VTC, Virginia Tech announce Virginia is for Hokie Lovers
“Virginia is for Lovers” has a new addition: Hokie Pride.
Virginia Tech, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County Regional Tourism officially launched the Virginia is for Hokie Lovers campaign September 10. The campaign connects Hokie Nation with its community roots, and establishes Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and the greater New River Valley as a welcoming destination for Hokies in all corners of the Commonwealth, country, and globe.
Don’t miss your chance for early fall fun in one of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, Virginia‘s most action-packed weekends of the year! From September 11 through 13, get away for a weekend full of football, music, and much more!
Friday, September 11 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Kick-Off on College Ave. *Cancelled due to potential storms*
College Ave and Draper Ave, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Kickoff the weekend in downtown Blacksburg with live music, vendors, food and drink options, and all the small town vibes. Get your Virginia is for Hokie Lovers gear at this exciting event, or click here to find all the spots to snag some swag!
Saturday, September 12 – 12 p.m.: Old Dominion @ Virginia Tech
185 Beamer Way, Blacksburg, VA 24061
It’s a new era for Hokie football! Come out, start jumping, and enjoy the greatest atmosphere in college football.
Saturday, September 12 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Rockin’ Christiansburg
782 New River Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073
After the game, keep the party going! Head over to Christiansburg and enjoy live music by Studio 249 and The Jared Stout Band outside the Uptown Mall.
Sunday, September 13: Explore!
Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, VA
Blacksburg and Christiansburg among happiest blue ridge towns
It’s no secret that we think Blacksburg and Christiansburg are two of the happiest towns in the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Settled in the tranquil New River Valley, these two towns are full of life, culture, and opportunities for exploration, adventure, and relaxation.
But don’t just take our word for it! Blue Ridge Country named Blacksburg and Christiansburg among the happiest mountain towns across the Blue Ridge Mountains! Whether you’re taking a much-needed vacation, getting away for the weekend, or dropping in for a work trip, there’s no limit to the joy you’ll find in our two favorite Southwest Virginia communities.
Click here to see how Blacksburg and Christiansburg stack-up against some of your other favorite mountain escapes!
Spending Alumni Weekend in Blacksburg and Christiansburg
Returning to Blacksburg for Virginia Tech Alumni Weekend? Looking for some fun events to enjoy the culture of Southwest Virginia? We have a few recommendations to bring back that college life nostalgia in Blacksburg and Christiansburg!
Find farm-fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, handmade jewelry, and more just minutes away from Virginia Tech. Make it a trip; swing by your favorite shopping centers in Uptown Christiansburg on your way back to campus. If you’re feeling adventurous, head over to Iron Tree Brewing in nearby Downtown Christiansburg for a brew or two!
Re-discover the high energy atmosphere of Downtown Blacksburg with a performance by the Domino Band on Henderson Lawn. A part of the Summer Arts Festival, enjoy the culture of Southwest Virginia like a local!
Virginia wine, live music, and the beauty of Historic Smithfield! Is there a better way to spend a Saturday? Enjoy the sounds of summer with a glass of wine in hand at one of Blacksburg’s favorite festivals. Click here to purchase your ticket!
Looking for more ways to spend your Alumni Weekend in Blacksburg and Christiansburg? Explore our website for more options!
Make your next core memory
Make your next core memory in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, Virginia! Stay tuned for weekly episodes of our “Core Memory Conversations” series to draw inspiration for your next unforgettable getaway!
In business for 20 years, Gardner’s Frozen Treats is the best place to grab a sweet treat while enjoying the summer heat in Christiansburg.
Episode 3: PanJammers – June 19, 2026
A steel drum orchestra in Blacksburg? For 20 years, the PanJammers have performed throughout the New River Valley. Catch them at the Summer Solstice Festival and Steppin’ Out!
Bring the whole crew for your next expedition! Explore the oldest river in North America on a tube or kayak, fish the waters, or hang out on the bank with your friends and family!
A tribute to the men and woman who served and sacrificed during one of the world’s most pivotal moments, explore artifacts and stories in this Blacksburg museum.
One of Virginia’s premier swimming facilities, the Christiansburg Aquatic Center is a great spot to escape the summer heat! With a three-tier slide a leisure pool, and tons of amenities for the kids, it’s one of our top spots for summer fun!
