TEAM Cheryl Ham Team Blog

Roanoke, Virginia offers a wonderful quality of life for all, including for families with children. In 2015, we moved to Roanoke to start a new chapter and to raise our family. Coming from D.C., we were craving a slower pace, but didn't want to sacrifice on things like activities, restaurants, culture, etc. Roanoke is an ideal place to live, and our family has many favorite spots and activities we've grown to love.

THE GREENWAY

If you like to walk, run, bike, or even roller blade, the Greenway system in Roanoke provides over 40 miles of trails perfect for strolling with strollers or riding bikes. Kids can enjoy the fresh air and views of nature while parents or guardians can relax. There are also several playgrounds and parks scattered throughout the Greenway system.

One of our favorite weekend activ...

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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...

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We've always been told 'our roots run deep', but really- how deep do they run? Ask yourself, first hand- are you able to list out suggestions on a favorite coffee shop, hair stylist, gym, etc? If so, then your roots are growing.

My experience is one of a woman who was born in a small town in South Carolina. Tina and Kevin, my lovely parents, are originally from the midwest and their parents from immigrant families. Life with an interesting twist! I have a southern accent, but my parents don't sound like me, and there is no fried chicken or sweet tea in the home. Growing up, my friends and I called dirt roads our hangout spot, drove four wheelers like bandits, and built tree houses. Things were simple. For instance, I didn't drive on anything bigger than a three lane highway/interstate until college- it was a memorable experience… To this day, I still feel the same way- less lanes are more comfortable and I. Hate. Driv...

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Short Answer? YES!

Our pets play a significant role in our lives and studies have shown this relationship to be mutually beneficial. Among the many health benefits of owning a pet are decreased blood pressure, lowering anxiety and treating symptoms of PTSD in humans.

Animals can do so much to improve the quality of our lives, but have you explored all the ways you can improve theirs?

Here in the Roanoke and New River Valleys, we are fortunate enough to have access to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (V-MCVM) in Blacksburg, Virginia. The V-MCVM is one of only 32 colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States!

Compare that to the number of medical schools in the United States (204), and you'll realize just how competitive it is to become a veterinarian!

Besides the main campus in Blacksburg, the V-MCVM includes the Animal Care and Research Center in Roanoke, the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg and the Gudelsky Veterinary Center in College Park, Maryland. The college is focused on the development and delivery of a One Health education, integrating multidisciplinary research and educational opportunities that provide health care solutions for animals, people, and communities.

One very unique service that the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine provides is physical rehabilitation for your pet. That's right - dogs can participate in physical therapy, too!

Just like humans, physical therapy can be used to treat orthopedic and neurologic conditions and can be incorporated into a treatment regimen before, after, or in lieu of surgery. The Rehab department is led by Flori Bliss, an extremely talented licensed veterinary technician and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.

I know first hand the positive impact this program can have on your pet.

My dog, Wilkes, is a 14-year old golden-retriever-terrier mix who has been going to physical therapy for over 2 years! Wilkes had knee surgery in 2020 to repair a torn ligament. At the time of his diagnosis, I also learned that he had a partial tear in his right knee, as well.

After his surgery, I began taking Wilkes to rehab and never looked back!

For Wilkes, our goal was to strengthen his back legs to prevent further injury and maintain his mobility as he ages. In addition to exercises, Wilkes also participates in laser therapy, a non-invasive, pain-free, drug-free treatment that relieves pain, improves mobility, and increases blood flow to the tissues.

Owners work with Flori and their referring veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan specifically for their pet. Wilkes goes to rehab twice a month. In between appointments, I work with him at home on exercises, as well.

More Details

If you'd like to learn more about rehab and the V-MCVM, check out this news story and video featuring Wilkes, Flori, and others at the vet school. Without Flori and the rehab department, Wilkes would not be able to have the same quality of life he enjoys at his age. For me, these services are just one of the many reasons I am so grateful to call the Roanoke Valley home!

One of the simplest ways you can instantly change the ambiance of your home is by doing a home decor refresh. Not only is interior decorating a satisfying creative outlet, but it enables you to showcase your personality and style through your living space.

Here are some of this year's most popular home decor trends and where in Roanoke you can source products to bring the trend to life in your own home…

Bold Color

Color has established itself as a major trend for 2023, whether it be bright pops, moody, or saturated color. For a DIY option, try painting a piece of furniture in a bold color.

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