Thursday, December 13, 2007
New Year's Eve events in Roanoke, Blacksburg and beyond
Between all your holiday travel, cookie baking and present buying, make sure to take a minute to plan your New Year's Eve before it's too late. We've got ideas for everyone from kids to couples.
Quick start: Click the links below to go directly to the events you're interested in.
Family/Community | Formal/Fancy | Foodies/Wine Lovers | Casual/Fun | $10 and under | Music | Staying home
Enchanted Eve 2007
This is Roanoke County's alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration with activities and entertainment for all ages and fireworks at midnight. The theme for 2007 is the cruise ship "USS Enchanted Eve." Highlights include an adults-only casino, square dancing, 10-minute massages, a magic show, video games and a ball drop at midnight. Check the Web site for the complete schedule. To participate, you'll need an Enchanted Eve button. In advance: $7, adults; $3, ages 3-12; free, ages 3 and younger. Buttons are $2 more for everyone on the night of the event. 6 p.m. to midnight, downtown Vinton. 387-6078, www.roanokecountyva.gov/parks.Floyd Country Store
An alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration with bluegrass music and dancing. 8 p.m. 206 S. Locust St. on Virginia 8. 745-4563, www.floydcountrystore.com.Buchanan Annual New Year's Eve Bell Ringing
Family-oriented, alcohol-free party. Gather at Trinity Episcopal Church for refreshments indoors and the countdown to midnight on the lawn. Listen at midnight for all the historic church bells to ring in the new Year. Main Street, Buchanan. 11:30 p.m. 254-1212.
New Year's Eve Celebration
A calm and thought-provoking social event with refreshments followed by midnight meditation, discussion and prayers. The Dharmapala Buddhist Center is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition. 10 p.m. Dharmapala Buddhist Center, Roanoke. 366-3000, www.meditationinvirginia.org.
New Year's Eve Dance by Swing Roanoke
Dancing to swing, Latin and hustle music. Refreshments included. Partner not required. $7, advance; $15, at the door. 8:30 p.m. Woodland Place, Vinton. 776-9274, www.swingroanoke.com.
New Year's Eve Gala at the Hotel Roanoke
The gala features two live bands, two ballrooms, dinner, dancing, a balloon drop to bring in the new year and a midnight champagne toast. The Kings will be playing selections from the Top 40, beach music and oldies while the William Penn Quartet plays dinner music and jazz selections in the second ballroom. All proceeds benefit Preceptor Omicron's work with local charities including The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. Guests must be 21 or older. Dinner is from 7 to 8:30 p.m., but the party lasts until 2 a.m. $150 per couple. Cash bar. Special room rate at the Hotel Roanoke of $129 per double room. 110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke. 334-8817 or www.newyearsevegala.org for tickets and information; 985-5900 or www.hotelroanoke.com for hotel reservations and information.
Rockin' New Year's Celebration at The Inn at Virginia Tech
Welcome the new year with the sounds of .U.B.U. the band, a dance-electric group specializing in a wide variety of music for all ages. Enjoy dinner, accommodations and a New York-themed New Year's complete with ball drop and Times Square decor. $150 per couple includes dinner, celebration and champagne toast. $240 includes a guest room as well. 21 and older. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Latham Ballroom, The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, Virginia Tech. 231-8000, www.innatvirginiatech.com.
New Year's Eve Gala at Mountain View
Enjoy the night for a good cause sponsored by the city of Roanoke and hosted by Friends of Mountain View. Enjoy jazz music and dancing, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, a souvenir framed photo, valet parking, two drink tickets, a cash bar and a champagne toast. While you take a break from dancing the night away, bid in a silent auction of Mountain View art, travel and more. Black tie. $100 per couple, tax deductible. All proceeds go toward the restoration of Mountain View, the former Fishburn mansion. 714 13th St. S.W., Roanoke. 853-2236, www.roanokeva.gov/play.
