Looking for a magazine with insight into local arts and entertainment in the Roanoke Valley area? And for free, too? No problem, and here’s a brief review of some articles in the latest issue.

(The following is in addition to the typically several pages each issue devotes to covering upcoming performing arts, music, and other events. Never even heard of the magazine?  Visit this post first.)

Tourism Planning for “Staycationers” by James Sawyer

Gas prices are high, or the value of the US dollar has likely decreased, depending on how you look at things. And this article talks a little about what goes into marketing tourism towards the very people who live nearby (namely you and me) to stay and explore parts of Southwest Virginia.

Later, the author touches a bit on tourism in the area in general:

For most tourists who pass through on the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Appalachian Trail, Roanoke is a stop along the way with a quaint downtown market, an interesting rail heritage, a funky new art museum, and a neon star on a mountain.

What do you think?

Second Cuppa Joe by Joe Kennedy

Some of you may remember the original Cuppa Joe column in the Roanoke Times. Now, on the pages of City Magazine the author writes relatively light-hearted notes on various current events in and around Roanoke.

Back to School - Private Schools

A small feature on private schools in the area, consisting of a chart which lists such information as tuition costs and a brief description of the school.

This is also a publication with substantial advertising and for some reason I welcome that. It seems to go with the theme of local entertainment and also sheds light on some of the places and things in the area I may not have even known about.