Explore two of Virginia’s most charming small towns, Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Historic, beautiful, and full of life, kick off your journey in these cultural centers of Southwest Virginia.
Hit the road! Whether you want to beat the summer heat with tubing, kayaking, or fishing at the New River Junction, or hide in the shaded forests along the Huckleberry Trail, get your morning started right in the great outdoors.
Take a lunch break! Bottom of the Stairs, better known as BOTS, is a Blacksburg staple with brisket, pulled pork, and other favorites. In Christiansburg, Poppy’s is the perfect stop for a busy day. Find hot dogs, barbeque, sliders, and dessert options to prepare you for the busy day ahead! For folks on the go, swing by Dude’s Drive-In for quick service and unforgettable American flavor.
Head out for early afternoon adventures. Mountain bikers and hikers will love Brush Mountain Park with 16 miles of multi-use trails and 634 acres of forest.
Take a break from the action! Relax with a nice dinner atThe Farmhouse Restaurant in Christiansburg, one of the finest restaurants in Southwest Virginia with rustic Appalachian vibes and fantastic bites. In Blacksburg, visit 622 North with one of the region’s most creative menus sure to leave you satisfied.
No Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County experience can be complete without enjoying some live music! Whether you’re around for Rockin’ Main in Christiansburg or the Summer Arts Festival in Blacksburg, the sounds of summer are always here to welcome you.
Don’t miss your chance to make everlasting memories this summer! Whether you’re planning a short escape or a longer retreat, you’ll discover just what you’re looking for in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, Virginia.
Make your next core memory!
A Guide to Football Weekend in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County
Things to do, places to eat, and memories to be made before and after the Hokies play!
You’ve heard of Blacksburg’s reputation as one of the best atmospheres in the nation for college football, but what is there to do nearby before and after the game? Between Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, there’s much more to experience during your stay than Enter Sandman.
Upon arrival Friday night, sit down for a relaxing dinner at The Farmhouse, kick back and enjoy a lively sports bar at Lost in Taste, or get a headstart on the gameday experience at one of our fantastic breweries across the community.
On Saturday, start the day off right with some breakfast from Route 8 Donuts just off I-81 in Christiansburg, or Carol Lee Donuts right along North Main Street in Blacksburg. Locals will tell you that you can’t go wrong either way.
Enjoy the gameday experience in downtown Blacksburg with a “Virginia Slice” from the popular Benny Marzano’s, and explore Virginia Tech’s beautiful campus when heading to your tailgate or Lane Stadium.
After the Hokies play, Go To Town! Head downtown again with so many famous bars and resturants waiting for you. From Top of the Stairs to 540 Social, there’s plenty of options to cap-off your gameday in Blacksburg.
Before heading back home on Sunday, you have plenty more to see. Discover the beauty of southwest Virginia on a hike at Stiles Falls, or take a leisurely stroll around peaceful Pandapas Pond. Looking for indoor activities during cold or rainy weather? Christiansburg is full of options for indoor fun including It’s Gametime At The Superbowl and Crimper’s Climbing Gym.
To find more options for football weekend fun, visit our websiteand build the perfect itinerary for you and your crew!
Showcasing Montgomery County to travel journalists
Nov. 14, 2025
Earlier this fall, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County Regional Tourismwelcomed 10 travel journalists to the community through its partnership with Geiger & Associates. Over the course of three days, the journalists explored attractions and experienced firsthand the places, people, and stories that make the region a destination worth visiting.
Focused on providing the journalists an all-encompassing visit, the tourism team organized an itinerary to blend the best of outdoor beauty, local flavor, and cultural vibrancy.
From a scenic walk at Pandapas Pond and a hike along the Poverty Creek Trails to the seasonal magic of Sinkland Farms’ Pumpkin Festival, the group had a chance to enjoy the landscapes that draw so many visitors to the area.
They also dove into our local food scene with stops like Buffalo and More, Cabo Fish Taco, Brew Da Bean, Lost in Taste, and an evening at Blacksburg Wine Lab.
Along the way, the band of journalists explored downtown Blacksburg, touring the historic Lyric Theatre and stopping by the impressive Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech.
