Noke Novelties are interesting aspects, picturesque moments, and other quaint nuances of or about the Roanoke area.

When traveling south on I-581, there are a couple exits you could take in order to reach the downtown Roanoke area. One of them is Exit #5, typically referred to as the Hotel Roanoke exit. Because either the left or right lane on the ramp can take you to the main entrance to Roanoke’s historic hotel.

However, the left lane route offers a bit more scenery.

Going this way merges to Williamson Road, and it’s right here that you can see a fountain off in the near distance. Especially for tourists or other first-time visitors, it’s the first notable thing seen as you approach downtown from this direction. Moving closer brings into better view the upper sections of two of the more promiment buildings, the Hotel Roanoke and Wachovia Tower, which reside off in the background.

Welcome to downtown Roanoke.

The Fountain as Seen from a Sidewalk along Williamson Road, Near the Entrance to the Hotel Roanoke

Around the perimeter of the fountain is a basin comprised of a circular array of irregular stone flooring. The entire area is open and easily accessible via connecting sidewalks.

I know it’s just a fountain. But, I think it’s the relatively simple things like this that spruce up what could otherwise be just a plain patch of grassland.