It's only 37 days till the number 1 team in the nation comes to Blacksburg. Wanted to start a thread where people going to the game could post things. Tailgate information, parking tips, where to stay, what to do while in town. This will especially be helpful for people like me who haven't set foot in Blacksburg since the mid 90's. Hope to see some of my fellow TKPers there.
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Blacksburg has changed significantly since the Mid 90's...ready yourself
I was also in middle school so it will be like I've never been there. Going by myself so need to find things to do prior to game.
Casual mid-afternoon bar crawl. That should get you mostly caught up on experiencing Blacksburg.
Our normal bar crawl itinerary was:
1. Start at El Rods with a margarita (Jumbo Texas if you hate yourself).
2. 622 for a beer/cider and some pool.
3. Taphouse for either scotch you can't find elsewhere in the burg, or beer you can't find elsewhere in the burg.
4. PKs for pizza rolls and beer.
5. Hokie House for a burger, some shuffleboard/ darts, and a BAM of Yuengling.
6. The Cellar for the $2 dollar luck of the draw (usually good stuff close to it's sell by date, occasionally PBR though)
7. Sharkey's for a Long Island and hating yourself for going in Sharkey's.
8. Underground for a pint and some darts surrounded by people with beards.
9. Big Al's because it's there.
10. Champs, because it's usually not crowded. Be wary of the $25 minimum tab.
11. Rivermill for Irish Car Bombs and awkwardly seeing professors getting smashed.
12. TOTS for a rail, not because you want to, but solely because it's obligatory.
So good time to say I rarely if ever drink alcohol and almost never drink beer.
The reaction I usually get.
I believe there's some cool new stuff over at the South Main mall, but I haven't been since the UVA game, so I'm not sure what all has been added.
This magical place: http://cinebowlandgrille.com/
Bowling, bar, and a movie theater.
I have one of those just down the road here in SC.
Ah. It's all good man. Plenty else to do. Wander around campus for a while. There's a lot to see.
2 thoughts:
1. Texas Margarita if you're awesome
7. Not a Weaver?
Jumbo Texas (or 2) is always a good bet if you're only doing El Rods. Followed by 10 other bars, it's a bit much. And we always did long islands just out of habit. Never had a weaver. What's in it?
Rum, gin, vodka, triple sec, tequila, creme de caoca, banana liquer, with a splash of sprite.
It was one of the HTs standard drinks of choice circa 2006.
EDIT: Forgot the sours mix. That's what gives it the pale yellow color.
Next time I make my way up there I'll have to try that.
Served at noon?
Yeah, but not as good.
Seriously, though, it's because those bartenders didn't shake it right. You gotta mix it enough that the banana stuff doesn't burn going down, because that's where most of the alcohol content is.
Thanks for fielding the question. I couldn't remember anything in it.
Best part was a couple years ago when i figured out that it was equal parts everything, so i could start making my own. Need a big glass, though.
I did almost this exact bar crawl with some friends for one of their friend's birthday a year or so ago. Got to TOTS feeling alright, pounded a rail (things are freakin delicious...) and the night went downhill very quickly.
After I graduated, there were like 15 of us who had commissioned in the Navy, but weren't slotted to start training, so we worked in Femoyer at the ROTC unit till we detached. We ended up doing this bar crawl basically every payday over the summer last year. And yeah, TOTS is where things always go downhill.
I remember going to TOTS and being told they no longer serve 5 cent beers; Va alcohol commission made them raise the price to 25 cents. Good times, good times...
As a current student; I stand by this message.
August f'in first. We're so close to football season.
Honestly, just get there early and tour the campus. There is a lot that has changed since then...even since I've been there last.
That was my plan, just try and see as much as I can. Then when I come back for Pitt and Duke games I can go back to best things.
Any TKP tailgate? Where are the friendly tailgate lots? Besides the April 16 memorial and the Pylons any other big things to see?
I was also wondering if there would be a key play tailgate????
personally I'm a fan of Goodwin hall. It's the new engineering building at the corner of price's fork and whatever tom's creek is called on the campus side. They have a massive turbine hanging from the ceiling, a 3d printing vending machine on display, and the second floor houses the TREC robotics lab (they have a fire fighting robot). Not sure you can walk through the lab, but the walls are glass. I think the Ware lab on old turner st is worth seeing. At the very least, the lobby will be open with older projects (mini baja, mini formula cars, drones). the lab itself may be open and you can walk through and see some of the projects in process.
