Sign the Black Dog guestbook. Photo: Black Dog Salvage Facebook page. (Click to enlarge.)
As part of our extra days in Roanoke (my hubby’s pre-conference days) I insisted we were going to Black Dog Architectural Salvage & Antiques because I had heard so many good things about it.
We’re not currently renovating anything, but if you’re up for salivating over every re-use possibility under the sun, especially drawing on old fixtures, windows, columns, hardware, tiles, doors, fittings — anything for the home and garden — this is your place.
Settle in and stay a while
Vendor booth. Photo: Black Dog Salvage Facebook Page.(Click to enlarge.)
There are what seem like acres and acres of indoor warehouse space and outdoor yards expertly organized by “like” items that makes going on the hunt for your dream piece a breeze. I easily spent thousands mentally on what I would get if money was no object and I actually had a project to do. (PS, they buy salvage too, so if you’re demolishing, get in contact with them to recoup some costs.)
As if the renovation and garden supplies weren’t enough, there’s a slew of well-appointed antique and vintage dealer booths in a whole other section of the place. All vendors are very neatly organized and displayed, with good lighting to set each booth off.
The aisles are wide with easy access, so even when it’s crowded it’s easy to see and move around.
One downside is that there are a few booths with repro stuff or some niche product that screams out, “Made in China,” and those sections have a little of the old TJ Maxx feel about them. However, they’re decidedly in the minority of offerings and so are easily ignored.
My personal fave
Black Dog printing plate by Appalachia Press. Photo: Black Dog Salvage Facebook page. (Click to enlarge.)
The real hit for me was the inclusion of Appalachia Press, my absolute favorite store and maker (John Reburn) featured prominently in the middle of the vendor area. I’m a letterpress fan, have a small press myself, and otherwise do my typographical lettering in linoleum blocks, so you can understand my passion of this stuff.
Reburn, who’s both talented and sweet, is a phenomenal artist — see my separate review of his store and studio — making cards, postcards, prints, and etc. Don’t leave Black Dog without snagging some of his mini artistic treasures made on an antique letterpress. (He also does demos there, so get lucky and go when that’s happening!)
Take a road trip
Without a doubt if you’ve got a love for design — interior, exterior, or both — or a passion for architecture, art, vintage and antiques, or just are curious about how salvage works, go here for a super fun and unique strolling date and light upon some awesome treasure to bring home.
I’d suggest having an afternoon date before or after lunch or dinner at nearby Local Roots across the bridge in Grandin. (See my separate review of it.)
— Lindsay Curren, Girl Goes Virginia
