ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 1996 TAG: 9608280086
SECTION: WELCOME STUDENTS PAGE: 78 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KRISHA CHACHRA SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
So you're back in the 'Burg.
At first, it's OK: saying goodbye to the parents, catching up with buddies, trading wild and crazy stories of summer and scoping out the new freshmen ... (hey, they're the class of the new millennium).
But once the dust settles, the back-to-classes parties lose luster, and the Top of the Stairs does not exactly yield top-of-the-line entertainment anymore, the familiar question from last year emerges:
What is there to do in Blacksburg?
Anything you want ... and that's the truth. As a native of this Southwest Virginia town, I may be partial to the beauty and serenity of this area, but I kid you not when I say a little creativity in the New River Valley may produce some of the best moments of your life.
Explore a new dimension of yourself, meet diverse people, or do things you normally wouldn't or couldn't do in your hometown (ever been to a hard-core banjo jam session in Floyd?). There are many mysteries around the bends of the Appalachian country roads. I've heard campus life can be exhausting, but I know life outside campus replenishes if you dare to live it.
Here are a few ways to lift the spirits (without feeling it the next morning) and get a true Blacksburg experience.
If you have access to a car, do not pass up an opportunity to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Alone or with someone special, the mountains await. The happy trails, picnic areas and parks are open until sundown. Take Virginia 8 all the way through the only stoplight in Floyd, then follow the signs onto the Parkway. While driving, check out the winery and entertainment at Chateau Morrisette off mile post 171.5. Don't worry about the size of your wallet on this trip; exploring nature is still free in these parts.
If you need to spend the day in the water, try tubing down the New River. This adventure is offered throughout summer and during the first weeks of the fall semester. Renting a tube from New River Junction costs only $4 on weekdays and $5 on weekends (and another buck to park). That's enough to send you down raging rapids and quiet ripples, creating your own Mountain Dew commercial. The business, located on Big Falls Road, is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily - water levels permitting - until the last weekend of September.
Even if you just want to hang out by the rocks, the river is easy to find. From Prices Fork Road, turn right on McCoy Road. Go seven miles, then take another right onto Big Falls Road. Cross the railroad tracks, and New River Junction is on the left. Remember, bring ratty sneakers but forget the glass and foam cups. For more information, call 639-6633.
Another hiking highlight is the Cascades Trail and 100-foot waterfall in Giles County. Take lunch, a bathing suit or nothing at all and refresh yourself at one of the valley's most hidden secrets. To get there, take U.S. 460 toward Bluefield and then a sharp right on Virginia 613 in Pembroke. (You'll see signs.) At Virginia 714, hang a left and go about three miles. Keep your eyes peeled for the clearing on the left and the parking spots on the right. Follow the clearing onto a trail about half a mile and you'll hear the water.
Other hidden wonders can be found right on campus. Take a friend and get lost in the woods around Tech. There's an old, abandoned amphitheater in the trees between the Cranwell International Center and Lane Stadium that provides a romantic spot. The tour of Smithfield Plantation is free and educational - plus, you'll learn some of the area's history. The plantation sits within walking distance of the Duck Pond, another good place to go if you're in search of a quiet moment.
If you want something to do for just a couple of hours, gather the change in your couch and head out to these bar scene alternatives:
* Capri Theater. Definitely the most inexpensive movies in town. On University City Boulevard. Shows are only 75 cents on Tuesdays; $1.50 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. On weekends, it's still a steal at $2. Call 552-4466.
* The Starlight Drive-in. Yes, drive-ins still exist and, if you haven't seen one, you'd better head out before this century disappears. All shows are $2. On Roanoke Street in Christiansburg. For show times, call 382-2202.
* Bowling, anyone? At Squires Student Center, all you need is $1.50 and 60 cents for shoes and you have yourself a game until 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and 12:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Triangle Lanes, across from New River Valley Mall, costs just a few dollars more. Call 382-2385.
* Check out the bargains at the Thrift Store at 1336 S. Main St. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Good deals on clothing, furniture and accessories.
* For a cup of coffee and a change of pace, go to Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea on North Main Street or Bollo's on Draper Road. Coffee is just a buck, and it's a great way to meet some of the real characters of Blacksburg who hang out at these places.
The Cranwell International Center also holds open coffee hours where the topic of conversation revolves around a different country each week. Call 231-6527 to find out what part of the world is up for discussion.
* Although probably a little more money than what you'll find in your couch, think about purchasing tickets to a Broadway Series show at Burruss Hall. In the past, the shows have been professional and entertaining and offer a break from doing the movie thing over and over. Tickets are as low as $5 with a Tech ID or $16 without an ID. This season's shows include "Grease," The Who's "Tommy," and "A Christmas Carol." Call 231-5616 for ticket information.
The main way to steer clear of boredom is to keep yourself informed. Check the local newspapers for bands, concerts or gigs in the area. Stay in touch with the student center (231-6906) to learn about upcoming programs or lectures sponsored by the university. Also, Blacksburg holds a couple of worthwhile street festivals. In April, look for the International Fair; if you're around during the summer, don't miss Steppin' Out the first weekend of August.
LENGTH: Long : 114 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 1. ALAN KIM Staff. International Week, usually in April,by CNBkicks off with a Saturday street festival in downtown Blacksburg. 2.
GENE DALTON/STaff. The black lighting at Triangle Lanes near New
River Valley Mall adds a glow to one popular sport. Below,
International Week, usually in April, kicks off with a Saturday
street festival in downtown Blacksburg. color. 3. Other choices
include water sports on the New River and 4. shopping on the
cheap.
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