Downtown Blacksburg, Inc.

Summer Solstice Fest, held in June, offers an exciting
array of entertainment and family activities to celebrate
the beginning of summer.
downtown community. In addition, DBI sponsors weekly and
monthly retail promotions, including Senior Discount Tuesdays.
Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. also partners with other groups
during the year for events such as the International Street Fair,
Recognized by the commonwealth as an “arts & culture
district,” Blacksburg’s downtown is home to several public and
private galleries, the Lyric Theatre and the Community Arts
Information Office. It is also adjacent to the Virginia Tech Arts
Initiative, which includes several galleries, an experimental
theatre and, in the future, a regional center for performing arts.
regional arts & culture district
Steppin’ Out, an annual street festival held in August,
has become a downtown Blacksburg tradition, celebrating
30 years in 2010.
DOWNTOWN
Blacksburg, Inc.
A Visitor’s Guide to Merchants,
Restaurants, & Services
Blacksburg, Virginia
WINTER LIGHTS & TubaChristmas
December, First Friday in conjunction with Town of
Blacksburg Holiday Parade
Celebrate the season – carolers, holiday crafts, hot cider and
hot chocolate, visits with Santa, and more.
HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS
October 31st
Downtown trick-or-treating, special entertainment, costume
contest, and other Halloween activities for the young
and the young at heart.
STEPPIN’ OUT
August, First Friday and Saturday
A Blacksburg tradition! More than 180 craft vendors, three
stages of live entertainment, great festival food, community
connection, and more.
ART AT THE MARKET
July
Local artists display and sell their works of art. Held in
conjunction with Breakfast at the Farmers Market.
SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL
June, Third Saturday
Welcome summer with midway games, dog parade, 5k race,
live entertainment, beer garden, and food.
Each year, DBI hosts numerous downtown events. All proceeds
are reinvested right back into the community. DBI has
provided funding for downtown park benches, brick pavers,
street lamps, the Farmers Market, the Lyric Theatre,
Blacksburg’s Hand-in-Hand Playground, and more.
annual events
Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. (DBI) is an association of merchants,
property owners, and downtown advocates whose mission is
to sustain a dynamic, vital, and diverse community through
marketing, events, economic development, and leadership.
at the heart of your hometown
BLACKSBURG
downtown
mission statement
the heart of blacksburg
a special place—for over 200 years
Rich in history, the community treasures several properties
that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and
located in the original sixteen blocks of the incorporated town.
Among them are nine historic properties, which the Town of
Blacksburg has purchased and restored to public use. Historic
walking tours are available through the Blacksburg Museum
(www.blacksburg.gov/museum).
The town and university are also host to numerous events and
organizations which celebrate the rich Appalachian folk
tradition of the region. The town has been a desirable
destination since 1872, when William Addison Caldwell
hiked nearly 28 miles along Sinking Creek in Craig County to
springs, Blacksburg has grown into the largest town in
Virginia. Home to Virginia Tech, it fosters world-class talents,
enjoying state-of-the-art technology and services in a setting
of legendary beauty. After 200 years, the health-giving waters
that favored its founding still course through the town of
Blacksburg, and the promise which drew early settlers to this
mountain idyll still calls to modern adventurers. A visit to
the historic downtown offers opportunities to buy gourmet
gadgets, unique and sweatshop-free clothing, or locally
crafted pottery and jewelry. Everything from a Blackberry to
birdfeeders is available in shops along our tree-lined streets.
a night on the town – all within walking distance. This is
downtown the way it was meant to be.
agricultural and mechanical college.
The Blacksburg Farmers Market began with a simple
structure in 1995. In late 2009, construction of the new
Market Square Park was completed, creating an updated
site for the vibrant Farmers Market and a gathering space
for community activities.
Approximately 40 percent of the land in Blacksburg,
located along the fringes of the Jefferson National
Forest, is undeveloped. Claytor Lake, Mountain Lake
resort, the Appalachian Trail, the New River and
numerous campgrounds and hiking trails attract
outdoor enthusiasts. Accommodations in the area are
many and varied, including several locally owned
bed & breakfasts. Blacksburg has always offered a
warm, Appalachian welcome to newcomers and
wayfarers alike.
A commitment to “smart growth” is evidenced in the
green spaces, bikeways, and buildings of Blacksburg.
