There’s a tradition at Virginia Tech – a bucket list to be more precise – of 72 tasks students should complete in a lifetime, in honor of the university’s establishment in 1872 (it’s worth noting that, cleverly, 18 of those 72 are considered essential in case it wasn’t clear the number was an homage to the founding year). While some of the tasks like graduating, taking an interesting class or purchasing a class ring sort of prohibit non-students from participating, Montgomery County visitors can still have a bit of fun with the bucket list and enjoy the New River Valley region just as much as a true Hokie.
Here are five items from the Hokie Bucket List you can complete regardless of your alma mater. Now, get out there and Go to Town!
Find all 15 Gargoyles on the Virginia Tech Campus
Strolling Virginia Tech’s campus and admiring the neo-Gothic architecture is a pleasurable experience itself, but make things a little more interesting by trying to identify the 15 gargoyles located across the campus. While the gargoyles may seem frightening to some, their purpose on campus is to serve as spouts that move water away from the buildings’ gutters. Hint: they’re all located on buildings with names ending in “Hall.”
Attend a Performance at the Center for the Arts
Virginia Tech’s Center for the Arts is a locally treasured thriving community of art and inspiration, where visitors have meaningful experiences enjoying art of the highest caliber in all its forms. In addition to hosting exhibitions and performances from globally and locally celebrated artists, the Center for the Arts treats visitors to hands-on experiences, workshops with visiting artists, lectures and symposia, master classes, community celebrations and more. Simply stop in and enjoy a performance and you’re just a few adventures away from being an honorary Hokie.
Sing Karaoke at TOTS on Tuesday
Top of the Stairs – or TOTS as Hokies know it – has been the place to be for student nightlife since 1978. And one of the bar’s most beloved traditions is karaoke on Tuesday evenings, which runs both throughout the school year and into the summer months. In fact the event is so popular that even between semesters, 100-200 participants still show up to belt out their favorite tunes. So clear your pipes and get ready to sing and, if you need a little bit of liquid courage, ask a bartender for “The Rail,” which is TOTS’ signature cocktail that contains liquor, liquor and more liquor.
Explore the Huckleberry Trail
Montgomery County residents and students alike feel strongly about preserving and protecting the destination’s environmental treasures, and exploring one of those treasures – the Huckleberry Trail – is another task you can complete from the Hokie Bucket List. The Huckleberry Trail connects towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg and is part of the nation’s rail-to-trail system, making the 14-mile trek perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, whether walking, running or cycling.
Enjoy Donuts from Carol Lee Donut Shop
This one shouldn’t be much of a challenge unless you are the one person on the planet who dislikes donuts. Carol Lee Donut Shop has been a Blacksburg staple since 1968, offering fresh donuts daily to Montgomery County residents and Virginia Tech students alike. Carol Lee makes cake and filled donuts as well as yeast-raised varieties in flavors like blueberry cake, toasted coconut, and cookies and cream, along with all of the traditional flavors. Just be sure to show up early or they’re likely to be sold out.
