A nonprofit media platform for Virginia's Blue Ridge region
By Becca Knicely
At the young age of 12, Laura Lamoureux knew she wanted to be a business owner. As her Radford main street clothing and apparel store hits the 25 year anniversary mark — her silver anniversary — Laura looks back.
By Rehn West
St. Albans sanatorium has a long history in New River Valley, dating back more than one hundred years. But that history may be coming to an end.
The historic landmark is currently at the center of two lawsuits that could result in the demolition. Both lawsuits are between the Radford University Real Estate Foundation and St. Alban’s current owners – real estate company SHAH development.
Situated on a hill overlooking the New River, St. Albans was built in 1892 as a preparatory school for boys, though it’s most commonly known as a hospital for the mentally ill. The hospital was closed in the sixties, and the empty structure has since developed a reputation as a haunted house and a hotbed for paranormal activity.
By Tucker Davis
Just outside the city limits of Radford, you will find a cluster of fast food eateries strung along the tiny portion of Route 11. But in the middle of an unpaved gravel lot, across from the now vacant homes of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Burger King, stands Hank’s Drive-In. Hank’s doesn’t have a double drive-threw window or a flashy LED sign—they don’t even accept credit cards.
Despite the lack of flare and modern-day innovations like the big chain fast food rivals that surround them, Hank’s Drive-In has stood the test of time by serving up what they call the best burger in town.
By Bill Kovarik
Beth Obenshain watched as suburban developments swept away the farms around Blacksburg, Va., where she had grown up. And, as a self-described “country kid,” it bothered her.
So in 2002 she retired as a senior editor for the Roanoke Times and took on the challenge of directing the New River Land Trust. Read More “A country kid’s passion for preservation”