Not a fan of big families for any number of reasons. I prefer the way plants reproduce, like by…read moregerminating seeds or even better by grafting. Seriously, or nearly so, think how much better, as compared to standard issue childbearing, grafting would work for humans, like first of all no more Lamaze breathing classes for dads (after all of which are done, many moms go for the drugs anyway). then as one generation runs out of things to do in life, rather than uproot the whole parent just insert the next generation into the trunk, thereby hopefully eliminating adolescence when most of the body develops. Fungi and molds are even better as they mature in hours, are much more resilient and easier to distribute plus they're totally anonymous: parents don't have to see how their best intentions didn't bear fruit, and their offspring have no one else to blame. the spores of these life forms are quite durable, even tolerate the conditions found in outer space. Future myco-human lifeforms could be launched by the billions from earth unceremoniously, hoping a few might land somewhere favorable to germinate rather than being sucked into and incinerated by a star. And no alphabet or arithmetic to learn in grammar school. Being a family mammal on the other hand has major downsides. an example being that if you're known to be ever-ready to venture wherever someone will buy your plane ticket, they call upon you to go see how cousin Luke or uncle Amos or whoever is doing. The boring relatives stay put back home but the black sheep migrate over the years to places you would likely not otherwise go. So it is that I was driving through central Virginia on a moonless night, on just such a family mission and frankly need a roadie, a restorative for my lagging spirits, which is why I turned off the state highway and onto a county road to see where it went, and came to this town which is how I happened onto rocky mount's finest establishment, The Alley Cat Bar. It's great to find places like this and is the reason I prefer to drive in unknown territories using old outdated AAA maps instead of gps. Not every side road exit brings you to an historic and quaintly cool town like Rocky Mount, but it's the occasional one that ends in Rocky Mount that keeps you in the wanderlust game. It' was just what I was looking for at this moment, a break from driving the dark rural Virginia roads, local music and a friendly beer crowd. I was ready. Most small towns, not much to do, so can't be too choosey but lucky here to have this place, among others by the way but none so much my kind, live music potentially a little rough around the edges crowd but, after all, it's central va. Incredible selection of beer. I missed the Tuesday nite trivia contest as well as a visit to the moonshine distillery but I had miles to go before I slept.

They are connected with the Old Town Social House which is upstairs. The Alley Cat is a dark,…read moregrungy, bar with loud music, sometimes live loud music and a very good beer selection. The food is just ok, I haven't been super thrilled by anything I've ordered from either them or the social house (same menu, same kitchen). There is a lot of seating and I can see this is popular with the locals. The chairs and tables are like cafeteria chairs and it feels very open and not like a cozy bar but like someone's basement. It's ok. If you want to listen to music while drinking some good beers it's probably not a bad place to hang out.

Blacksburg Fork And Cork Festival is a great way to relax. enjoy great wine sampling and mingle…read morewith fellow students and local vendors. Besides stall most of the Virginia wineries and food stall local restaurants & bakeries other local craft vendors also participate to display their craft including but not limited to china, bags, jewelries, paintings etc. Both times I attended the fest, I volunteered for second shift which allowed me to attend the fest during first shift completely free of cost with unlimited wine tastings. The volunteer had to attend a meeting prior to the festival to know more about their duties. We got a packet containing T shirt, festival layout, managers info and free tasting glass. Tickets for the festival is usually 20$ for tasting On the day of the event, we showed up for first half, got out tasting bands and ready to roll. the atmosphere was very lively with giant steel man walking around, the belly dancing performance in the main arena, live band playing on the stage where you can do hula hoops, they even had cooking demonstrations every hour and you can taste the dish which was pretty neat and unique to this fest. I loved most of the fruity wines and Chardonnay. Overall good selection of wineries and you can definitely find the one that you will love. I also had fennel cake from the stall and it was yummy-liocious. there was chocolate store next to the fennel cake truck and we all know how perfect wine and chocolate pairing is. nibbling on chocolate covered strawberries while sipping the sangria was dreamy. I also bought a miniature barrel which was super cute and perfect art piece for rustic look that I am going for in interiors. They even had petting zoo which was neat addition for tension relief. I had immense fun and then we did second shift in assisting wineries with tasting and it was blast as I love interacting with people. All in all, its a must try to get the feel of culture, have fun while trying wines from all over the Virginia region.

