Most of the major cities I've lived in have had a Christmas store that has been opened year round…read more Here in Downtown Roanoke we are fortunate to have Boxwood Lane. This store is opened year round and carries Christmas and seasonal decorations, gifts, and products for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, St Patrick's Day, and Forth of July. When I visited the store, the owner manager greeted me with a warm welcome and a smile, explaining where the different one of a kind items were. They had a great variety of Christmas items from blown German ornaments, to gnomes, nativities, Santas, Christmas trees, Snoopy ornaments, candles, Jim Shore Grinch, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and Willow Tree figurines. But besides this wide range of unique Christmas items that you won't find anywhere else, and can help make any Christmas season merry and bright, they also carry seasonal decoration items that one could purchase to give as gifts or to buy for oneself. For example during Thanksgiving they might have turkeys, pilgrims, cornucopia horn of plenty, and other decoration items relative to this Holiday Season. Then as soon as this holiday passes by, the remaing items are put aside on sale. I invite all those reading my review to look at all my photographs accompanying my review and visit the store, you will have a blast from viewing all their items and maybe you will find that one of a kind gift for that special person in your life.

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.

On a roadtrip to Charlotte Nc, we stopped in to Roanoke, for something to eat, to stretch our legs…read moreand to see where the wind would take us. The wind swept us right into WyndRose Boutique! I had to stop in with the fam for a browse after seeing the beautiful window displays. This is a great place to check out for those hard to shop for folks on your list or a secret santa or your friend with fun taste! There is something for everyone I'd think in this curated gift shop: ornaments, art, really nice smelling candles (and im not a smellt candle person), and so many things. Lovely shop. Check it out for yourself.

As I was walking down the sidewalk of the Wall Street entrance of WyndRose Boutique, which is…read morelocated right across from the Historic Roanoke City Market Building, the amazingly beautiful items behind the windows of this Gift Boutique Shop attracted my attention. So much so that I had to stop and enter the shop. Once inside, I had the privilege of meeting Rachelle Walker, the owner of WyndRose, and one who possesses not only a wonderful taste, but one of the nicest personalities of anyone I've ever met. She has grace with style, and this is reflected in all of the unique and beautiful store merchandise from all over the world and the splendid way they all have been staged. She greeted me with a warm welcome and invited me to explore her Gift Boutique that is focused on fair trade and sustainably sourced home decor with a selection of jewelry and some apparel. All the colorful and beautiful gift items there made me a believer. And if this wasn't enough, I was also very impressed with how reasonably they were priced. Customers definitely got more value for their hard earned money. When I went home I visited the Boutique's website, of which I also invite the readers of this review to explore: https://wyndroseboutique.com/ And was fascinated by easy it was to explore all their items by categories, including Brands and Local Artists. I highly recommend everyone reading my review and viewing my photographs that accompany it, to visit this gem of a Boutique that is clearly one of the Star City of Roanoke most valuable gems.

Woodshed is a new shop in downtown Roanoke that specializes in Appalachian crafts and coffee,…read morelocated at 409 S. Jefferson Street. Formerly known as Crafteria, the business has rebranded and moved to a new, larger location next to the Mast General Store, offering a modern Appalachian cafe and handmade goods. After being awarded the Yelp NC Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, 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. Woodshed: Appalachian Crafts & Coffee Cafe, in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. Today, as I was leaving Jack's Men's Fine Grooming, after getting a haircut, I happened to notice this new shop across the street, that workers had just finished installing it's name building sign. I couldn't help but quickly crossing the street to find out if it was already open or when would it be. Inside, a friendly and very kind gentleman by the name of Jacob, greeted and welcomed me to this new establishment that had just opened today. He explained how they featured locally-made crafts and items sourced from the Appalachian region. He explained how the Cafe had still yet to open, but encouraged me to take my time and walk around to see the diverse array of handmade goods with particular strong showing in pottery, jewelry, woodworks, and various forms of home decor. Common types of products that I was able to find included: pottery and ceramics, jewelry, textiles and fiber arts, woodwork and home decor, bath and body products, specialty foods and treats, artwork and prints, and books and paper goods. This place will also include a modern Appalachian cafe serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, slated to open very soon in early 2026. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its amazing merchandise, and then go bye and visit. I'm sure you'll find one-of-a-kind items to take home with you and some to give out as gifts to those special people in your life during the Holiday Season.

