Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 22, 1995 TAG: 9501240005
SECTION: ECONOMY PAGE: ENRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: LAURA ZIVKOVICH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Places are appearing all over the valley to buy the frivolous things we love and never knew we needed (probably because we don't): restaurants, coffee shops, watering holes and antiques shops.
According to local buying trends, well-chilled Micro Brewery beers, piping hot specialty coffees, trendy fashions and antique furniture are some of the things we want. And, apparently, we're buying them.
It's hard to drive through the intersection of U.S. 460 and Peppers Ferry Road in Christiansburg without money being mysteriously sucked out of your pockets. New restaurants and mega-stores are popping up like daffodils in springtime.
"We spend a little more," said Dorothy Akers, a New River Valley Mall shopper.
"We'll spend more as soon as they get Ryan's steakhouse open," added her husband, Bill.
Mary Zimmerman, a longtime Blacksburg resident who spends extra cash mostly on books, does most of her shopping at Waldenbooks in the New River Valley Mall and Printer's Ink in Blacksburg. "I hate Valley View. It's too big." she said. "I usually shop [at the New River Valley Mall] when I go to the movies."
Debbie Poff and Becky Hubble, preparing for a stroll through the mall, say they spend their time in a variety of shops in the New River Valley.
"I always hit everything that's new," said Hubble.
Coffee is the hot trend in Blacksburg.
Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea came along in July 1991 and gave us a taste for coffees from all over the world, not to mention lattes, mochas and cappuccino.
As our affinities for these drinks turned to addictions, entrepreneurs caught on. Virginia Tech opened Deet's Place in Dietrick Hall on campus last spring. Bollo's opened on Draper Road in May 1994 offering atmosphere and a blast of caffeine to downtown workers and shoppers.
Pink Lady Cafe is preparing to open in the University Mall, making it even easier for Blacksburgers to get their fix.
If your coffee table seems a little bare but you haven't found the perfect knick-knack for it or you're thinking the next theme for your home will be Southwest Virginia in the 19th century, Pulaski is the place for you.
Fernwood, an interior design and antiques shop opened in October, and Golden Oldies, formerly of Blacksburg, recently relocated on Pulaski's Main Street. With these recent additions to the more than 20 existing antiques and collectible shops in Pulaski, the town will attract New River Valley antiques enthusiasts as well as build tourism and increase revenues from Interstate 81 travelers.
"Main Street has a lot of neat new stores that opened up," said Ashley Weddle of Pulaski who said she shops more in her home town than she used to.
In Radford, restaurateurs are catering to customers seeking the latest trends in dining and spirits, offering varied menus and wide selections of beers.
BT's jumped from two to four draft beers and offers the higher-end Killians Red and Black & Tan in addition to its cheaper college-crowd standards.
Hot Chili's customers are looking for beers to complement their meals, said Charlie Whitescarver, general manager of the Norwood Center. "People will spend a little more money for a beer if it is better. Instead of a Bud, they'll get a Sam Adams; instead of a Pilsener, a stout or a porter." Hot Chili's offers 80 to 100 bottled beers and five drafts.
The popular Allegheny Cafe features a selection of 30 bottled beers and updates its selection regularly to fit the changing trends.
by CNB