T minus 2 years and counting...

Well, the lease has been signed for Explore Park, beginning the exploration phase of operations. This is when there are studys, schemes, plans, and purposes investigated, explored, and rewritten endlessly. But if the developer decides to go ahead - in 2 years the construction will begin.

I am a fan of Explore Park as it exists, I like the history and the wonderful walk. But I am not so foolish as not to realize there is much more land that is unused in that park, so I would like to see something seamless. Something that uses the park and its existing buildings and purposes, and creates based on that. There is a wonderful old church there, which could become a wedding hot spot provided the facilities are built for reception and hotel. But keep them tasteful, and the money will roll in. Virginia is for Lovers, then maybe Explore Park is for honeymooners, newlyweds - whatever you want to call them.

It's called a destination wedding. We found out alot about them back during the planning for our wedding. Up in NY, you get married in one place, then travel to the reception site. Which is usually someplace huge, grand, debt-inducing, and well.. overdone.

It's called a catering hall, and wether its by itself, or in a hotel - they usually provide every service in-house. We had a very hard time finding such a service here in Roanoke. Thankfully Bonnie at the Wyndham was very helpful in giving out vendor names.

But I digress, the point is, something like that at Explore Park would not be out of place. For the best example of what could be (and what is an extremely hot property for affairs and events in NY) check out the Milleridge Inn. Not only is it historically significant, it has all services right on site in a little historical village. Something like this at Explore Park, plus lodging would be, should be a true winner.

Yep, I said it - Roanoke needs more bakeries. Kroger is not a bakery, and neither is WalMart. They have baked goods, but they are not a full service bakery. ROANOKE NEED BAKED GOODS!!

How I long for a fresh jelly donut, unlike the ones from Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme. Or a fresh loaf of bread. Anyway...