Last minute Christmas and grocery shoppers, plus those who need to run by the bank,  need to remember that most places close early on Christmas Even.

Most banks shot down their office and drive through hours at 1 or 2 p.m. Tuesday.  Blue Ridge Restaurant closes at 3 p.m.  Food Lion at 6 p.m.  The Floyd Country Store at 4.

If you plan to hit a favorite shop or restaurant on Christmas Eve, give them a call and check for closing times.

Planning to eat out for Christmas?  Most restaurants are closed.  Some chains are open.  You can, for example, have Christmas breakfast at the two Waffle House locations in Christiansburg.  Meals are also available at iHOP and coffee at Starbucks.

Have a hankering for Steak & Shake?  The chain is open Christmas Day and they have one in Roanoke.  Shoneys will be open, along with Dennys.  The Dennys in Christiansburg is closed for good but the locations in Salem and Roanoke are open.

Some hotel and motel restaurants are open to serve travelers.  Check to see.  Cracker Barrel is closed.

Merry Christmas from Blue Ridge Muse.