Montgomery County Visitor Guide

Visitor i GGUIDE

1

www.GoToMontVA.com

2

Montgomery County

Welcome! Just off Interstate 81 and intersecting US Routes 11 and 460, enter Montgomery County and Go to Town in Christiansburg and Blacksburg. Experience the best in dining, music, shopping, libations, history, arts and culture, and of course, outdoor recreation. We are proud to call the Huckleberry Trail our own - an expansive 15+ mile trail network connecting the two towns and the surrounding county. Our visual panorama is accented by the Eastern Continental Divide and the canopy of the national forest system. We are host to Virginia Tech, home of the Hokies, and offer easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, Brush Mountain hiking/biking, the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail (Rt 76), and the New River Water Trail.

So, how will you Go To Town in Blacksburg and Christiansburg?

Keep reading for ideas and visit GoToMontVa.com or check out our Instagram and Facebook @GoToMontVA for inspiration for your next visit!

3

www.GoToMontVA.com

Don’t Miss!

1 Tour Town! Get away from the hustle and bustle of a big city and visit a diverse county with scenic drives throughout. Bring your family—both human and canine—and experience Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County! A variety of dining and shopping awaits to enhance your travel experience with lasting memories. Here to compete or attend a festival? Make sure to contact the tourism office so you can make the most of your trip while in beautiful Montgomery County! 2 Start Jumping Attend a Virginia Tech football game and you’ll learn the meaning of the phrase, “Start Jumping,” as fans jump to their feet in Lane Stadium. Visit Virginia Tech’s campus and learn how the university embraces history and helps students “claim their role”.

4

Downtown Blacksburg

3 Get Outside Take a step into the Jefferson National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains to get outside and encounter the good ol’ outdoors. There are activities for any age or skill group for those open to adventure. Don’t forget your camera! 4 Master the Arts As diverse as the artists, the performance venues and galleries in Blacksburg and Christiansburg are something every art lover should experience. Check out the two LOVEwork public artworks in Blacksburg and Christiansburg and share them on social media with #GoToMontVa and #LoveVA . 5 Get Historic A gateway to Southwest Virginia and established in 1776, Montgomery County’s heritage runs deeper than the New River. Learn about the history of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, two of the largest towns in Virginia.

5

www.GoToMontVA.com

Virginia Tech, the home of the Hokies, is a must stop when you’re in town. Walk through campus and experience a special place where you are never a stranger.

Lane Stadium Start jumping as Metallica’s Enter Sandman song blasts through Lane Stadium and Worsham Field for a home football game. Originally built in 1965, the stadium currently has over 66,000 seats. Virginia Tech has one of the loudest stadiums in college football, registering on the Richter scale during key plays! Cassell Coliseum Originally built in 1961, Cassell Coliseum has over 10,000 seats and is the home to Hokie basketball, wrestling, volleyball, and other sports and events. Hahn Horticulture Garden Stroll through shade gardens on a perfect path through enchanting twinkling lights. The garden features hundreds of species of plants blooming every season. Quick tip: If anyone yells, “Let’s Go,” make sure to respond with, “Hokies,” as loud as you can. Find athletic events at HokieSports.com.

Visitor & Undergraduate

Admissions Center Before exploring Virginia Tech, stop by the campus visitor center for maps, parking information, and more!

The Drillfield The Drillfield is the

epicenter of campus and received its name from the Corps of Cadets. Burruss Hall This iconic building is used for commencement, concerts, and more. Find the April 16th Memorial directly across from Burruss Hall. The Pylons Located above War Memorial Chapel, the Pylons are etched with the names of every Virginia Tech student and graduate who has died defending our nation’s freedom, beginning with those lost during WWI. The Pylons represent brotherhood, honor, leadership, sacrifice, service, loyalty, duty, and the school’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

6

Lane Stadium | Virginia Tech

Start

Jumping

7

www.GoToMontVA.com

New River - McCoy Falls Tube, kayak, paddle board, fish. Whatever floats your boat, jump into one of the oldest rivers in the world! The New River Junction can set you up with inner tubes so you can float on a river that flows north.

