Nearby Attractions
These activities are great suggestions for enjoying the area if you are able to spend an extra day in Blacksburg, or if you are planning a self-organized activity on Wednesday afternoon (during the conference hike).
Floyd County
(40 min from VT campus)
Floyd County is a laid-back mountain destination known for its scenic beauty, vibrant music culture, and strong sense of community. Centered around the small town of Floyd, it offers a mix of local art, farm-to-table food, and traditional Appalachian experiences like live bluegrass at the Floyd Country Store. With easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s an ideal place to unwind, explore nature, and enjoy authentic local culture.
Floyd County Store
(40 min from VT campus)
Floyd Country Store is a beloved gathering place that blends the feel of an old-time general store with the energy of a live music venue. During the day, you’ll find local goods, handmade crafts, and a café serving classic comfort food. In the evenings it comes alive with bluegrass and old-time music, where locals and visitors alike fill the space with dancing and community spirit. It’s less of a tourist stop and more of a genuine cultural experience rooted in Appalachian tradition.
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines
(1 hr from VT campus)
Located in Floyd, Buffalo Mountain Ziplines is home to Virginia's longest zipline and the highest zipline! Family-friendly fun for ages 3 and up.
Claytor Lake State Park
(30 min from VT campus)
Claytor Lake State Park is a scenic lakeside escape where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet calm, open water. Centered around a 4,500-acre lake, it’s a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking, with plenty of shoreline to relax and enjoy the views. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, a full-service marina, and a waterfront restaurant, making it easy to spend a full day outdoors.
Blue Ridge Parkway
(30 min from VT campus)
Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway “America’s Favorite Drive.” Take the scenic route along 469 miles of breathtaking views on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a National Parkway that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. Cruise into the heart of Appalachia and experience what is known as one of America’s most celebrated scenic drives.
Dixie Caverns
(25 min from VT campus)
Dixie Caverns is a family- and woman-owned tourist attraction in Salem, Virginia, featuring guided underground cavern tours, a year-round campground, an antique mall, and one of the area’s largest rock and mineral shops. Established in 1923, it has been welcoming visitors for over a century.
Roanoke Star
(50 min from VT campus)
The Mill Mountain Star, also known as the Roanoke Star, is a towering illuminated landmark located in Roanoke, Virginia. Erected in 1949, it stands as the world’s largest free-standing man-made star and serves as the defining symbol of Roanoke. The star overlooks the Roanoke Valley from its perch atop Mill Mountain, drawing visitors with its scenic views and regional significance.
Center in the Square
(45 min from VT campus)
Center in the Square is a seven-story destination in downtown Roanoke, VA, home to museums, theatres, aquariums, and educational attractions.
Black Dog Salvage
(45 min from VT campus)Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, VA is a massive salvage warehouse featuring antiques, reclaimed materials, and unique items from local artisans across 40,000 square feet. Known for creative remodeling and design projects, it was featured on the DIY Network show Salvage Dawgs and has gained national recognition in the industry.
Breweries/Vinyards
Beliveau Farm Winery
(23 min from VT campus)
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Blacksburg, VA, Beliveau Farm Winery offers a serene escape on its expansive 165-acre estate. The winery invites guests to explore its picturesque grounds, including lush vineyards, a charming lavender farm, and scenic hiking trails.
Chateau Morissette
(1 hr from VT campus)
Chateau Morrisette is one of Virginia's largest and oldest wineries. Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Floyd, VA. Known for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains the winery is famously dog friendly. Dogs even appear on many of its wine labels. Its mix of history, scenic beauty, diverse wines, and welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the most popular winery experiences in Virginia.
Eastern Divide Brewing Company
(8 min from VT campus)
Eastern Divide is a regional brewing facility specializing in grain that is local Virginia, and highlighting the flavors of the Eastern Continental Divide. 100% of the beer, kombucha, and sodas are produced on site.
Solstice Farm Brewery
(30 min from VT campus)
Solstice Farm Brewery is a scenic farm brewery in Catawba Valley. It’s known for its mountain views, relaxed, outdoorsy vibe and for being a great stop after hiking or cycling. It is near Dragon's Tooth, McAfee's, Tinker Cliffs.
Long Way Brewing
(25 min from VT campus)
Long Way Brewing located in Radford, VA is dedicated to great beer, community, and memorable experiences. Whether you prefer a crisp blonde, a hoppy IPA, hard seltzer, or a rich porter, there is something for everyone.
Rising Silo Brewery
(5 min from VT campus)
Rising Silo Brewery is Blacksburg's one and only Farm Brewery, using organic malts, well water, and solar energy. Here you can pick up fresh veggies, dairy and meat raised on-site through Glade Road Growing and other friends of the farm, fill your growler or enjoy a pint on draft, take a walkabout the farm to bask in the beauty of the New River Valley, spark conversation or just relax in the company of friends old and new.
Moon Hollow Brewing Co
(8 min from VT campus)
Moon Hollow Brewing Company is an inviting venue where people can connect over fresh, local brews. Moon Hollow Brewing is named for the small plot of land behind the brewery space. All ages are welcome, a selection of non-alcoholic beverages from Moon Hollow Brewing and Rising Silo Brewery are featured on tap.
Villa Appalaccia Winery
(1 hr from VT campus)
Visit Villa Appalaccia Winery for a unique experience of Virginia wines that have an Italian influence. This winery is located just off Blue Ridge Parkway.
Iron Heart Winery
(45 min from VT campus)
A family owned farm nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia offering a charming retreat where all can comfortably enjoy each other’s company and excellent wine. Railroading and iron mining envelop the farm’s audacious history dating back to 1882, a tale that reveals resilient men and even stronger women. One of the favorites when visiting Iron Heart Winery is the mountain creek. Enjoy a glass of your favorite wine while relaxing by a fresh mountain creek. Go back in time and unwind, let your worries go and experience a unique way of life.