Summer in Blacksburg: What to Do?

Wondering about things to do if you're staying in Blacksburg for the first time this summer? The town is so different without the majority of your classmates around, so here are 5 recommendations:

Go tubing on the New River McCoy is a short, pretty drive away where you can rent tubes at New River Junction  if you don't have your own. They even have a bus shuttle service. Great place to cool off and enjoy the view from one of the oldest rivers in the world.

Get wet. If you would prefer to swim on a lake or at an outdoor pool rather than the indoor ones on campus, there are several spots you can visit: Claytor Lake State Park, The Frog Pond, Randolph Park (the lake and Randolph Park are about a 30 minute drive away).

Play golf. Whether it's putt-putt golf at Cox's Putt-A-Round or 18 holes at The Hill, Auburn Hills, or other local courses, there are some nice courses in the area, in addition to VT's The River Course and on-campus course.

Take a hike. Easy hikes/walks: Pandapas Pond or Falls Ridge.  The Cascades is one of my favorite local hikes and you can cool off swimming below the falls after you reach them. Several years ago, I hiked with my son to the top of Buffalo Mountain on July 4. Great view!

Jam to some music. Every Friday night in Floyd, VA, you can listen to blue grass music at the Floyd Country Store's Friday Night Jamboree. Or if you would rather stay in Blacksburg, head downtown for the Market Square Jam or Friday Night Out Concert series. Chateau Morrisette, a local winery, holds music festivals periodically. And, if you want a whole weekend of music, head to FloydFest in July.

An extra tip: Restaurant Week is coming up in Blacksburg! June 15 - 21.

What's your favorite thing to do around Blacksburg in the summer? Let us know other tips we can share.