This quaint town in Montgomery County, Virginia is a charming, genteel place with a variety of things for visitors to do. Whether it’s hiking the Huckleberry Trail or Fall Ridge Preserve, learning about local history at the Montgomery Museum of Art and History, or enjoying a wine tasting at Whitebarrel Winery, interesting activities for all ages abound.
Hike along the Huckleberry Trail
Originally part of the Virginia Anthracite Coal and Rail Company at the turn of the twentieth century, the Huckleberry Trail provided transportation between Christiansburg and Blacksburg and gets its name from the abundance of wild blueberries in the area. After its closing in 1966, one local man transformed the eight-mile trail into a scenic destination for hiking, biking and walking in the New River Valley. Visitors may access the trail, which was recently extended to connect Linwood Lane and Prices Frock, from a few points including entrances near the New River Valley Mall and the Christiansburg Recreation Center.
Address: 200 Miller Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Visit the Montgomery Museum of Art and History
Culture enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Montgomery Museum of Art and History. Housed in the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church Manse which dates back to 1852, this local attraction promotes the work of regional artists and features a collection of photographs, archives books and more. The popular point of interest is a place where visitors can learn more about the local area and its history including the founding of Montgomery County back in 1776 and how it has evolved over the years from an agricultural center to more recent times. Fascinating exhibits over the years have covered everything from clothing to the Civil War and NASCAR.
Address: 4 E Main St, Christiansburg, VA 24073, Phone: 540-382-5644
Check out Paint N’ Fun
When creativity calls, Paint N’ Fun is the place to go. Aspiring artists can hone their inner Picasso as this studio has over 500 different pottery art pieces ready for personalized painting. All of the tools provided and guests simply select a piece they would like, paint it, wait for glossing and then take their masterpiece home. The activity is great for all ages and there are friendly staffers to help out if necessary. Among the different pieces that can be painted are plates, figurines, piggy banks, to name a few. There are also special event nights throughout the year so it is recommended to check their calendar.
Address: 782 New River Road, Christiansburg, VA 24703, Phone: 540-381-1770
Have fun at the Virginia Techniques Training Center
Children will have a blast at the Virginia Techniques Training Center. This family-friendly destination offers a jam-packed calendar of fun events whether it’s Tumbling, Ninja Zone, Cartwheeling and more. Other programs at the center include open gym, camp, private lessons, and parties. As for Kids Nite Out, this happens monthly on the first Saturday of the month and features activities, pizza, crafts, movies, and other good stuff.
Address: 1550 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073, Phone: 540-381-5151
Check out the fall Pumpkin Festival at Sinkland Farms
Sinkland Farms started out as a dairy farm in the 1980’s, but these days it is better known as a wonderful wedding and event venue. However, every year in October, locals and visitors can come and enjoy the bucolic pleasures of the fall Pumpkin Festival which attracts visitors from near and far. Adults and children can experience aspects of farm life like hay rides and riding a wagon to visit the enormous pumpkin patch where you can select your own perfect Halloween pumpkin. The festival hosts various vendors and musicians, and offers horse-back tours, pony rides, a corn maze and delicious local beer, wine and food.
Address: Sinkland Farms, 3020 Riner Road, Christiansburg, VA 24073, 504 382 4647
Work out at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center
Striving to provide the ideal aquatic facility to meet the community’s leisure, health and competitive needs, the Christiansburg Aquatic Center welcomes visitors of all ages. The center is able to accommodate up to 2,600 people at a time, boasting 3 pools, a cardio-fitness room and change rooms. The swimming facilities are divided into a leisure area and a competitive area. The former features a 2-storey water slide, water-dumping buckets and sprays, and plenty of room for everyone to have fun. The competition side is where the serious swimming takes place. The center hosts aqua fitness classes, swimming lessons, lifeguard training and much more.
Address: Christiansburg Aquatic Center, 595 N. Franklin Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073, 504 381 7665
Take the kids to the NRV Superbowl
Offering a whole host of family fun activities under one roof, the NRV Superbowl is a popular family entertainment center. Here families or groups of friends can play Laser Tag against a backdrop of amazing lights, sounds and colors. Ideal for birthday parties, Laser Tag packages can accommodate up to 24 players. After your laser tag game you can try the Spin Bumper cars, have some fun in the bowling alley or play the latest games in the Arcade. The on-site Bar and Grill will ensure you are never hungry – they serve great hand-crafted pizzas, burgers, salads, wings and sandwiches, accompanied by soft drinks, coffee or beer.
Address: NRV Superbowl, 375 Arbor Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073, 504 382 5525
Have dinner at The Farmhouse
The Farmhouse is a popular south-western Virginia restaurant which has been pleasing New River Valley palates since 1963. The restaurant is housed in an authentic farm house which was built in the 1800’s, and is full of historic charm. To add additional dining space, an old train caboose was added to the restaurant in the 1970’s. Today the Farm House also has a large outdoor deck area for alfresco dining. Despite the historic setting, guests will find that the menu offers contemporary American fare including crab cakes, prime steaks cooked to perfection and a choice of chicken, pasta and grain dishes. They also serve their popular Brunch every Sunday.
Address: The Farmhouse, 285 Ridinger Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073, 504 251 7600