Non-engineering attractions:
They also have the solar house set up to walk through behind cowgill hall.
Apparently the fossil/geology museum inside Derring is worth seeing, but I've never made it over there.
Hahn Horticultural gardens is pretty sweet. that's behind English field. Very pretty, not sure how peaceful it will be gameday, but at least there will be fewer couples making out. Same goes for walking around the duck
toiletpond.breaking intotouring the new practice facility should be at the top of everyone's list for their first saturday in town this fallEat at Our Daily Bread on south main across from gucci kroger for breakfast or lunch. It's a little pricey, but every bite is amazing.
622 north or preston's (in the Inn at Virginia Tech) are pretty good choices for good food. I've heard the black hen is good as well. All are a little up there cost-wise, but good. The nice thing is that all three have separate bars (as in basically different buildings) so you can choose to take part in that crowd or not. Avoid the Cellar on busy weekends. Food is pretty good, but service is awful even on slow days (we go there every friday for gluten free options, always regret the wait).
Thanks for the advice. As a none VT student/alum I'm not familiar with the campus at all.
You sir, are in for a treat.
There's gonna be a big ole meteorology tailgate that accepts all kinds (were a colorful bunch) in the apartments behind lane. If you're looking for a tailgate head that way i can get you details if you're interested.
Center street apts? Usually the route I take from the fraternity house to the stadium.
Sadly I won't be in attendance on Labor Day, but I can't wait to see how crazy Lane will be on TV. It should be really exciting and a great game. Lots of intrigue from our (Ohio State's) end with the position changes, quarterback battle and the suspensions. But just like last year, next man up and no excuses. We have more than enough young talent to fill in that y'all will have to earn it either way.
May the best team win without any controversy.
Just received a birthday surprise, nephew called me and birthday present is a seat on 50 yard line!
Wow, that's unreal. So jealous! It should be an awesome atmosphere and a great game.
Thanks! I'll give you your 1st upvote! Welcome.
Thanks!
Happy Birthday and I'm jealous.
Ha! When you get my age you try to overlook them but I have a wonderful family.
Time to rewrite the will
No kidding, little does he know I'm broke. :-)
So jealous....brother called and offered me tickets too but unfortunately classes start the next day in Wisconsin and that whole grad school thing is kind of important
If your brother is trying to unload a ticket, I've got.. Um a friend. Yeah, a friend looking for a ticket. He's a big Hokie fan that is a ton of fun
#choices
That's some nephew!
There's a decent BBQ place over by the Math Emporium that opened at some point after 2006. At least, I'm assuming it's still there.
It closed. There's a not very good himilayan place where it was. Shame really.
Damn. It's what I get for only making it out there once a year. Last time I was there was the Miami game, so not a lot of time to do much else, since it was a Thursday.
No frozen BBQ place is decent.
What kinds of things are you looking to do? What kind of food do you like?
It ain't the big city but there's a fair bit of things to do to occupy your time if the weather is nice.
Want to look around campus since I didn't go to school there. Want to hit up at least one good late lunch early dinner spot. Want to meet some nice people who will share tailgate fun. That's about it.
Ah, okay. Well, a lot has changed in the past 15 years or so, both on campus and in the town. Most of the suggestions I would have had were already mentioned. In particular I would second the botanical gardens and the duck pond. Also, make sure to visit the drill field and the April 16th memorial there.
As for food, things will be a little crazy since it's a game weekend but most of the places mentioned are good. Other suggestions are The Cellar (worth the wait for me), Mike's Grill (for a cheaper option), Green's (a tiny little sushi place on College), Sal's (south end of town), and Due South BBQ (on the way to Christiansburg). Some people love Cabo Fish Taco but it's not really my thing. My folks like Zeppoli's a lot as well.
I don't think I've seen the War Memorial or Torgerson Bridge mentioned yet. I recommend checking out both of these as well.
+1. Always forget how recent Torg bridge was built. Pretty impressive how quickly it became one of the most iconic buildings on our campus.
So, with classes being cancelled, this has gone from being like a Thursday game to being like a Saturday night game. And I can't remember the last time we had one, much less one I went to.
