impressed with its buildings and landscaping layouts. Garrett Channell, the Museum's Executive Director, came out of his office to personally greet me and also welcome me to the museum. After visiting the museum I had and opportunity to see him again and complement him for the well organized and clearly labeled exhibits. I then visited the Gift shop, which had lots of books and framed prints for sale, among other things. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its exhibits. And I highly recommend that weather you're a local or a tourist passing by, you stop and give them a visit. I can assure you that you'll be glad you did.

Mainly went to see the exhibit on Lakeside amusement park. They had some cool pictures, souvenirs…read moreand a model of the Shooting Star wooden rollercoaster. No fee to enter. Donations only.