Blacksburg Christiansburg Visitors Guide

R E G I O N A L T O U R I S M

Official Visitors Guide

Welcome! Just off Interstate 81 and intersecting US Route 460, enter Montgomery County and venture on to Christiansburg and Blacksburg: the Home of the Virginia Tech Hokies. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia, our history seeps through everything we do, and here the people are sweeter than the tea. Experience a hidden gem that’s different than anything you’ve experienced before. So, how will you Go To Town in Montgomery County, Blacksburg, and Christiansburg, Virginia? Keep reading for ideas and visit www.GoToMontVa.com or @GoToMontVA for inspiration for your next visit!

The New River 2

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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 fill your vacation with new experiences and 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 while inventing the future.

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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. The P. Buckley Moss Gallery has classic pieces created by the famed artist. Check out the two LOVEwork public artworks in Blacksburg and Christiansburg and share them on social media with #GoToMontVa and #LoveVA . 5 Get Historical A gateway to Southwest Virginia and established in 1776, Montgomery County’s history runs deeper than the New River. Learn about the history of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, two of the largest towns in Virginia.

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Scenic

Drives

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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. If you’re on Interstate 81 South, take exit 118 towards Christiansburg and drive along Roanoke Street towards Route 8. Through Shawsville & Elliston Take a “brake” from the interstate and take 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, as well as a portion of the TransAmerica Bikeway. Sharp curves and bright green scenery will have you gripping the wheel with anticipation for each turn. Through Ellett Valley Start in Historic Cambria by the railroad and drive past the Smart Road bridge on Ellett Valley Road! Take a Pit Stop! We are an hour away from the Lambsburg Welcome Center on Interstate 77, one and a half hours from the Rocky Gap Welcome Center on State Route 66, and two hours away from the Bristol Welcome Center on Interstate 81. Quick tip: Right off exit 118 and 114 are a multitude of hotels, restaurants, and places to stretch your legs. Check out our website for amenities just off the interstate.

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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’re never a stranger.

Lane Stadium Start jumping as Metallica’s Enter Sandman 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).

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Lane Stadium | Virginia Tech

Start Jumping

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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. For river access points on the New, view the directory on our website and search “ boat access.” Huckleberry Trail The trail connects the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg! Take a stroll or test your endurance to walk, run, or cycle the 14+ miles of the Huckleberry Trail. This rail-to-trail is perfect for walking your dog or getting the kids outside. Multiple trail heads 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. Falls Ridge Preserve Hike to a spring-fed waterfall while marveling at little cascades along the way. Look for wildflowers and beautiful rock formations during the spring and interesting ice formations in the winter. 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, visit www.montva.com/parks . For golf courses and more outdoor ideas, visit our website and directory online!

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Huckleberry Trail, Christiansburg

Get

Outside

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Master Arts the

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.

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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 a great way to experience music. Live Music Local bands, performances, and jams are plentiful! Check out our Facebook 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!

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Montgomery Museum of Art and History Montgomery County’s history is intertwined with art inside the Montgomery Museum. This historical home hosts events throughout the year to help preserve the past and showcase current art with rotating regional exhibits. Historic Smithfield Plantation Experience and learn about the formation of Montgomery County through the Preston Family and how they played a part in the creation of Virginia Tech from the Olin and Preston Institute. Alexander Black House & Cultural Center This fully restored Queen Anne Victorian style home, once owned by Alexander Black, a prominent businessman in Blacksburg, now holds rotating cultural exhibits. The Center illustrates how the home would have existed during his time during the 19th century. St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall Built in 1907, Saint Luke and Odd Fellows Hall was used for many social gatherings in the African American community of New Town, now modern day Blacksburg. Visit the Hall to learn about the culture and traditions. Christiansburg Institute, Inc. The Christiansburg Institute was the first African- American high school in southwest Virginia. The school served students from across the state and beyond for 100 years. Visit the Edgar A. Long building (the original school site), the smokehouse, and learn about the remarkable students by booking a tour! Coal Miner’s Heritage Park This pocket park is located along the Huckleberry Trail and highlights the coal mining history in the McCoy area of Montgomery County, just west of Blacksburg. For more historical locations in Montgomery County, visit our website.

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Historic Smithfield Plantation

Historical Get

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Shop & Dine

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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 • Community Market of Blacksburg

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

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Montgomery County Frog Pond Swim into summer at this outdoor swimming pool that’s open from Memorial 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 inspires children to learn and explore. NRV Super Bowl You 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. All these activities under one roof are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Wonder Universe: A Children’s Museum 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! B&B Theaters Head out to the movies and see the latest blockbuster on one of many large screens or the IMAX. At B&B you can bowl, catch a flick, and grab a bite to eat. One stop entertainment! 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. Will you be able to hit a hole-in-one?

