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!


Episode 1: The Lyric Theatre - June 1, 2026
  • Making memories since the 1930s, The Lyric Theatre is an historic staple in downtown Blacksburg just minutes from the campus of Virginia Tech.


    Episode 2: Gardner's Frozen Treats - June 5, 2026
  • 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!


    Episode 4: Christiansburg Farmers Market - June 26, 2026
  • From May through October, discover farm-fresh produce, artisan baked goods, handmade jewelry, crafts, and much more at the Christiansburg Farmers Market in Christiansburg Huckleberry Park.


    Episode 5: New River Junction - July 3, 2026
  • 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!


    Episode 6: Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival - July 10, 2026
  • Enjoy live music every Friday on Henderson Lawn, art exhibits, movies, performances, workshops, and more throughout summer in downtown Blacksburg!


    Episode 7: WWII Museum of the NRV - July 17, 2026
  • 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.


    Episode 8: Christiansburg Aquatic Center - July 24, 2026
  • 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!


    Episode 9: Mountain View Mercantile - July 31, 2026
  • A love-letter to Appalachia, find vintage clothing, authentic antiques, nostalgia-inducing discoveries, and much more!


    People have been making core memories in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, Virginia for a long time, and we invite you to make some of your own!

    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.

    Start the day with a coffee and sweet treat at one of our many breakfast options. Brew Da Bean, Route 8 Donuts, Coffeeholics, Bollo’s Café & Bakery, and Carol Lee Donuts are popular with locals and visitors alike.

    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.

    Want to escape the hot weather? Visit one of our museums and help us celebrate 250 years of the nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Montgomery County! Take a tour of Historic Smithfield, wander the halls of the Alexander Black House, and make new discoveries at the Montgomery Museum of Art and History.

    Take a break from the action! Relax with a nice dinner at The 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.

    Cap off the evening with a visit to one of our breweries. Iron Tree Brewing Company, Eastern Divide Brewing Company, Bull and Bones, Rising Silo Brewery, PK’s Bar & Grill, and so many more options are never more than a 10-minute drive away.

    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!

  • #GoToMontVa

    Share your #GoToMontVa experiences with us!
    Live music, arts and crafts vendors from across the country, and the best local restaurants in the region. What a way to spend a summer weekend!

The 45th Steppin' Out is back in Blacksburg on August 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Plan your weekend getaway today at gotomontva.com

For more Steppin' Out information, visit the following link: https://blacksburgsteppinout.com/

@visitvirginia 

Photos: @rogerguptaphotography

#GoToMontVA #VirginiaIsForLovers #VisitNRV
    Core Memory Conversations - Episode 9

Part store, part love letter to Appalachia. At @mountainviewmercantile, you'll find vintage clothing, authentic antiques, nostalgia-inducing discoveries, and much more right at your fingertips.

Make your next core memory! Watch our entire Core Memory Conversations series on our website! Link in bio.

#GoToMontVA #VirginiaIsForLovers #VisitNRV

@visitvirginia | @southwest.virginia
    Core Memory Conversations - Episode 8

The @christiansburgaquaticcenter is the perfect place to cool off from the summer heat! Bring the whole family to one of the finest indoor pools in Virginia. Complete with a three-tier waterslide, leisure pool, and tons of amenities for the kids, so much fun is waiting for you!

Keep up with our weekly episodes and plan your stay today on our website! Link in bio.
    Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County are looking great this summer! Come see for yourself!

Make your next core memory! Plan your stay today on our website. Link in bio!

#GoToMontVA #VirginiaIsForLovers #VisitNRV
    Core Memory Conversations - Episode 7

@thewwiimuseumofthenrv is a great place to learn, reflect, and make memories with loved ones. Explore artifacts and make new discoveries at this Blacksburg museum.

Keep up with our weekly episodes and plan your stay today! Link in bio.

#GoToMontVA #VirginiaIsForLovers #VisitNRV