In 2007, Blacksburg became the first town in the
Commonwealth of Virginia to earn the Sierra Club’s “coolcity”
designation for its commitment to reducing carbon dioxide
emissions. The town has since converted its public fleet to
biodiesel fuel. And Blacksburg’s downtown merchants will
recycle your electronic household wastes free of charge —
raising customer service to atmospheric heights!
coolcity . . . cooldowntown
THOMAS CONNER HOUSE
Circa 1878, 104 Draper Road
Built by William Howard Thomas in the late nineteenth
century, the home features unique details such as the
semicircular arches above the windows. The home is owned by
the Town of Blacksburg and leased to Virginia Tech.
FIVE CHIMNEYS
Circa 1852, south corner of Washington Street and Draper Road
The Queen Anne porch is distinctive to the home’s original
construction in 1852. It underwent numerous renovations in
the 1930s. The Town of Blacksburg acquired the property in
1987. It now serves as the Town’s Community Relations Office,
including WTOB Channel 2, community access television,
and the administrative office of the Blacksburg Museum. Visitors are
welcome to stop in to view the interior or enjoy the large front yard.
OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Circa 1847, 117 South Main Street
The Presbyterians built a church on Main Street in 1847
for $1500. It is the oldest surviving building on the street
today and one of the few surviving buildings in Blacksburg
constructed before the Civil War. William Thomas, owner
of the Thomas-Conner House, donated the lot, laid the
cornerstone, and contributed “time and slaves” to the
construction of the church. The building now houses a
restaurant, Cabo Fish Taco.
ST. LUKE AND ODD FELLOWS HALL
Circa 1905, 203 Gilbert Street
For over 60 years, this simple two-story structure served as a
gathering space and provided support and services otherwise
unavailable to African-Americans during segregation. In 2005,
The Odd Fellows Hall was placed on the Virginia Landmarks
Register and the National Register of Historic Places and
subsequently donated to the Town of Blacksburg. The museum
exhibit is free and open to the public.
historic sites
FIRST CHURCH OF GOD AND PARSONAGE
Circa 1904, 115 Roanoke Street
Adorned by five beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows, this
building was erected as a Presbyterian Church. Next to the
church is a parsonage dating to 1907.
PRICE HOUSE AND GARDEN PARK
Circa 1853, north corner of Wharton and Lee Streets
James C. Kent built this log and frame house, then valued at $300,
in the mid-nineteenth century. When Nelson Price, a longtime
resident of the home, passed away in 1985, it was donated to the
Town of Blacksburg. It now serves as the Town’s Nature Center.
The Lyric Theatre, established in the early 1900s and
renovated in 1998, now operates as a not-for-profit movie
theatre and community center and is listed on the Virginia
and National Registers of Historic Places as a part of the
Downtown Blacksburg Historic District.
downtown map &
merchant listing
RESTAURANTS
Big Al’s Grille & Sports Bar
201 N. Main St. // 951-3300
Fun t Food t Spirits t Sports t All DIRECTV Packages
Bollo’s Café
206 Draper Rd. // 953-1669
Locally owned coffee house & bakery
Boudreaux’s
205 N. Main St. // 961-2330
A little taste of the Big Easy at home
Buffalo Wild Wings
211 Prices Fork Rd., Suite 200 // 552-9464
Home of Table Gating – a party at every table!
Cabo Fish Taco
117 S. Main St. // 552-0950
Coastal Mexican cuisine with a healthy California feel
Café de Bangkok
104 Jackson St. // 998-4155
Delicious Thai cuisine in the heart of downtown Blacksburg
PK’s Restaurant
432 N. Main St. // 552-1577
Food, spirits, good friends and billiards
Capone’s Fine Jewelry
101 N. Main St. // 953-1000
Custom-designed jewelry with you in mind
Rita’s
109-B College Ave. // 951-7482
Italian ice & frozen custard treats
College Carousel
203 Suite B, College Ave. // 629-3375
We buy, sell & trade! Furniture, clothes, DVD’s and more!
Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint
220 N. Main St. // 552-2030
Great food – good time!