I'm thinking i should claim a parking spot early.
Not before me you don't!
like a glove
So I looked at the schedules...looks like our last true primetime game in Lane on Saturday was in fact one I went to -- 2006 Homecoming against Southern Miss. (Unless we count 6 PM against Clemson in 2011, but that's stretching it.)
Since I was doing band homecoming stuff, that means that I've never been to a primetime game as just a fan where there were no classes that day.
37 days?? My body is ready.
I'd also like to know if there will be a TKP tailgate. I'm bringing anOSU fan. Be gentle.
Speaking as a VT fan who went to Columbus; I'll welcome all anOSU fans to the Burg. Everyone I met, before and after the game, was very polite. I hope that VT can return the favor.
I'll be in lot 18 with a crew starting Bout 9 am.
Lot 18 is right across from the Duck Pond and is grassy.
This week is he planning sessions for the tailgate starting up so, no details yet.
I will always and forever be #TEAMCHAMPS
I knew I forgot one on my list!
Is it that good? A former firefighter I know is a manager there and offered me a reserved table but I wasn't sure since isn't it a chain?
Don't believe it's a chain. It's a pretty good bar, and they do good burgers. Plus you can smoke in the downstairs section, so it was always our go to place for cigars once the weather got cold.
Champs is definitely my go-to sports bar. A friend of mine used to bounce there. It was fun hanging out with him and people-watching while he "screened" the girls coming up the stairs for me - back when I was single, of course.
If someone told me I could only go to Champs and the Underground for the rest of my time in Blacksburg, I'd wonder why every day had to be Monday.
Okay, somebody help me out here. What used to be where Sharkey's is now, when Sharkey's was next door? This would be circa 1999.
Oh lord, I think that was a revolving door of bars. Kind of amazing that Sharkey's has stayed there for 10 years.
We thought for a while that the place was cursed. In 2003, it was a club called Woody's, then something else the next year, which I'm forgetting entirely.
I thought it stayed Woody's until Sharkeys moved in? Could be wrong though
Could have been. I didn't venture that way much. The only recollection I really have was knowing that Woody's was there in 2003 and then the generic "something new every year" that everyone referred to.
Maybe it was just empty in between? I don't remember anything else in there myself.
Has Sharkey's ever opened the second floor at the new place?
Was that when it was Preston & Co.?
I really miss the old Sharkey's though.
GOD YES THANK YOU.
But the $64,000 question is, was that what it was when the dude got stabbed on the dance floor?
Maybe so. That definitely sounds familiar. Hard to tell. Other than my times working the door at Big Al's, my downtown memories are a bit hazy.
Some of those are hazy as well. Wasn't always stone cold sober at work, but who was?
Arnold's was on the corner back in the mid 90s where Sharkeys is now
Yup, you're right. Arnold's closed my sophomore year, I think, and then reopened as Preston & Co. I think it was still that when I graduated in '02.
Arnolds -> Preston's -> Woody's -> then Sharkeys moved in from next door.
wow--nobody mentioned #67 on the Hokie Bucket List: "Enjoy a Virginia Slice"
i must be young compared to the posters on this list because Benny Marzano's has become a campus institution for the four short years it's been around...as a former employee, i'm proud to say our gigantic NY-style pizza slices has bested some of the Blacksburg competition and put them out of business...
my vote would be to visit Macado's across from the Kroger on University City Boulevard...amazing sandwich selection. Also, check out the Merryman Athletic Center to check out VT football memorabilia on display. if you can catch the secretary at the front desk, she'll hook you up with the newest football season posters!
enjoy your time in the 'burg!
It's certainly better than Mellow Mushroom........I still think that PK's has the best pizza, but Marzano's isn't far off.
Cellar has the best pizza, I don't think its close.
Both are better than Benny's.
I haven't been to the Blacksburg Mellow Mushroom yet, but I loved Backstreet's. $5 pepperoni pizza on Mondays is hard to beat.
You aren't going to be finding that price for a pizza at Mellow Mushroom
I still have yet to get why everyone is so high on Benny's. Don't get me wrong, it's good. Although, I hear time and again people say it's the best in town. Sure, they have huge good pizza, and they're doing well with deliveries, but there are plenty of places that put Benny's to shame when it comes to quality of their pizza.
