Edible Blue Ridge Summer 2022

EDIBLE EXCURSIONS

Roanoke: The Star City

WORDS & PHOTOS JESSE FELDBERG

W HEN I MOVED across the state in 2015, I never imagined I would come back to my hometown of Roanoke. Like many young adults, I was set on forging a new path in a new city. Roanoke was old news, and I couldn’t wait to explore the rest of what Virginia offered. I would return home to visit my family periodi cally, and caught glimpses of change in the city—new restaurants open ing, breweries popping up, and outdoor events expanding, propelling Roanoke to become a rising travel destination in the heart of Appalachia. It seems a bit odd to be writing a day-trip style article for the place I live, but I am happy to list out my perfect day (though there will be plen ty here to fill an entire weekend) in the Star City. Feel free to follow along and tag us (@edibleblueridge) whenever you visit our favorite places!

Door) Coffee — you can find them at their original location on Main Street inWasena or at their new, spacious cafe in Vinton. Opened by two brothers, with a focus on community orientation, here you’ll find cre ative lattes and cold brew cocktails (such as my favorite drink there, the Lemon Drop), an expansive tea selection, and a welcoming and knowl edgeable staff. Ready for a bit more substance to start your day? Look no further than Bread Craft ! Stunning pastries, fresh-baked loaves, and mouth watering sandwiches will stare back at you from the cases as you peruse brunch options on the menu. ere is zero shame in making an assorted box of pastries and having an indulgent breakfast! Our final early-day recommendation will come as no surprise to anyone local. Scratch Biscuit Company has been a staple in the Gran din neighborhood since August 2016. For the past six years, they’ve been cranking out fresh biscuits (made daily from, you guessed it, scratch), pancakes, waffles, and so much more. My recommendation is the Nash ville hot fried chicken biscuit with extra pickles — I’ve never had a bad day that started with one of those!

~ ~Start e Day~~

Whether you like to start off with just a simple coffee, some pas tries, or a giant chicken biscuit, Roanoke has plenty to get you started on the right foot. Our favorite coffee is easily from RND (Roasters Next

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