15 Best Things to Do in Blacksburg, VA

© Danny Hooks/stock.adobe.com

Lane Stadium is a college football stadium that has been rated number one home field advantage in the past. It is home to the Virginia Tech Hokies and you can find the stadium on the campus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The stadium opened in 1965 and has been renovated several times since then. As you walk into the stadium’s main entrance, you’ll see a statue of former head coach Frank Beamer - he coached 29 seasons and won 238 games for his alma mater. If you’re there for a game, you’ll get to witness some interesting traditions such as the ‘Hokie Walk’, where the team walks to the locker room among the fans, or the pre-game field show, which includes a march by the Corps of Cadets.

Address: 185 Beamer Way, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-231-6731

© manuela_merl/stock.adobe.com

The Lee Hahn Horticulture Garden is one of the largest public gardens in the state of Virginia. It can be found on the Virginia Tech campus and is open daily at no cost to the public. The garden was established in 1984 and is named after T. Marshall Hahn, the former president of Virginia Tech. All aspects of the garden have been built and planted by students, faculty, staff, and volunteers of the university. Some of the garden’s most amazing features include the perennial border with more than 90 species, a pond with Japanese maples, and a stream garden with over 20 species of bog and aquatic plants.

Address: 200 Garden Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061, Phone: 540-231-5970

© Historic Smithfield Plantation

Built in the early 1770s, the Historic Smithfield Plantation was home to Col. William Preston. It remained the family home until 1959, when it was then donated to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. The plantation has a rich history and the descendants of the Preston family include several of Virginia’s future governors, legislatures, and key individuals who founded and shaped many of the state’s current universities. Tours of the preserved plantation will take you through the unique architecture, which includes unusual details in room placement as well as ornate bedroom furniture. Other aspects include decorative arts from the 18th and 19th century, portraits, and many Native American relics and artifacts which were found on

Address: 1000 Smithfield Plantation Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-231-3947

© The Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre is a restored 1930s movie house that is now being used as a non-profit which hosts live music performances and showcases first-run and indie films. The organization was formed to increase the community’s interaction with arts and culture. The diversity of the performances, programs, and events intends to attract various patrons and can vary from live programs and films to gallery displays and art exhibitions. The independent, documentary, and foreign films titles that are played there are a great choice for an interesting date night with a loved one. There are even several movies and performances which are free to the public, so be sure to check their website before heading over.

Address: 135 College Ave., Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-951-0604

© Autthaseth/stock.adobe.com

The Beliveau Estate is a family owned and operated endeavor that started with a dream to make delicious fine wine. The couple purchased the farm in 2001 and produced their first wine in 2011, officially opening the winery to the public in 2012. In addition to the winery, the estate is also home to a lavender farm and began hosting their annual Lavender Festival in 2008. Visitors can come and stay in the estate’s bed and breakfast, take a tour of the on-site brewery, have a picnic and wine tasting on the lush grounds, or even host their very own get-together with friends and family at the estate’s designated event space.

Address: 5415 Gallion Ridge Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-961-0505

© Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation

The Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation is a renowned cultural institution in Virginia. The foundation focuses on sponsoring an array of events which promote cultural awareness. Some of the events include concerts, exhibitions, lectures, community events, and several other activities. It’s a wonderful place for visitors of all ages to better understand the art, history, and cultural heritage of Blacksburg. Some of their most popular events include the Alexander Black Tie Gala and the Blues Brews & BBQ. During the summer months, be sure to visit the gardening exhibits at the Alexander Black House where you’ll also be able to see a display of seed catalogs and tools from the past.

Address: 204 Draper Rd SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-558-0746

© Rising Silo Farm Brewery

The Rising Silo Farm Brewery was created as part of a community movement which brought creative collaborators together in a shared farm space. The team aims to create the best fermented drinks using only the best ingredients so that it tastes authentic and flavorful. Their brews are created using ground water from a nearby well and ingredients sourced from their farm. Some of their most popular brews which can be found on tap are the Eastern Divide Pils, which is a German-style Pilsner, the Leggy Blonde, which is a blonde ale, and the Thunder Snow Stout, which is a vanilla oatmeal stout using locally roasted coffee.

Address: 2351 Glade Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-750-0796

© ASP Inc/stock.adobe.com

One of the state’s most popular baseball stadiums, English Field is the home field of the college baseball team - the Virginia Tech Hokies. It originally opened in 1989 but underwent an $18 million renovation in 2018 which transformed it completely. The stadium is named after E. R. “Red” English who was a major financial contributor to the university and its many athletic programs over the years. It’s a wonderful place to take the entire family and watch a game; the stadium can hold over 4,000 people and has several food stands and stuff to make your experience a memorable one.

