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!
Caffeine & Sweets: Christiansburg Edition
Whether you’re in search of the perfect latte to start your day or an afternoon treat, Christiansburg, VA has an abundance of options!
Brew Da Bean is a New Orleans style coffee shop offering a variety of themed treats as well as traditional coffee options. Be sure to try their Café Nola with a beignet for an authentic New Orleans experience!
Space Rabbit Coffee has been operating in their mobile store since June of 2020 and has recently opened a drive-thru permanent location in Christiansburg! Featuring unique roasts and amazing flavors, Space Rabbit Coffee is a great stop during your visit with us! Don’t forget to try one of their amazing donuts as well when you visit!
*Pro Tip: a beautiful mural outside makes a great photo opportunity!
Go to Town! in Christiansburg
Christiansburg is one of Virginia’s largest towns and offers visitors an authentic New River Valley experience at a relaxed pace. The peaceful streets of the downtown are reminiscent of simpler times, yet under this quaint veneer of Christiansburg lies a bustling community with a rich history and vibrant culture just waiting to be explored. Here are 9 ways you can Go to Town! in Christiansburg during your next visit to Montgomery County and the New River Valley.
Starlite Drive-In
After the sun sets, treat the family to a classic movie-watching experience at Starlite Drive-In. The theater has been entertaining locals since 1953 with new and favorite films of the past, like Grease and ET as well as concert performances from some of the country’s most well-known musicians. And if searching for unique pieces of Americana is your thing, the drive-in is the site of a local flea market every Saturday in the summer months.
Wonder Universe Children’s Museum
Wonder Universe: A Children’s Museum is all about letting kids have fun, burn off a bit of energy and play while learning about topics ranging from arts to the environment. Given Montgomery County’s agricultural history, the museum’s “Farm to Table” exhibit lets kids plant, harvest and buy or sell produce, then prepare a fresh meal in the farm kitchen. Oh, and in case you have any upcoming visits to the dentist, the “Dental Office” exhibit lets children take on the roles of both patient and dentist, helping them understand what it takes to have healthy, pearly white chompers.
Huckleberry Trail
The Huckleberry Trail connects Christiansburg with neighboring Blacksburg and is part of the nation’s rail-to-trail system, making the 15-mile trek perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, whether walking, running or cycling. Montgomery County residents feel strongly about preserving and protecting environmental treasures like the Huckleberry Trail, so your visit to the trail is just one way you can explore like a local by enjoying one of their most cherished sites.
Photo by Austin Hodges
Christiansburg Institute
Established in 1866, the Christiansburg Institute was the first southwestern Virginia high school to educate formerly enslaved people. For 100 years, the Institute served African Americans across the state of Virginia. Today, Christiansburg Institute honors the Institute’s 100-year legacy of African-American education and empowerment through storytelling, community outreach and education, and historic preservation. The Edgar A. Long building is the last remaining structure from the original 185-acre Christiansburg Institute campus, and is currently under renovation to include a multi-platform museum exhibit showcasing Christiansburg Institute’s material and cultural history, and African American history throughout the South.
Additionally, Christiansburg Institute has revived the ECHO newspaper, originally published by the students of the Institute’s print shop, to serve as its own official newsletter. The online newsletter can be viewed on Christiansburg Institute’s website.
Photo by Sarah Hauser
Montgomery Museum of Art & History
The Montgomery Museum of Art & History is located in Christiansburg on East Main Street. The museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of Montgomery County and the region as well as promoting art by regional artists. As the region’s steward of art and history, the museum takes great pride in inspiring and educating through cultural programming. Additionally, the institution facilitates important community conversations by offering a forum for dialogue across differences and brings the community together using art and history.
Dude’s Drive-In
Treat yourself to a nostalgic dining experience with a visit to Dude’s Drive-In. Dude’s beckons visitors with the promise of all the authentic roadside grill flavor they can handle, complete with the formidable size of the Dude Burger, which challenges the best of appetites. Dude’s staff takes your order and brings your food right to the driver’s side window, just like the classic drive-in diners of earlier times. If you’re worried about the upholstery in the family truckster, just pull up a seat at one of the picnic benches or take your food to go.
Crimper’s Climbing Gym
Crimper’s Climbing Gym is the place to learn, practice, train, and perform the sport of indoor climbing, perfect in case you happen to catch a rainy day, or just want to try something new and exciting! From bouldering to top roping, Crimper’s offers a large variety of routes, making it the perfect gym for beginners and experienced climbers alike!
It’s Game Time at NRV SuperBowl
It’s Game Time at the NRV Super Bowl is a place where you and your children will get giddy with excitement (no matter what age) to bowl, play arcade games, spin out on Spin Zone bumper cars, enjoy a game of laser tag, or even try your hand at axe throwing!
Shop ‘Til You Drop – Antiquing
Whether you’re an antique connoisseur or just on the hunt for a treasure, Christiansburg, VA has two large antique stores that are sure to suit your fancy.
Antiques on Main is located in the heart of Downtown Christiansburg in two adjoining historical buildings. They have sixteen vendors who strive to bring you one-of-a-kind items. Antiques on Main features china, antique furniture, artwork, primitives, and even fine African art. They’re open seven days a week, so drop by and browse any time!
Cambria Station Antiques is the perfect place to go if you’re in the mood to browse for antiques and home décor. This shop is located in a historic general store that is situated right across from the train depot in Cambria. With three floors of treasure, Cambria Station Antiques is sure to please everyone!