For rainy day activities and more family fun, visit the directory on our website!

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Christiansburg Skate Park

Kid Friendly

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Dog Friendly

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Grab the leash and poop bags and get out into Montgomery County with your favorite furry friend! 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! Mid-County Park This park has a dog walking area including a nature trail loop system and more. You and your pet will love getting outdoors and exploring the 110-acre park along with the wetland areas, picnic shelters, and more. Huckleberry Trail This 14+ 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 Beliveau Farm Winery and White Barrel Winery are both dog-friendly wineries. Bring your dog and lounge in the mountains with your best furry friend at your side.

Dog Friendly Festivals • Dog Days of Summer • Art at the Market • Summer Solstice Fest • Blues, Brews, and BBQ

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

For more pet friendly ideas, visit our directory on our website. For pet friendly lodging, check out Page 28 of the visitor guide!

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Compete

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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! The 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 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!

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Annual

Events

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Blacksburg, VA

Festivals, food, and fun during every season! Events below occur unless unforseen circumstances arise. Spring March - NRV Home Builders Association Home Expo April - 3.2 Run in Remembrance April - Blacksburg Chocolate Festival May-September - Mount Tabor Ruritan Fish Fry May-October - Third Thursdays: Oldtown Fields June - Lavender Festivals June - Summer Beer Festival at Virginia Tech June - Summer Solstice Fest July - New River Paddle Fishing Tournament August - EastMont Tomato Festival August - Heritage Day August - Steppin’ Out August - The Great Road Encampment Fall September - Food Truck Rodeo September - Grape Stomping Festival September - Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival October - Blacksburg Brew Do October - New Town Festival: Blues, Brews, & BBQ October - Rowdy Dawg Mountain Bike Race October - Sinkland Farms Annual Pumpkin Festival November - Virginia Tech Science Festival November - YMCA Craft Fair Winter December - Christiansburg’s Christmas at the Market December - Winter Lights Festival with TubaChristmas February - H’Arts on Main February - Soul Food Sampling April - Blacksburg Fork & Cork April - International Street Fair Summer

For the latest on events, visit our website!

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Montgomery County offers a variety of lodging in breakfasts, and camping sites. View the directory Lodging

Affordable Corporate Suites P: 540.381.5464 1045 Peppers Ferry Rd. NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073 Alta Mons P: 540.268.2409 2842 Crockett Springs Rd., Shawsville, VA 24162 Pet-friendly | Virginia Green

Budget Inn - Christiansburg P: 540.382.6625 304 W Main St., Christiansburg, VA 24073

Clay Corner Inn P: 540.552.4030 401 Clay St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Virginia Green | Meeting Space

Comfort Inn & Suites Christiansburg/Radford P: 540.639.3333 2331 Tyler Rd., Christiansburg, VA 24073 Pet-friendly | Meeting Space

Comfort Inn Blacksburg P: 540.951.1500 3705 S Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Pet-friendly Courtyard by Marriott Blacksburg P: 540.552.5222 105 Southpark Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Meeting Space

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ncluding, nationally recognized hotels, bed & on our website for more information.

CrossPointe Conference Center & Retreat Center P: 540.382.7100 ext.214 900 Life Dr., Christiansburg, VA 24073 Meeting Space Days Inn Blacksburg & Conference Center P: 540.951.1330 3503 Holiday Ln., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Pet-friendly | Virginia Green | Meeting Space Days Inn Christiansburg P: 540.382.0261 2635 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 Meeting Space Econo lodge Christiansburg P: 540.382.6161 2430 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 Pet-friendly

Fairfield Inn & Suites P: 540.381.9596 2659 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 24073

Hampton Inn Christiansburg/Blacksburg P: 540.381.5874 380 Arbor Dr. NE, Christiansburg, VA 24073 Pet-friendly | Virginia Green | Meeting Space Hilton Garden Inn P: 540.552.5005 900 Plantation Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Meeting Space

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Lodging

Holiday Inn Christiansburg/Blacksburg/NRV Mall P: 540.381.8100 99 Bradley Dr. NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073 Virginia Green | Meeting Space Holiday Inn Express & Suites Christiansburg P: 540.382.6500 2725 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 Virginia Green | Meeting Space Home2 Suites by Hilton P: 540.726.4242 1321 Rugby Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Pet-friendly Homewood Suites by Hilton P: 540.381.1394 2657 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 Meeting Space Hyatt Place P: 540.552.7500 650 University City Blvd., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Pet-friendly | Meeting Space

