Hello readers, it has been quite awhile. Recent years have proven the duress that blogs can face, whether or not their authors intend it, and my postings are no exception. Yet, this author will continue trying to endure.

Anyone visiting the Pembroke and Pearisburg areas since the fall of 2010 may have noticed that the New River Grill has moved from route 100 in Pearisburg to route 460 in Pembroke. Newcomers will be quite surprised at the welcoming vibe of the cafe, and the county residents have already spoken via the amount of vehicles parked in front of the restaurant on a given day … or especially a weekend. THIS place is here to stay.

The menu is comprised of an array of fine appetizers, salads and sandwiches, as well as house-made burgers and dinner entrees including steak and seafood. And for anyone wondering, YES the ABC license has been acquired — so, patrons may enjoy a microbrew or a glass of wine with their meal. THIS may be a first for Pembroke in a long time.

And this writer must state, the food is actually quite good. If you’re in the area, do stop by whether you want a light lunch of a nice dinner without a heavy price tag. It would make a fine top-off to a hike up to the Cascades and back.

Finally, dog car was mentioned … that is a the nickname given to a vehicle that drives through downtown Pembroke regularly, at least once a day. The compact car features a pair of dogs with their heads extending from either opposing windows or the same window, barking as the vehicle progresses down the street. As the cold weather has set in, dog car has been less of a fixture than it was this past spring, summer and fall … and it can only be hoped that such a great anamoly will return with the warmer weather.

Best,

John Hildreth

John lives in Giles County, teaches at Radford University, and plays in the contra dance band Dot Dot Dash.