There’s a common trend for anyone visiting the Southern U.S. to simply stick to the coastline. While there’s no arguing about the appeal of the numerous beaches dotting the edge of Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, or Florida, travelers shouldn’t forget about the scenic possibilities awaiting their attention within the inland areas of these states.
In the case of Virginia, the Old Dominion holds an endless array of gorgeous towns capable of providing visitors a quiet Southern getaway. Nowhere is this characteristic more readily found than in the quaint streets of Montgomery County, home to the neighboring communities of Christiansburg and Blacksburg, Virginia.
A Picturesque Town in the Middle of “Hokie Nation”
Nowadays, it’s safe to say that Blacksburg’s main claim to fame is that it serves as the home of Virginia Tech, one of the most prestigious research universities in the entire country. With a campus that encompasses 2,600 acres of land, the college remains an essential part of the overall charm of Montgomery County, maintaining a close-knit connection to the community and its surrounding inhabitants.
With plenty of gothic buildings, structures, and research facilities spanning Blacksburg, every corner of the town seems to feature some kind of connection to Virginia Tech. In this sense, Blacksburg offers visitors a distinctly laidback kind of atmosphere, one populated by fun-loving students, picturesque parks, and highly approachable bars and restaurants that cater to a wide clientele of prospective customers.
The At-Home Charm of Montgomery County
While it’s always worth catching a football, baseball, or basketball game played at the university, there’s plenty of other things to do in and around Montgomery County than one might not expect. For those in search of an afternoon spent outside, Beliveau Farm & Winery offers splendid views of the New River Valley – not to mention some of the finest and most unique wines you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting.
Likewise, the Jefferson National Forest offers numerous accessible walking and hiking trails into the heart of the park’s tree-covered woods, as do the similarly beautiful paths of nearby Brush Mountain. For those interested in Montgomery County’s historical significance, travelers can also venture to the Smithfield Historic Site or marvel at some modern artwork at the Alexander Black House.
Additionally, you might think about catching a budget-friendly film at the recently refurbished Lyric Theatre, or shopping for some vintage antiques at any one of the numerous establishments in both Christiansburg and Blacksburg.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, Montgomery County makes for a splendid Southern escape unlike any other below the Mason-Dixon Line. Striking a fine balance between regional beauty, charming Southern atmosphere, and inviting restaurants, shops, and other independently owned places of business, it’s a scenic destination we simply can’t recommend enough.