Address: 260 Duck Pond Dr, Blacksburg, VA 24061, Phone: 540-231-9984

© The Artful Lawyer, A Fine Gallery Inc.

The Artful Gallery can be found housed in what was once the offices of The Creekmore Law Firm. The unique gallery promotes local artists and artisans by displaying a rotating array of their arts and crafts. There is a quarterly gallery show, as well as their ‘Whet Your Palette’ art parties and receptions which bring together the artists, friends, neighbors, and clients for a great time appreciating amazing art and food. Patrons of all ages would also love attending one of the gallery’s monthly paint parties where all supplies are provided as a local artist takes them on a step-by-step through wonderful paintings. The not-for-profit is an integral part of the community and is definitely worth a visit when in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Address: 318 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-443-9350

© Glade Road Growing

Glade Road Growing is family-run farm that is housed on two separate plots which have historically been pastures for decades. Visitors of all ages will love exploring the rolling landscape; little ones especially love seeing the chickens, pigs, and other farm animals. You will be able to purchase fresh meats and veggies at the farm and their freshly dug potatoes, Napa cabbage, spaghetti squash, gold beets, butter crisp head lettuce, and shishito peppers are popular items. In addition to the farm and kitchen, you’ll also be able to take a tour of their brewery, have a chill drink, and just relax in the wonderful atmosphere surrounding you.

Address: 2351 Glade Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-808-0672

© Blacksburg Farmers’ Market

The Blacksburg Farmers’ Market can be found in the heart of downtown Blacksburg. It is managed by the nonprofit Friends of the Farmers Market organization and is a great opportunity for visitors to meet members of the community, support local businesses, and go home with an array of delicious fruits, veggies, baked goods, and more. The market’s been around since the 1980s and is now home to hundreds of vendors all years long. Right in the heart of it, you’ll find Market Square Park, which is also a great place to have a picnic, people watch, and enjoy performances by local musicians.

Address: 100 Draper Rd NW, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-239-8290

© 622 North

622 North is an amazing restaurant, wine lounge, and bar that is housed in a beautiful Victorian building in Blacksburg’s historic downtown district. They’re open for both lunch and dinner and have an eclectic assortment of dishes to choose from on their menu. During the warmer months, you can choose to dine on their patio, overlooking the garden, Main Street, and the Blue Ridge mountains in the background. The full-service bar is a great casual space to hang out with friends, play a game of pool, or watch a big game. Additional features and amenities include over a hundred wines from all over the world, hand-crafted specialty cocktails, and a private dining room for more intimate events.

Address: 622 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-951-1022

© Zeppoli's Italian Restaurant

Renowned for their menu filled with authentic, homemade cuisine, Zeppoli’s Italian Restaurant can be found right in the heart of Blacksburg, Virginia. The dining establishment is perfect for a romantic date night or a dinner with friends and family; it is often the base for many celebrations by families in the community. In addition to the incomparable culinary experience, you’ll also be treated to amazing service and hospitality. All of the food is fresh, made from scratch, and follows traditional recipes improved with little twists. Popular items on the menu are the scampi fries with shrimp, spinach ravioli with mushroom rose sauce, and the sausage gorgonzola with fresh spinach and cremini mushrooms.

Address: 810 University City Blvd #22, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-953-2000

© Olga/stock.adobe.com

The Blacksburg Tavern is a bar and restaurant that is housed in one of the oldest houses on the town’s Main Street. When the structure was initially built, Main Street was a dirt road for horse carriages. The owner bought it, converted it to its former glory, and introduced a regional farmer’s menu that pays tribute to the area’s past. You’ll be able to feast on exquisitely-prepared meats, vegetables, appetizers, and desserts, along with your choice of local and international; wines and beers from their full bar. The atmosphere is very casual and laid back; you’ll see the works of local artists on the walls and can find musicians from the community performing there sometimes. A popular item from their menu definitely worth trying is the Hungry Hokie which is a bowl of meatloaf topped with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, mac and cheese, and a biscuit.

Address: 103 S Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-552-8876

© Sake House Restaurant

For creative and traditional Japanese food head on over to the Sake House Restaurant. The renowned dining establishment first opened in 1993 as one of the first and finest sushi restaurants in Roanoke. After moving to Blacksburg, the family-operated restaurant continues to share their passion and love for sushi and fine Japanese cuisine with their new friends in the community. Many of the dishes uses fresh, locally sourced meats and produce, combined with authentic ingredients that are shipped regularly. Be sure to try their rumaki, which are scallions wrapped in bacon and deep fried, or the yakimeshi, which is a fried rice tossed with chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.

Address: 1560 S Main St #116, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-951-0068