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 Starlight 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.
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.
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, Virginia 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!
NRV Super Bowl
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, and even play a game of laser tag.