She-Sha Café & Hookah Lounge
211 Draper Rd. // 961-9100
Great food, great tobacco, great people, great place
Souvlaki
201 College Ave. // 951-0555
Blacksburg’s best Greek cuisine & subs
Sycamore Deli
211-B Draper Rd. // 951-9817
Offering a VERY large selection of great sandwiches,
wraps, melts, and subs
Clothes Rack
105 N. Main St. // 552-8147
Men’s and women’s fashions, accessories and tapestries
Eats Natural Foods
708A N. Main St. // 552-2279
Blacksburg’s premier natural foods store
Friends of the Farmers Market
Market Square Park // 239-8290
Providing fresh and local goods all year long
Fringe Benefit
117 N. Main St. // 951-9777
Unique women’s fashions & accessories
Ceritano’s Ristorante
428 N. Main St. // 443-9135
Authentic brick-oven pizza, gelatos & more
T. Flynn’s Pub
607 N.Main St. // 951-8321
Blacksburg is going Irish! A new local pub and eatery
capturing the Irish spirit
Gourmet Pantry
401 S. Main St. // 951-1995
Gourmet foods, kitchen needs, and spirits
Champs Sports Bar & Café
111 N. Main St. // 552-2233
Your sports connection in downtown Blacksburg
Taco Bell
608 N. Main St. // 552-6169
“Outside the Bun” in Blacksburg
Greenhouse Boardshop
203 College Ave. // 552-3872
Professionally serving skateboarders & snowboarders
DP Dough
215 N. Main St. // 951-9663
The original calzone company!
The Cellar Restaurant
302 N. Main St. // 953-0651
Blacksburg’s original underground tavern
Heavener Hardware & Lumber
801 Kabrich St. // 552-1221
Locally owned & operated True Value supplier
Frosty Parrot
125 North Main St. // 230-5264
Frozen organic yogurt bar that is not only spectacular
in taste, but is also good for you
Gillie’s Restaurant
153 College Ave. // 961-2703
Vegetarian dining at its best!
Gobble Cakes
145 College Ave. // 951-4121
Delicious cupcakes and cookies
Greens
109-A College Ave. // 961-2020
Sushi, wraps, salads & more
Happy Wok
133 College Ave. // 552-3186
Chinese cuisine in the heart of downtown
India Garden Restaurant
210-D Prices Fork Rd. // 951-5100
Authentic Indian cuisine adding spice to your life
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
217 College Ave. // 951-2100
Gourmet subs & sandwiches – delivered, too!
Mike’s Grill
418 N. Main St. // 951-7391
Home of downtown’s Biggest Burger
Next Door Bake Shop
460 Turner St., NW, #204 // 951-BAKE
Bakery items, sandwiches, etc. in Collegiate Square
Papa John’s
824 N. Main St. // 953-3333
Better Ingredients, Better Pizza, Papa John’s
Pita Vera
235 N. Main St. // 552-9222
Healthful, natural Mediterranean cuisine
The Greeks’ Restaurant & Grill
610 N. Main St. // 961-5000
Family owned/operated, Greek & American cuisine!
Top of the Stairs
217 College Ave. // 953-2837
Ribs, chicken & more – meet us on the deck!
SHOPPING
310 Rosemont
208 N. Main St. // 961-5326
Boutique for men & ladies
8 Petals Boutique
119 N. Main St. // 552-0233
A clothing boutique striving to dress each lady,
not only in style, but in confidence!
Alligator Alley
401 S. Main St. // 552-4287
Lacoste & other fine fashions for ladies & men
Beliveau Estate Wine Shop
104 W. Roanoke St. // 961-0505
This adorable, little shop has our wines available for
tasting, by the glass, and to purchase by the bottle.
Bike Barn
424 N. Main St. // 443-9960
Bicycle sales & service for the New River Valley
Blacksburg Pipe & Tobacco
408 N.Main St. // 951-8457
Providing the finest tobaccos and cigars available
Heirloom Originals
609 N. Main St. // 552-9241
Antiques, gifts, and originals
SERVICES
Amodeo Photography
106 Faculty St. // 641-0321
Premiere wedding, event and corporate photographer
Amodeo Properties, Inc.
506-E Harrell Street // 641-0123
Rental properties near downtown Blacksburg, managed
and maintained by local owner.
