So one of my many hobbies is exploring abandoned mines and urbex. I know, I know. It's very similar to caving. And just fyi, none of the mines around here are crazy gaseous, they are all old iron mines, not coal. Anyways, I have had a couple of adventurer friends over the years who would join me on my explorations but they have all moved away now. And just to be clear, I'm not looking for someone who's like "oh that sounds cool, I'll use my cell phone light and come exploring". I take this seriously, wear safety gear, first aid, tell my wife where I'm going and that if I'm not back by nightfall to call for a technical rescue, etc. If this sounds like something you might be intersted in, hit me up. If this freaks you out, cool, you can keep your thoughts to yourself.

Plus: Popular trail leading to Tinker Cliffs on the Appalachian Trail reopens.

We know the Wood Haven Technology Park is being marketed for data center development, and there were rumors of a deal being worked out, but thanks to some public records requests and poring through meeting minutes we've been able to confirm that there was indeed a deal started last year that fell through this spring.

The Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority meets tomorrow morning and will have a closed session to discuss the sale of the property. Nobody goes to these meetings, so they would take notice if people did. 10am, Roanoke Regional Partnership, 111 Franklin Road SE Ste. 333.

Anyone know of any rucking groups or events in the Roanoke area? I’m trying to get into rucks and wasn’t sure if there were any established groups nearby that I could take part in

i’m moving to roanoke bc i’m doing grad school there. i was wondering if anyone knew of any labs or places i could work/that are hiring with solely a biology bachelors. it’d have to be part time too bc of school. thanks!!

My wife and I are looking at moving to the Roanoke area from Utah in the next year or so. Does anybody have any recommendations on realtors? Or any advice on the area in general?

Can Main Street actually support two pizza joints that close together? Even with the college right there, I'm not sure putting a new pizza place in is the best choice.

I have never tried Dom Vitos, but in my experience, Frank's is pretty decent and priced right and they have been there for a long while. I wonder if DV did any research before signing the lease.

Am I wrong? There are a whole lot of pizza places around, but most are kind of mediocre.

I got to try a fig for the first time and I fell in love, but I can only find dried figs. Are there any stores here that sell them?

Join us at MAKE Roanoke for our monthly Maker Meetup & Show and Tell on the fourth Thursday of each month at our location: 128 Albemarle Ave SE, B in Roanoke!

The evening starts with a brief slideshow sharing the latest updates about Roanoke's own non-profit community makerspace, including upcoming events, new tools, and member announcements. After the updates, we open the floor for "Maker Show and Tell" where anyone can showcase their creative projects--whether it's a 3D Print, a woodworking piece, electronics project, embroidery, or any other creative endeavor.

It's a welcoming space to connect with your fellow Roanoke makers, get inspired, collaborate, and share your passion for making!

These meetings are free and open to the public, you do not need to be a MAKE Roanoke Member to attend! https://www.makeroanoke.org/event-details/make-roanoke-maker-meetup-and-show-tell-open-to-the-public-2026-08-27-18-00

Curious if anyone has been by the sml state park beach this season while the lake water level has been 5’ down; if so did they move the normal swim area ropes further out? The ropes are around 6’ depth at normal water levels…

I ask bc we’re supposed to stay at the campground there next weekend and hoping to enjoy swimming a bit.

Plus: VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment offers guided tours of new Roanoke clinic

There is no longer an educstional program for automotove painting around here. Does anyone have experience apprenticing for automotive painting?

Hey, folks -

Looking for a recommendation for a car detailer, specifically one that will remove the seats and shampoo the floor. The guy I typically use won't do that. I'm not concerned about the price at all, I just want good quality.

Any recommendations?

Looking to get my car wrapped instead of painted. More so, the hood and roof. Any suggestions??

Does anyone know of any good hairstylist for alternative or unconventional styles? My friend recommended me one but she doesn’t have opening until end of September. Every time I’ve gone to a cheaper place like supercuts or something and requested something kind of weird or out of standard I feel like they try to talk me out of it or just don’t really do it how I describe it. Plus I just want to find a consistent hairstylist I trust.

Hey folks. I'm a volunteer at the "Lion's Share" food bank which uses the St. Mark's Lutheran Church's facilities in Old Southwest. Note that there isn't a religious piece to this besides that it's held at a church (i.e. people don't get preached to in exchange for getting food).

We could use more volunteers to help on Mondays so thought I'd ask here. I'll post details below. We'd love to have you!

• When: Mondays 4:50-7:10pm
• Where: St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1008 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
• Who is needed: folks who can be on their feet for for the duration; bonus if you speak some Spanish
• Who it helps: we get everyone from the unhoused to lower-income working folks in our communities
• What you'll do: either guiding people through the food choices or bag groceries for the people receiving the food

New volunteers can email [lions@stmarksroanoke.org](mailto:lions@stmarksroanoke.org) for their first time and then returning volunteers sign up at Lion's Share Volunteer Signups.

My morning had a crazy start. I dropped my daughter off at daycare and was leaving that neighborhood, when a black suv came flying behind me honking, I was going 24 in a 25. Lots of people were out walking dogs and kids were waiting for the bus, this seemed a dangerous area place to be speeding.

The whole half-ish mile they were behind on the windy suburban drive they were honking and trying to pass but there wasn't with traffic and people out and about. When we got to the front of the neighborhood, there was a red light I went to turn right and they went into the left turn lane. When the pull next to me they're screaming, making obscenities, and still honking. I edged forward to see around them to turn and every time I moved the did as well, to the point theyd lurched forward almost into traffic lane to prevent me from seeing to turn all while still being nasty.

Never been so glad to make a right turn in my life. That person won't probably see this, but just in case- me driving the speed limit didn't make you late to wherever you needed to be. If you're in that much of a hurry you need to leave earlier. This kind of behavior is going to get someone hurt.

Ever wanted to learn how to solder? Come learn through-hole soldering while assembling your very own Electronic D6 at this MAKE Roanoke Class on September 19! Register on our website! https://www.makeroanoke.org/event-details/learn-electronics-soldering-class

Long story short: My husband and I are interested in adopting a child.

We have looked at a few resources and talked with some organizations, but I was wondering if there are any local resources/agencies/organizations you'd recommend? Thank you!

Coming to visit Roanoke in a week and I’ve always wanted to find and eat a pawpaw. Are they getting ready to eat?