The Candy Store is conveniently located in the bottom floor of the Center in the Square, in the…read moreheart of Downtown Roanoke. This is in the same building where the Mill Mountain Theatre is located as well as the Roanoke Pinball Museum. The store specializes in regionally crafted artisan chocolates, vintage candies, and unique confections from around the world, and has an surprisingly large selection of known candies and chocolates as well as never before seen ones. It also contains toys and many gift items. The store itself is very clean and organized and the owner and employees are very friendly and helpful. If you like chocolates and sweets I would highly recommend you give them a visit. It's a great place to go for sweets and to get a gift for family or friends.

After a fun two hours in the Roanoke Pinball Museum…read morehttps://www.yelp.com/biz/roanoke-pinball-museum-roanoke?hrid=_aVRvVUx4AoYrhkv-k-7Cw, the Candy Store is practically their gift shop. I bought way too much here. Fortunately, they do the bulk candy pretty well with both gloves *and* scoops so that not only are you not touching the candy, you're not even touching the thing that touches the candy. I'll take it on faith that no one put their hands in the candy bowls. The candies are separated by type, which is helpful. I filled three bags, one with sours, one with chocolates and a third one (that was mine) with chocolate covered nuts. All are priced by weight. The shop also has some mass produced bars and boxes and even a few games. Neat, tidy, masks required to enter. [Review 13800 overall, 1121 of 2020, number 1234 in Virginia.]

There are times when one finds these unique, little, local, businesses, that one had been walking…read moreby all the time, never bothering to stop to discover what's inside. And one day, for one reason or another, one desides to stop and go inside. This precisely is what happened to me with Artsy June. One day I was walking along the sidewalk of Market Street in Downtown Roanoke. I saw this interesting little store front. Read this verse that was written on a standing blackboard: "People will throw stones at you. Don't throw them back. Collect them all and build an empire." After reading this my curiosity kicked in and I proceeded to enter the store. The first thing I saw was a restored and renovated jukebox playing songs in the background. Then after looking around I deduced that this was a very special Gift Shop, that sold all kinds of artistic and very creative gifts, as well as Second Hand Vintage Clothing and Items at very reasonable prices. Among the items they had for sale, they had original miniature watercolor paintings signed by the local artist, small signs with inspirational sayings, some original and very creative pottery, souvenirs of Roanoke, an antique typewriter, nice wooden objects such as Chest boards, coffee mugs with saying on them, glass items, home decoration items, cushsions, some furniture, umbrellas, and second hand vintage clothes and items. What also was interesting about the store was that the dressing room was made in the inside of what once was a refrigerator room. A young lady employee greeted and welcomed me and explained all about the shop to me. She was also the artist of the miniature watercolor paintings. What a great little local shop. Just browsing all the items there was a delight. I would highly recommend those reading this review accompanied by my photographs to definitely go visit. And those artistic inclined individuals who might have they would like to sell to take them for the owner to see. Maybe she could include them among the store stock. Who knows, this could be the beginning of your artistic career!

Loved shopping in the store, so much fun and quirky items to choose from. I will be back.read more

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!

The City of Roanoke is rich in the Arts. Today I decided to go visit this very unique Art Gallery…read morein that it's a Coop Gallery. The members get to exhibit their artwork there, and when it's sold, get to keep higher percentage of the sale than if they sold it through a regular Gallery. If you're an Art buyer or collector, you also win because you don't have to deal with a middleman and so the prices of the artworks are more reasonable. This Gallery is located on Campbell Ave, in front of the Center in the Square, in one of the most desired storefront areas in the heart of Downtown Roanoke. It has a reasonable size long space where different Art medium are exhibited such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, and some creative mediums, just to name a few. I had an opportunity to meet with some of the artists who are members and have their work exhibited there and they were so friendly and welcoming, talking to me about the Gallery and answering all my questions. I love art. Took several electives in Art History while in College. My most prestigious painting that I have ever had was an oil painting by Mary K. Trotter, an American artist who studied in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts before moving to Paris. I bought it at an Art Gallery in Beacon Hill, Boston, and even had to put it in lay away to be able to afford it. This Gallery is the perfect place for those who love art to purchase their first artwork to exhibit in the living room of their home, or maybe even to begin their own Art collection. If you're an artist, either full time, or part-time, you can consider joining this Coop Gallery and selling some of your art. Whatever you do, I would highly recommend that you visit this Gallery and view the wonderful artworks exhibited there.

Absolutely love this gallery. Such a variety of art and artists. must go and visit !!read more

I can't say enough about how helpful and easy it was to order flowers for someone in the hospital…read more The person on the phone was friendly, helpful and actually helped me get the room number which I did not have. I wanted to support local but had another florist say they could not fill my order so I was panicked but George's came through with flying colors!

