Welcome to Best Of Holiday Shopping 2012
November 11, 2012
If you’re like me, the holidays pack in equal parts joy and anxiety. Can you get it all done in time? Will the pressure to find meaningful gifts take the joy out of the season?
We created this guide with hopes it would relieve some of that shopping-induced stress. On the following pages, you’ll find recommendations — from Roanoke Times readers like you — on where to shop for your kids, the special person in your life, the Hokies on your list and much more.
But we didn’t stop at collecting “Best Of” votes for gifts you’d buy. There’s something in here just for you, to nourish you and maybe treat yourself. You’ll find suggestions on where to get a massage after a long day at the mall, or an idea for a lunch place to reconnect with your girlfriends during this busiest time of year.
In this season of giving, we also wanted this publication to focus on giving back to the community. How? By emphasizing the “shop local” message. Browse the lists of winning businesses, all located in Southwest Virginia, and maybe you’ll be inspired to seek out a new-to-you boutique. If you do, we’d like to hear what you think at roanoke.com/bestof.
Happy holidays,
Editor, The Roanoke Times
Categories:
Holiday guides:
Christmas tree selection and care
Day-trip shopping destinations
Restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner
Style Street tips from local shopping warriors
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Holiday calendar
TODAY and 14 – 18
“Over the River and Through the Woods”
8 p.m. Children, $5; adults, $12. Showtimers, Roanoke. 774-2660.
Nov. 17
Meet Clara and The Sugar Plum Fairy
1 p.m. Free. Barnes & Noble, Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke. www.svballet.org.
The Nutcracker Ball
6 p.m. $95. Hotel Roanoke. 529-6173.
Nov. 17 – Dec. 9
Wreath Exhibition and Silent Auction
Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Free entry. The Salem Museum. 389-6760.
Nov. 21 – Jan. 2
Bedford Festival of Trees
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to view. Bedford Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford. 587-5681.
Nov. 23
Buchanan Merchant Christmas Open House
5 p.m. Free. Downtown Buchanan. 254-1212.
Holiday Bash
6 p.m. $26. Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall. 853-5483.
Nov. 23 – Dec. 23
Fantasyland
TBD. www.vahistorymuseum.org.
Nov. 23 – Jan. 26
Christmas Trains Exhibit
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. Donations will be accepted. Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library. 586-4520.
Nov. 24
Buchanan Tree Lighting
7 p.m. Free. Buchanan Town Hall. 254-1212.
14th Annual Flotilla for Toys
7 p.m. Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Huddleston. 297-5998.
Nov. 25
Roanoke College Choir: Lessons and Carols XXVIII
3 and 5 p.m. St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Roanoke. 375-2333.
Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas
7:30 p.m. $59 and $69. Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre. 853-5483.
Nov. 29
Heathly Holiday Foods and Entertaining
4 p.m. Town residents, $6; nonresidents, $12. Christiansburg Recreation Center. 382-2349.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, Dec. 6 – 8
“The Christmas Express”
7:30 p.m. nightly with an additional matinee at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Children, $10; adults, $12. Attic Productions, Fincastle. 473-1001.
Nov. 30
Madrigal Dinner & Tree Lighting
6:30 p.m. $85. Chateau Morrisette, Floyd. 593-2865.
A Christmas Spectacular
6:30 p.m. $35. Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, Roanoke. 344-6225.
Dec. 1
18th Annual WinterFest
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. The Jacksonville Center for the Arts, Floyd. 745-2784.
33rd Annual Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic Foot Race
8:30 a.m. Price varies. Bedford Middle School. www.bedfordymca.org.
Bedford Christmas Parade
1 p.m. Centertown Bedford. 586-2148.
A German Christmas at the Andrew Johnston House
3 p.m. Free. Giles County Historical Society Andrew Johnston House, Pearisburg. 921-1050.
Meet Clara and The Sugar Plum Fairy
1 p.m. Free. Barnes & Noble, Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke. www.svballet.org.
