Summer is a beautiful season to spend time in the Blacksburg area. Whether you’re trying to find ways to spend your free time or entertain visitors, build an itinerary with some of these great summer ideas!
Hiking
Blacksburg is a great place to live if you want to have a variety of hikes to choose from within an hour. Pandapas Pond, about 15 minutes from downtown, has miles of trails for hiking or trail running if that’s your thing. Don’t mind driving a little further out for more scenic views? The Cascades, McAfee’s Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, Bald Knob, Black Ridge Trail and Tinker Cliffs are all great hikes with amazing views within an hour drive of Blacksburg. Pack a lunch for a picnic option and always make sure you bring enough water for summer hiking adventures.
Biking
Biking is a great way to get some exercise, spend time with friends, and see the beauty of Blacksburg’s nature. With over 15 miles to explore, the Huckleberry Trail provides some of the best views in Blacksburg. The trailhead begins at the Blacksburg Library as it takes you by Lane Stadium, beautiful farmland, and into Christiansburg. Take a few of the side trails in the first few miles of trail and you can explore even more farms and parks within Blacksburg. Don’t have a bike? Head over to any of the bike shops in Blacksburg to rent one for the day!
Kayaking
A great way to have fun and stay relatively cool in the summer is kayaking on the New River. With various rental shops throughout the NRV, choose where you want to launch your next water adventure and rent the boat that best suits your activity needs. Kayaking can be your next family activity for an hour or two, or it can be an enjoyable way to spend a full day with friends.
Berry-Picking
Want to get out of the house while also contributing to local farms? Picking berries during the summer can be a great way to spend time outside, ensure you have enough delicious and healthy treats for the summer, and help the local economy. Do you have small children? Take them along for the fun and plan all the tasty summer treats you can make with your berries.
Festivals
Downtown Blacksburg hosts a couple of summer festivals that you don’t want to miss. With over 50 craft vendors, local restaurants, and live music, Summer Solstice is a festival that takes place every June. Steppin’ Out is a larger festival in August featuring over 200 vendors from various locations, local food options, and a weekend packed with live and local bands. Festivals are an entertaining way to connect with your local community, support local businesses, and create new memories for your family and friends!
While Blacksburg can feel a little slower during the summer months, there are always activities to find during the warmest part of the year. No matter what activities you get into this summer, make sure to have fun and make lasting memories with your friends and family!
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