Main Street Inn P: 540.552.6246 205 S Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060

New River Junction Camping P: 540.639.6633 2591 Big Falls Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Pet-friendly

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Oak Tree Extended Stay P: 540.382.5885 144 Oak Tree Blvd. NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073

Quality Inn Christiansburg P: 540.382.2055

50 Hampton Blvd. NE, Christiansburg, VA 24073 Pet-friendly | Virginia Green | Meeting Space

Red Carpet Inn P: 540.552.4011 1615 S Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060

Residence Inn by Marriott P: 540.750.4400 850 Prices Fork Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Pet-friendly Super 8 Christiansburg/ Blacksburg P: 540.382.5813 55 Laurel St. NE, Christiansburg, VA 24073 Pet-friendly | Virginia Green Super 8 Roanoke Street P: 540.382.7421 2780 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 Pet-friendly | Virginia Green The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center P: 540.231.8000 901 Prices Fork Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Virginia Green | Meeting Space

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Lodging

The Manor House at Beliveau Estate P: 540.961.2102 5415 Gallion Ridge Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Meeting Space

The Oaks Victorian Inn P: 888.778.0097 311 E Main St., Christiansburg, VA 24073

Tru by Hilton Radford P: 540.744.1400 2300 Tyler Rd., Christiansburg, VA 24073

Wingate by Wyndham P: 540.385.5001 70 Hampton Blvd NE., Christiansburg, VA 24073

The Sportsman Campground P: 540.633.6700 2947 Little River Rd., Radford, VA 24141 Pet-friendly

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Regional Tourism Office 540.394.4470 | @GoToMontVa | www.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 Library: 540.552.8246 Christiansburg Library: 540.382.6965 Community Town of Blacksburg: 540.443.1005 Important Numbers

Town of Christiansburg: 540.382.6128 Montgomery County: 540.394.2120 Chamber of Commerce: 540.382.3020 Health Lewis-Gale 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., Christiansburg, VA 24073

MedExpress Urgent Care 540.381.2745

100 Spradlin Farm Dr., Christiansburg, VA 24073

Transportation Blacksburg Transit: www.bt4u.org Smartway Bus: www.smartwaybus.com

Virginia Breeze Bus: www.catchthevabreeze.com Virginia Tech Montgomery County Executive Airport: www.vtmea.com Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport: www.roanokeairport.com

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Stay in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, or Montgomery County, and take a short drive into the surrounding localities of the New River Valley. Be back by dinner as they are all within a hour’s drive! Give these activities a try while visiting: Giles County: Plan a trip to paddle the New River Water Trail, 37 miles of the New River. Hike the 50 miles of the Appalachian Trail located in Giles County, Virginia’s Mountain Playground. You can get down and dirty during the Muddy Acce Race, a race and obstacle course in the Fall. Learn more about Giles County at www.virginiasmtnplayground.com. Floyd County: Drive along 40 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a Friday Night Jamboree at a Crooked Road major venue, the Floyd Country Store. Learn more about Floyd County at www.visitfloydva.com. City of Radford: Visit Radford University and the Glencoe Museum/Mary Draper Ingle Statue. Mary Draper Ingle was kidnapped from her home by the Shawnee and escaped in 1775 to travel back to the New River Valley from Kentucky. For the full story and more attractions in the City of Radford, visit www.visitradford.com. Pulaski County: Get some lake time in at Claytor Lake State Park. Break out your bike for the New River State Trail Park which parallels the New River. Visit the Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum to see a scale model diorama of Downtown Pulaski around 1955. Learn more about Pulaksi County at www.pulaskivatourism.org. City of Roanoke: Visit the Taubman Museum of Art and the Virginia Museum of Transportation in the City of Roanoke to view modern art and vintage vehicles. Check out the Mill Mountain Star and Park for a great photo-op. Visit www.visitroanokeva.com . Beyond Boundaries

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As members of the community, we pledge to care for the health and well-being of others by personally adopting our Community Wellness Commitment: » We will wear face coverings/masks in public areas. » We will practice physical distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others. » We will practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and covering coughs or sneezes. » We will follow public health guidelines and medical recommendations to be tested and self-isolate as necessary.

Travel Safely and learn more at: nrvroadtowellness.com

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My Go To Town Planner Sleep: at Eat:

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Need help filling in the blanks? Check out our directory at: www.GoToMontVA.com !

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Contact Us www.GoToMontVa.com | (540) 394-4470 Montgomery County VA / Blacksburg / Christiansburg Visitor Information Center locations: • 100 W Main St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 • 318 N Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Like or tag us using @GoToMontVa !

Go to Town in Montgomery County, Virginia!

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