I love a good wine festival, but this one was just so crowded, with not enough wineries. People…read morewere waiting at least half an hour in each line. Because there were only so many options. There also weren't too many food vendors. If it's called Fork & Cork, your ticket price should include light bites, not just wine tastings. Because you can't order a meal from every food vendor. But you certainly want to try them and learn about local businesses. Not worth going in my opinion, unless you opt for the VIP ticket to beat the crowds.

When we walked in, I witnessed a beautiful sight. A group of people playing some bluegrass music…read morewhile others were dancing and the rest of the people in the room listened, ate their lunch, visited with family at tables that filled the space. This looks like a place that locals gather every weekend with their families and hang out maybe all afternoon. I felt like I had stepped back in time and was maybe in an episode of Andy Griffith. The store itself sold sandwiches and other lunch items. They sold CDs from what appeared to be local artists as well as guitar strings, canned goods and other things you'd expect in a general store. Next door was an ice cream shop that we also visited and partook of some delicious ice cream. This place is worth a visit!

Service was meh. Ice cream was yummy! The shop itself is too cute! The cashier on the store side…read morewas very sweet. Definitely will visit again!

I've been coming to Floyd for the past 15 years, and Dogtown used to be a staple. Unfortunately,…read moreit's gone seriously downhill. The vibe just feels off now and what once felt welcoming and authentic feels more exclusive and self-important. :( The service is especially disappointing. You can stand at the counter forever waiting for someone to even acknowledge you. Basic hospitality goes a long way, and it's frustrating when staff can't even acknowledge you with a simple "we will be with you shortly" or even offer a simple smile. There's an attitude from some of the front-of-house staff that comes across like they've "arrived" and are above basic customer service. Floyd has always been about community and authenticity, and it's disappointing to see a place that once embodied that lose sight of what made it special.

BEWARE DOG OWNERS AND SERVICE DOG HANDLERS…read more When we arrived at Dogtown Roadhouse in Floyd, VA, my husband brought his federally protected service dog. Upon arrival, the hostess informed us that service dogs were not allowed inside the restaurant and directed us to sit on the outdoor porch instead. As soon as we reached the porch area, two unleashed dogs--a German Shepherd and a blond pit bull mix--charged at my husband and his Golden Retriever service dog. During the attack, my husband was bitten on the hand, and the service dog was bitten on the neck and pinned to the ground. The hostess stated that she witnessed the entire incident. We immediately notified the manager, James, and contacted law enforcement to file a police report. The owner of the attacking dogs left the property within minutes of the attack. What was equally disturbing was the response from management. When we brought the attack, the injuries, and our concerns to the manager's attention, we felt the situation was largely dismissed rather than addressed with the seriousness it deserved. The response we received gave us the impression that the attack and its consequences were not considered the restaurant's responsibility. Afterward, we asked management why unleashed dogs were permitted in a public dining area. We were told that the dogs belonged to "good people" and that the restaurant does not enforce leash requirements for customers' dogs. What is particularly concerning is that the restaurant's website states: "Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join you at outdoor tables on the covered porch while you enjoy your meal." Additionally, we will be filing a complaint regarding the restaurant's refusal to accommodate a service dog indoors, as service animals are protected under federal law. This was an extremely upsetting and preventable situation. We are disappointed by how the matter was handled and by the apparent lack of enforcement of the restaurant's own stated leash policy. Based on our experience, we will never return and would strongly encourage dog owners and service dog handlers to use caution when visiting this establishment.

This is a turnoff from the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was impressed that the commitment was made to the…read moremusic of the mountains. There are daily small-scale performances in an open section of the visitor center, which I stopped to listen to for a bit. An outdoor amphitheater offers larger scale performance opportunities, which I wish I'd found the occasion to come down for. Additionally, there are a couple of miles of trails on the site which run through bucolic hilly territory and offer a variety of sights and sounds. There is no charge to visit the site, and an abundance of reasons to be driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Note that the musical performances are seasonal.