While I've visited many of the new restaurants, in their VIP Grand Opening, that have currently…read moreopened in Roanoke, Virginia, something that I've noticed in common in all of them has been a beautiful floral arrangement from George's Flowers. They have not only standed out, but have given the different places an air of distinction. Two of the places that come to mind are the Six and Sky Restaurant and the new Starbucks in the heart of Downtown Roanoke. In the first case the flower arrangement was placed on the Host's station and in the second one it was placed on its large conference size table located in one of its corner there. Today, I decided to go visit the flower shop that has come out with such wonderful flower arrangements creations. Since its establishment in 1981, George Clements, the owner, has grown his business into the areas "go-to floral shop for everyday events such as, grand openings, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, religious services, get well soon wishes, funerals, celebrations, and special occasions, making a point that not only "ladies prefer flowers." Located on 1953 Franklin Rd SW in Roanoke, Virginia, just around the corner from Towers Shopping Center and with an online presence on their website at georgesflowers.com, this locally-owned flower shop, not only has custom flower arrangements and thoughtful gifts, but is also known for its exceptional same day flower delivery services in Roanoke and the surrounding areas, including Salem, Smith Mountain Lake, Cave Spring, and Vinton. But as if all this wasn't enough, during my visit today, not only was I able to observe one of its flower arrangements' artist crafting a masterpiece for a specific customer's request, but I was able to observe firsthand the friendly, helpful, and professional staff who provide excellent customer service and go above and beyond to ensure satisfaction. As soon as I arrived to the flower shop, I was greeted with a warm welcome and after my request was kindly given a tour of place and shown the different gift products besides flowers that they have available; from gift cards, to boxes of chocolates, to stuffed animals, to bottles of champagne, to name just a few. And if you compare their prices to their masterpiece creation you're definitely getting more value for your money. I wanted to donate a flower arrangement to the Madonna House Chapel for a Special Mass they have once a month by one of our local priests, and was able to find the perfect flower arrangement in one that they were working on. It came from their catalog with certain modifications requested by the customer and created by one of their flower artists. They provided me with the name of the arrangement, the delivery price according to their address, and the option of coming back to order it once I knew the exact date, calling in the order, or ordering it through their website. In conclusion, I highly recommend this local flower shop to all those needing flowers for a special occasion. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review, to get even a better feel for the place as you know a picture is worth a thousand words, and I assure you that you'll be greatly satisfied beyond your highest of expectations.

One of the most beautifully creative gift shop in Roanoke, Sugar Magnolia seems to amaze me every…read moretime I visit it. Today, Black Friday, I was fortunate enough to meet the owners of the place, a husband and wife team who came up with the idea of this store and very successfully have made it come true. The husband deals with the numbers, while the wife is the creative mind and buyer of all the one of a kind interesting gifts displayed in the store. This store has so many categories of gifts that it would be impossible to mention them all in this review, but take a look of the photographs accompanying the review and you will be able to get an idea of them all. After all, it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Two of the main categories are Chocolates and Ice Cream. I went there today to purchase a box of hand picked chocolates which I myself selected and one of the friendly employees arranged very neatly inside the box. Some other categories of gifts include very lovely, quality Greeting Cards, very nice Souvenirs of the Star City of Roanoke, Stuffed Animals, Magnets with Quotes that touch the heart, Pottery such as mugs, plates, pitchers, cookies jars, and during this special time of the year, Nutcracker, Christmas decorations and ornaments, and other festive items that celebrate the Holiday Season time of the year. There is also an area with Purses, Jewelry, scarfs, soaps, incense, and a diverse variety of other beautiful items, that the wife and co-owner of the store has hand selected on her trips as Buyer. But if all this seems amazing and spectacular, what is even greater are the hand picked and well trained employees of the store. Immediately after you enter the store they make eye contact and greet you with a smile, making you feel comfortable and at home. They help you with any questions you might have and in locating that perfect gift for a family member or a best friend. They serve you that special ice cream behind the counter, for you to enjoy while sitting at one of the small tables or while browsing around the store. The customer service they provide is absolutely amazing, and they are key in providing the ambiance that make this store so special. I highly recommend this store to all. Go in and browse around. Enjoy the beauty of the store and the diverse gift items in stock. I am certain that it won't take long for you to find a gift for that special person in your life, for your best friend, or maybe even a gift to get for yourself.

Great staff, amazing ice cream and adorable shop. My brother and I shared a banana split and my…read moredaughter got some of the chocolate truffles out of the case.