This month, we’re serving up Roanoke’s best in desserts and wine! First, Amelia Ammann from Evie’s Bistro & Bakery, our 2025 platinum winner for “Best Desserts,” shares her sweetest secrets and exciting bakery updates. Then, we chat with Ryan McFeely of SML Fine Wines at Smith Mountain Lake—he shares community vibes, seasonal wine picks and a preview of holiday events at his welcoming shop. Sit back, relax, and get ready to crave cake and wine!

———

Thanks again to Amelia Ammann of Evie’s Bistro & Bakery for sharing her award-winning dessert secrets, and to Ryan McFeely of SML Fine Wines, our episode sponsor, for sharing more about wonderful wines and holiday favorites you’ll find at his Smith Mountain Lake shop. We can't wait to celebrate the holidays with amazing cake and wine selections!

Be sure to check out The Roanoker’s Dining Awards issue, now on newsstands, and subscribe so you never miss an issue or podcast episode, and you can always read more at TheRoanoker.com.

Our October episode explores the excitement of estate sales and sustainable shopping! Suzanne Houck of Houck Asset Verification shares expert tips and fascinating stories about uncovering hidden treasures in estate sales, while Rachelle Walker from WyndRose Boutique takes us on a journey through eco-conscious shopping, celebrating Fair Trade Month and exploring unique gifts that support artisans locally and globally. Whether you’re hunting for treasures or shopping sustainably, this episode is sure to inspire on how to make your house a home!

———

Thanks again to Suzanne Houck of Houck Asset Verification for her tips and amazing stories on estate sales, and to Rachelle Walker of WyndRose Boutique, our episode sponsor, for sharing more about Fair Trade Month and the unique gifts, decor and more you’ll find in her shop.

Be sure to check out The Roanoker’s 50th anniversary issue, now on newsstands, and subscribe so you never miss an issue or podcast episode, and you can always read more at TheRoanoker.com.

Our September episode celebrates local creativity with a special on-site interview at Roanoke artist Eric Fitzpatrick’s home studio. Known for his unique ambidextrous painting, Eric shares his artistic journey and talks about recreating a cover for our 50th anniversary issue. Plus, we chat with John Perdue, owner of Security Lock & Key, a family business that’s been keeping the Valley safe for 50 years, as he shares their story and insights on evolving security.

———

Thanks again to beloved local artist Eric Fitzpatrick and editor-in-chief Kurt Rheinheimer for sharing their time with us, and a special thanks to John Perdue from Security Lock & Key for joining us today. And of course, thank you to our sponsor, Security Lock & Key, for supporting this episode.

Be sure to check out The Roanoker’s 50th anniversary issue, now on newsstands, and subscribe so you never miss an issue or podcast episode, and you can always read more at TheRoanoker.com.

Our July episode highlights the incredible 18 Under 18 feature in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia. Get inspired by these young community-builders and placemakers making a difference in our region!

——

Big thanks to Keri Garnett and Cory Applegate for sharing their insights and enthusiasm for our region's youth. Never miss an episode — subscribe on your favorite audio platforms for more great stories and community highlights or read more at TheRoanoker.com.

Our June episode highlights two of our May/June stories featuring Roanoke Valley Sister Cities, fostering global connections, and Stave & Cork, a popular wine bar in downtown Salem. Join us as we uncover the global connections and local flavors that define our community!——

Thanks to Mary Jo Fassié of Roanoke Valley Sister Cities and Bobby Baker of Stave & Cork for sharing their stories with us today. Their work featuring global connections and local flavors truly enrich our community.

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on your preferred platforms to never miss an episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and community highlights as we uncover the magic of every issue over at TheRoanoker.com.

Editor’s Note: This episode originally appeared for bridebook, our sister magazine, on the website at bridebookva.com, in May 2024. We’re excited to share it again here on The Roanoker’s From Print to Podcast series to reach even more of our community and celebrate these wonderful local stories.

✨We’re kicking off this episode with the shiniest of topics — jewelry! 💎 And not just any jewelry, but the exquisite creations from ⁠AmRhein’s Jewelry⁠. Join us as we discuss the dazzling details that go into jewelry for your engagement, wedding day and beyond.

💍Want to learn more about custom jewelry and see these gorgeous creations in person? Visit AmRhein’s Jewelry at 4347 Starkey Road in Roanoke or check out their website at ⁠amrheins.com⁠.

In our sixth bonus episode of our second season, we're joined by Cyrus Pace, the executive director of the Jefferson Center. 

Once a high school, Jefferson Center has become a lively spot for community activities, learning and fun. With cool features like the Music Education Lab and an exciting lineup of shows and music events, it’s a great example of how creativity and teamwork can build stronger, more connected communities.

_

Thanks so much to Cyrus Pace, Executive Director of the Jefferson Center, as we share more about the organization's mission, capital campaign to protect the historic 100-year-old building, music education lab, stellar programming and so much more.

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on your favorite audio platforms and YouTube! Thanks again for listening, and we’ll see you at the next show!

This special bonus episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Experience Conference Reimagined for Professionals, Innovators and Changemakers.

We recorded on stage at The Spot on Kirk with your 2024 Best of Roanoke multi-award winner Genya Kalinina of Hello Roanoke. We discuss her award wins, community building, hidden gems and more.

——

Thanks so much to Genya Kalinina for being our special guest, and to Get2KnowNoke and the Roanoke Regional Partnership as we celebrate the 2024 Experience Conference and the many exciting things happening right here in our community.

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on your favorite audio platforms and YouTube! Thanks again for listening, and we’ll see you around town!

Our latest episode spotlights Abby Hamilton, CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley and your 2024 "Best Community Builder," offers insurance insights with Bill Meador Insurance Agency and discusses craft spirits with Tim Brady of Brady's Distillery. Let’s raise a glass and toast to the spirits of Roanoke with a fun episode highlighting YOUR 2024 Best of Roanoke awards winners!

——

Thanks so much to our friends, Abby Hamilton, Bill Meador and Tim Brady for sharing their inspiring stories with us today. Special thanks to Bill Meador Insurance as our second segment sponsor, and to you, our readers and listeners, for supporting your premier city magazine!

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on your preferred platforms to never miss an episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and community highlights as we uncover the magic of every issue over at TheRoanoker.com.

In this bonus episode with Julia Boas, Director of Talent Strategies at Roanoke Regional Partnership, we discuss Get2KnowNoke and the Experience Conference Reimagined for Professionals, Innovators and Changemakers, taking place on May 2-3, 2024!

_

Thanks so much to Julia Boas for taking the time to share more about the conference, Get2KnowNoke and the Roanoke Regional Partnership, all important pieces of what strengthens our community throughout Virginia's Blue Ridge!