If you plan on arriving early or staying after the conference, here are some other landmarks and attractions in or near Blacksburg, VA you might want to visit:

 

 

New River Junction

Blacksburg, VA

Tubing, Camping, Fishing, and Grilling

http://www.newriverjunction.com

 

Claytor Lake State Park

http://www.state.va.us/dcr/parks/claytor.htm

 

Ch‰teau Morrisette Winery

Floyd County, VA

http://www.chateaumorrisette.com/

 

Mountain Lake

Blacksburg, VA

 

A resort lake, particularly inviting in late June and early July, when azaleas and rhododendron are in bloom. Mountain Lake

 

 

Smithfield Plantation

460 Bypass And Hwy 314

Blacksburg, VA

(540) 231-3947 

  

(1773) Restored pre-Revolutionary house; original woodwork. Home of Colonel William Preston and three governors. Architectural link between Tidewater and Piedmont plantations of Virginia and those of the Mississippi Valley. Grounds restored by Garden Club of Virginia. (April-November, Thursday-Sunday 1-5 pm)

 

 

Cascades Trail

Mile 272, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

 

Leads to waterfall.

 

 

Cone Park Trail

 

Mile 294, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

Manor house wild garden.

 

 

Craggy Gardens Trail

 

Blue Ridge Pkwy, Mile 364.6

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

  

Traverses high mountain.

 

 

 

 

Elk Run Trail

 

Mile 86, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

  

Forest, plant, animal community.

 

 

Flat Rock Trail

 

Mile 308.2, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

Magnificent valley and mountain views.

 

 

Greenstone Trail

 

Mile 8.8, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

Of geologic interest.

 

 

Horseback Riding

 

Mile 292.7

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

20 miles of trails in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Horses for hire at Blowing Rock, NC.

 

 

Linville Falls Trail

 

Mile 316.4, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

Views of falls, Linville River Gorge.

 

Mabry Mill Trail

 

Blue Ridge Pkwy, Mile 176

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

Old-time mountain industry.

 

 

Mountain Farm Trail

 

Mile 5.8, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

Typical mountain farm, reconstructed.

 

 

Northwest Trading Post

 

Mile 258.6, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA 24174 

  

Country store sells native handicrafts.

 

 

Richland Balsam Trail

 

Mile 431, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

Spruce-fir forests. Highest spot on parkway.

 

 

Rocky Knob Trail

 

Mile 168, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

 

 

Trail Of The Trees

 

Mile 63.6, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA  

  

Leads to overlook of James River.

 

 

Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area

 

Natural Bridge, VA

(540) 291-2189 

  

Swimming; picnicking, camping (fee). (May-October)

 

 

Caverns Of Natural Bridge

 

Hwy 11 And I-81

Natural Bridge, VA 24578 

  

More than 300 feet below ground on three levels; streams, hanging gardens of formations, flowstone cascade, totem pole, colossal dome, and more. One-mile guided tour (one hour). (March-November, daily)

 

 

Natural Bridge

 

Hwys 11 And 130

Natural Bridge, VA

(540) 291-2121

Toll-Free: (800) 533-1410 

  

Self-guided tours (one hour). (Daily)

 

 

Natural Bridge Zoo

 

Hwy 11

Natural Bridge, VA

(540) 291-2420 

  

State's largest and most complete zoo with over 400 reptiles, birds, and mammals. Petting area; safari shop; picnic grounds. (March-November, daily)

 

 

Dixie Caverns

 

5753 W Main St

Salem, VA 24153

(540) 380-2085 

  

Stalactites in lofty chambers; modern lighting system makes 45-minute tour comfortable as well as interesting. Pottery shop and mineral shop (all year). Camping facilities (fee). (Daily; closed December 25)

 

 

Mill Mountain Zoological Park

 

Hwy 220/i-581 And Blue Ridge Pkwy

Roanoke, VA 24014

(540) 343-3241 

  

Zoo sits atop Mill Mountain; offers picnic areas with magnificent views of city and valley. (Daily; closed December 25)

 

 

Roanoke: Center In The Square

 

1 Market Sq

Roanoke, VA 24011

(540) 342-5700 

  

Restored 20th-century furniture warehouse housing five independent cultural organizations: three museums, including Art Museum of Western Virginia, and two professional theater companies (see SPECIAL EVENTS). (Tuesday-Sunday; closed holidays)