This was a great place to stop while I rode through the Blue Ridge Parkway on my motorcycle. I…read moreneeded to take a break, and as somebody who likes to play the guitar (calling myself a musician might be a bit of a stretch) I couldn't pass this one by. They have a wonderful little museum on the history and development of Appalachian music and instruments. Some of it is interactive as well. I was there on a Saturday and they had local musicians playing some of the old Appalachian music outside in a little covered area, sponsored by the BLM I am assuming. In a smaller building they have a whole section pertaining to the old moonshiners of the region, explaining their craft and their inevitable run-ins with the revenuers. I didn't make too many stops along the way but I am very glad this was one of them as it was totally worth it!

He Said: 5 Points is the perfect venue. Incredible staff, an amazing selection of music (especially…read morethe dank jam bands), great sound, a bouncy dance floor, and an all around amazing vibe. She Said: He forgot to add that they also have good quality drinks available at reasonable prices. Plus the bar minders are kind and patient and awesome. We go to a LOT of music venues, and the beauty of this aspect of 5 Points cannot be overstated. Potty Points: 4/5 potty points. Do I wish there were more? Yes. Do I have to stand in line sometimes? Also yes. Do I meet some really interesting people in line and appreciate that as well as the cleanliness of the bathrooms once I finally get to use one? Absolutely yes.

Honestly, this is by far the coolest music venue around Roanoke if you want to hear great music up…read moreclose. No bad seats - actually most are sitting at thin tables made from a beautiful piece of leading edge local wood. Others sit in cofortable recliners and some prefer to stand. The 5 Points Sanctary sound system is top notch, staff/volunteers super friendly, the bar is stocked with some higher end offerings and not bottom shelf swill. Quality beer on tap and in cans. They have hi tech headphones which allow older people (like me) or youngsters to dial in their preferred decibel level. DId I mention 5 Points is run by a 501C3 which helps raise support and provide space for other important non-profits to help many in our city?

When I first reviewed this Downtown Roanoke Restaurant, I focused on their drinks and food. But…read morethis time around I couldn't help it to discover why this place is the center of Roanoke's night life. 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 it would be appropriate this year to go back to this restaurant and write a follow-up review, since my initial review was one of my reviews that contributed to me obtaining this highly esteemed Award. I arrived on a Thursday evening with a 6:15pm reservation which I'm glad I had made because later I found out that this place gets to be a full house on Thursdays. A young lady host greeted and welcomed me at the Host's station as soon as I arrived. She checked my reservation and had my table all ready for me. Located in the middle of this very popular Restaurant Bar, gave me a nice view of the entire place, and with a light high above I had a perfect lighting to photograph my drink and food as part of my review of the place. My server Jillian arrived soon after I was seated. She had a wonderful personality and welcomed me with a friendly smile and very pleasant attitude. After answering me some questions about their Mocktails, I ended up ordering their Raspberry Burro. For dinner I ordered their BBQ Bacon Chicken Kababs with a side of their special fries and a salad. While I was waiting for my food to arrive I observed the place quickly filling up and I found out that tonight was Music Bingo and Live Music at 9:30pm with no cover charge. It brought me back to my college days in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, where the night life was a thing to look forward to. Suddenly I discovered the key of Martin's popularity and the important role it plays in contributing to making the City of Roanoke a Star City indeed. I enjoyed my drink and the Chicken Kababs with the side of special fries were amazingly delicious, as well as the salad. They have a good variety of quality items on their menu and their chefs amazingly deliver. I invite you to read my first review where I celebrate their Cuban Sandwich and Slaw, and view my photographs that accompany my review. What a night. Besides the food, I enjoyed playing the Music Bingo, which one of the card titles was The 1970's. One of the best years of my life, when I attended High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico and College in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts. During that time I also won a Saltwater Fishing Tournament at the young age of 17 by catching a 405 pound Blue Marlin off the coast of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. It was the best of times for me. My server Jillian provided exceptional customer service, checking on me at the appropriate times. For dessert I ordered their Glazed Doughnut Bread Pudding, and it was so good, I can't wait to return to have it again. What an extraordinary dining experience I had that night. I highly recommend this restaurant and bar for when you feel like having a good time, alone or with family and good friends. I promise you will be able to sabor what a Five Star review is all about, and experience for yourselves why Martin's is one of the City of Roanoke's most precious gems.

