Culture & History
Armory Art Gallery: part of Virginia Tech, this repurposed historic building features installations and shows of both student and professional artists. 203 Draper Rd., Blacksburg www.gallery.vt.edu/ The Lyric Theatre: opened in 1930, this non-profit theater is listed on the Virginia and National Historic Registers. It shows independent, foreign, and recent-release movies and hosts live performances. 135 College Ave., Blacksburg. www.thelyric.com/ Montgomery Museum: Housed in what was originally the manse for the Presbyterian Church, this museum now displays artifacts from the New River Valley and local artist exhibits. 300 S. Pepper St., Christiansburg. montgomerymuseum.org/ Brush Mountain: A scenic ridge trail snakes along this mountain, with connections to Blacksburg’s Heritage Park via Gateway Park; it also links to the Pandapas Pond trail. It’s located just outside the Blacksburg Town limits. Perspectives, Squires Student Art Gallery: located on the second floor of Virginia Tech’s Squires Student Center, it features student and professional artists. College Ave., Blacksburg www.uusa.vt.edu/ artgallery/about.php Regal Cinemas: shows first-run movies. 110 New River Rd., Christiansburg www.regmovies.com/ Starlite Drive-In: open in warm months, usually starting in May of each year. 305 Roanoke Rd. Christiansburg www.starlitedrivein.biz/ Theater 101: part of Virginia Tech’s Theater Department, this theater’s new home on College Avenue invites the public to participate in live art events. Shows are listed in Virginia Tech’s Events Calendar: www. calendar.vt.edu/main.php which includes all Tech’s music, theater, and dance performances. College Ave., Blacksburg. 22
Brush Mountain Coal Miners Memorial: A monument and modest collection of coal mining artifacts. Located at 3756 Glade Road in the community of Tom’s Creek, just beyond Blacksburg’s town limits. Cambria Historic District: This area of Christiansburg, located adjacent to the railroad tracks, boasts the Christiansburg Depot, one of the only two known surviving railroad structures erected during the Reconstruction period in southwest Virginia. There’s also the opportunity for antique browsing. 630 Depot Street, Christiansburg. www.historiccambria.com/ Christiansburg Institute: This was the first school to provide secondary education for African-Americans in Southwest Virginia; in 1895, Booker T. Washington served as an advisor. While restoration is in progress, check their website for events and information: www.christiansburginstitute.org/ Coal Mining Heritage Park: Located adjacent to the Huckleberry Trail. www.newriverheritage.org/members-coalmining.htm Historic Smithfield Plantation: Established by William Preston, Revolutionary War patriot, and a leader of westward expansion, this home is on multiple historic registers. Open for tours, it also has a garden and museum shop worth exploring. 1000 Smithfield Plantation Rd., on the Virginia Tech campus www.smithfieldplantation.org/ Solitude: Built in 1801 for James Patton Preston, Solitude was later the home of two Virginia governors. It’s in the final stages of restoration as this goes to press. West Campus Drive, Blacksburg www.vt.edu/about/buildings/Solitude.html
MontgomeryCC.org