Then and Now: New River Valley

Discovering groovy, vintage, classic, and historical institutions.

Text by Jasmine Bible + Photography by Susan Kalergis

We set out to find intriguing stories of the past and present—establishments who honor the past while writing their own history. In our search, we found new businesses in old buildings, and old-school businesses in new buildings. Join us each week as we travel through the towns where Nest Realty offices are located, this week we travel to New River Valley

The Palisades Restaurant
168 Village St., Eggleston, Virginia 24086
thepalisadesrestaurant.com

Now: New River Valley

Follow the winding roads through Giles County and arrive in Eggleston, a quaint town with stunning views of the New River Valley below. At the heart of town is The Palisades Restaurant.

Now: New River Valley

“Contemporary cuisine in a unique countryside setting,” is how Owner/Manager, Shaena Muldoon, describes the restaurant. Locally sourced ingredients are at the heart of the seasonally rotating menu. A wood-fired oven cranks out specialty pizzas, while live music serenades guests in the bar area. The ambiance is warm and inviting.

Now: New River Valley

High ceilings with pressed tin ceilings and dangling fixtures illuminate the wood floors and exposed brick walls. Large built-in bookshelves line the walls, showcasing an expansive display of memorabilia from Eggleston’s past. These objects offers a glimpse into the town’s history, and the building itself. The former tenant was Pyne’s General Store, and was a fixture in the community for 75 years.

Now: New River Valley

Residents of Eggleston and Giles County traveled to the store for everything from groceries to clothing, home goods, tools, and feed for their farm animals. It served as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and the Palisades now offers that same sense of community camaraderie. The adjoining building was a Chevrolet dealership showroom, and is now a gallery with art and objects from local artisans.

The Cambria Emporium
596 Depot St NE, Christiansburg, VA 24073
cambriaemporium.org

Now: New River Valley

Alongside the railroad tracks in Christiansburg, VA, lies the Cambria Emporium. The expansive antique mall is comprised of multiple vendors who offer goods from the relatively recent to distant past. You’ll find everything from delicate glassware, to dolls, books, furniture, clothing and jewelry. Originally built in 1908, the building itself retains some of its original charm—high ceilings, expansive windows, wood floors, and an old freight elevator that still works!

Floyd Country Store
206 South Locust Street, Floyd, VA 24091
floydcountrystore.com

Now: New River Valley

The “Loitering Allowed” sign above the door tells you everything you need to know about the Floyd Country Store in Floyd, VA. The friendly, welcoming, and casual atmosphere serves as a gathering place for the community.

Now: New River Valley

A true country store, you’ll find everything from barrels of classic candy to bib overalls and local crafts. Soups, sandwiches, ice cream, and pastries are served in the cafe, and extended chit-chat is highly encouraged. The store is perhaps most famous for its “Friday Night Jamboree” – a weekly event where you can experience authentic Appalachian music. Various musicians, foot dancers, and cloggers gather every week to share their craft with an enthusiastic audience of townsfolk and visitors from near and far.

Bar Blue
126 Jackson Street, NW, Blacksburg, VA 24060
theblackhenrestaurant.com

Now: New River Valley

In the mood for a classic cocktail? Head to Bar Blue in downtown Blacksburg. Their friendly mixologist will happily concoct your choice of libation. We opted for an old fashioned and an Apple-achian mule. The old fashioned was crafted with Bulleit rye, Angostura bitters, Peychaud’s bitters, and Luxardo Maraschino cherry liqueur, served over a single ice cube and garnished with a cherry, orange twist, and rosemary sprig. The Apple-achian mule is Bar Blue’s take on a Moscow mule, adding the flavor of Appalachian apples. The drink begins with house-infused local Appalachian apple vodka, mixed with local ginger beer, apple cider reduction, and fresh lime juice. The drink is served in a mason jar with a cinna-sugar lined rim, and a homemade apple chip and lime twist. You can also enjoy nibbles from the adjoining restaurant, The Black Hen.

SEEDS
107 Wharton St SE, Blacksburg, VA 24060
seedskids.org

Now: New River Valley

SEEDS—Seek Education, Explore, Discover® is a charitable non-profit that focuses on community engagement, summer field camps and programs, and travel field camps. SEEDS runs and funds the Blacksburg Nature Center, and hopes to inspire, “a natural curiosity and love for the environment in children and the young at heart through discovery learning, nature education, teacher support, and civic awareness,” as shared on their website. The nature center is located in the historic Price House, which dates back to the 1840’s / 1850’s, and is one of the oldest original standing structures in Blacksburg. Stop in to enjoy the museum, the nature center, the historic building, and the gardens.

Finders Keepers
219 East Main Street • Floyd, Virginia 24091
finderskeepersfloyd.com

Now: New River Valley

You can’t miss the vintage gas bumps gleaming in front of Finders Keepers Antiques in Floyd, VA. This antique and consignment shop is a local favorite. Browse the selection of rare antiques, tchotchkes, and knick-knacks. Bring your own vintage treasures to sell or trade. They also have a large selection of outdoor garden accessories – statuaries, furniture, and bottle trees—metal trees made to hold your collection of vintage soda bottles.

Check back next week when we visit Wilmington, NC!

We shared this story with you in our Spring/Summer 2016 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here!

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Posted in Asheville, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, NEST Magazine, New River Valley, Spring/Summer 2016, Wilmington
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