It's that time of year again. Time for traveling, gift giving, holiday parties, friends, family and of course. . . Decorating!
Give your Christmas tree the "Wow!" factor this year with inspiration from the designers of Fashions for Evergreens, the Christmas tree competition that’s the centerpiece of holiday celebrations at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center and The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center in southwestern Virginia.
Hosted at both properties, the Fashions for Evergreen event is an annually celebrated Christmas tree competition featuring 38 professionally designed trees that present awe-inspiring Christmas ideas and concepts.
“We’ve had everything from a nutcracker tree, a gardener’s tree with hose as the garland, a black tie tree, an Elvis salutes the troops tree, you name it.” said Phil Davis, assistant general manager of the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. “We are in our eighth year and each year these trees get better and more creative. We’re also seeing more and more people each year as well and last year tallied more than 10,000 visitors who walked through the properties just to see the trees.”
Ideas stem well beyond the traditional ornaments, garland and bows. Elaborate trees include last year’s Hotel Roanoke winner, a 1950-era tree complete with original board games, memorabilia and a rotating black and white TV display of “Leave it to Beaver,” the “Lone Ranger” and other classics.
Wade Tallant, three-time Fashions for Evergreens winner offers advice for those looking to be a little more creative in their decorating this year.
“All good displays start with a great game plan,” he said. “Themes, materials, concepts all need to be well thought out in advance before executing. We usually start planning in the spring and start gathering the materials throughout the year. If you’re in a pinch, start with a simple concept and add from there.”
La De Da, a boutique clothing store in downtown Roanoke designed a candy tree that would make Willie Wonka smile. Using oversized candy canes, lollipops and other sweet treats to completely cover the tree, the designers created a masterpiece that took home the People’s Choice Award in 2006.
But the decorating doesn't stop with the tree as exhibited by Best Wishes Flowers and Gifts of Blacksburg, VA. Their idea carried over to other areas, creating a Hokie holiday haven. Their theme commemorated the victims of April 16th. Using different memorabilia and images from the event, the group created the most photographed tree of the Inn’s event.
“Athletic teams, residents, faculty and alumni all came and took their pictures by the Virginia Tech tree,” said Teresa Hughes, director of sales and marketing at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. “Many people said they were using the pictures as their holiday card.”
“"This year, the Hotel Roanoke’s public vote is raising money for the United Way of the Roanoke Valley. The public is being asked to vote monetarily for their favorite tree (only U.S. currency and checks accepted) and at the end of the public voting, the tree that raises the most money will declared winner of the People’s Choice Award. All contributions raised will be donated to the United Way.
“We are proud to support and partner with the United Way this year,” said Gary Walton, general manager of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. “Tis the season for giving and this event will allow the entire community and guests of the Hotel to support a great cause this holiday season.”
The competition runs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. The trees will also be on display at www.HotelRoanoke.com and www.InnatVirginiaTech.com after Thanksgiving. For more information on the United Way visit www.uwrv.org.
In partnership with the Roanoke Children’s Theatre, The Regency Room is offering a special Madeline's Menu at a fantastic price that Mom and Dad will love! Have dinner with us and valet parking is free! After dinner, go see the show at the new Taubman Museum of Art!
Click here to view the menus.
Madeline’s Christmas
December 15-23, 2008
At The Taubman Museum of Art
Monday-Friday 7:30pm
Saturday-Sunday 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Call: (540) 309-6802 for tickets
"In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girl in two straight lines." This charming musical based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans, proves that is you have love in your heart and faith, that Christmas is a time of miracles."
LAST MINUTE HOLDIAY GIFT IDEAS
Still have people to shop for on your list? Need a gift idea for your Aunt Sally, Secret Santa, or Yankee Swap Party?
How about a tin of our legendary chocolate chips cookies or a gift certificate to Spa Services, The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center or one of our award-winning restaurants.
Our scrumptious cookies are ideal for student care packs, tough to buy co-workers, or simply to put joy in someone’s holidays.
Gift certificates are available for The Hotel Roanoke, The Regency Room and Pine Room Pub and Spa Services in the amount of your choice.
Don’t Delay. Order Today!
