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

During my travels and as gathering information for another future post, I came upon this marker at the corner of Colonial Avenue and McNeil Drive (which borders a side of Virginia Western Community College).

I’m not sure when the small marker was established, but I don’t remember seeing it during my years as a student at VWCC.

The marker is for Samuel P. McNeil, and it also gives explanation behind his involvement in area which resulted in the nearby road with the same name.

It reads:

McNeil Drive is named in honor of Samuel P. McNeil, the leading sponser and founder of WBRA and educational television for the City of Roanoke and Southwest Virginia. Mr. McNeil served as chairman of WBRA for 25 years from its beginning in 1966 until he retired in 1992. He was a co-founder of the local chapter of the fellowship of Christian athletes. He also served as chairman of the Roanoke City School Board from 1970 to 1976.

And at the end of McNeil Drive is the entrance to Blue Ridge PBS, which serves Roanoke as WBRA-TV.

Entrance to Blue Ridge PBS at the end of McNeil Drive

I think Roanoke is fortunate to have such programming options. And I do remember watching television shows on this station while growing up and, if I ever have children, I would encourage them to do the same.

Over the past several days here in Roanoke we’ve all been experiencing first hand the idea of a heat wave.

To me, the days of super high temperatures are simply a series of what I call scorchers where no place outside is safe from the heat. Even while just standing in the shade of a tree I’m sweating!

Then light brown spots begin to increasingly appear in non-watered lawns, and as a result I’ve only mowed my yard once in the past few weeks.

And, after several days like this I’ve even temporarily forgotten the concept of cold weather. I can’t picture ice anywhere but in the freezer, nor anything resembling a cold breeze coming from anywhere other than the floor vent. (Yeah, I finally gave in and turned on the A/C.)

Since all of the heat came upon us after just a couple days into June, I get the idea that Mother Nature doesn’t seem to pay any mind to it still being a couple weeks away from the summer season. If the past few days are any indication of what is to come then I think it’s safe to say we’re in for a bunch of sunshine.

Gotta love it, though. Of course, it may be nice to “cool” off a little bit, say back down to the 80s!

A few months ago I noticed a new sidewalk along Brandon Avenue at Towers Shopping Mall. Then, a new turn lane with new pavement and paint. And now a new traffic light is very easily noticed along Brandon Avenue at the intersection with 23rd Street.

The traffic light is being installed but not currently in use, yet.

It’s all part of a construction project to lessen traffic congestion in that area, especially during peak hours of the day, according to VDOT.

New Traffic Light on Brandon Avenue (near Towers Shopping Center) at the Intersection with 23rd Street SW (6/8/08)

Changes to the popular shortcut on 23rd Street

As a result of all of the construction will be restricted use of 23rd Street, the popular shortcut road which connects Colonial Avenue to Brandon Avenue. Making a left turn from Colonial Avenue onto 23rd Street will not be permitted when construction is complete.

Instead, drivers will need to continue on Colonial and connect with Brandon Avenue at the traffic light near the CVS Pharmacy and Harkrader Park.

Widening of Colonial Avenue

Also, a section of ground along the side of Colonial Avenue (near the ramp for Route 220) has been leveled in preparation for adding a dedicated right turn lane onto Wonju Street, according to VDOT.

Construction on Colonial Avenue (6/8/08)

All of the construction is projected to continue through November 2008, and I’ll update again as I’m able.

I’ve frequently noticed this little fountain downtown, have you ever seen it?

The fountain sits at the intersection of Salem Avenue and Market Street, and is on the side of the street nearest the train tracks.

It appears old, but all still in working order with 2 sides both with flowing water.

I’ve heard that the fountain dates back to the “early days” of Roanoke before automobiles. And its purpose was to provide a cool drink for a horse (at the low, wider side) and also respectively a rider (at the higher side with sprouting water.)

Well, that’s what I’ve heard at least, does anyone know for sure if that’s true or any other information into the history behind this fountain?

Temperature Sign at the Spring Cho Real Estate Group office on Brandon Avenue (6/4/08)

Yesterday we broke the 90 degree temperature mark in Roanoke. And today, and the through the weekend, we may even be knocking on the door of triple digits.

Last evening when I got home after work, I thought I may have to finally give in and turn on some central air conditioning at my home. But, soon after the sunset it cooled off some 20 degrees outside and a very comfortable breeze followed.

Now, the next few days may be a different story.

Here are some posts I have recently enjoyed reading from other local bloggers:

Roanoke Mountain Camground Introduction (June 1, 2008). Chris shares some photos and talks about a recent experience camping up on Roanoke Mountain. (@ The World To Muse)

Our Oak Is A Teenager, And We’re A Lot Older (May 29, 2008). David writes about his move to Roanoke from Columbia, Maryland some 19 years ago, and aspects of how him and his family adapted to the new area. (@ View From The Mountain)

Sprucing Up Campbell (May 22, 2008). Roanoke RnR took pictures and wrote about some improvements taking place on Campbell Avenue, including The Hancock building which just recently opened. (@ Roanoke RnR)

New Vendors on the Market (June 2, 2008). Rebecca again provides some great photos of items found at our downtown market, this time featuring some new vendors. (@ On the Market)

Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

This is Part 1 of an Exploring Roanoke series that covers: the current (as of May, 2008) entire nearly 6 miles of the Roanoke River Greenway, Wasena Park, The Skate Park, Smith Park, Piedmont Park, and lots of scenery along the way.