Huckleberry Trail The trail connects the towns of Blacksburg and

Christiansburg! Take a stroll or test your endurance to walk, run, or cycle the 15+ miles of the Huckleberry Trail. This rail-to-trail is perfect for walking your dog or getting the kids outside. Multiple trailheads along this paved trail have accessible parking and are easy to access. Poverty Creek Trails & Pandapas Pond Mountain biking addicts rejoice! Claimed as some of the best mountain biking trails on the east coast, ride on your own or check out local competitions. Located in the Jefferson National Forest, Pandapas Pond offers fishing and 2 miles of flat trail to walk around the pond and wetland. Heritage Community Park Explore 169 acres of land and observe outstanding wildlife in the easily accessible Heritage Community Park. With many varieties of birds and lush meadows and floodplains, the gravel trails provide plenty to explore for those of all ages. TransAmerica Trail Cycle your way through part of the TransAmerica Trail, Route 76. Ride on through rolling hills while ascending and descending among the mountains. Golden Hills Disc Golf Course Leave your clubs at home on this professional grade 37-hole disc golf course. The course is free to play and is unique because it consists of wooded fairways with a variety of elevation gains. For rules and more information, visit montva.com/parks . Stiles Water Falls See this beautiful 40-foot waterfall at Alta Mons, while hiking a 1.5 mile trail through an 850 acre wooded mountainous tract.

For golf courses and more outdoor ideas, visit our website and directory online!

8

The New River

Get Outside

9

www.GoToMontVA.com

Scenic

Drives

To the Blue Ridge Parkway If you’re on Interstate 81 North, take exit 114 to hop on Route 8 through Riner to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Quick tip: Head towards Christiansburg to stock up on supplies if you plan on camping off the parkway. Through Shawsville & Elliston Take a “brake” from the interstate and follow Route 460/Route 11 through Shawsville and Elliston. Historically known for sulphur springs and windy roads; beautiful rolling hills make for a visually stimulating drive. Through Catawba Road Virginia Route 785, Catawba Road, in Montgomery County is a designated scenic byway and a portion of the TransAmerica Bikeway. Sharp curves and bright green scenery will have you gripping the wheel with anticipation for each turn. Take a Pit Stop! We are an hour from the Lambsburg Welcome Center and one and a half hours from the Rocky Gap Welcome Center (both on Interstate 77), and two hours from the Bristol Welcome Center on Interstate 81.

10

The GeorgeWashington and Jefferson National Forests stretch across the entire state of Virginia, neighboring the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. New River Junction Campground Located in Blacksburg, this iconic campground offers picnic tables, in-ground fire pits, Wi-Fi access, hot showers and restrooms, and an open-air pavilion featuring horseshoe pits, basketball, ping-pong, and more. Boley Field Group Campground Adjacent to Poverty Creek, Boley Field Group Campground provides easy access to the 17-mile Poverty Creek Trail System for hikers and mountain bikers, as well as great amenities for groups of 50 or fewer. Caldwell Fields Group Campground At this campground, two separate fields can be rented together or individually. Both fields can accommodate up to 100 people and are bordered by Craig Creek, providing fishing opportunities and a chance to cool off. Floating Heaven If you are looking for a peaceful getaway, Floating Heaven is a treehouse site that offers roof-covered, open cabins.

Go Camping

Quick Tip: Always be sure to leave no trace when leaving your campsite in order to keep our natural areas beautiful!

11

www.GoToMontVA.com

Enjoy

the

Parks

12

The New River Montgomery MuseumGarden

Coal Miner’s Heritage Trail Loop and Pocket Park Where a mining tipple, hotel, general store, and residential housing once stood is now a historic park loop, showcasing the coal mining heritage of the area. Connected to the Huckleberry Trail, this park provides hiking paths and scenic bridges through the woods and easy access to the paved Huckleberry Trail connecting to the towns of Christiansburg and Blacksburg. Christiansburg Huckleberry Park Featuring four full-sized rectangular fields striped for football, soccer, and lacrosse, this state-of-the-art park is the perfect place for tournaments. In addition, the park has a splash pad, a dog park, an inclusive handicap accessible playground, a challenge course, pavilions, and more than 2 miles of paved walking trails. This park offers an off-road experience for bikers in a controlled environment, making it the perfect place to hone your skills or try something new! Amenities include shelters along with biking trails. Eastern Montgomery Park Offering a half mile of trail along the South Fork of the Roanoke River, as well as an access point to launch your kayak or canoe, this park is a must when you’re visiting Montgomery County. It also features a playground, picnic shelter, volleyball net, and open green spaces to fulfill all your picnic needs! Mid County Park Located on 89 acres, Mid County Park hosts the Golden Hills Disc Golf Course, Mid County Activity Center, and the Frog Pond Swimming Pool. The park also features picnic shelters, walking trails, and more! Enjoy the outdoors while still staying in Town by visiting the amazing parks Blacksburg and Christiansburg have to offer. Scan the QR Code for a full list! Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Skills Bike Park