Big Band New Year's at Marion Hotel
The Big Band era is alive New Year's Eve at the General Francis Marion Hotel. Charles Goodwin and his 11-piece swing band will play for the annual gala in the 1920s-era hotel. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and champagne toast included. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $55 per person for the dance; $275 for dinner, dance and lodging package for two. 107 E. Main St., Marion. 783-4802, www.gfmhotel.com.
Blue 5
New Year's Eve with Roanoke's own jazz and blues singer/songwriter Jane Powell. Three hours of music and entertainment. Ticket price includes two 90-minute shows, food, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Semiformal to formal attire. Doors open at 7 p.m., first show at 9:30 p.m. $75 per person. 904-5338, www.blue5restaurant.com, for tickets and information.
Square Society New Year's Eve Celebration at Metro
The lounge will become a VIP area open only to Square Society members, free of charge. Featuring light hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and a midnight champagne toast. 8 p.m. 14 Campbell Ave. S.E., Roanoke. 345-6645, squaresociety.org. (For more information about Metro New Year's dining open to the public, see "Foodies and Wine Lovers.")
In One Year, Out the Other at 202 Market
Before you party the night away, you'll need something to eat and there are two options for you at 202 Market. CityBar offers the chance to be at the heart of the party and music stage where you'll see live performance by the John Cowan Band and Col. Bruce Hampton and the Quark Alliance. Try a la carte items from the special New Year's menu and chef's tasting, then party it up with live music and dancing. An additional $50 gets you into the party. (See "Casual and Fun" for more information about the exclusive ball drop party at 202 Market). If you want to ease your way into a night of fun, try 202's Kitchen. Then you can choose to branch out to the ball drop party, or stay in the Kitchen where you can watch live video and audio of the party as you continue to relax and ring in the new year with a complimentary toast. Party starts at 8:30 p.m. 202 Market St. S.E., Roanoke. 343-6644 202market.net.
New Year's Dinner at Hotel Roanoke
The Regency Room and Pine Room both offer traditional dinner settings New Year's Eve. The Regency room offers an a la carte dinner menu and performances by jazz group the Jimmy Landry Trio. First dinner seating at 5 p.m. Music begins at 7 p.m. The Pine Room is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. with live entertainment during dinner. Party favors and midnight champagne toast. Reservations required. 110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke. 985-5900, hotelroanoke.com.
Nico's Ristorante 'e Cafe
Four-course Italian dinner with seatings at 7 and 9 p.m. 7 p.m. is $55 per person and includes a champagne toast. 9 p.m. is $75 per person and includes live music by Scott Perry and the Front Porch Swing, snacks and a champagne toast. Music-only is $20 if seating permits. 125 Campbell Ave., downtown Roanoke. 342-4444.
Montano's International Restaurant
Lenny Marcus live jazz plus hats and party favors. Limited seating, reservations a must. 7 p.m. to midnight. Dinner prices as usual. 3733 Franklin Road S.W., Roanoke. 344-8960.
New Year's Dining at Preston's
The restaurant at the Inn at Virginia Tech offers an intimate celebration to help welcome 2008. $55 per person includes five-course menu featuring a petit filet, live entertainment, party favors, champagne toast and cash bar plus taxes and gratuity. Preston's, The Inn at Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech. 231-8000, innatvirginiatech.com.
Rockfish Food & Wine
A special dinner with our favorite Gypsy jazz group, Hot Club de Big Lick! Four-course, prix-fixe dinner featuring entrees such as ostrich fillets and lobster mashed potatoes. $90 per couple includes, dinner, music and champagne. 8:30 p.m. Normal dinner menu served at 6:30 p.m. 1402 Grandin Road S.W., Roanoke. 904-5454
New Year's Eve Celebration at Metro
Special New Year's menu in the downstairs dining at Metro. DJ Stylus Chris will be heard throughout the restaurant. Complimentary champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres at midnight. 21 and older. Reservations require credit card number. 14 Campbell Ave. S.E., downtown Roanoke. 345-6645. (For more information about the Square Society party, see "Formal and Fancy.")