Three Easy Options:
Visit The Hotel’s Front Desk
Call us at 540-985-5900
Email Sandra Holt at sholt@hotelroanoke.com
http://www.newyearsevegala.net
A duel ballroom celebration
Strolling buffet dinner
Live music & dancing
Champagne toast & balloon drop at midnight
An Evening You'll Never Forget!
The gala features two live bands for your entertainment. The Kings, live in the Roanoke Ballroom, will be playing selections from the top 40's, beach music, & oldies.
The William Penn Quartet, live in the Crystal Ballroom, will be playing dinner music and jazz selections.
Both ballrooms feature a count-down to the New Year with a balloon drop at midnight over the dance floor. Champagne is provided to each couple for a midnight champagne toast.
Tickets can be purchased in advance with credit cards, cash, or checks. All check payments must clear by December 1st. For more information or to order tickets visit http://www.newyearsevegala.net or call (540) 977-0545.
GET AWAY FROM IT ALL!
For your most treasured occasions, or simply the need to get away from it all, celebrate at the Grand Ole Lady and enjoy being pampered by our elegant hospitality. Set against the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, our packages will create memories for years to come.
For rate information and to check availability, click here or contact our Reservations office at (540) 985-5900 or (800) 222-TREE.
THE TRAIN LOVERS PACKAGE
- Accommodations overlooking the railroad
- Breakfast for two in The Regency Room
- Railroad History Book
- Railroad History Coffee Mug
Book Now »
DOUBLETREE SWEET ROMANCE GETAWAY PACKAGE
- Overnight accommodations in either a Standard Room or a Junior Suite
- A bottle of our house sparkling wine delivered to your room along with two keepsake glasses and strawberries dusted with powdered sugar
- Your choice of a buffet breakfast in our dining room or a room service breakfast to enjoy in the privacy of your guest room
- Ideal for honeymooners or couples looking to get away!
Book Now »
DOUBLETREE BED AND BREAKFAST PACKAGE
- Overnight deluxe accommodations
- Doubletree Breakfast buffet for up to 2 adults and 2 children, age 12 and under
- Package offered 7 days a week
Book Now »
DOUBLETREE MEMORY MAKER PACKAGE
- Up to 20% off a family weekend getaway
- Complimentary breakfast for four each morning of your stay
- Package offered from December 4, 2008, to March 31, 2009
Book Now »
BECOME A MEMBER
Only with Hilton HHonors® can you earn both Points & Miles® for stays at more than 3,000 hotels worldwide and airline miles with over 50 airline partners. We offer several unique ways to pile on the points - earn them through hotel stays or with participating credit cards; or, consider purchasing them if you are just shy of that trip to the Caribbean. And when you are feeling generous, you can transfer them to family or friends who are also members. We also offer you an opportunity to donate your extra points to several charitable organizations.
A WORLD OF REWARDS AWAITS YOU!
Join HHonors now and start experiencing the exclusive benefits available only from The Hilton Family of hotels. Inquire at the Front Desk or visit http://www.hhonors.com
BE PART OF OUR TEAM
Looking to jump start your career or know someone who is? Look no further than the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. We have tremendous opportunities in culinary, housekeeping, food and beverage, retail, and so much more. And it's easy, find a position and apply online. HiltonFamily.jobs [+]
All open jobs at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center can be viewed and applied to via our new career site. We invite you to browse our current openings and apply online.
- Go to HiltonFamily.jobs [+]
- Choose: US Careers
- Select the option for hotel jobs
- Use the Job Search functionality to find that fits you
- Apply using the Apply Online button!
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Hilton Hotel Corporation to treat all applicants for employment and all team members equally, exclusively on the basis of job-related qualifications, and not based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other classification protected by local, state, or federal law.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY
When in town visit the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau located right across the street from the Hotel! http://www.visitroanokeva.com
The Roanoke Valley is the "natural" place to visit with its spectacular array of natural beauty.
Escape to the outdoors and breathe the mountain air while hiking, biking and rock climbing, play golf at one of the Valley's premier courses, or relax by the water at Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, or Carvins Cove.
After that, head out and experience the arts, culture, music and historic venues the Roanoke Valley has to offer.
There's so much to do and see here it would take months to experience it all. No matter what your pleasure, the Roanoke Valley offers something for everyone and the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center is conveniently located to it all.
Check out the Valley Happenings coming up and plan a visit! [+]
Comments. Questions. Suggestions. Tell us what you think? Email us here...[+]