Dec. 6
Annual Vinton Christmas Parade
7 p.m. Free. Downtown Vinton. 343-1364.
Dec. 6 – 9, 13 – 16, 20 – 23
“Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells”
Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Dec. 6, all tickets $10; other dates are $18 for adults or $12 for youth and seniors. Roanoke Children’s Theatre in the Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke. 224-1200.
Dec. 7
Dickens of a Christmas and Roanoke City Tree Lighting
7 to 9 p.m. Free. Downtown Roanoke. www.downtownroanoke.org.
Holiday Pops: It’s a Wonderful Life
7 p.m. Students, $9; general admission, $20 to $85. Salem Civic Center. 343-9127.
Salem Lighting of the Christmas Tree
6 p.m. Free. Salem Farmers Market. 375-3057.
Salem Christmas Parade
6:30 p.m. Free. Downtown Salem. 387-0267.
Winter Lights Festival and Tuba Christmas
4 p.m. Free. Downtown Blacksburg. www.downtownblacksburg.com.
Dec. 8
Gingerbread Festival
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Longwood Park, Salem. 387-0267.
Holiday Pops: It’s a Wonderful Life
7 p.m. $25. Martinsville High School. 276-632-3221.
Buchanan Christmas Parade
4 p.m. Free. Downtown Buchanan. 254-1212.
Fincastle Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. HFI members, $12; general public, $15. Various locations, Fincastle. 473-3077.
Dec. 8 & 9
The Nutcracker
Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. Price varies. Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre. www.svballet.org.
Dec. 9
Holiday Pops: It’s a Wonderful Life
5 p.m. $25. Covington Center, Radford University. 343-9127.
Holiday Tours at Poplar Forest
Noon to 3 p.m. Free with regular admission. Poplar Forest. 434-525-1806.
The Cake Boss Buddy Valastro: Homemade for the Holidays Tour
7 p.m. $85.00, $45.75 or $35.75. Salem Civic Center. 375-3004.
The Salem Museum Holiday Home Tour
1 p.m. $12 in advance and $15 day of tour. Various locations, Salem. 389-6760.
White Gift Service
7:30 p.m. Free. DuPont Chapel, Hollins University. 362-6451.
Candlelight Christmas Home Tour
1 p.m. TBA. Downtown Buchanan. 254-1212.
Dec. 10
Holiday Pops: It’s a Wonderful Life
7 p.m. Call for prices. Covington High School. 962-6220.
Dec. 10 – 24
Chrismon Tree Exhibit
7 to 9 p.m. Free. Ascension Lutheran Church, Danville. 434-792-5795.
Dec. 14
Dickens of a Christmas and Roanoke City Christmas Parade
7 to 9 p.m. Free. Downtown Roanoke. www.downtownroanoke.org.
Messiah
7:30 p.m. Students, $10; adults, $20. Blacksburg Baptist Church. www.blacksburgmasterchorale.org.
Dec. 15 & 16
Flames of Memory and Christmas in Wartime Presentation
6 p.m. Donations will be accepted. National D-Day Memorial, Bedford. 586-3329.
Dec.16
“Klaus”
There will be a staged reading of the show (with a director coming in from chicago) on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at Community High School, under the auspices of the Hollins Playwrights Lab.
Dec. 17
Jingle Bell Hike
9:30 a.m. Town residents, $5; nonresidents, $10. Bissett Park, Radford. 382-2349.
Dec. 18
Holiday Sing-Along
7:30 p.m. Donations of money and canned food items will be accepted. Blacksburg Presbyterian Church. www.blacksburgmasterchorale.org.
Dec. 21
Dickens of a Christmas and RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest
7 to 9 p.m. Free. Downtown Roanoke. www.downtownroanoke.org.
For more local events, visit the roanoke.com calender
Read MoreWinners: Holiday entertaining
Best restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner
1. Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Ave. N.W.
