Blacksburg, Virginia Travel Guide
Introducing Blacksburg, VA! Blacksburg is a college town home to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, better known as Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech is called home by over 30,000 students, nearly as many as the 45,000 residents that call Blacksburg home. Blacksburg is nestled in the New River Valley between ridges in the Appalachian Mountains in southwestern VA. Close to I-81, Blacksburg is near West Virginia and North Carolina. It is within driving distance of Greensboro, NC (2hr 19min, 151 miles), Charlotte, NC (2hr 5min, 175 miles), and Richmond, VA (3hr 12min, 217 miles). The closest airport to Blacksburg is the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Roanoke, VA.
Besides the university, Blacksburg is home to plenty of hiking, biking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreation. Plenty of festivals are held throughout the year. Blacksburg has a variety of great food, from traditional American eats to seafood to many great bakeries. While several hotels are in the area, Blacksburg has a large number of inns and bed and breakfasts nearby. Whether you are just passing through for a football game or prospective student visit, or maybe vacationing in the nearby area, Blacksburg will have something to wow you!
The main attraction in Blacksburg is Virginia Tech. Take time to walk through campus or maybe catch a sports game. Prospective student? Be sure to schedule a prospective student tour. While on campus, walk through the Moss Arts Center to see their art exhibits. Keeping with the arts, head to The Lyric Theatre to see the 1930s theatre to catch a movie, or watch one under the stars at the Starlite Drive-In.
Blacksburg is located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, which gives visitors access to a variety of outdoor activities. Shop around the Blacksburg Farmers Market on Saturdays for local produce and artisan goods. Kayaking the New River is a local favorite activity, with guided trips available through the Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department. Swim and hike at Claytor Lake State Park, rent a bike and ride the Huckleberry Trail, play a round at Golden Hills Disc Golf, or hike the popular Dragon Tooth on the Appalachian Trail! For a sanctuary in town, take a walk through the Hahn Horticulture Garden to explore the maple trees and the koi ponds.
For a bite to eat, grab breakfast at Joe’s Diner, fish tacos at Cabo Fish Tacos, and a vegetarian meal at Gillie’s Restaurant. Swing by some local favorites like The Cellar, The Blacksburg Tavern, and 622 North Restaurant and Wine Bar. For a sweet treat or some caffeine, Blacksburg has a lot of options. Grab donuts from Carol Lee Donuts, coffee at Bollo’s Cafe and Bakery, pastries at Halwa Bakery and Cafe, and French foods at Our Daily Bread Bakery and Bistro.
Being a college town, Blacksburg is home to some nightlife. Head to Top of the Stairs (TOTS) for a classic college town bar experience and get a picture in front of their light-up Virginia Tech flag! Is bar scene not your thing? Blacksburg is home to several great breweries such as Rising Silo Brewery, Eastern Divide Brewing Company, Moon Hollow Brewing, and Beliveau Farm Winery and Brewery.
Need a place to stay in Blacksburg? There are several chain hotels nearby, including Holiday Inn, Hampton, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriot, and Super 8. Be cautious when booking stays over the fall. The Hokies attract large crowds for their home football games! Consider staying outside of town on football weekends. Looking for the ultimate Virginia Tech Experience? Consider staying at The Inn at Virginia Tech for your campus visit. For a bed and breakfast experience, book a night at The Oaks Victorian Inn or The Manor House at Beliveau Farms. Consider renting a cabin or a camping spot at New River Junction. Want a rental for yourself? Consider renting a Vrbo, here are a few of our favorites: Townhouse for 4, Historic Farmhouse for 6 , and Country Getaway for 8.
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Blacksburg is great for a weekend getaway, a football weekend experience, or an outdoor adventure. Having a difficult time picking when to visit? Consider aligning your trip with one of their many festivals! Visit during the craft beer festival Blacksburg Brew Do, Blacksburg Chocolate Festival, Blacksburg Fork and Cork, or Steppin’ Out. Last minute trip? See what's going on in Blacksburg with Next Three Days.
Whatever you’re into, Blacksburg, Virginia has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gave you a glimpse into life in Blacksburg that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
