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!
Introducing Our 2026 Best of Virginia Winners
Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County are home to some of Virginia’s top tourism attractions, events, restaurants, breweries, shops, and more! The following attractions, events, and businesses made Virginia Living‘s “Best of Virginia 2026” Southwest Virginia list, and are the perfect spots to make your next core memory!
690 Radford St Suite 3303, Christiansburg, VA 24073
A Screen-Free Summer
Stop your doom-scrolling, log-out of your email, and power off those devices! This summer is your chance for a digital detox in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, Virginia!
Get a real rush of dopamine while tubing down the river at New River Junction! One of the oldest rivers in the world, enjoy scenic views, rock formations, and clear skies as you take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Hop on the Huckleberry Trail, a 15-mile paved rail-trail network connecting the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Bike, jog, or walk to your heart’s content as you enjoy the serenity of Southwest Virginia.
Pandapas Pond, a part of the Jefferson National Forest, is another fantastic place to unplug. Fish, hike, or mountain bike at this haven of nature.
Take refuge from the wild web this summer in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, Virginia — your home for peace and unforgettable fun!
New River Valley Station Updates
The New River Valley project will return passenger rail service to the historic Cambria Yard in Christiansburg, VA, which served rail passengers from 1904 to 1979. Return here for the most up-to-date information on the project!
Feb. 9, 2026:
“Exciting progress is being made on the New River Valley project as construction remains on schedule to extend passenger rail service to Christiansburg. At the future Cambria station site, crews have begun laying foundations for a 1,000-foot platform and are prepping the parking lot area for future travelers. A major milestone was also reached with the installation of a new track turnout, the essential infrastructure that will allow Amtrak trains to transition seamlessly from the mainline to the station platform. Along with ongoing track and electrical work at the Radford Layover Facility, these updates bring us closer to providing passenger rail service to the New River Valley.”
The future transportation hub for the New River Valley, Cambria Historic District is home to an eclectic mix of shops and experiences to incorporate into your Christiansburg itinerary. A charming village minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, take a break to unwind and relax at these top spots:
Passenger rail service is on its way! Starting in 2027, visitors will be able to take Amtrak Virginia to the New River Valley Station in the heart of Cambria Historic District. The project will provide easy access to Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Virginia Tech.
Featuring a social media-famous book arch and friendly staff, Cambria Station Antiques and Old New River Books offer Instagram-worthy backdrops, three floors of antique treasures and a wide selection of used books.
Top Holiday Experiences in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there aren’t many places as wonderful as Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County to visit during the holidays. Whether you’re coming for a weekend or a week-long adventure, we’ve curated a list of our holiday favorites we think you’ll love.
Explore magical downtown Blacksburg with quaint craft shops like New River Art and Fiber for your creative kinfolk. Drop into Blacksburg Books and select a good read to crack open and cozy up with.
Take your little ones to Paint N’ Fun in Christiansburg, where they can show off their inner artist on a selection of over 1,000 different pottery pieces, perfect for a gift for grandma or a family holiday keepsake.
Just down the road from Christiansburg, step into historicCambria Station Antiques with a wide selection of carefully curated potential presents for friends and family back home. Walk under the famous book arch to enter Old New River Books and uncover lost literature perfect for a snow day.
Adventurous outdoor lovers who are up to brave the cold won’t regret a quick 30-minute trip to Stiles Falls, one of the best waterfall hikes in all of Southwest Virginia. Folks looking for a relaxing stroll through nature will enjoy Pandapas Pond, located just 10 minutes from Blacksburg in Jefferson National Forest.
Venture out to Beliveau Farm Winery for mountain views and authentic flavors. A mere 25-minute drive will take you to a magical retreat for a perfect winter escape.
You really can’t go wrong when deciding on a place to dine, but we suggest enjoying an Appalachian experience at The Farmhouse in Christiansburg with a delicious menu and rustic holiday vibes.
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.
Economic Impact Update
Tourism Continues to Fuel Montgomery County’s Economy with Record Growth
Montgomery County, VA; September 10, 2025 – Tourism in Blacksburg – Christiansburg – Montgomery County continues to make a powerful impact. The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has released its 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism Report, and the numbers tell an exciting story: visitors are spending more, staying longer, and investing directly in our local economy.
In 2024, direct visitor spending in Montgomery County totaled $293.7 million — a 5.1% increase over 2023. This growth reflects the strength of our region as both a travel destination and a place that warmly welcomes visitors year after year.
Here’s how visitors spent their dollars in Montgomery County last year:
Lodging: $73.7 million
Food & Beverage: $113.2 million
Recreation: $40.3 million
Retail: $33.5 million
Transportation: $33 million
Beyond spending, tourism continues to be a major employer in our community. In 2024, tourism supported 3,044 jobs and generated $148.9 million in labor income. Visitor activity also contributed $18 million in local taxes, helping to fund services and quality-of-life initiatives that benefit all who call Montgomery County home.
This growth comes during a record-breaking year for Virginia tourism overall. Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that tourism spending across the Commonwealth hit an all-time high of $35.1 billion in 2024, up $2 billion from the year before.
“We are thrilled to see such strong growth in visitor spending across Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County. To know that our community had a measurable impact on Virginia’s record-breaking tourism numbers is both exciting and rewarding. Our residents are truly what make this region a premier destination to promote and to visit. Looking ahead, we’re in the early stages of developing a new strategic plan to guide the future of tourism in our community. By strengthening partnerships with our hoteliers, restaurants, and other stakeholders, we will continue to provide high-quality experiences that keep visitors coming back to Montgomery County year after year.”
— Samantha Livesay, Executive Director of Tourism.
Tourism is not just about visits, it’s about vitality. Every meal shared in our restaurants, every night booked in our hotels, every purchase in our shops, and every experience enjoyed at our points of interest contributes to the prosperity of Montgomery County.
As we look ahead to 2026 and the milestone celebrations of both Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary and Virginia’s 250th anniversary, the future of tourism here is brighter than ever.
Christiansburg Aquatic Center
The Christiansburg Aquatic Center is home to the Virginia Tech Swimming Team and hosts many youth and amateur swimming and diving meets. The Aquatic Center also hosts the ACC and CAAS Swimming Tournaments each year.
The Christiansburg Aquatic Center covers 64,000 sq. ft. with a total occupancy of 2,600 people. The facility contains three pools, cardio fitness rooms, multi-purpose rooms, a warming kitchen, locker rooms, wet class rooms, family changing rooms, and a sun deck.
For more information on the Christiansburg Aquatic Center facility, click here.
