Sometimes the best destinations don't demand that you rush through them. Montgomery County, Virginia, is one of those places where history, mountain scenery, small-town charm, great food, and unexpected discoveries come together.

At the heart of the county are Blacksburg and Christiansburg, two neighboring communities often referred to as the area's "twin towns." While each has its own personality, they complement one another beautifully.

Blacksburg is the larger of the two and is home to Virginia Tech, giving the town an energetic college-town atmosphere alongside its historic downtown. Christiansburg, the county seat, offers a more traditional small-town experience with shopping, dining, and plenty of history of its own. Blacksburg was established in 1798, while Christiansburg dates back to 1792, making both communities deeply rooted in the history of Southwest Virginia.

Together, they create a destination where visitors can experience the best of both worlds.

A Comfortable Stay at The Inn at Virginia Tech

The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center

 

My home base during the visit was The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, located on the Virginia Tech campus.

The hotel was an ideal fit for this trip, offering comfortable and spacious accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini refrigerator, a coffee maker, and plenty of room to relax after a day of exploring. Its location also made it incredibly convenient to experience Blacksburg and the surrounding area.

And when you're ready for breakfast, The Loyal is right downstairs, making it easy to start the day without going far.

From Outdoor Adventures to the Arts

Montgomery County makes it easy to connect with the outdoors.

At Beliveau Farm Winery, visitors can enjoy Virginia wine surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. The expansive property includes vineyards, hiking trails, gardens, and plenty of opportunities to simply slow down and enjoy the view.

Beliveau Farm Winery

 

For a more peaceful escape, take a walk around Pandapas Pond in Jefferson National Forest. The trails provide an easy way to experience the area's natural beauty without having to venture too far from town.

Culture lovers should make time for the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, which brings performances, exhibitions, and other creative experiences to the community. The Hahn Horticulture Garden is another must-see, featuring nearly six acres of beautiful gardens and landscapes.

Credit: Scott Douglas, HHG Director

 

Antiques, Vintage Finds & Small-Town Charm

If you love antiquing, give yourself plenty of time in Montgomery County because this is something of a local art form.

I spent time exploring downtown Blacksburg and discovered just how much personality is packed into these small-town shops.

Virginia Vintage offers an eclectic collection of vintage finds, while Antiques on Main is perfect for browsing unique furniture, collectibles, décor, and treasures from another era.

Then there's Cambria Station Antiques, where multiple dealers fill a historic building with antiques and collectibles. It's the kind of place where you can walk in looking for one thing and leave with something completely unexpected.

Cambria Station Antiques

 

Book lovers shouldn't miss Old New River Books, located inside Cambria Station, with an impressive selection of used, rare, and regional books.

Mountain View Mercantile adds even more Appalachian character with its mix of antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, books, and handmade items.

And be sure to stop by The Chandlerie, a charming downtown Christiansburg shop filled with candles, home décor, gourmet foods, kitchenware, accessories, and gifts.

The best part? You can easily spend an entire day antiquing, browsing, and discovering something new around every corner.

Come Hungry

Montgomery County also knows how to feed its visitors.

I started mornings with breakfast at The Loyal and Brew Da Bean, a local coffee stop perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring.

Brew Da Bean

 

For lunch, Cabo Fish Taco brought a fun Baja-inspired experience with seafood, tacos, and a lively downtown atmosphere.

Cabo Fish Taco

 

Dinner offered even more variety. Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill delivered hearty fare in a relaxed brewhaus setting, while Bottom of the Stairs offered smoked meats and comforting Southern-inspired dishes.

At Feather Bone Provisions & Assembly, the setting and food made for another memorable dining experience, blending Southern-inspired cooking with a welcoming gathering-place atmosphere.

Feather Bone Provisions & Assembly

 

Why You Should Go

What makes Montgomery County special isn't just one attraction; it's the way everything works together.

You can explore historic streets in the morning, hike through the mountains, sip Virginia wine, spend hours searching for antiques, enjoy local food, and end the day surrounded by the energy of Blacksburg.

For Houston Style Magazine readers looking for a destination that offers history, culture, outdoor adventure, shopping, and great food without the crowds of a traditional tourist destination, Montgomery County deserves your attention.

Come for the mountains. Stay for the charm. And give yourself enough time to discover why Blacksburg and Christiansburg truly work better together.

Special thanks to Geiger & Associates Public Relations, Inc. and the Montgomery County Blacksburg-Christiansburg Regional Tourism Office at GoToMontVA for putting this experience together and welcoming us to Montgomery County.

GoToMontVA: gotomontva.com
Facebook: @GoToMontVa
Instagram: @gotomontva
Geiger PR: @geigerpr