Feeling like a Star in the Star City

Roanoke's Star on Mill Mountain

Not often are you treated like a star unless, of course,  you are a Hollywood celebrity or famous athlete.  But, the people of Roanoke made me feel like returning royalty including  Mayor Bowers, whom I met at the top of  Mill Mountain.

David Bowers, Mayor of Roanoke

You see, decades ago I attended Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, one of the cities in the area now known as Virginia’s Blue Ridge.  While a student I entered the Miss Roanoke Valley pageant and surprisingly won!  I did not go on to become Miss Virginia but the experience was memorable and the scholarship money helpful.

Miss Roanoke Valley

Now, after way too many years, I finally returned to Roanoke and found the city itself had earned starlet status- a shining example of living up to its title as the Star City of the South and to what downtown revitalization can accomplish.

Back in the early 1970’s,  the city center was nothing to brag about.  Today, it thrives with a farmer’s market open seven day a week  - the longest farm market in the US and many boutique shops and restaurants.  The Taubman Museum of Art is the new queen hosting a stellar collection. And, the O. Winston Link Museum is an absolute winner for photographers and railroad buffs.

Taubman Museum of Art

O. Winston Link Collection

On my tour I saw  only two businesses that I remembered- the Texas Tavern, a tiny hole in the wall eatery which sits ten and continues to sell burgers for $1.25.

The other building I fondly recall is the Hotel Roanoke, a magnificent Tudor-style mansion sitting on the hill overlooking the train tracks.  The hotel’s history is closely tied with railroading. The venue (constructed 1937-38) was originally owned by the N & W- Norfolk and Western Railroad, the company that transformed sleepy Big Lick into Roanoke  and established  their headquarters and a major intersection of  the north-south and east-west rail lines.

Hotel Roanoke

Sadly, the Hotel Roanoke fell into disrepair and closed her doors in 1989. But, like Sleeping Beauty, growth and change took place around her as she snoozed.  Awakened and reopened in 1995, she once again reigns with fashionable rooms and a new conference center that blends into the old  architectural style.

Dining tradition continues with the hotel’s famed peanut soup and spoon bread. I was lucky enough to sample a cup of soup topped with chopped peanuts and a tiny skillet of warm cornbread oozing butter.  Yum.  The hotel insisted my group partake the luncheon buffet: a bounty of entrees, salads, vegetables and six to eight desserts. A splendid curtain call.

I could go about my stellar trip to Roanoke, but I’ll save more description on Virginia’s Blue Ridge for a later blog post.

Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance as fog lifts from the city of Roanoke.

Luggage Handling Tips for Flyers

The only way to eliminate lost luggage, is to personally carry everything on board. Since that’s not always possible, especially with the liquid and gel restriction, the following tips may help:

1. Attach a sturdy identification tag to your luggage, including your name and mobile phone number written with permanent ink. A business card can easily slip or be removed from an ID.
2. Secure a ribbon or neon object on the handle, quickly distinguishing your items on the baggage claim carousel.
3. Place your name, mobile phone and flight number inside you luggage, in case the external tags are removed. Airlines usually contact passengers via phone.
4. Know the three letter airport code denoting your destination and verify that your suitcases are tagged correctly, before you leave them.
5. For international travel, purchase retriever luggage tags. These tags invite baggage agents (in eight languages) to remove the itinerary you’ve placed inside, and forward your bag to you, while you’re still en route.
6. Whenever possible, take nonstop flights. Short layovers and flights involving multiple airlines increase mishandling opportunities.
7. Make a list of contents or take a photo of your bag.
8. Carry receipts with you as proof of purchase for items acquired during a trip.
9. Never pack anything irreplaceable in your checked belongings.
10. Always bring a change of clothing in your carry-on. Toiletries as easy to replace, but clothing proves more difficult.

Travel Needs of Teens

Top Travel Needs of Tweens and Teens

By Debi Lander

Keeping teenagers happy–or simply content–on family trips is often as much a challenge to parents, as traveling with toddlers. Adolescents have their own set of needs. When met, everyone they come in contact with has a more enjoyable time.

Here’s a list of things pre-teens and teens might require, or will at least appreciate, on your next family outing:

Opinions please

Teens need someone who will ask and listen to their opinions. Include them in decision making whenever possible.

Dave Wiggins of Austin-Lehman Adventures says, “Get your teen to buy-in or be involved in the choice of the trip. If summer vacation has several location options or activities, such as beaches or mountains, hiking or biking, hear them out.”

Entertainment

Not many parents or other travelers have the same ear for music as the younger generation. Let them listen to their favorite music, if they bring ear buds or a headset. Long car trips or flights may go faster and more peaceably with a selection of new or favorite movies for the DVD player.

Teens like to stay in touch with their friends. Depending on the trip, stop at Internet cafes or take a laptop computer with a wireless Internet connection for e-mail access. Many hotels also offer a variety of communication services.

Other teens

If possible, take another teen to be a travel companion when there are no siblings or others of similar age in the group. Jim Kackley of Thomson Family Adventures claims this is THE most important need and the basis for establishing his company. His tip, “Solo teenagers do not enjoy being surrounded by younger children or all adults.”

Their own money

Permit teens to purchase their own souvenirs with a budgeted allowance or their own money. This method produces more selective spending. A mother of four urges parents not co-mingle their money with yours, as you will always come out on the short end.

Backpack or Tote bag

Have your teenager carry a small backpack or tote for day outings, unless you want to become a Sherpa. Whatever they choose to take, they carry. Agree beforehand that each person is responsible for their own possessions.

Clothing choices

Discuss and agree on dress choices before packing and provide any necessary specialty items. Trips can be ruined by fights over attire or not having the right outfit or shoes to wear.

Foreign travel? Check for any cultural requirements. Europeans seldom wear shorts and some cathedrals require shoulders to be covered and no bare midriffs.

Cell Phone

If your child will be away from adult supervision, a cell phone is a reasonable safety net for communication and assistance. Set limits on usage, or your teenager may choose to talk on the phone instead of being involved.

Reading material

Depending on the time of year, bring along homework, assigned summer reading books and a few magazines to indulge those dull moments while waiting in lines. Austin-Lehman Adventures suggests bringing guidebooks about the location to build curiosity and prepare them to ask questions.

Personal toiletry items and medications

Middle and high school students are old enough to be responsible for packing their acne creams, face wash, specialty products and medications. Parents might double-check any prescription drugs.

Snack foods

While teen are always hungry, many are picky when it comes to their favorite snacks foods. Buy supplies before leaving home to save time and money.

An Open Mind

“Most importantly, bring an open mind and interact with new people from all over the USA and the world,” states Musiker Tours website, http://www.summrtfun.com/. This company, specializing in group teen tours, understands that youngsters don’t liked to be forced into anything, but believes that over time, they usually can learn this helpful trait.

So, whether your future plans include an exciting global adventure or just a trip to grandma’s house, using the above suggestions can make the entire family’s experience more rewarding.

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For further information contact

Austin-Lehman Adventures: http://www.austinlehman.com/

Musiker Tours: http://www.summerfun.com/

Thomson Family Adventures: http://www.thomsonfamilyadventures.com/