ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, May 19, 1996 TAG: 9605210002
SECTION: DISCOVER PAGE: 38 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
* Andrew Johnston House Museum and Research Center, 208 N. Main St., Pearisburg. Open Thursdays, except during holiday weeks, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Houses the Giles County Historical Society. Free admission. 921-1050.
* Blacksburg Nature Center in the Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Exhibits represent the flora and fauna, as well as some wildlife, of the New River Valley. Open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours available by request. Free admission. 961-1135.
* Blacksburg Ranger Station, 110 Southpark Drive. "Discovery Corner" for children, featuring hands-on interactive activities and natural resource identification games. The environmental education displays have changing themes. Open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free admission. 552-4641.
* Montgomery Museum and Lewis Miller Regional Art Center, 300 S. Pepper St., Christiansburg. Museum has artifacts, documents and photographs representing the history of Montgomery County and Southwest Virginia. Housed in a mid-19th century American and Flemish bond brick home. Open May through October, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free admission. 382-5644.
* Museum of Geological Sciences, 2062 Derring Hall, Virginia Tech. On permanent display are minerals, gemstones, fossils, working seismograph and a full-scale model of an Allosaurus. Temporary exhibits are featured throughout the year. Open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours may be arranged. Free admission. 231-3001.
* Museum of Natural History at Virginia Tech, 428 N. Main St., Blacksburg. "Buried Treasures: Caves of the Virginias" opens in mid-June and runs through mid-September. The North American Mammal Room is a permanent feature in the museum. Also, "Discovery Room" for children and families. Museum offers special seminars and educational programs throughout the year. Group tours are available with advance notice. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Free admission. 231-3001.
* Smithfield Plantation and Garden, Virginia Tech campus off the U.S. 460 bypass in Blacksburg. Official Virginia Historic Landmark. The house, built in 1772, was the birthplace of two Virginia governors. Period furnishings, gardens, Colonial gift shop and costumed guides. Open April 1 through Nov. 1, Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. $4, adults; $1.50, children. 951-2060.
* Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern, Pulaski County. National Register of Historic Places. Museum features several historic buildings dating from 1810 and changing exhibits of regional historic interest. Special events held throughout the year. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Museum is off Interstate 81, Exit 98.
Wintergreen Farm Museum: Appalachian lving history museum features a farmhouse, log barn, sheepskin workshop and craft shop. Relics dating from 1900 to 1910 on display. Museum is on Virginia 221 two miles from downtown Floyd. Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m., from mid-May until December. $1 admission. (800) 493-6968.
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