Getaway: Three Days in Blacksburg, VA
Blacksburg (alongside neighboring Christiansburg) may be best known as the spirited home of Virginia Tech, but spend a weekend there and you’ll discover there’s far more to explore—historic streets filled with boutiques and books, trails that wind through Appalachian forests, and restaurants and breweries as fresh and creative as anything in the Nation’s Capital.
Just under four hours from DC by car—and, starting in 2026, easily reachable via Amtrak with a new station in Christiansburg—this pocket of Southwest Virginia is about to become one of the region’s most convenient escapes.
Here’s how to spend three days in this Blue Ridge gem: (Pro Tip: Make a reservation at the super convenient Inn at Virginia Tech as your home away from home!)
Day One: Downtown Strolls, Spirited Tastings & Local Plates
The drive from DC to Blacksburg is part of the charm. With sweeping mountain views, small-town gems along the way, and little traffic beyond the Beltway, the road trip sets the tone for a relaxing weekend escape. (That is… until you can take the train in 2026!)
The first hour or so takes you out of the city through Northern Virginia suburbs, but then the landscape opens up to rolling farmland and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you approach the Roanoke area, the terrain becomes more mountainous and lush, and the final stretch into Blacksburg feels like a true arrival—peaceful, green, and distinctly Appalachian.
Tips for the Drive:
- Best Time to Travel: Weekday mornings or early afternoon to avoid I-66 and I-81 congestion.
- Scenic Detour Option: For a slower but also stunning route, consider taking VA-42 or US-11 south from Staunton for a taste of backroad Virginia.
- Great Stop Options:
- Staunton, VA – Historic downtown and lunch spots
- Lexington, VA – Home to the Virginia Military Institute and charming shops
- Natural Bridge State Park – A quick detour off I-81 to stretch those legs and touch grass
Afternoon:
Upon arrival, ease into your trip with a leisurely walk through downtown Blacksburg. Consider a stop at Blacksburg Books, a thoughtful, community-forward shop featuring local authors, indie favorites, and Appalachian cookbooks. A few doors down, fashionistas may love browsing the curated styles at Fringe Benefit, a locally owned boutique that’s been dressing women since 1972.
If you’re a history lover, don’t miss the Alexander Black House, a lovingly restored Victorian mansion with rotating art exhibits and a deep connection to the town’s past that also serves as the Blacksburg Museum & Cultural Foundation.
Evening:
Your first taste of the region begins with a speakeasy-style whiskey flight at J.H. Bards Spirit Co., where two hometown friends have turned their passion for distilling into one of the area’s most exciting micro-distilleries.
Then, head to Blacksburg Wine Lab for dinner—a one-of-a-kind experience that blends global wine education with inventive small plates like spicy Tasso ham grilled cheese or a variety of fun tinned fish. (Yes – tinned fish – trust us!) The casual-chic atmosphere here feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
Day Two: Trails, Tastings & Twilight Bites
Morning:
Start your day with the breakfast buffet at Preston’s at The Inn at Virginia Tech, then lace up your hiking shoes! A short drive will get you to Pandapas Pond in the Jefferson National Forest. This serene loop around an eight-acre pond offers birdwatching, boardwalks, and peaceful reflections.
Looking for a more challenging trek? Check out Brush Mountain Park, with multi-use trails winding through a 750-acre protected forest just minutes from town.
Lunch:
Refuel at Cabo Fish Taco, where Baja flavors meet Appalachian flair. Grab a spot on the patio and dig into signature tacos, like the “Banging Baja” or blackened tuna, and one of the most extensive margarita menus in the state.
Afternoon:
Sip, swirl, and saunter your way through the countryside — and lavender field! — at Beliveau Farm Winery, known for its scenic views and commitment to making Virginia wine (not California imitations). This is the perfect place to slow down and take in the mountain landscape while perhaps enjoying a glass of Trailblazer Merlot.
Evening:
Dinner is a show at Twisted Liquid, a modern cocktail bar and culinary destination. Expect creative seasonal fare—think pork belly and grits served with bourbon-glazed plantains, or steak topped with a butter candle — and get ready to be served cocktails that double as drinkable performance art.
Day Three: Christiansburg Charm, Trailside Discoveries & Farm Fresh Fare
Morning:
Begin the day with a drive south to Christiansburg, where the town’s quaint downtown and creative shops await. First stop: Coffee. Grab a latte or café nola and some beignets at Brew da Bean to caffeinate.
Then, calm your olfactory down a bit at The Chandlerie, a modern candle atelier, where you can meet owner Astleigh and see the hand-pouring process behind her signature seasonal scents. Don’t miss wafting in the full scent library along the back wall!
After that, head to Cambria Station Antiques & Old New River Books—three floors of curated vintage finds, vinyl records, and rare books tucked into a historic general store. (Pro Tip: The owners made that beautiful book archway themselves… and some of the books have hidden secrets inside!)
Insider Scoop:
Starting in 2026, Christiansburg will become even more accessible with the arrival of Amtrak service. The new station will connect Montgomery County directly to major East Coast destinations, making it a no-brainer weekend getaway from DC and beyond.
Lunch:
Back in Blacksburg, enjoy an upscale pub lunch at The Maroon Door, a local staple with a modern twist on Appalachian comfort food. Try the crispy Brussels sprouts, pimento elote, or the locally sourced burger or fried green tomato BLT!
Afternoon:
For a breath of fresh air, take a walk or bike ride through Huckleberry Park, where the 15-mile paved Huckleberry Trail winds through scenic countryside and links the two towns with natural beauty. It’s an ideal way to cap off your trip—or work up a thirst for your final stop.
Evening:
Wrap up your weekend at Rising Silo Brewery & Farm, a beloved farm-based brewery just outside Blacksburg. Everything here—from the Brush Mountain Blonde ale to the rotating menu of wood-fired dishes from Farm & Forage Kitchen—is grown, brewed, or baked on-site. It’s the kind of sunset dinner you’ll talk about long after you’ve returned to the city.
If you have any extra time, consider taking in a show at the historic Lyric Theatre, patronizing the local vendors at the Blacksburg Farmers Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays), or catching a performance at Virginia Tech’s Moss Arts Center. And, of course, a VaTech football game is always a great idea!
Whether you go for the mountain hikes, the tasting rooms, or the trail of indie shops and antique treasures, Blacksburg (and Christiansburg) offer a refreshing break from the bustle of DC life. And soon, with the rails running right to town, it’ll be easier than ever to escape to the mountains for a weekend that’s equal parts discovery and delight.
