Artist’s Date: Staycation

We haven’t been able to go on some of our planned short getaways due to some health issues. However, things are on the mend, and August looks to be promising. But sometimes being forced to stay home helps you rediscover some treasures in your own town.

My daughter took an art class in our local art museum. Afterwards, she took us on a tour–a very detailed tour of some amazing exhibits, including an amazing Virginia-inspired collage exhibit of Susan Stryk. Our art museum is FREE! This exhibit made me–the non-artist–feel as though I could do some of this art. This exhibit alone would make an excellent artist’s date.

After the tour of the museum, we explored a newly renovated building that opened up this spring. The rooftop gardens feature the view of Roanoke (above). The first floor and rooftop gardens were FREE. There are other museums worth exploring on another day. But since I was chasing a four year old, I was up for FREE and FAST. I didn’t want to worry about getting my money’s worth.

The gardens (pictured here) are new and still growing. I can’t wait to go back next summer and see how it has changed and improved.

The first floor has a few aquarium tanks. While it’s hard to stop and smell the roses while chasing kids, sometimes a staycation fits the bill.