13

www.GoToMontVA.com

Arts the Master

Moss Arts Center The Moss Arts Center (MAC) is home to the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT). Within the MAC is The Cube, a one-of-a-kind black box theater used for research and performances. Seasonal programming features world-renowned performances and visual art. Lyric Theatre The Lyric Theatre was one of the first cinemas in Virginia to show sound pictures after opening in 1930. Movies, concerts, and performances take center stage in the heart of Blacksburg. Take a seat in the balcony and enjoy this historical theatre in Downtown Blacksburg.

14

Moss Arts Center | Virginia Tech

Henderson Lawn Performances are scheduled throughout the year on this expansive green space between campus and Downtown Blacksburg. The Summer Arts Festival and the Friday Night Outdoor Concerts on the Henderson Lawn Stage are great ways to experience music. Live Music Local bands, performances, and jams are plentiful! Check out our events page to find the live music in the area. Galleries Art is presented all around the county. To find galleries and performance venues, visit our website!

15

www.GoToMontVA.com

While you’re Going To Town, make sure you take the opportunity to explore Montgomery County’s fantas tic public art! Whether you’re visiting Virginia Tech in Blacksburg or strolling Christiansburg’s Downtown, beautiful murals and sculptures abound! Blacksburg StormWater Public Arts Project While exploring Blacksburg, you may notice some beautiful art right underneath your feet! The Storm Water project started as an effort to educate residents and visitors on ways they can reduce surface pollution. Currently, nine storm drains have been painted as part of the project. Historic Cambria In Historic Cambria, you will find various forms of public art including ‘The Spirit of Cambria’ mural. Explore this quaint area of Christiansburg to find the Historic Cambria Train Depot and unique retail opportunities! Hokie Birds When visiting Blacksburg, you’ll see hand-painted Hokie Birds around every corner! Gobble de Art was founded with the hope to draw more people to the community and bring attention to the visual arts. Downtown Christiansburg As you spend some time shopping in Downtown Christiansburg, keep your eye out for even more public art adorning the sidewalks and walls, including a school of colorful fish that come alive through sculpture! Downtown Blacksburg Show off how you “live fully” by snapping a picture in front of the mural pictured to the right in Downtown Blacksburg! But don’t stop there--even more art is waiting for you to explore.

For an interactive map withthe locationsofall the public art in Montgomery County, please scan this QR Code!

16

Downtown Blacksburg

Public Art Explore

17

www.GoToMontVA.com

18

19

Get

Historic

Historical Fun Fact Our rail heritage reveals itself with two historic Christiansburg depots dating back to 1868 and 1906! Experience the path of the 1902 Virginia Anthracite Coal & Rail Company line, now part of the Huckleberry Trail.

20

Historic Smithfield

Montgomery Museum of Art and History 4 E Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073 540-382-5644 | montgomerymuseum.org Historic Smithfield 1000 Smithfield Plantation Road, Blacksburg VA 24060 540-231-3947 | historicsmithfield.org Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation 204 Draper Road SW, Blacksburg VA 24060 540-443-1600 | blacksburgmuseum.org St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall 203 Gilbert Street, Blacksburg VA 24060 540-558-0746 | blacksburgmuseum.org/slofh Christiansburg Institute Museum 125 Arrowhead Trail, Christiansburg, VA 24073 540-251-3160 | christiansburginstitute.com Meadowbrook Museum 267 Alleghany Spring Road, Shawsville VA 24162 meadowbrookmuseum.org Coal Miner’s Heritage Park 751 Merrimac Road, Blacksburg VA 24060 540-382-6975

For more historical locations in Montgomery County, visit our website.

