Thomas enjoying dinner at Taco Riendo!

Our little valley is home to best-loved spots famous up and down the East Coast – from the iconic overlook at McAfee Knob, to our signature Mill Mountain Star. But the region is chock-full of hidden gems, too. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

A Classic Greasy Spoon (& I mean that with love!)

If you've got a soft spot for old-school diners that haven't changed in a half-century (Me! Yes please! That's me!), put Aesy's on your list. Many folks have tried Texas Tavern nearby (a local destination for a reason), but downtowners in the know often grab a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast or a lunchtime burger at this favorite family-owned restaurant, at fantastic prices. Aesy's isn't retro – it's 100% real.

Takeout that Brings the Heat

Got a hankering for takeaway Thai? Head over to Bonsack, where you'll find Thai Oudone tucked beside an Exxon, a convenience mart and a nail salon -- further support for my personal theory that some of the best grub in town can be found alongside a gas station! This spot serves up Thai, Laotian and Chinese cuisine. On a hot day when you want something fresh, try the Larb or the papaya salad.

Fantastic Frozen Treats

And speaking of warm-weather indulgences … I've got the perfect way for you to beat the summer heat.

The Williamson Road corridor is a haven for informed local foodies. You've got some amazing options here – from the cult-classic tacos at Taco Riendo, to my personal favorite lunch-on-a-dime, Viet Sub. But if you want something sweet, swing by La Michoacana. This hidden gem serves up some of the best ice-cold desserts in town. You've got fresh fruit paletas (think popsicles, only better), frozen chocolate bananas, and cool and creamy mangonada. The good folks here will chop up all kinds of fresh fruit right in front of you, then load the rainbow of goodness into a huge pineapple bowl or a big cup of yogurt. It's unmissable.

A Quiet Spot to Take a Breath

Need a little respite from your daily stress? Lots of tourists visit Mill Mountain for the famous Star Overlook, but did you know from there, that you're just a short walk away from the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden? This hidden gem is laced with leafy trails, home to a frog pond where water cascades from pool to pool, and even has the perfect park bench for watching a sunset over the mountains. The trails are free, located adjacent to the Discovery Center. Stop by if you ever need of a little midday mental-health break or a quiet spot to enjoy a bagged lunch with a view.

An Overlook Off the Beaten Path

Last but not least, I'm sharing a personal favorite trail to hit during a lunch break. There are so many great hiking spots in Roanoke, but most of them involve hours of walking (and therefore, planning). This one is so short and so close to my South County stomping grounds that it's easy to access on a whim, whenever I need a mental escape from the office.

The Buck Mountain Trail is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, not too far south of Clearbrook. From the parking lot, it's just a quick half-mile climb to the summit, where you can grab a spot on a bench and enjoy the birdsong, spring peepers or drifting fall foliage. This trail is much less traveled than most – which means you can really feel like you're getting away from it all, even if you only have a half-hour. Take a deep breath and enjoy!