The first time your family visits Blacksburg is extremely exciting, but also can be very overwhelming. Having to plan the “perfect weekend” to show off your amazing new college town is no easy feat. Now that I am a senior, I think I can say that I’ve tried my fair share of Blacksburg restaurants and activities. Here is a weekend itinerary for you to pick and choose from during Fall Family Weekend.
Friday:
When your parents arrive in Blacksburg they are most likely going to be pretty tired from a road trip into Southwest Virginia. I’m going to plan you a relaxing Friday to help save some energy for a fun weekend ahead!
Afternoon: Meet up with your parents and walk them along campus. They want to see where you eat, sleep, learn, hang out with friends, and relax. Don’t forget to walk past Burruss Hall, Squires Student Center, and NCB!
Evening: Grab dinner at a restaurant in Downtown Blacksburg to stay close to campus and show off Main Street. I would try to get a reservation at all of your dinner restaurants since it’s a very busy weekend in town! Here are my top picks:
- Greens: lots of sushi, wraps, sandwiches, salads
- The Maroon Door: burgers, delicious appetizers, salads
- The Cellar: great appetizers, pasta, sandwiches, pizza
Saturday:
Morning: Meet up with your family at the Blacksburg Farmers Market and shop around from local vendors. The market is open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and has snacks and tons of handmade goods from small businesses worth supporting. Once you see the market check out some of the downtown shops like Blacksburg Books, 310 Rosemont or Sugar Magnolia.
Afternoon: Take advantage of the car that you parents have with them and go for a drive around Christiansburg. If it’s a nice day, grab a to-go lunch and go for a hike on the Cascades. The natural beauty of Southwest Virginia is something to show off to your family. If hiking isn’t your thing, check out one of the breweries with gorgeous views in Blacksburg. Eastern Divide Brewing Company and Rising Silo Brewing Company are the two most popular in town.
Evening: Get dressed up to go out to dinner at one of the nicer restaurants near campus with your family. You could also see if your roommate’s family wants to join in and have a big dinner to get to know each other. Here are my top picks:
- The Farmhouse Blacksburg: great drinks, delicious appetizers, upscale main dishes
- 622 North: eclectic upscale main dishes, great salads, delicious shareable appetizers
- Zeppoli’s: classic Italian dishes, large wine selection, seasonal specials
Sunday:
Morning: See your parents off by hopping in the car with them and grabbing some Carol Lee Donuts. They are a Blacksburg classic and I promise you they will be some of the best donuts you will ever have. Carol Lee tends to run out of donuts on busy weekends so make sure to arrive early!