The only time they eat at Benny's is when they're drunk, that's why... Not that there's anything wrong with that.
That being said, avoid Blacksburg's Mellow Mushroom. For whatever reason the service there goes in slow motion and the food isn't nearly as good as its other locations. They still haven't figured things out yet.
I'm going have to agree with this. VERY slow service.
Pizza was good, especially the crust but not worth the money
I spent on it.
Haven't been to MM in Blacksburg yet because I have been to so many of the other locations. I'm kinda like what's the point? I'm just not a chain fan in general.
You do have a point about the drunk eating. There was a time when I thought Gumby's was the greatest pizza in the world, and I don't think I ever had it sober
Gumby's closed and is now occupied by Benny's second location
The great thing about Gumby's was the "big damn pizza." It was so big. Plus pokey sticks. You could easily feed a handful of people. My other favorite crappy pizza was Firehouse Pizza. You could get a large pepperoni pizza for $4. This was in the `03-`06 range. Prices have probably went up since then. I mean the pizza wasn't great but for $4, who cares?
getting the 2 large pepperoni pizzas for $8 was a weekly tradition in my dorm ('04-'07). The prices steadily went up with no increase in quality and the owner ended up selling the place. The new management did a huge push with new ingredients/recipes/marketing to try and shake the stigma (crappy cheap pizza). Last time I had it, it was good, reasonably priced pizza, but it's been a few years (had to go gluten free so pizza got the axe).
I liked Firehouse
I love Firehouse (Beast of Blacksburg, now).
May be unpopular but they're one of my top 3, maybe even top 2 pizzas in town and they're still relatively cheap compared to the competition.
Firehouse is amazing. If you have never had their Pepperoni Powerhouse i urge you to try it. The closer to dawn you eat it the better it tastes. And the gallon of pepperoni grease that you can siphon off of it works well for many lubricants, including motor oil.
One large person, with extra people please...
I ordered 3 pizzas from MM a few months back on a very non-busy Sunday afternoon (probably 10-15 people in the restaurant total). When I went to pick them up at the time they assigned me, they had our ticket ready and presented me with 1 pizza instead of 3...they straight up forgot to make the other 2, so we had to wait ~20 minutes for that to happen.
Sounds like MM Blacksburg has some serious management issues.
It's a little too mellow in there...
Head to the Valley man, go on a hike or a drive it is so beautiful especially in the fall
Don't have that much time, I'll get into the area about 1pm Monday and leave about 10am Tuesday.
Yes - but you are coming to 2 other games, right?
Yes. But it all depends on what time those games are scheduled to start. I've spent a lot of time in the mountains hiking the trails with the Boy Scouts and JRTOC.
I graduated in '99 and stayed put. I still can't believe how much this area has changed.
I do miss the old Sharky's location though. I remember the times getting hammered there, stumbling up to the bar to pay my tab and have it be $10 or something insanely low.
+1 for old Sharkey's.
Every restaurant will be packed all weekend. Cabo Fish Taco and Boudreaux's are my two favorites. I could eat at those two places every day for the rest of my life. The Rivermill has pretty good burgers (or at least they did, I don't think I've eaten there in a long time). If you're looking for a quick lunch, hit up Sub Station II.
As for tailgating, if you don't have a parking pass, the commuter lot on Prices Fork Rd has public parking for $10 or so. Make sure to get there early because it will fill up.
Strong second on Boudreaux's and Sub Station II. Can't believe I forgot those.
If you want a sub, hit sycamore deli on Draper Street. Lots of nostalgia with sub station (lived in the upper quad freshman year and in the ware lab senior year), but I enjoyed the subs at sycamore a lot more. SSII is like a good version of Jimmy Johns: not a lot of options, nothing fancy. Sycamore Deli is like a local version of Firehouse subs: really tasty sandwiches that just make you happy, if a little overfull.
Sycamore has the Tugboat, and therefore wins by a landslide.
For those who don't know, its a footlong sub with pulled pork and macaroni and cheese.
