Winter Inspiration

As autumn skies give way to winter mornings, it is natural to begin thinking of rekindling relations and connections.

Montgomery County and the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg provide many ways to inspire that reconnection. Winter clothes our beautiful mountains, trails, and waterways in a whole new wardrobe not to be missed! There are also many activities in which to participate while you are in the area. Come, be inspired in Montgomery County!

Day 1

The great outdoors is a great place to start looking for inspiration. Bundle up and hit the trail! The area offers over 10 miles of trails and nature walks with many more in adjacent areas within the New River Valley.

The Huckleberry Trail, a continuous walkway that currently stretches from the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg to the retail area of Christiansburg, offers picturesque views of nature and the surrounding landscape. The Coal Mining Heritage Park at Merrimac is located on the trail and is a visible reminder of the region’s industrial past. The name, “Huckleberry Trail,” dates to the rail line’s early days.

Head down to Cambria Historic District of Christiansburg for an “up close and personal” view of an operational train from a safe distance. Trains frequently race by the Cambria Depot Museum that features exhibits on the restoration of the Depot, the Cambria community, and the prototype models from The Scale Cabinetmaker and the celebration of modeling. You may have a young one to surprise with a souvenir of your trip. Choose from a wide selection of unique and educational children’s toys while you’re visiting the Depot.

Spend the evening dining in one of our local eateries. Just when you believe you have squeezed all the zest from the day, rest comfortably in one of our hotels or inns to be ready to seize day number two. 

Day 2

Yesterday was good for your heart and soul! Today, you will be inspired with great conversation by a roaring fire while enjoying a glass of distinctive Blue Ridge Region Virginia wine. Beliveau Estate Winery has been voted 2013 Silver Best Winery by the readers of Blue Ridge Country magazine. Their one simple goal is to make great wine! The winery is located in a beautiful section of the county.

When following Rt. 8, you’ll find another award winning winery, Whitebarrel Winery. It is located in the Riner area of Christiansburg and has become the place to relax and enjoy distinctive Virginia wine. Our eatery is an amazing relaxed dining experience set in the heart of our beautiful winery. 

After a day of special moments, it is time to return to one of our welcoming “home away from home” accommodations for the night. But first, an evening dinner is in order. What is your choice of cuisine tonight?  

Day 3

Historic significance is the inspiration for you on this last day. You have engaged in authentic experiences in Montgomery County and desire to learn more. A good place to start is at the Montgomery Museum and Lewis Miller Regional Art Center. In addition to permanent exhibits on Montgomery County and Lewis Miller, the museum hosts a series of changing art and history exhibits which focus on aspects of life in Montgomery County. It houses a museum store with books, toys, educational games and more. The hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm.

To learn more about the role of southwest Virginia in westward expansion and the civil war, visit Historic Smithfield Plantation. Smithfield was built at the edge of the western frontier in 1774 and was the home of Revolutionary War patriot Colonel William Preston and his wife Susanna Smith Preston. Costumed interpreters guide visitors through the home and visitors can tour the slave cabin, grounds, and kitchen garden. A museum store offers specialty gifts, books, and Smithfield-related items. Historic Smithfield Plantation is open April to December with hours of: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10-5 pm and Sunday 1-5 pm. There is an admission cost.

Historic Smithfield is located on the campus of Virginia Tech, so while you’re on the beautiful campus, visit the Hahn Horticulture Garden for a sensory delight! Encompassing nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens, the garden is open from dawn 'till dusk and is free of charge. Be sure to pick up a Visitor's Pass from the Virginia Tech Visitor Center on Prices Fork Road if visiting on a weekday during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M-F).

The new Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech has a stellar performance schedule for this inaugural year. After viewing the schedule you may decide to stay another night! The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology are headquartered in the Moss Arts Center. The 150,000-square-foot facility includes a 1,260-seat performance hall, visual arts galleries, amphitheater, four-story experimental Cube, and multiple studios.

This getaway was submitted by the Montgomery Regional Tourism Office