Like a Local

Blacksburg, Virginia: The Perfect Small Town for a Weekend Getaway

If you had a full weekend to spend in Blacksburg, Virginia what would you do with your time? The town has so much to offer, how can you fit everything in? The truth is, you can’t do it all, but you can maximize your 48 hours in town to experience many of the flavors and fun that are unique to Blacksburg.

From a local standpoint, here are some recommendations for things to do and see in our area. We’re excited about your visit! 

*Note: Businesses and attractions may have updated hours of operation due to COVID-19 or the holidays. We suggest confirming each place is open before you arrive.

Here’s How to Enjoy a Few Days in Blacksburg, VA

MORNING

Hokie colored chocolate and white-iced sprinkled donuts | Chelsea Clark Photography | Carol Lee Donut Shop | Facebook

Start your time right with a stop at Carol Lee Doughnuts. The shop, located on North Main Street, has been owned by the same family for three generations. They offer over 20 different doughnut varieties, so they are sure to have one to fit any craving. All doughnuts are baked fresh early in the morning, seven days a week. 

A hint from the locals: Keep in mind that they will close early if they sell out of doughnuts. We suggest that you make sure that you are there early enough to choose from their full range of flavors. 

Work off your breakfast doughnuts with a morning tee time at the Pete Dye River Course at Virginia Tech. The cliff-top views of the river from the clubhouse are awe-inspiring. The course is uniquely divided into two nine-hole loops.

A hint from the locals: Golfing is a popular choice here, especially during busy times such as football season, so be sure to book your tee time well in advance. 

If golf isn’t your game, Blacksburg is filled with more than 200 shops, from coffee houses to jewelers filled with fun things to check out. This is a great place to grab some souvenirs. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the cute victorian lamp-lined sidewalks and the quaint shops of downtown.

A hint from the locals: If you visit on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Blacksburg Farmers Market over at Market Square Park!

AFTERNOON 

Want a peek at the past? Book a tour of the Historic Smithfield. Take a step back in time as you tour the 1774 Tidewater-style home and outbuildings. This location is where Revolutionary War patriot William Preston laid his head. 

Historic Smithfield | Facebook

A hint from the locals: If you’re visiting on the weekend, the plantation is open to the public, with tours starting on the hour. If your trip is scheduled for a weekday, you can call and book a private showing just for your crew. 

Cap off your afternoon with a cold brew at Rising Silo Brewery. They offer exceptional fermented beverages that are unique and filled with quality ingredients. 

A hint from the locals: While you’re there, be sure to ask about their solar-powered systems. It’s impressive! 

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EVENING

For dinner, The Cellar Restaurant has an impressive menu including greek pizza, calzones, and subs in the restaurant upstairs. Or if you’d rather eat in after a long day exploring, Preston’s Restaurant inside the hotel is a great option. 

A hint from the locals: Once you finish eating at The Cellar, be like a local and head downstairs to enjoy a drink to relax! 

The Lyric Theatre Blacksburg | Facebook

The Lyric Theatre, first opened in 1930, is the perfect way to round out a great day with a relaxing movie in a beautiful historic theatre. It frequently hosts great indie and foreign films on screen and musical and theatrical performances on stage. Check their website for current showings. 

A hint from the locals: If you want the theater experience without the concern for social distancing, you can rent the theater for private showings. 

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ALL DAY

When was the last time you took a wine tour? If it’s been a while, you could fill most of a day checking out the local wineries. One we recommend is Beliveau Farm Winery. They offer many labels that are available for you to taste and sip throughout your tour of the lavender fields and vineyards. They also offer cheese plates at the tasting bar to snack on while you enjoy your time.

A hint from the locals: Their picnic areas are lovely. You can pack your own lunch and enjoy it in the great outdoors with a perfect bottle of wine, weather permitting. 

Cascade Falls

If a hike with spectacular views is more your speed, there are some fantastic hiking trails that are perfect for a winter outing. McAfee’s Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian trail,  is typically pretty crowded in the summer, but you can enjoy a quiet hike with a stunning view of the area in the winter. Cascade Falls is another, more moderate hike that is also much quieter in the winter. 

A hint from the locals: Always check to make sure your hiking trail is open before planning a day out. If you opt to hike the Cascades in the winter, there is a possibility that the falls will be frozen, which is a breathtaking sight! 

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Blacksburg has plenty to do for a weekend getaway or a mid-week break from the mundane. At The Inn at Virginia Tech, we invite you to enjoy all that Blacksburg offers, including our home-away-from-home accommodations. We treat all of our guests like family (with proper social distancing, of course), and protecting your health while enjoying a getaway is our primary mission. Our Covid-19 health and safety protocols are second-to-none, so you can relax and truly enjoy a carefree trip. 

We’re looking forward to having you because we know after your first visit, you’ll want to come back. Book your trip today! >>

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