Aaaand I know what I need to try as soon as I get back in town
Must-thing to do in Blacksburg is to do a self-guided tour of Lane and the new practice facilty. I've been up here for summer classes for the past month give or take, and me and a bunch of guys on my hall got to mess around this past weekend in Lane for like 5 hours. Turns out there were like two weddings going on on the field, so touring the president's club suite was pretty sick. Lot of Snapchat stories were taken this past weekend. Almost definitely can't do that if you're not coming up until September, but still a great way to spend a hot summer Saturday afternoon in Blacksburg. Hands down the most fun thing I've done since being here. Plus I got to meet Demetri Knowles and Brendan Motley when they finally kicked us out of the practice facility lol. They were both really chill about it, being that it was like 11:30 pm by the time they finally said we had to leave.
Ok, I have a question for the locals. Where is the cheapest and best place to buy Hokie gear in Christiansburg? Thanks
Another great question, I'd like to know that also.
In Christiansburg I have no idea. In Blacksburg I would say check the sale racks at Campus Emporium. If you can find something in your size they have some really good prices.
I remember Wal-Mart having a decent sized Tech section.
They do. I found some Women's VT swim shorts for $9 on clearance
a few weeks ago.
You mean the backpack store?
vt surplus auction
August 8th auction lots 190 - 193: 2 EACH-NIKE FOOTBALL CLEATS 15
Damn!
You know what they say about big feet...
They need big shoes?
Exactly! :)
699 2 EACH-VHS TAPE DECK
SCORE!
If you are in town for the weekend and have some time one suggestion is hike McAfee Knob and going to Homeplace to eat afterwards. Its probably like a 45 min drive but the view is only surpassed by how good Homeplace's food is
Oh, Homeplace. Be sure to leave an hour or two for a
napfood coma afterwards.Homeplace sucks.
GoKart, you in trouble now, brah.
MUST...NOT...DOWNVOTE...FOR...WRONG...OPINIONS
Man, I got an upvote. Who upvoted that? I just did that to watch the world burn and to see what kind of gifs would come from it. TLs for all!
We did Dragon's tooth last year, shooting for Tinker's Cliff this year. Try to get all the hiking in before noon so we'll have time to kill on Campus. If we end up taking any of the nephews, though, we'll be going to McAfee's Knob. Haven't eaten at the Homeplace since high school but that place was to die for.
Was gonna make a forum post but don't have enough legs (great forum rule btw), but any suggestions for a first time Buckeye in Blacksburg? I have heard many positive things about your gameday atmosphere so I decided to make this game my annual CFB pilgrimage. Stumbled upon a hotel in Blacksburg somehow (about 5 min drive from Lane) and will be spending Sunday and Monday. We're in our mid-late 20's so we still like to toss a few (dozen) brews back, but I much prefer the tailgate scene over bars. Thanks for any tips!
P.S. I checked TKP last year after your win to see how your experience in Columbus was. Vast majority was positive which I was glad to hear. I didn't run into any unruly VT fans at the game and hope to return the favor this year in Blacksburg. Go Bucks
Monday will obviously be all tailgating. You'll see it, just about every inch of the campus parking lots become tailgate lots.
As you've probably heard, classes are cancelled so the students will be out in force as well (not that many would have been in class if the classes aren't cancelled...)
There's plenty of bar suggestions in the thread already as I'm sure you've seen, ranging from the quieter Cellar that serves excellent food and has a great beer suggestion to the frequently packed and very Greek centric TOTS.
Food wise:
Breakfast: Try and make it to Carol Lee's, Gillies or Famous Anthony's.
Lunch: Personal favorite is Leftys but if you're going to be in the true downtown section you'll find pretty good bar food most places. The Cellar is my favorite bar - get a pita pizza and have a good beer in a more laid back environment. Cabo Fish Taco is also excellent.
The rest of the bars will likely be quite crowded and on a gameday/game weekend like this may not be overly distinguishable. I'm a PKs/Champs/Sharkeys guy myself but if I plan on making it to just about every bar while I'm down there.
You'll have fun. Very different feel than Columbus (which I very much enjoyed), its a quintessential small college town.
Whats the alcohol policy on and around campus? At OSU its techincally not allowed, however if you use solo cups you're good to go.
There will be very clearly marked zones (surrounded by signs and yellow ropes) where open container is allowed. This will be in just about every parking lot.
FYI, the last time I visited Carol Lee's (2012) was still a cash only operation. Gets me every time due to time gap between visits to Blacksburg.