Nest Realty
400 N. Main St. // 800-325-6378
Full-service, boutique real estate brokerage firm
specializing in residential and luxury properties
throughout Blacksburg and the New River Valley
Blacksburg.net
223 N. Main St. (upstairs) // 961-4445
Internet service provider
Pointe West Management
202 S. Main St., Suite 201 // 953-1341
Commercial development & rental company
Christian Insurance Agency/Allstate
807-A N. Main St. // 951-0012
Helping families like yours protect the things that are
important - your life, home, car, boat, business &
commercial needs
Positive Radio Group
145 Jackson St. // 951-9791
NRV’s locally owned radio at its best
Clay Corner Inn
401 Clay Street SW // 552-4030
Beautiful, friendly B&B next to Virginia Tech
CMG Leasing
205 Church St. // 951-0514
Successfully serving the NRV with apartments since 1983
College Media Solutions
618 N. Main St. // 961-9860
Home of Virginia Tech’s student media groups
Colley Architects, PC
620 N. Main St., Suite 301 // 953-2724
Architecture that focuses on quality design,
the community, and the environment
Dr. Steve Jacobs, Optometrist
620 N. Main St., Suite 101 // 953-0136
Complete optometric care, eyewear
High Peak Sportswear
209 College Ave. // 953-1293
Specializing in custom shirts, jackets, and more
Easy Way Packaging Center
610 N. Main St. // 951-4351
Packing & shipping service; passport photos; notary;
mailbox rentals
John’s Camera Corner & Gentry Studio
213 Draper Rd. // 552-2319
Great Hokie photography & all your camera needs
Eucalyptus Massage Therapy
201 S. Main St. // 552-CALM
We look forward to working with you, and encourage
you to start getting healthier with massage therapy!
Kent Jewelers
210 S. Main St. // 552-3241
Your diamond source
Matrix Gallery
115 N. Main St. // 951-3566
Quality handmade American crafts....beautiful,
functional & fun!
Mish Mish
125 N. Main St. // 552-1020
Artistic supplies for those who create
Nice Dreams
115-B North Main St. // 552-4733
Gifts, novelties and tobacco
polished by claire v.
101 South Main St. // 342-5895
Manicures, pedicures, & spa services at a fabulous price
Bookholders.com
125 N. Main St. // 808-4481
Buys/sells used college/general books & new apparel
Tech Bookstore
118 S. Main St. // 552-6444
Home of everything Hokie, books bought & sold
Burnt Creative
320 N. Main St. // 230-7550
Specializing in regional handcrafts, fair trade goods, and
carefully selected vintage finds.
Wireless Zone
304 N. Main St. // 961-4200
Get connected with the latest technology
National Bank of Blacksburg
100 S. Main St. // 552-2011
Your Future, Your Bank
Freedom First Credit Union
Virginia Tech – Squires Student Center // 389-0244
Open to the entire community
In Balance Yoga
401 S. Main St., Suite 105 // 961-1030
Offering a variety of yoga classes for all ages
Interiors Unlimited
210 Prices Fork Rd., #F // 552-0582
Custom interior design services & products
Kent Square Parking Garage (Park, Inc.)
207 Draper Rd. // 443-3542
Convenient parking for downtown shoppers
Lia’s Hairstyling
107 N. Main St. // 961-4144
Look your best at Lia’s!
Main Street Inn
205 S. Main St. // 552-6246
The only hotel in Historic Downtown Blacksburg
Midway Production Services
209-B College Ave. // 951-5600
Provider of audio, lighting, video, and staging
Modea
202 S. Main St., Suite 200 // 552-3210
Full-service digital agency
Real Life Dental Care – Dr. Damon Thompson
202 S. Main St., Suite 101 // 552-5433
Complete dental care – located in Kent Square
Shelter Alternatives & Energy Check
701 Progress St. // 951-0358
Design/construction of energy-efficient custom homes,
additions & remodels
Snyder & Associates
500 S. Main St. // 552-3399
Local contractor with specialization in commercial
and light industrial projects.
South Main Chiropractic Clinic
401 S. Main St., Suite 104 // 552-5202
Your source for chiropractic wellness
Southview Management & Development
526 Edgewood Ln. // 951-5246
Residential & commercial leasing and development
The Center for the Arts
190 Alumni Mall // 231-0856
The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech transforms
lives through exploration and engagement with the
arts and creative process.
The Center of Dance
460 Turner St., Suite 101 // 961-3519
Teaching safe and inclusive dance and movement
techniques to children and adults.
The Creekmore Law Firm
318 N. Main St. // 443-9350
We provide practical, real-world advice on essential
elements of contracts, business torts and intellectual
property issues to help make business litigation avoidable.
The Lyric Theatre
135 College Avenue // 951-4771
Restored 1930s theatre offering fine films & live entertainment
Town of Blacksburg
300 S. Main St. // 961-1100
Government offices for A Special Place....
Tuck Chiropractic Clinic
620 N. Main St. // 951-4357
Quality chiropractic care in order to facilitate healthier lives
Verizon
109 Clay St. // 230-5928
Virginia’s leading broadband & communications provider
Questions?
Downtown Blacksburg, Inc.
149 College Avenue, Post Office Box 233
Blacksburg, Virginia 24063
dbi@downtownblacksburg.com // 951-0454
downtownblacksburg.com