When friends come to visit and you learn that they’re also scouting potential retirement spots, it would sure be nice if your new home showed itself to its advantage.

SW Va did not get that message this weekend, though. It was cold, drizzly, and cloudy. Fortunately, our friends are hearty.

We got to our favorite spots to bring visitors, including the downtown farmers’ market, Black Dog Salvage, and the Mill Mountain Star.

But we also included a visit to the Starr Hill brewpub and Bamyan, a tiny and delicious Afghan restaurant that opened in Roanoke this fall.

And we can only hope that Susan and Greg will come back when you can actually see the mountains!