21

www.GoToMontVA.com

Shop

&

Dine

For a complete list of restaurants, scan the QR code

22

Head into town to shop and grab a bite to eat! Discover hidden gems among the antique and boutique shops. Taste the local flavor! You’ll find something for even the pickiest in your party. Shopping Antiques, old record shops, national brands, and specialized boutiques can all be found in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and throughout Montgomery County. Walk through the mall and around our downtowns to shop ‘til you drop. Agritourism Navigate your way through the county and discover a pumpkin farm, lavender fields, wineries, breweries, and small farms grazing cattle, sheep, and goats. Many farmers offer tours and more. Find them at the local farmers markets! Restaurants You’re sure to find a restaurant to try out from the plethora of cuisines and restaurants as diverse as the area. Along with local eateries and bakeries, national chains are also plentiful throughout the county. Tap into our wineries and breweries that locally grow their own grapes and hops. Fresh Finds Locally grown and sourced food can be found at the area restaurants and also at our local farmers markets! The markets below always have fresh produce, homemade goods, and lots of samples to taste:

• •

Blacksburg Farmers Market Christiansburg Farmers Market

View the directory on our website for restaurants, shopping, and farmers markets in the county!

23

Stay With Us! The opportunities for a great night of rest are plentiful, from large hotels to fit your groups to intimate B&Bs for the perfect weekend getaway!

The Oaks Victorian Inn B&B

For a complete list of lodging properties, scan the QR code

24

Get Hitched! Nothing is more

romantic than a wedding in Montgomery County! With so many fantastic venues and beautiful landscapes, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to say “I Do!”

Meet Here

Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? Plan your next meeting with us and discover spaces that fit your every need! After you’ve tied up your business for the evening, enjoy dining, shopping, and more!

25

www.GoToMontVA.com

Blacksburg Skate Park Hand-in-Hand Playground A one-of-a-kind park designed for young folk ages 2-12. Elements include a ship swaying deck and imaginative storefront/play house. Ground cover engineered wood fiber. Accessibility includes wheelchair swing. Kid Friendly 26 Learning and playing go hand-in-hand at Wonder Universe! Perfect for those younger than 10 who are curious and ready to play. Christiansburg Aquatic Center Visit Sir Chomps-a-Lot, the resident alligator slide, at the indoor aquatic center. The lagoon is buckets of fun with a triple-loop water slide, spray features, and dumping water buckets! Starlite Drive-In Experience one of only eight drive-in movie experiences in Virginia, entertaining visitors since 1953! Cox’s Driving Range and Miniature Golf Course Enjoy some family time at Cox’s 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages, and driving range. Montgomery County Frog Pond Swim into summer at this outdoor swimming pool that’s open fromMemorial Day to Labor Day. Hop on the frog slide or glide down one of the tube slides! Blacksburg Price House Nature Center Operated by Seek, Education, Explore, and DiScover (SEEDS), the nature center and museum inspire children to learn and explore. It’s Game Time at the Superbowl Your children will get giddy with excitement (no matter what age) to bowl, play arcade games, spin out on Spin Zone bumper cars, and even play a game of laser tag. Wonder Universe: A Children’s Museum

Blacksburg Dog Park This fenced park is perfect for letting your dog socialize with other dogs. There are two areas of the park; one for large dogs and another for small dogs. Take a seat in the shade and watch your dog live like a local! Christiansburg Huckleberry Park This park features two separate areas in their dog park for small and large dogs and includes shade features, benches, obstacles, water fountains for both dogs and their humans, and a double gated entrance for safety. The park is constructed with antimicrobial artificial turf designed for dogs to keep them safe and healthy while they play! Huckleberry Trail This 15+ mile paved trail is sure to please you and Fido! A variety of entry points allow you and your pet to check out the more rural parts of Blacksburg and Christiansburg among the rolling hills and mountains around the towns. Wineries & Breweries Beliveau FarmWinery provides a dog-friendly environment. Other options include breweries like Eastern Divide Brewing Company and Rising Silo Brewery which have ample outdoor spaces for your pup. Dog-Friendly Events • Dog Days of Summer • Farmer’s Market - Blacksburg & Christiansburg • Summer Solstice Fest • Blues, Brews, and BBQ Dog Friendly

Quick Tip: Pets are welcome, but please keep them on a leash for their safety and the safety of others.

27

www.GoToMontVA.com

Compete!