2. K&W Cafeteria, Tanglewood Mall and 1609 Hershberger Road N.W. in Roanoke, and 1215 W. Main St. in Salem
3. Cracker Barrel
Honorable mention: Sheridan Livery Inn and Restaurant, 35 N. Main St., Lexington; The Roanoker Restaurant, 2522 Colonial Ave. S.W.; and Roanoke Rescue Mission, 402 Fourth St. S.E.
View Best restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner in a larger map
Best place to get Thanksgiving takeout
1. The Roanoker Restaurant, 2522 Colonial Ave. S.W.
2. K&W Cafeteria, Tanglewood Mall and 1609 Hershberger Road N.W. in Roanoke, and 1215 W. Main St. in Salem; and Kroger (tie)
3. The Fresh Market, 2207 Colonial Ave. S.W.
Honorable mention: Sheridan Livery Inn and Restaurant, 35 N. Main St., Lexington; Cracker Barrel; and Mary’s Party Works, 400 Washington Ave., Vinton
View Best place to get Thanksgiving takeout in a larger map
Best venue for a holiday party
1. Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Ave. N.W.
2. Pomegranate Restaurant, 106 Stoney Battery Road, Troutville
3. Carlos Brazilian International Cuisine, 4167 Electric Road, and Salem House Restaurant, 311 W. Main St., Salem (tie)
Honorable mention: Blue 5 Restaurant, 312 Second St. S.W.; Coach & Four Restaurant, 5206 Williamson Road; at home with Full Circle Catering, 20 Swink Lane, Lexington, and Olive Garden (three-way tie); and Holiday Inn, Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave. S.E., and The Plantation on Sunnybrook, 7342 Plantation Road (three-way tie)
View Best venue for a holiday party in a larger map
Best holiday caterer
1. Full Circle Catering, 20 Swink Lane, Lexington
2. Schaal’s Catering and Events, 717 13th St. S.W., and Blue Ridge Catering, 522 Salem Ave. S.W. (tie)
3. Mary’s Party Works, 400 Washington Ave., Vinton
Honorable mention: 2nd Helpings, 1502 Williamson Road N.E.; Plantation Creations, 7342 Plantation Road; and a four-way tie among Center Stage Catering, 315 Franklin St., Rocky Mount; Gillie’s, 153 College Ave., Blacksburg; Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Ave. N.W.; and Lib & Amy Catering, 344-1317
View Best holiday caterer in a larger map
Best neighborhood for holiday lights viewing
1. Grandin Village area
2. Elks National Home, 931 Ashland Ave., Bedford
3. South Roanoke, Old Southwest Roanoke and Cove Hollow, Elliston (tie)
Honorable mention: Raleigh Court, Maple and Main in Lexington, Hunting Hills
View Best neighborhood for holiday lights viewing in a larger map
Best local holiday event
1. Suntrust Dickens of Christmas (Dec. 7, 14 and 21, downtown Roanoke)
2. Rescue Mission Ministries/Stellar One Drumstick Dash (Thanksgiving Day, downtown Roanoke)
3. Salem Christmas Parade (Dec. 7)
Honorable mention: Lexington-Rockbridge Christmas Parade (Nov. 30);
Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops (Dec. 7)
View Best local holiday event in a larger map
Best party spot for New Year’s Eve
1. Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Ave. N.W.
2. Downtown Roanoke
3. Home with family and friends
Honorable mention: Corned Beef and Co., 107 S. Jefferson St.; Pomegranate, 106 Stoney Battery Road, Troutville; Martin’s, 413 First St. S.W.
