Collegiate Times

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg often appears to be little more than a sleepy college town.

To those unfamiliar with the area, the town can appear rather lifeless and desolate, but with a little searching (and some help from this guide), Blacksburg reveals its many hidden gems.

Downtown Blacksburg offers more than just over-21 activities to students.

Entertainment

The  historic Lyric Theater offers a wide selection of movies, rotating weekly, for just $5 for non-members, and free popcorn every Monday.

The Lantern, located on Draper Street, offers a variety of shows for all types of music lovers, usually at a low price.

The BreakZONE is located in Squires Student Center and contains 18 pool tables, a bowling alley,three table tennis tables, and an arcade.

Shopping

Downtown also offers a unique shopping experience, with many specialty retailers to cater to your every need.

Some shopping oultets include Mad Dog, Fringe Benefit, Clothes Rack and Xanadu clothing stores; Kent Jewelers and Capone's Fine Jewelry; and Greenhouse, a skate shop.

High Peak Sportswear carries sports apparel and offers screenprinting and embroidery.

For Tech apparel visit Campus Emporium or Tech Bookstore, which are both located downtown.

Mish Mish, an arts and crafts supply store, is also located downtown and is a frequent stop for art majors.

Matrix Gallery offers various types of pottery, jewelry and more. It also displays the work of artists, some of which are from the Blacksburg area.

For alternative transportation check out Campus Cruizers, a scooter and moped store that also offers clothing and accessories.

The Blacksburg Farmers Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays in the warmer months and Saturdays only in the winter, brings local famers and the Blacksburg community together. There one can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables in season as well as flowers.

Dining

 Downtown Blacksburg often welcomes new establishments but several staples that have been around for years include Souvlaki, a Greek deli; Bollos, a coffee shop; Jimmy Johns a sandwich shop; and Gillies, a vegetarian restaurant

Happy Wok, just a short walk from campus, offers Chinese cuisine.

Awful Arthur's Seafood Company provides a great menu along with occasional live entertainment. Poor Billy's Seafood as well as Poor Billy's Sushi offer tasty options.

Buffalo Wild Wings, affectionately called B-Dubs by students, has wing specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

She-Sha, Blacksburg's premier hookah lounge, offers various hookah styles and flavors as well as diverse food choices. With its welcoming atmosphere, She-Sha is a great place to just relax with friends.

For burritos, Moe's stands alone until Chipotle moves in across the street in 2010.

For those specialty drink lovers there are numerous coffee shops such as Starbucks and the Daily Grind.

Got a sweet tooth? Stop by Ben and Jerry's, Rita's or TCBY.

Outdoor

Moving away from downtown, Blacksburg is a very bike-friendly town. Whether it be commuting from residence to class, or to anywhere else in town, living car-free in Blacksburg is a reasonable venture.

The Huckleberry Trail begins at the Blacksburg Municipal Library, just minutes off campus, and runs 5.6 miles to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg. There are other trails located just a short drive from campus.

On campus, pickup football, Frisbee, and other games can be found throughout the day on the Drillfield or the commons areas of the residential quads. Most groups welcome more players, so don't be afraid to ask to join a game.

Venture Out is also located on the first floor of Squires Student Center, and provides discounted outdoor equipment rentals to students and organizes group activities during the year.