I was told to check this place out while I was in town. When I arrived they had a trivia contest…read moregoing on, I didn't participate but sounded like fun. The service was good. Sat at the bar and had a burger which was pretty good.

We were in town, staying at the Omni Homestead resort. I wanted to experience something different…read moreother than what was available at the resort. So, I researched other venues and stumbled upon this place. What I found was amazing. We experienced a string quartet performance in a re-designed barn with amazing acoustics. The executive director was also very helpful, informative and welcoming. Since the venue itself was extremely intimate, I highly recommend this venue to anyone who wants to be up and close to talented musicians. Amazing experience!

We have been continually charmed by Garth Newell Music Center for over 15 years now! Much of the…read morebest entertainment we have ever attended has been here! The caliber is high and there is a delightful variety to enjoy! The food is superb and the folks that attend are delightful! We are so fortunate to have discovered this gem! Don't miss an opportunity of a lifetime! Come and come again. You will find a treasure you will want to share. See you there! Susan and Linwood Orenduff, Richmond, VA.

Now this place was crazy quiet on a Saturday night. The music playing was a great variety…read more Service was very personal and fast. We ordered the wings and nachos. Good bar food. Thanks for a great selection of brews after a long drive.

Enjoyed a night here on my road trip. Excellent burger & fries, and loved that they had local craft…read morebeers available. Overall, glad I found them - always enjoy eating local, and this place does the trick. Keep slinging what you're slinging!

When you're in the mood for a nicely crafted cocktail, Twisted Liquid has that panache that you're…read morelooking for in a cocktail bar. They have the smoke and the foam and the cool-looking, Instagram-worthy drinks. Don't get it twisted, though: Twisted Liquid ain't cheap! But you're paying for professional bartenders creating creative beverages. You want to come here to impress a date, not get buzzed on Michelob Ultras. I visited strictly for a drink, so I didn't check out their food menu. But apparently, they do serve food here, mostly starters, snacks and small plates, but also a few mains. My love for gin is never-ending, much like my love for Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland, so when I saw a drink called Painting the Roses Red, you know that's the one that I got. It is a white tea-infused gin with elderflower liqueur, Pinot Gris, lemon juice and rose water. A little ice rose came floating in the drink. It was so pretty, and pretty potent! I like when my adult drinks actually have alcohol in them, and mine certainly did. Our bartender was lovely and knew how to make a lot of drinks with a little flair for each one. I came with a group, and we all sat at the bar and had a wonderful time.

I wanted to share feedback regarding our recent dining experience to celebrate my son's graduation…read morewith family and friends as it was unfortunately very disappointing -- especially considering the price point and expectations presented for your restaurant and event reservations. First, the menu was extremely limited for both food and drinks. While the cocktails were enjoyable, the food quality and portions did not come close to justifying the $300+ we spent. We ordered the shrimp and wagyu skewers expecting thoughtfully prepared dishes. Instead, the shrimp appeared comparable to pre-made shrimp cocktail shrimp placed on a stick rather than freshly grilled seafood. The wagyu skewer lacked the quality and presentation expected from a fine dining establishment and honestly tasted more like beef stroganoff without noodles. I also ordered the lobster bisque, which was served lukewarm and tasted as though it came from a can. The Caesar salad with smoked trout was acceptable, but the trout resembled salmon more than smoked trout, and the dressing tasted bottled rather than house-made. What made the experience more frustrating was the lack of transparency regarding the menu prior to the event reservation. For a restaurant that strictly enforces reservations and cancellation fees, customers reasonably expect a much higher level of quality, preparation, and overall dining experience. Our server was kind, attentive, and did their best throughout the evening, so I truly appreciate their effort. However, much of the remaining staff appeared stressed, overwhelmed, and unwelcoming, which added to the uncomfortable atmosphere. Overall, the experience felt far from the fine dining experience being advertised. The drinks were honestly the only standout part of the evening. I also have to mention that the food we received looked nothing like the photos posted online and in Google reviews. It genuinely made us wonder if there was an issue in the kitchen this evening, because the quality and execution were nowhere near what was being represented publicly. I sincerely hope this feedback is taken constructively because there is a significant disconnect between the pricing, expectations, and actual dining experience being delivered.