(Black Dog Salvage is a business that gave life to a reality show)
If you’re a DIY’er or simply enjoy poking around salvage shops, then you’ll be in your element at Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, Virginia. The architectural salvage store was central to the popular television series called “Salvage Dogs,” that aired on the DIY Network, which is now part of HGTV. The reality show ran for 11 seasons with 143 episodes airing from 2012-2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic, when filming ceased. The good news is that episodes can still be seen on streaming services like Magnolia Network, Discovery Plus, Amazon, iTunes and YouTube.
Robert Kulp chats with a member of our group
The background of the owners is an interesting one in that both men served in the U.S. Navy. Robert Kulp served as a naval officer who later earned a degree in building and construction from the Virginia Technical University and Mike Whiteside served as parachute rigger who, after leaving the service, became a yacht captain. The men founded the business in 1999 and quickly made a name for themselves, salvaging materials that might otherwise be scrapped, which led to the popular television show with the sustainability theme.
When the show ended, the business continued and some still make a pilgrimage to marvel at the unique items that are housed in the 40,000 square-foot warehouse and perhaps get a glimpse of the show’s main characters.
A steampunk man.
Many of the buildings that the workers salvage are from historically significant structures and some are slated to be demolished. People also bring old sentimental pieces to their shop for restoration or to repurpose them into another piece of furniture. The show is inspirational in that they make it look easy for DIY’ers to do what they do, offering tips and techniques.
An Onsite Guest House
Also on the property is a guest house and event venue that ranks a 5.0 on Google and sleeps six people.
The cozy abode reflects the aesthetic of the show, being steeped in history, craftmanship and creativity.
Whiteside remarks on the Stone House rental in terms of its history and significance to both Black Dog Salvage and the community. “The main idea is that it provides people an opportunity to live in a piece of Roanoke’s history—an idea that is central to the company’s mission,” he said.
Cocktails anyone?
When you’re poking around in another city while on vacation, it’s always nice to indulge in an after-dinner drink before heading back to your accommodations. Twin Creeks Distillery, located about 19 miles away in historic Rocky Mount, is a cozy place to enjoy your favorite libation. The small town of 5,000 is welcoming to visitors and for those who enjoy outdoor recreation, Rocky Mount is a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to Smith Mountain Lake and the Appalachian Trail
Have a drink and relax for a while.
Guests who visit the distillery can enjoy a cocktail, or purchase bottle of whisky, moonshine and/or brandy to go. Anna Prillaman Robertson runs the place with owner Chris Prillaman, who does the distilling. If Chris is onsite and you’re interested, he will regale you with stories about the past. You could say that Prillaman, as a distiller, comes by the business honestly. His descendants were bootleggers and Prillaman has been quite happy to take up the family mantle and continue the tradition. Prillaman said that he is dedicated to making small batch, high quality spirits with local ingredients and that visitors have been responding positively to his creations.
Good Eats
The Vault at Liberty Trust
The Liberty Trust building in downtown Roanoke, when built in 1910, was described in the newspapers as a “Temple of Finance.” The seven-story structure is home to The Vault restaurant, where chef Andrew Schlosser shines.
Chef Andrew Schlosser explains a few of the dishes to the group
Among the dishes available on the manageable menu are Devils on Horseback comprised of bacon-wrapped goat-cheese stuffed medjool dates, albondigas, comprised of beef meatballs, cotija cheese and bravas sauce, and a dish Schlosser recommended on the day I visited–a delicious Khachapuri, otherwise known as Georgian cheese bread, featuring sulguni cheese, egg yolk and special seasoning. Those who enjoy ending their meals on a sweet note can choose from among a rich pot de creme au chocolat, hummingbird cake, or peach bread pudding.
Georgian cheese bread
Peach bread pudding.
The Vault is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
That’s about it for this blog, but I do intend to write more about Roanoke destinations like Center in the Square, which features a children’s museum, a pinball museum and a museum of African American Culture, so stay tuned.
The Khachapuri looks good! I was wondering how they keep the yolk from setting. The internet gives me the obvious answer: you add it at the end of the baking process.
Marilyn Jones
51 minutes ago
Very interesting! Roanoke looks like a great destination!
Sometimes the fishing ain’t that great, but you still get quite a reward. On a calm evening, with only a few bites, I watched as the sunset turned incredible before my eyes. The smooth lake created a perfect reflection of the sky above.
Stephanie visits Sandwich, Massachusetts, the oldest town on Cape Cod, and explores two educational treasures: the Sandwich Glass Museum and the Heritage Museums and Gardens
One of the highlights of Stephanie’s summer was visiting New Haven, where she got to enjoy Yale University, its amazing Art Gallery, and other interesting sights.
Also on the property is a guest house and event venue that ranks a 5.0 on Google and sleeps six people.
The Khachapuri looks good! I was wondering how they keep the yolk from setting. The internet gives me the obvious answer: you add it at the end of the baking process.
Very interesting! Roanoke looks like a great destination!