Choose how often you hear from us. Upgrade |
Hello Roanoke! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Hotel conference center sale, deer control plan, and big lick comic con + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Roanoke help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Property deal finalized: The Hotel Roanoke conference center was sold for $14M to a Virginia Tech Foundation subsidiary after commission vote. Closing expected by early October, with proceeds likely returning to the city -- read the full story.
Back-to-school transportation challenges: With the new school year nearing, Franklin County faces a bus driver shortage straining substitutes, while Roanoke City reports a 25 percent buffer and technology to keep routes on track -- read the full story.
City leaders take action: Roanoke City Council is considering a multi-part plan to curb deer, including an urban archery program and police sharpshooting, citing damage and risks like Lyme disease and Alpha Gal -- read the full story.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Healthy hair, happy you: If summer frizz or dull color is throwing shade, Melrose Hair and Beauty has your back with pro-picked hair care, skin savers, and nail essentials, plus a team that can turn inspiration pics into reality. Swing by this week, refresh your routine, maybe line up that bold cut or color.
Heirloom-worthy refresh: If your space needs a grown-up upgrade this week, Reid's Fine Furnishings curates heirloom-quality pieces for living, dining, bedroom, and office, plus lighting, rugs, and art. Expect Stickley craftsmanship, Stressless comfort, and American Leather sleepers, with in-house designers ready to turn Roanoke rooms into rooms you actually want to show off.
Closet refresh alert: Uptown Cheapskate Roanoke is the spot this week to flip those gently used fits into instant cash or extra store credit, then snag trendy pieces from brands like Lululemon, Madewell, Nike, and Dr. Martens. Bring clean, in-style items, they’ll review while you browse, and you leave looking smugly sustainable.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
⚾ Fayetteville Woodpeckers @ Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark | Wednesday (8/5) at 12:35 PM – The Woodpeckers are swooping into Salem to face our RidgeYaks at Carilion Clinic Field, classic summer baseball with names you can’t make up. Think tight plays, audible dugout chatter, and cold beer that doesn’t require a mortgage. Real competition, real close, real fun.
🚚 Food Truck Fridays @ The View at Blue Ridge Commons | Friday (8/7) at 11:00 AM – If you've been looking for a sign to give the kitchen a night off, this is it. Food Truck Fridays corrals Roanoke and our neighbors for fab, local eats, porch-chat vibes, and zero dishes, courtesy of the folks who help people find HOME.
👨 Q99's Summer Of Families & Fun @ Kids Square | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Need the kids or grandkids to burn energy with air conditioning, and a price that doesn’t sting? Joey Self and Q99 wrap their Summer of Families & Fun at Kids Square, the final stop, with $5.99 admission per person, giggles, and blessedly contained chaos.
🎭 Big Lick Comic Con - Summer Celebration @ Berglund Center | Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 PM – Summer calls for capes, comics, and the kind of people-watching you pretend not to enjoy. Big Lick Comic Con is back with artists, vendors, photo ops, and nostalgia for days, so dust off that vintage tee and bring your inner nerd, plus comfortable shoes.
🌍 Celebration of African Cultures @ Harrison Museum of African American Culture | Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 PM – Trade the errand shuffle and same three restaurants for a celebration of African cultures that actually gives you something to talk about. Think performances you can join, flavorful cuisine, artisan crafts, and hands-on learning. Quality time, zero small talk, plenty of rhythm.
🎮 Pokemon Weekly Tournament @ BLADE Gaming | Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 PM – Drop in for the weekly Pokémon TCG throwdown, Standard format, $5 entry, juniors play free, prizes by record, and a promo pack for showing up. Swiss pairings mean you get games in, not one and done. Quality time with sleeves, trades, and bragging rights.
🍋 Squeeze Squad Lemonade Stand for Fighting Kids Cancer @ Fork in the Alley Brick Oven Pub | Sunday (8/9) at 4:00 PM – Fork in the Alley becomes the sweetest fundraiser in town, no dress code, just cups, as three kids pour lemonade, grit, and heart for Southwest Virginia families facing pediatric cancer. They have already topped $6K, eyeing $10K, and every cup proves small things add up.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Skip credit card interest until nearly 2028You know the feeling: you make your credit card payment, check the balance, and it's barely moved. That's interest quietly eating most of what you pay. Here's a rare chance to stop it. This card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, so for over a year every dollar you pay goes straight to what you owe, not the bank's cut. And you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. The rewards are where it gets even better. Every purchase earns you at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories climbing as high as 5%, so the card pays you back on the spending you're already doing. Put a little on it early and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting. Between the break on interest, the cash back, and no annual fee, it's a lot of card for nothing to hold. *Take a look → |
07 — Roanoke report Weather forecastToday — High: 85°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 62%
A slight chance of rain showers before 9am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 3pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 0 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 0 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 88°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 72%
Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 0 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis sprawling 5-bedroom, 4-bath SW County home offers over 4,000 square feet of single-level living on 4.87 private acres. Mountain views deepen with the season, and the spacious layout includes a family room, den, living room, dining room, and laundry room. Extras include fresh paint, hidden accent lighting, four fireplaces, a detached garage, and a covered carport.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
