
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 13, 1995                   TAG: 9508150085
SECTION: DISCOVER ROANOKE VALLEY                    PAGE: 9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE BEST OF THE REST

Starlite Drive-In Movie: This vintage mom-and-pop drive-in movie cinema is one of the holdouts in a dying breed of entertainment, and local folks love it. Pull up in your classic convertible and snuggle up to your loved one under the night sky as movie hits flash across the big screen. The cinema, which sells tickets for the bargain price of $2 per adult and $1 for children under the age of 12, is located in Christiansburg on Roanoke Street and Starlight Drive.

Old Time Fiddlers' Convention in Galax: Bluegrass enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven at the 60th annual Old Time Fiddlers' Convention in Galax, an hour and 40 minutes drive from Roanoke. More than 2,000 musicians from all over the United States compete for top honors every August. The competition traditionally is held sometime during the first of August at Felts Park. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and goes until about 1 a.m., Wednesday through Friday. Weekday admission is $5. On Saturday, the festivities begin at noon with a folk song and dance competition to be followed with band performances until 2 or 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday tickets are $7 each.

Mountain Lake Resort: Visit this family-fun resort in Giles County and you may feel like you've been there before. And you have, if you've seen the popular movie "Dirty Dancing." Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze filmed on location at this oasis. But that's not it's only claim to fame. Mountain Lake offers a complete outdoors vacation, with fly-fishing lessons, canoeing, tennis, croquet, horseshoes, cookouts, country line dancing, art classes and more. Call 1-(800) -346-3334 for more information.

Mabry Mill: This rustic water-wheel mill provides visitors with the ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway. Located at milepost 176, the mill offers a self-guided trail that features old-time mountain industry exhibits. Be sure to visit the Coffee and Craft Shop, too, where you can buy stoneground cornmeal and buckwheat flour, handmade gifts and souvenirs. The mill is open April 29-Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. During summer hours, it stay open one hour later, until 7 p.m.

Chateau Morrisette in Meadows of Dan: Located at mile marker 171.5 along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chateau Morrisette is an ideal place for day-trippers in search of good food and spirits. The sixth-largest winery in Virginia, it produces 15,000 cases of wine yearly. The winery offers tours, wine tasting and a restaurant with a beautiful mountain view and terrific food. Throughout the summer, on the second Saturday of the month, the winery hosts their popular Black Dog Jazz Concerts. Winery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant serves lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Call 593-2865 for more information.

by CNB