(For a general introduction to the greenway system in Roanoke, you may want to first visit a previous post.)

Distance (Part 1): approx 1/2 mile

Over at Roanoke RnR, I recently saw a post about Wiley Drive which reminded me of an area that I hadn’t visited in quite some time. In fact, over the past few years I’ve traveled along Wiley Drive via automobile at most once or twice, but never in my life on foot that I can remember.

So, when I found out that the Roanoke River Greenway connects to and follows along sections of Wiley Drive, a seed of increasing anticipation was planted in my mind. I knew that traversing along this way would be more than simply exercising or getting some fresh air (of course there’s plenty of both), but the entire experience is an adventure in itself.

We’ll begin at one main entrance to the greenway, which is at Wasena Park. 

The morning was beautiful and pleasant, with early sunshine causing the previous night’s dew to glisten on the grass. The air was slightly crisp, but comfortable, and I knew within an hour or so my jacket would just end up being carried and not worn. So, I left it the car.

The Roanoke River Greenway is aptly named because the path leads you never more than about a stone’s throw from the river.  The path actually, at various points, crosses the river or leads you along the way while just on top of the bank and looking down at the moving water itself.

And though the greenway was my overall guide, as you’ll see on occasion I ventured slightly off the path for a photo-op or a little more adventure.

Wasena Park

The journey begins in Wasena Park, at the starting point (or ending point depending on which way you’re going) for the greenway. On the left side of the parking lot is the greenway entrance, as directed by the nearby brown sign depicting hikers and a bicycle.

The start / end of the Roanoke River Greenway

 After parking you will notice a children’s playset and also in the distance a covered patio area with picnic tables. The combination of both makes up part of Wasena Park.

The play area and covered patio area in Wasena Park

I parked and made my way to the greenway. I took the first several steps and my anxious eyes followed the paved path until it became lost in the trees. The path is paved and smooth, and continues the same as far as I could see, and it’s a relatively level walkway througout.

After walking past the play area and patio, visibility opens greatly and I can see the path runs along the far backside of Wasena Park. Currently, the left side is gated with orange construction netting, and the river is beyond that and further down the bottom of the hill.

I’m finding this section of the walk to be quiet and peaceful. Even if children are playing nearby or a game or two is taking place at the adjacent ball fields, the path leads far enough away so that any human noise does not completely drown out the sounds of nature.

Far off in the distance I can see Mill Mountain, and even faintly make out the Star on top. By this time, I can also see the Wasena Bridge (which runs along Main Street, and connects to Elm Avenue.) And it occurs to me that eventually I’ll have to walk under the bridge to continue on my way.

Mill Mountain and the Wasena Bridge as seen from the Roanoke River Greenway

Little did I know that, of all places, beneath the bridge is a Roanoke City Park. Some of you may already know or have an idea of what I’m talking about and we’ll both check it out, as well as encounter and cross the river, in Exploring Roanoke - The Roanoke River Greenway (Part 2).

Have you heard in the news or by word-of-mouth about greenways in Roanoke?

Do you know the how, what, why, and most importantly, the where behind these greenways?

Well, neither do I completely, but over the next several weeks both of us are going to find out!

But, before I get into the hands-on part of actually exploring a greenway, I wanted to take a minute and provide a brief overview of the idea behind a greenway system.

According to the Roanoke Valley Greenways website:

Simply stated, a greenway is a corridor of protected open space managed for conservation, recreation and non-motorized transportation.

No Automobiles Allowed

One of the most important aspects of a greenway in Roanoke is that only non-motorized traffic is allowed. And, because the trail width is typically smaller than a single traffic lane, a car wouldn’t fit anyways. So, whether you enjoy walking, running, roller blading, or riding a bicycle, there’s less worry about looking out for a motorist when on the greenway.

Each One Is Unique

The entire greenway path itself may be paved, gravel, or a natural dirt trail (or a combination of all three). The path for one greenway may be open with direct sunshine, while another may lead right into and through the middle of the woods.

Make It Your Own

Some greenways are relatively short (1-2 miles one-way), and I believe the longest greenway path to date is about 5-6 miles, which can make for quite a hike. Now, of course there’s hardly a requirement to walk the entire way, nothing of the sort. Pick up at a convenient section along the greenway wherever you want, travel a little bit, and then turn back around.

Ready To Go?

All in all, the greenways are a great addition to the Roanoke area I think. Starting with the next post, and as I’m able to throughout the spring and summer, I’m going to share with you my experiences in walking them one at a time.

Comfortable shoes will be a necessity.