View Best party spot for New Year’s Eve in a larger map
Winners: Shopping warriors
Best shopping mall/district
1. Valley View Mall
2. Tanglewood Mall
3. Downtown Roanoke
Honorable mention: Towers Shopping Center, New River Valley Mall and Downtown Blacksburg
View Best shopping mall/district in a larger map
Best men’s clothing store
1. Davidsons, 412 S. Jefferson St. and 4235 Electric Road
2. Belk
3. JoS A. Bank Clothiers
Honorable mention: Macy’s, Eddie Bauer and Men’s Wearhouse
View Best men’s clothing store in a larger map
Best women’s clothing store
1. Punch Boutique, 3117 Franklin Road S.W.
2. Belk
3. Mad Dog Boutique, 109 N. Main St., Blacksburg
Honorable mention: Coldwater Creek, 1460 S. Main St., Blacksburg; J & J Fashions, 275 Franklin St., Rocky Mount, and Talbots, 4702 Starkey Road (tie); Chico’s, 4714-B Starkey Road, and Stein Mart, Tanglewood Mall (tie)
View Best women’s clothing store in a larger map
Best salesperson
1. Laurie Frohock at Two and a Half Sisters, 2126 Colonial Ave. S.W.
2. Catherine Grainger at Punch Boutique, 3117 Franklin Road S.W.
3. Sheila Copenhaver at J & J Fashions, 275 Franklin St., Rocky Mount
Honorable mention: Terri Burnett Urquhart, The Rescue Mission Thrift Store; Jayna Browder, Kay Jewelers in New River Valley Mall; and Robby Jones, Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers, 11 W. Nelson St., Lexington
View Best salesperson in a larger map
Best restaurant for girlfriend shopping date
1. Olive Garden
2. Wildflour Cafe
3. Panera Bread
Honorable mention: Cheddar’s, Valley View; Montano’s International Restaurant, 3733 Franklin Road S.W.; Carrabba’s Italian Grill at Valley View
View Best restaurant for girlfriend shopping date in a larger map
Read More
Winners: Where do you buy?
Best place to get a gift for your clients
1. Two and a Half Sisters, 2126 Colonial Ave., S.W.
(Tie) 2. Chocolatepaper, Roanoke City Market (308-3 Market St.) and The Shoppes at West Village (3565-C Electric Road)
(Tie) 2. Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers, 11 W. Nelson St., Lexington
3. Countryside Classics, 120 E. Main St., Salem
Honorable mention: On A Whim, 1470 S. Main St., Suite 114, Blacksburg; Walmart and Target (tie); Mr. Bill’s Wine Cellar, 2825-B Brambleton Ave., S.W., and Allura MD Laser Aesthetics, 1900 Braeburn Drive, Salem (tie)
View Best place to get a gift for your clients in a larger map
Best place to get a gift for the cook in your life
1. Provisions, 4235 Electric Road
2. Bed Bath & Beyond
3. Ladles & Linens, Roanoke City Market (305 Market St.) and 13 S. Main St., Lexington
Honorable mention: Macy’s; Gourmet Pantry, 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg; Tuesday Morning, 1923 Electric Road, Salem, and 3165 N. Franklin St., Christiansburg
View Best place to get a gift for the cook in your life in a larger map
Best place to get a gift for someone who has everything
1. Alpine Sewing Machine Co., 3609 Brambleton Ave.
2. Two and a Half Sisters, 2126 Colonial Ave. S.W.
3. Countryside Classics, 120 E. Main St., Salem
Honorable mention: On A Whim, 1470 S. Main St., Suite 114, Blacksburg; Provisions and RSVP, 4235 Electric Road; Allura MD Laser Aesthetics, 1900 Braeburn Drive, Salem
View Best place to get a gift for someone who has everything in a larger map
Best place to get a gift for your mother-in-law
1. Alpine Sewing Machine Co., 3609 Brambleton Ave.
2. Two and a Half Sisters, 2126 Colonial Ave., S.W.
3. Belk
Honorable mention: Macy’s; On A Whim, 1470 S. Main St., Suite 114, Blacksburg; WillowPod Provisions & Gifts, 90 Town Center St., Suite 105, Daleville
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Best place to get a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life
1. Gander Mountain
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Walkabout Outfitter, 301 Market St.; Valley View Mall; 15 W. Washington St., Lexington
Honorable mention: Sportsman’s Warehouse, 3550 Ferncliff Ave. N.W.;Countryside Classics, 120 E. Main St., Salem; Orvis, 19 Campbell Ave. S.E.