As of last November, it was still cash only, but they've installed an ATM inside, which may be the most heavily used in Blacksburg.
Those ATM fees...they'll get after ya
I would also suggest a walkabout around campus. The war memorial, the campus shooting memorial, Burress Hall, all are worth a look. VT's campus is a great place to spend some time soaking up the VT vibe before the game. As Hammer has said, plenty of advice for what to do bar/party/food-wise, but don't let the opportunity to view and experience the campus apart from football escape you. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the game.
Lefty's has a great menu. They are moving to a larger location next to the gucci-Kroger gas station down the street from their present location. They will triple in size. Not sure when this is supposed to happen but I'm pretty sure its early this fall.
Also, if you have time, drive West on 460 into Giles county and up to Mountain Lake and go past it on the rock road to the Appalachian Trail crossing. Park here and hike up hill for about 1/2 mile to Wind Rock. The view is magnificent! A low clearance vehicle is not recommended. This is about an hour drive each way.
Go to TOTS, get a rail. The line and cover sucks, but the rail is Blacksburg classic. For food, my personal favorite restaurant in BBurg is Cabo Fish Taco (get the mahi-mahi tacos). Sharkey's is classic bar food - can't go wrong. I also second suggestions to check out the campus.
As for the tailgate scene, Hokies are very welcoming - you can walk up to any tailgate and most people will be accepting. For a wilder party scene, go to Central St. (if you get in the general vicinity, you'll be able to hear the tailgates). Any parking lot will be packed too.
I had OSU fans buying me shots and thanking me for visiting Columbus before the game. We bonded over how much we hated Michigan. I plan on returning the favor this year.
Steps for success:
1. Enter bar
2. Shout "Screw Michigan! It was a catch!"
3. Drink for free
This x1000. If you memorize these words, you will be everyone's favorite Buckeye immediately.
It's not Michigan's fault the referee was an idiot.
Considering the head of the Sugar Bowl was a UM alum at the time, I wouldn't be so quick with that statement.
I'm living east of Cleveland, now but I grew up in Christiansburg, VA near tech. My girlfriend was at OSU for grad school so we went to the game last year as well. You'll find all the food and bar advice above you'll ever need (which I'm taking notes on, too), lots of things have changed since I've lived there.
Since you're there for two days I'll make a few suggestions if you're into hiking (If not, please disregard!). The Appalachian Trail day hikes are pretty impressive, and not too far away. McAfee's Knob:
- is a long hike but the easiest of the 3 in the area. Tinker's Cliffs and Dragon's Tooth: 
-are a bit more challenging but have excellent views as well.
These are two hiking trails that lead to old Civil War overlooks, one of the trails is a few miles and the other only a quarter mile or so.
You could also go hiking near Mountain Lake in Giles (War Spur loop), which isn't a much further drive than the day hikes, but much easier on the legs.
Awesome pics. The 2nd Civil War overlook that is shorter is Wind Rock which I mentioned earlier in this thread. The view there is awesome as well. Dragon's Tooth is cool and not too far outside Blacksburg. I did some rock climbing on it while in college. Thanks for the pics. I have to talk my wife into going to McAfee Knob. Its the best overlook view on the entire Appalachian Trail. Its NW of Roanoke I think.
I think your post inspired me to put up a few more trails for the Buckeyes. I can't take credit for the pics, unfortunately- (I just Googled) but I did grab this panorama of Wind Rock last winter.
Was with a bunch of buddies in '73 at one of the overlooks up there past Mt. Lake, really enjoying the day. We had a military jet fly by, it seemed below us, but it was level enough with us for us to see the pilot. Freaked us totally out. We heard the wind over the wings before we heard the big roar...a really cool experience.
Speaking of cool, the weather up there at Mt. Lake can be impressive. Va. state record low was recorded up there at the UVA research station. An impressive 30 below, friends. '86 or '87, can't recall. With new hiking trails all around Mt. Lake and the trails off of the road beyond the lake, it is a good place to go on a hot day, and a really cool place to go on a cold day.
Those jets used to zoom through my valley in Riner growing up. Lots of broken windows and startled dogs resulted from that, but I've never had the joy of seeing one close by then.