Upon a visit to nearby Christiansburg, the team of crafty wordsmiths enjoyed browsing Old New River Books with its large book arch leading into Cambria Station Antiques. The group then decided to stretch their legs a bit more at Christiansburg’s new state-of-the-art Huckleberry Park.
Travelling beyond the two towns to Montgomery County, the team enjoyed a flavorful tasting at Beliveau Farm Winery, which concluded the exciting three-day venture with the relaxation and local charm so many locals and visitors rave about.
Hosting travel journalists offers a valuable opportunity to reach new audiences with our story. Articles and features help showcase Montgomery County’s character, beauty, and hospitality.
The Montgomery County Regional Tourism team is deeply grateful to our partners and businesses who welcomed the guests with open arms, and to the public information and communications officers from the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg as well as those from Montgomery County for their support throughout the visit. Together, the teams curated a stay reflective of the visitor experience that so many have come to love, enjoy, and return for.
Spending Swim Weekend in Christiansburg
Busy weekends at swimming competitions can be hectic. Between the travel, cheering for your athlete, finding a place to eat, and checking into the hotel, it’s hard to find time to relax and enjoy the trip.
Luckily, competitions held at Christiansburg Aquatic Center are just minutes from family-friendly attractions and unforgettable experiences that make the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County region a must-visit for folks across the country.
Take a break from the action at It’s Game Time At The Superbowl. In close proximity to a variety of shopping and dining options in uptown Christiansburg, the NRV Superbowl is a great place to unwind with bowling, an arcade, laser tag, axe throwing, and more.
Climb to new heights at nearby Crimper’s Climbing Gym. Anyone above the age of five can enjoy the state-of-the-art facility with world-class climbing features.
Take the kids to Wonder Universe: A Children’s Museum in the Uptown Christiansburg Mall. Here, your kids will find fun, hands-on educational exhibits unique to the area’s wildlife and scientific scene. While you’re in the mall, swing by Paint ‘n Fun Ceramics to bring out your creative side.
When you’re finally ready to relax for the evening, Go To Town! Explore bustling downtown Blacksburg with famous restaurants, fantastic small businesses, and cultural experiences.
Montgomery County Regional Tourism has published its fiscal 2024-25 annual report. After onboarding executive director, Samantha Livesay, in June, the report encapsulates the early efforts of the tourism team to identify strengths and weaknesses while setting goals for fiscal 2025-26.
Including sections regarding visitor spending and economic impact at the local and state level, visitor key performance indicators, as well as digital and print marketing analytics, the report breaks down the role of tourism in the community and beyond.
See what we’ve been up to by reading the annual report here.
Taking in the Arts
While you’re going to Town, make sure you take the opportunity to explore Montgomery County’s fantastic public art! Whether you’re exploring Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg or strolling Christiansburg’s Downtown, beautiful murals and sculptures abound!
Visit the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market and take in the stunning mural in the square! Created by artists Michael St. Germain and Chris Pritchett, the mural depicts different periods of history in Blacksburg in transportation and agriculture.
A mural in downtown Blacksburg commemorates the local Farmers’ Market. Virginia Tourism Corporation
After visiting the Market, you may notice some beautiful art right underneath your feet!The Blacksburg Stormwater Public Arts Projectstarted in 2018 with the mission to educate citizens on the importance of making sure nothing but rain goes down storm drains in an effort to reduce surface pollution. Currently, nine storm drains have been painted as part of the project. Can you find them all?
In an effort to encourage ecological responsibility, Blacksburg has painted storm drains with murals. “Nothing but rain down the drain.” Virginia Tourism Corporation
Next, head to Christiansburg to see their newest mural! Located in Historic Cambria, the new mural depicts the many charming characteristics of the area, including the depot and train. Afterwards, be sure to walk by Cambria Station Antiques and Cottage Farms General Store to see the additional public art in the area!
Cambria Mural – A work in progress
If you are a true Hokie fan, take a day and track down as many Hokie Birds as you can find! Located all over campus, Blacksburg, and even Christiansburg, the Hokie Bird statues are hand painted and entirely unique—you’ll never find two that are alike! These Hokie Birds have been around since 2006 and offer a fun, additional activity as you explore town.
For an interactive map with the locations of even more public art, click here!
