Things To Do
in Blacksburg
Blacksburg, Virginia is a lively college town anchored by Virginia Tech, with tree-lined streets, a compact downtown, and strong community energy. The town blends Appalachian outdoor access with cultural offerings like performing arts, campus architecture, and local festivals. Visitors will notice a youthful vibe driven by students alongside longtime residents and a growing creative scene.
It’s an excellent base for hiking, craft beverages, and catching a college sporting event or concert.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Gillie's, a local favorite known for its delicious pancakes and warm atmosphere. Afterward, stroll through the picturesque streets of downtown Blacksburg, taking in the charming architecture and vibrant storefronts. Don’t forget to visit the historic Lyric Theatre, where you can learn about its storied past.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at the Cellar Restaurant, famous for its cozy ambiance and creative menu. Post-lunch, explore the Virginia Tech campus, where you can admire the stunning Hokie Stone buildings and the beautiful Duck Pond. Stop by the Moss Arts Center to check out any ongoing exhibitions or performances.
As the day winds down, savor dinner at the renowned 622 North, known for its farm-to-table cuisine. After dining, take a relaxing walk around the Virginia Tech campus to enjoy the evening lights and atmosphere. Conclude your day with a movie at the Lyric Theatre, where you can catch an independent film or a classic.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the local Bagel Shop, where you can enjoy fresh bagels and coffee. After refueling, head to the Huckleberry Trail for a scenic morning hike, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. The tranquility of the trail makes for a perfect escape into nature, allowing you to reconnect with the outdoors.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the trailhead or find a scenic spot along the way. Spend your afternoon biking or walking along the Huckleberry Trail, soaking in the sights and sounds of nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds and squirrels, as you traverse this beautiful area.
As the sun sets, return to town and visit a local brewery, such as the Rising Silo Brewery, for a refreshing craft beer. Pair your drink with a light dinner from a food truck or nearby eatery that offers outdoor seating. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, often accompanied by live music, before heading back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer (domestic pint at a bar) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare | $10-20 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong outdoor recreation nearby (hiking, biking, waterfalls)
- Vibrant college-town culture with frequent events and live music
- Compact, walkable downtown with local food and breweries
- Good base for exploring the central Appalachian region
- Can be crowded and more expensive during university events and game days
- Limited direct commercial flights; often requires a short drive from regional airport
- Fewer late-night upscale dining options compared to larger cities
- Weather can be changeable in the mountains, impacting outdoor plans
Places to Visit in Blacksburg
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic campus architecture, symmetrical greenspace, and seasonal foliage make this a prime spot for classic campus shots and portraits.
Captures the energetic college football atmosphere — best for wide-angle crowd and action photos during home games.
Well-kept gardens, seasonal blooms, and natural settings provide excellent close-up and landscape photo opportunities.
Forest-fringed pond with reflections and nearby overlooks offering panoramic Appalachian vistas, great for golden-hour landscapes.
Colorful storefronts, murals, and lively street scenes capture the town’s character and nightlife energy.
Food in Blacksburg
Blacksburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-smoked pork and regional barbecue sauces are widely available at local joints and family-run restaurants — try them at downtown barbecue spots or food trucks.
Must-Try!
Popular with students and locals alike; look for artisanal toppings and local cheese at several pizzerias on and near Main Street.
Hearty Southern breakfasts with biscuits, gravy, and eggs are common at diners and breakfast cafes around town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open seasonally (spring–fall), offering local produce, baked goods, cheeses, and prepared foods — great for grabbing picnic supplies and tasting regional specialties.
Look for rotating food trucks and weekend pop-ups serving tacos, BBQ, and desserts near the downtown and campus events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be respectful of campus rules and private property; many locals are affiliated with the university and value polite, community-minded behavior.
Game days are communal and friendly but loud and crowded; follow posted rules, avoid blocking driveways, and be courteous in parking areas.
Use common courtesies (please/thank you), and don’t assume late-night noise is welcome in residential neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Blacksburg
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants for table service, $1–2 per drink for bartenders, and 10–15% for delivery drivers. Tip more for exceptional service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is still useful for small vendors and farmers markets. ATMs are readily available around campus and downtown.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make this a pleasant time for hikes and campus walks; watch for muddy trails after rain and check farmers market opening dates.
Warm and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms possible; ideal for late sunsets and outdoor festivals, but bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Peak foliage in October offers spectacular scenery for drives and hikes; busy weekends around college football games can make accommodations and parking scarce.
Cool to cold with occasional snow and ice; some trails and overlooks can be slick — check road conditions and pack layers for variable mountain weather.
Blacksburg at Night
Hiking in Blacksburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, family-friendly loop near Blacksburg with boardwalk sections, forest scenery, and birdwatching opportunities.
A multi-use rail-trail connecting Blacksburg and Christiansburg that’s ideal for walking, running, and cycling; paved and scenic.
One of the most photographed overlooks on the Appalachian Trail, offering dramatic ridge-line views; about an hour’s drive from Blacksburg and a popular day-hike.
A waterfall hike that’s a rewarding half-day trip with cascades and swimming opportunities in warmer months; trail can be rocky and steep in sections.
Local ridge trails and overlooks close to town offering shorter hikes and sunset viewpoints with sweeping valley panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Blacksburg by plane.
About a 25–40 minute drive from Blacksburg, offers regional commercial flights and car rental services — the most convenient airport for air travelers.
Major hub roughly 3 hours away by car; offers many domestic and international connections if ROA options are limited.
Approximately 4–4.5 hours by car; a major international gateway with extensive flight options and ground transportation to the New River Valley.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large population of undergraduate and graduate students from Virginia Tech — they shape the town’s culture, nightlife, and seasonal population swings.
Long-term residents involved in academia and research who contribute to community programs, arts, and education.
Residents who have lived in the New River Valley for generations, businesses catering to year-round needs, and an established civic community.
Growing numbers of people arrive for tech, research, and small-business opportunities, adding cultural and culinary variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The town rallies around Virginia Tech football; game days are major community events with tailgating, campus traditions, and packed crowds at Lane Stadium.
Basketball, soccer, lacrosse and other collegiate sports draw local fans and student participation throughout the year.
Hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and paddling are widely practiced by residents and visitors thanks to nearby natural areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Blacksburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian options; farm-to-table and international spots typically have quality meat-free dishes. Ask servers about vegetarian preparation.