Christiansburg Aquatic Center 28

Warm up and get ready to compete in Montgomery County! Athletes in swimming, baseball, golf, soccer, football, and more are all gearing up to Go To Town and take home the trophy! Christiansburg Huckleberry Park Hosting four multi-purpose fields for football, soccer, and lacrosse, the Christiansburg Huckleberry Park is the perfect venue for a sporting tournament. Christiansburg Aquatic Center Compete in the 50-meter Olympic-size pool that can also be transformed for short course meets. Dive meets will keep you on the edge of the bleacher as divers perform acrobatics in the air from the various platforms and springboards. Harkrader Sports Complex You’ll be able to see those fly balls while competing on the three lighted, multi-purpose fields, two of which have 300-foot dimensions for tournament games. The two playgrounds and walking path around the field are great for when siblings get antsy and it’s only the 5th inning. Kiwanis Park This popular park has two lighted multipurpose baseball/softball fields and a great playground! Motor Mile Park Just off Interstate 81 at exit 109, this tournament-style baseball facility has a lighted Dixie Youth League regulation baseball/softball field with a multipurpose practice field for a variety of sports. University Competition For competition venues on Virginia Tech’s campus and more, visit www.GoToMontVa.com/Collegiate.

For additional places to compete, or to participate as a spectator, visit our website!

29

www.GoToMontVA.com

Need Some Inspiration?

Scan the QR Code for some suggested itineraries that will help you discover the area based on your trip goals! Whether you’re here on a girl’s trip or exploring with the whole family, we’ll help jump start your trip with some suggestions!

30

Blacksburg, VA Downtown Blacksburg

Attend an Event

Create lasting memories by attending an event in Montgomery County during your visit! With annual festivals, live music, Broadway productions, and holiday festivities, something is always happening in our area! Annual events include:

• • • •

Blacksburg Brew Do Blacksburg Fork & Cork

Blacksburg’s Tuba Christmas

Christiansburg’s Christmas at the Market

• Christiansburg’s Rockin’ Main Street Series • Downtown Christiansburg Inc’s Food Truck Rodeo • EastMont Tomato Festival • International Street Fair • Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival • Montgomery Museum of Art & History Heritage Day • Rotary Chocolate Festival in Downtown Blacksburg • Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival • Steppin’ Out • Summer Solstice • YMCA Craft Fair For more event information and even more local events, please scan the QR code below!

31

www.GoToMontVA.com

Important Numbers

Regional TourismOffice (540) 394-4470 | @GoToMontVa | GoToMontVa.com

Recreation Blacksburg Parks and Rec: (540) 443-1100 Christiansburg Parks and Rec: (540) 382-2349 Montgomery County Parks and Rec: (540) 382-6975 Blacksburg Public Library: (540) 552-8246 Christiansburg Public Library: (540) 382-6965 Meadowbrook Public Library, Shawsville: (540) 268-1964

Community Town of Blacksburg: (540) 443-1005 Town of Christiansburg: (540) 382-6128 Montgomery County: (540) 394-2120 Chamber of Commerce: (540) 382-3020 Health LewisGale Hospital Montgomery: (540) 951-1111

3700 S Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060

Velocity Care by Carilion: ( 540) 961-8040

215 Gilbert St., Blacksburg, VA 24060 (540) 382-6000 434 Peppers Ferry Rd NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073

MedExpress Urgent Care ( 540) 381-2745

100 Spradlin FarmDr., Christiansburg, VA 24073 Carilion New River Valley Medical Center ( 540) 731-2000 2900 Lamb Cir, Christiansburg, VA 24073 Transportation Blacksburg Transit: bt4u.org Smartway Bus: SmartwayBus.com Virginia Breeze Bus: CatchTheVABreeze.com Virginia Tech Montgomery County Executive Airport: (540) 231-4444 Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport: flyroa.com

Huckleberry Trail | Montgomery County 32

Planning Your Next Adventure?

Visit our Virtual Visitor Center by scanning the QR Code below. You’ll find access to local events and our “places” page where you’ll discover lodging, dining, attractions, and shopping near you. Not sure where to start? Check out our pre-made Trip Itineraries!

Discover Places, Events, Itineraries, and more!

33

www.GoToMontVA.com

Learn more about the New River Valley and “Find Your Ahhhh” by scanning the QR code below.

34

www.GoToMontVA.com

Montgomery County’s Climate Temperature

Summer High 84°

Winter Low 22°

Precipitation

28 in

40 in

Humidity & Sunshine

66%

60%

Source: Montgomery County Economic Development

35

www.GoToMontVA.com

Mailing Address: 200 Clay Street, SW Blacksburg, VA 24060

1-540-394-4470

GoToMontVA.com Info@GoToMontVA.com @GoToMontVA

Scan here to visit our website and discover the countless adventures that await you!

Go to Town in Montgomery County, Virginia!

2024

36