In the Navy we got to go up on the flight deck and witness a fly-by. It was quite exciting to see then, however the next time that happened I was below decks in the engine room, and a few of us panicked because we had thought a steam pipe had let loose! There is a ton of energy coming off of those things at mach speeds.
I never thought about how much cooler it was up at Mountain Lake, but the day we took the panorama we definitely weren't seeing ice anywhere else. My favorite game going up and back is "trying to keep 35 mph all the way up" (need a sporty car to maneuver the hairpins) and "not using the gas pedal all the way down" (my girlfriend almost made it to 460 last time).
A buddy of mine ran out of gas at the top of Mountain Lake, so on our way back down we couldn't use the gas pedal even if we wanted to... Luckily we made it all the way to 460.
In my "game", use of the brake pedal is both required and desired. Without gas, I imagine this was much more difficult. I've never made it to 460; I always end up somewhere on that last hill.
That's a pretty amazing accomplishment. What vehicle was that?!
I believe it was a small SUV of some sort. I think the absolute necessity of the situation really made it possible. It probably also helped that the guy grew up on roads like that.
I'm incredibly nervous for you just looking at the first pic. Beautiful shots though!
Might I ask what hotel? Some in town market as being "really close" to the stadium, but they close a lot of roads around the stadium. I don't want you to be surprised. Walking or taking the bus might be a better option.
I said this in another comment, but without a parking pass, your ONLY parking option on campus is the cash commuter lot on Prices Fork Road. It will fill up early too. Many Blacksburg residents will let you park at their house for a price. If you have any specific questions about what area you plan to be in just let us know and I'm sure someone can help you out.
Most churches and schools nearby open their lots for a price ($20 as I remember it). You can park pretty close, but you still do have to get into town fairly early, otherwise they fill up, too.
My girlfriend's uncle is in Blacksburg right now with his family of youngsters (three kids under 7 years old) and asked me what there was to do, so here's what I told him:
1) Go to Carol Lee Donuts
2) Go to Carol Lee Donuts again
3) Get the kids' pictures taken with all 45 Hokie Bird statues around town
4) Bring me back Carol Lee Donuts
Got a text from him today: "Bringing home a dozen white delights for you"
Glad he followed steps 1, 2, and 4.
Not right downtown, but Sal's has the best pizza in Bburg. Downtown it's close between Cellar, PKs, and Mike's IMO. Mike's is very underrated for pizza, but it's hard for me not to order a burger when I go there
It's just so hard to not get a burger at Mike's, but the calzones are a treat, too.
A true local secret hiding in the NRV is Sal's pizza, especially the one in Radford with Dominic. It's something different now but it's still Dominic making the pies. He took what he learned about making pizzas from his italian family and this hippie he met in California and combined the best aspects to make a killer pizza.
The Radford Sal's is my go to for pizza. It's awesome!! Even better than
the brick oven place down the road from my house. I drive 10 extra mins
just to get there. :)
The 10 extra minutes and gas is worth it.
Hell yeah! Also, they have a killer Super Bowl deal. Two pizzas, bread sticks, and wings for like $35 or something like that.
If you haven't had the pesto pizza from Sal's, you're doing life all wrong.
Towards the end of my time in the NRV all I ever got from there was the pesto pizza or the Pompeii Pie.
One month to go. Hope everyone has their ticket and hotel. I'll see Yall in Blacksburg.
Two things that I'm a little mortified that I haven't seen mentioned:
1) Souvlaki is still my hands down favorite drunk munchies food. It's cheap, quick, & one of the few originals left downtown.
2) if you're there all weekend hit the New River. Rent a tube, or bring your own, or just go swimming.
Does Souvlaki still do the football graveyard in their window during the season? I always enjoyed that when walking down College Ave.
They do. It got smashed up when some guys horsing around crashed through the window over the summer, but they're fixing it.
I thought I saw a news story where it got damaged.
Edit: here it is
http://www.roanoke.com/news/crime/blacksburg/man-faces-charges-after-ico...
Souvlaki's opened my sophomore year, I think. I love that place. Dropped by the 'burg this summer on the return leg of a visit to my Mom's for lunch. (Also to get a new VT hat and scope out the Beamer barn).
The best cheap eats downtown, no question. Souvlaki's was the last place I ate in town when we moved out.