419 West
Special dinner menu starting at 5 p.m. in the dining room and at the bar. Live entertainment starting at 8 p.m. No cover charge. Midnight champagne toast and party favors. 3865 Electric Road, Roanoke County. 776-0419.
Trio Bistro Bar Bottle
Features fixed-price dinner menu. Bar open as usual. Countdown and champagne. No cover. 21 and older. 315 Market St. S.E., downtown Roanoke. 904-5887.
Corned Beef & Co.
Gourmet buffet, rock band Soul Patch from Virginia Beach and three DJs throughout the building. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 21 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. $35 for buffet and party, normal cover charge after 10 p.m. 107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke. 342-3354.
New Year's Eve Blast
If you're looking for a place to go in the Star City, the Roanoke Civic Center is hosting a "star studded" New Year's Eve Blast. You're encouraged to come dressed as your favorite celebrity to ring in the new year. Featuring entertainment by the Worx and DJ Pat Worley. Expect to hear everything from rock and country to Top 40 and dance hits. There will be a dance floor and a seating area and tickets include party favors, a costume contest and door prizes including diamond stud earrings and a custom-built golf cart. There will be a special proposal area at midnight for anyone looking to get engaged on a special night, but if you're not in the market for a wedding, you can watch the New York ball drop on a big screen TV. There will be a free shuttle between the civic center and the two sponsoring hotels, which are also offering discounts to attendees of the Blast. Dinner buffet served from 8 to 10 p.m. Call the Comfort Suites Inn Ridgewood Farm (375-4800) or the Quality Inn at Salem (562-1912) for more information about lodging. Must be 21 or older. $15, advance; $20 day of for the party. Cash bar starting at $3.50. $30 advance, $37.50 day of for dinner buffet. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Roanoke Special Events Center, Roanoke Civic Center. 206-2414, sponsorhounds.com.
New Year's Eve Party at Charades Bar & Lounge
This disco-themed dance party features a fashion costume contest with great prizes. Hors d'oeuvres, carving station and more. Cash bar. $30 per person. Special room rate of $99. 2801 Hershberger Road N.W., Roanoke. 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 563-9300.
In One Year, Out the Other at 202 Market
202's ball drop party features live music performances by the bluegrass group the John Cowan Band and Col. Bruce Hampton and the Quark Alliance, who specialize in jazz, rock and R&B. See "Foodies and Wine Lovers" for your dinner options so you can come early, come late or stay all night long. $50. 8:30 p.m. 202 Market St. SE, Roanoke. 343-6644 202market.net.
Parents without Partners New Year's Eve Dance
A place to go for single parents. Find a baby sitter and make your plans now for this annual event. Music by Cross Country. $20 includes the dance, party favors and breakfast. Doors open at 8:15 p.m.; dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Vinton Masonic Lodge, 1017 E. Washington St., Vinton. 982-2372.
New Year's Eve at the Holiday Inn University
Latitudes offers its annual All-You-Can-Eat Mardi Gras Buffet New Year's Eve served from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. $19.95. Attitudes Bar and Cafe has its own New Year's Eve Bash starting at 8 p.m. and going until 2 a.m. $10 per person, $15 per couple includes party favors, two dance rooms, cash bars, DJ Squirrel and The Wizard, and a group ball drop at midnight. Packages include: $99 for a room and entrance to Attitudes for two. $149 includes a room, entrance to Attitudes for two, and dinner at Latitudes for two. $159 includes everything plus breakfast. $179 is the deluxe package with everything plus champagne and chocolates for the room. 900 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg. 552-7001.
Cattle Annie's Restaurant and Entertainment Club
It's not just line dancing tonight. Cattle Annie's offers dinner, a party and hotel discounts. The Pizzazz Band play music from beach to funk to Top 40 and rock. Cattle Annie's restaurant opens at 5 p.m. with a special New Year's a la carte menu. $20 per person for the dance, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Hotel packages starting at $160 per couple and include a buffet dinner for two, entrance to the dance party, party favors, a champagne toast and a room for two at the Ramada Inn, which is within walking distance. 6:30 p.m., dinner; 8 p.m. dance. 4009 Murray Place, Lynchburg. (434) 846-3206, cattleannies.com.
Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill
New Year's Eve Party with funk, reggae and blues specialists, the Sol Creech Band and special guests. $10 includes appetizers, midnight champagne toast and entertainment. Full meals also available. Doors open at 5 p.m. 21 and older. 413 First St. S.W., Roanoke. 985-6278.
Awful Arthur's (Downtown)
DJ Troy spinning the tunes plus champagne and party favors. 21 and older. 8 p.m. 108 Campbell Ave S.E., Roanoke, 344-2997.
Awful Arthur's (Salem)
New Year's with Southern rock jam band Crobar Cane. Champagne toast at midnight. $10. 9:30 p.m. 21 and older. 1302 W. Main St., Salem. 387-1004.
Awful Arthur's (Towers)
DJ Todd will spin everybody's favorite tunes to ring in the New Year. Midnight toast and party favors. 9 p.m. 21 and older. Towers Shopping Center, Roanoke. 777-0007.
Awful Arthur's (Blacksburg)
Rock jam band Groova Scape and rock, soul and reggae group Electric Chameleon entertain, and champagne toast at midnight. $5. Packages available to include a special New Year's dinner menu. 211 Draper Road S.W., Blacksburg. 443-9109.
A roundup of highlights from music writer Tad Dickens:
Jane Powell at Blue 5
Powell is Roanoke musical royalty, but her busy performance schedule has kept her away from home. Here's a great chance to see the woman that Blue 5 owner Kerry Hurley calls "Roanoke's Aretha Franklin." She'll do two 90-minute shows to ring in the year. 904-5338, blue5restaurant.com.
Col. Bruce Hampton and the Quark Alliance, with the John Cowan Band at 202 Market
Hampton always likes some bluegrass in his rock, soul and funk mix. Cowan likes rock, soul and funk in his bluegrass stew. Put these old friends on the same stage, and the combination is liable to be outrageous. 202's Gary Jackson is so stoked, he's having it recorded for a CD release later. 343-6644, 202market.net.
Sol Creech Band at Martin's
Hear funky blues with reggae touches from Creech and his rock-solid rhythm section, Jake Dempsey and George Penn. 985-6278, martinsdowntown.com.
Le Hot Club de Big Lick at Rockfish Food & Wine
Revisit the 1930s with this group of Gypsy jazz purveyors. They'll make you swing. 904-5454, www.rockfishfood.com.
TK-421 at The Clinic, Wytheville
Get a mix of your favorite hard-rock covers and quality original songs. 9 p.m. 195 W. Main St., Wytheville. (276) 228-9111, www.tk-421.net.
Ademption & Madrone at Turn One, Wytheville
More NYE crunch, from the loud, original and full-of-musical-hooks categories.
8 p.m. 1155 N. Fourth St., Wytheville. (276) 228-8876, turnonesportsbar.com.
Scott Perry and Front Porch Swing at Nico's Ristorante
Perry and partner in resophonic guitar crime Bill Adams join bassist Bob Thomas for hillbilly swing, blues, jazz and honky-tonk. 9 p.m.,125 Campbell Ave., downtown Roanoke. 342-4444, ohpapa.com
So, you can't find a sitter, have to work the next day or just don't want to be out on the roads with everyone else? Don't fret! There's plenty of fun to be had at home.
If you have little ones, start the night off with an easy dinner and a family movie favorite. Then they head to bed and you can do what you like.
If not, try making something good to eat that you save for special occasions. Steak? Homemade ravioli? Your choice! Then watch a movie or play a board game with your family, friends or that special someone.
Or, get together with some friends and try a progressive dinner. Start at one person's house with cocktails. Then move on to another place (with designated drivers of course!) for appetizers. Move again for a salad and again for the main course. When you get to your final hangout for the evening, open the wine and relax with some music and good conversation until 2008.