View Best place to get a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life in a larger map
Best place to get a gift for your pet
1. PetSmart
2. Petco
3. Nature’s Emporium, 3912 Brambleton Ave.
Honorable mention: Walmart; Target; Kibbles on Main, 1531 N. Main St., Blacksburg
View Best place to get a gift for your pet in a larger map
Best place to get a gift for your special gal
1. Alpine Sewing Machine Co., 3609 Brambleton Ave.
2. Frantz Diamonds and Jewelry, 3540 Electric Road
3. Two and a Half Sisters, 2126 Colonial Ave. S.W.
Honorable mention: Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers, 11 W. Nelson St., Lexington, and Victoria’s Secret (tie); Fink’s Jewelers; On A Whim, 1470 S. Main St., Suite 114, Blacksburg
View Best place to get a gift for your special gal in a larger map
Best place to get a gift for your special guy
1. Dick’s Sporting Goods
2. Belk and Lowe’s (tie)
3. Gander Mountain and Macy’s (tie)
Honorable mention: Davidsons, 412 S. Jefferson St. and 4235 Electric Road, and Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers, 11 W. Nelson St., Lexington (tie); Best Buy and Todd’s Jewelry, 900 Dundee Drive, Radford (tie); JoS A. Bank Clothiers and Countryside Classics, 120 E. Main St., Salem (tie)
View Best place to get a gift for your special guy in a larger map
Best place to get a gift for the sports fanatic in your life
1. Dick’s Sporting Goods
2. Sportsman’s Warehouse, 3550 Ferncliff Ave. N.W.
3. On A Whim, 1470 S. Main St., Suite 114, Blacksburg
Honorable mention: Fleet Feet Sports, 4347 Franklin Road; Play It Again Sports, 4082 Electric Road; Gobbler Gear, 603 College Ave., Salem, and Campus Emporium, 207 N. Main St., Blacksburg, and 1337 S. Main St., Blacksburg (tie)
View Best place to get a gift for the sports fanatic in your life in a larger map
Read More
Winners: Holiday decor
Best store decorated for the holidays
1. Steger Creek, 4361 Starkey Road
2. Cornerstone Collectibles, 114 E. Main St., Salem
3. Macy’s
Honorable mention: Countryside Classics, 120 E. Main St., Salem; Joe’s Trees, 5110 Cumberland Gap Road, Newport; and The Vintage Emporium, 4735 Read Mountain Road, Cloverdale
View Best store decorated for the holidays in a larger map
Best source for fresh Christmas trees
1. Joe’s Trees, 5110 Cumberland Gap Road, Newport
2. Country Corner, 4273 Challenger Ave. N.E.
3. Kroger
Honorable mention: Lowe’s; Food Lion; and Pine Ridge Nursery, 922 W. Main St., Salem, and Floyd County (tie)
View Best source for fresh Christmas trees in a larger map
Best place for holiday decorations — inside the home
1. Steger Creek, 4361 Starkey Road
2. Cornerstone Collectibles, 114 E. Main St., Salem
3. Target
Honorable mention: Countryside Classics, 120 E. Main St., Salem; Kirkland’s, 1383 Towne Square Boulevard, and The Vintage Emporium, 4735 Read Mountain Road, Cloverdale (tie); and Walmart
View Best place for holiday decorations — inside the home in a larger map
Best place for holiday decorations — outside the home
1. Lowe’s
2. Walmart
3. Target
Honorable mention: Steger Creek, 4361 Starkey Road; Home Depot; Joe’s Trees, 5110 Cumberland Gap Road, Newport, and Roanoke City Farmers Market (tie)
View Best place for holiday decorations — outside the home in a larger map