Fashion design students launched their creative energies to transform airline discards into wearable chic–and travelers at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago get to vote for their fave! It’s a fun and thoughtful way for you to pass some time while awaiting your next flight. Now in its second year, “Fashion Packed Challenge” is similar to […]
The culinary scene in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is both varied and inventive. Look for Americana favorites, Southern flavors and ethnic influences. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in Roanoke and beyond: Fortunato, 104 Kirk Ave., SW, Roanoke VA 24011 Fortunato is the region’s only traditional Italian kitchen and Neapolitan-style pizzaria, and it’s right […]
Immerse yourself in Gilded Age glam and Southern hospitality with a stay at The Hotel Roanoke. It’s a romantic getaway to a city that will win your heart and call you back again and again. Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains are magical, and Roanoke’s downtown vibe is truly cosmopolitan. The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, […]
Virginia is for lovers, as the long-held state slogan goes–and Roanoke is for train lovers. The city grew up from a small railroad town to the exciting, culturally rich metropolis it is today. Read about how that came to be in my story in Journal & Topics Media Group here. In the photo above, the […]
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a gorgeous mountain playground with a vibrant mix of cultural arts and historic treasures. The photo above is the towering Roanoke Star, which beams atop Mill Mountain as a symbol of the city’s progressive spirit. Check out my story in Urban Matter Chicago here.
Back in the day, the finest steakhouses proudly cut their meat to order. They served up classic cocktails and hearty sides in an intimate setting with live piano playing in the background. Oh, wait. That’s how the Chicago Chop House still does it after more than three decades in business. Now, under new ownership, the […]
The narrow two-lane road turned from asphalt to gravel, miles off the main highway, and we wondered if we were in the right place. There were no streetlights or billboards, only thick forest, tall grasses and delicate wildflowers. Then we spotted a bright orange sign: Exotic Feline Rescue Center. We had arrived at our destination. […]
