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Old 04-05-2008, 08:05 PM
 
36 posts, read 65,445 times
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Hello

I have been researching the Blacksburg area and haven't seen a lot of information about stores, restaurants, etc. I have read about the stores nearby in Christiansburg, but I am wanting to know what there is to do just in the town of Blacksburg. Thanks
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Old 04-06-2008, 11:36 AM
 
Location: Roanoke VA
2,032 posts, read 6,887,712 times
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Default What To Do

Christiansburg is currently the hub of retail activity in the New River Valley, Roanoke is nearby also. Currently, there is a large retail development going on Main Street in Blacksburg which will have nicer stores that are currently in Blacksburg. Downtown B'burg has a village type atmosphere with stores, restaurants that cater to the zillions of college students there. The old Lyric Theatre was remodeled and now offers new entertainment venues. Before the messed up economy news I read there were plans for more cultural venues there besides Hokie Sports. Bburg is a unique area, its in a beautiful rural area with a population made up of highly educated professionals, good ol'boys in pick ups, a quite diverse ethnic population from around the world. How they all get along is a mystery to me. Come and visit the area and I am sure you will find a unique place.
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Old 04-07-2008, 05:57 AM
 
Location: Apex, NC
1,341 posts, read 6,187,384 times
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I think the secret to how those good 'ol boys in pick ups and highly educated professionals in Blacksburg get along is... that alot of those good 'ol boys in pickups are highly educated professors Among other things, Tech is an agricultural college. When we lived in Blacksburg for about 10 months, I was the youngest member of the Ruritan club and many of the flannel wearing ruritans were retired professors.

Blacksburg is a neat town. Its downtown suffers though, from something of an identity crisis as well as a general lack of parking. There are more than a few shuttered stores in B'burg's small downtown. When we lived there we enjoyed the downtown festivals and what-not but we did most of our non-grocery shopping in Christiansburg's box stores. A few good restaurants in Blacksburg but virtually all restaurants cater heavily to the college age crowd. This shouldn't really be surprising. The town population of +/- 40,000 consists of about 28,000 students, no? So, you've got a permanent town population of around 12,000. That's hardly enough to support a thriving downtown, particularly since box store mecca is 20 minutes away in Christiansburg. And also because during the summer, the population drops drastically.

But it's not as boring as I'm making it sound. As a young-ish family we really enjoyed Blacksburg. Great community, wonderful people, great public school system and recreation opportunities. And since most residents are white collar (+/- 52% which is around twice the average), it's easy to stay intellectually engaged. And if you enjoy basic American food with a few ethnic choices thrown into the mix, then you'll have plenty of choices.

Sean
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Old 04-13-2008, 09:38 PM
 
Location: Virginia
82 posts, read 486,284 times
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Everything you ever wanted to buy will be in Neighboring Christiansburg.

Blacksburg also boasts a great public transportation system and is pretty bicycle friendly.

If you love outdoor activities, you will love Blacksburg. 20 minutes from the AT (and AT trailheads all over the area), 20 Minutes from the best Smallmouth river fishing in the New river, 10 minutes to miles and miles of mountain biking trails(or just ride your bike FROM TOWN to the trail head on Old Farm Road) AND... no real bugs to speak of. I haven't been bitten by a mosquito in years.... it's simply amazing.

Just walk the drillfield on a warm, sunny day and you will never want to leave!
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Old 04-13-2008, 09:46 PM
 
Location: Virginia
82 posts, read 486,284 times
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oh, I just saw your screen name....

The farmers market, though a bit small, is quaint and has all you need. There is an awsome farm nearby, Crowsnest, which has some of the best Blacksberry, raspberry, and blueberry pickin' in VA. They also have all other sorts of great fruits and veggies.

For food, you cannot beat the vegetarian fare of Gillies. The BEST breakfast in town as well as the best place to go to eat tofu. There are TWO international food stores in town, as well as two (non-chain) whole-food stores.

The India Garden also has some great Vegetarian food if that's your thing.

Sushi, Poor Billy's.

Cajun/Creole... Beudroux' (sp)

chicken Wings/Ribs, Sharkey's.

Itialian, Wine Tastings, Zepollis.

Best Unique food and Atmosphere, Cabo Fish Taco!!!!

And if you live on Campus, all the food halls are the best of any college in my opinion. With the West End being hands-down best.

anyway, I can keep going on... love this place.
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Old 09-07-2008, 12:19 PM
 
4 posts, read 38,656 times
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I think the best way to get to know Blacksburg is to come during football season. Football is the life there, you can enjoy tailgating, socializing with the Hokies.

If you don't have a chance to come by during football season, then you can walk around VT campus, just walk around taking pictures and enjoy the scenery. You also need to eat at a few restaurants downtown, Blacksburg provides a very good combination of restaurants that you can choose. You can get a pizza for a late lunch on a sunny day out on a deck at PK's, or get brunch on a top deck at Beudroux'. You can get a sandwich at Bogen's where the restaurant is decorated with Virginia Tech stuff plus a VT customized menu. Downtown is good for a nightlife, you can pick from different bars, Sharky's is a popular one, also Hokies House. If you go to Cellar.. you will get older crowds more like graduate students and young professionals, or townee.
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Old 11-30-2012, 11:26 AM
 
1 posts, read 18,108 times
Reputation: 13
Quite a bit late to this thread, but wanted to reply since this is one of the top links in Google when you're searching for things to do in in the New River Valley. This website didn't exist when you asked your question back in 2008, but if you're looking for things to do in Blacksburg or the rest of the New River Valley matter, check out: NextThreeDays.com

NextThreeDays is a local website that list all the fun events going on in the area including festivals, concerts, food & drink specials, arts & theatre, etc.

Just wanted to help out future folks with the same question.
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Old 12-01-2012, 05:49 AM
 
9,875 posts, read 14,112,458 times
Reputation: 21762
Quote:
Originally Posted by NRVResident View Post
Quite a bit late to this thread, but wanted to reply since this is one of the top links in Google when you're searching for things to do in in the New River Valley. This website didn't exist when you asked your question back in 2008, but if you're looking for things to do in Blacksburg or the rest of the New River Valley matter, check out: NextThreeDays.com

NextThreeDays is a local website that list all the fun events going on in the area including festivals, concerts, food & drink specials, arts & theatre, etc.

Just wanted to help out future folks with the same question.
Gee, I'm normally irritated when someone revives a thread that is years old. But this poster not only gave a few good reasons for doing so, but also gave great information. Kudos!
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