Introduction to Blacksburg, VA
Blacksburg, VA, is a charming college town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It is home to Virginia Tech, one of the state’s largest universities. The town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and small-town charm. Visitors to Blacksburg can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking and biking to exploring the town’s historic downtown area and visiting the university’s campus. However, traveling to and around Blacksburg can be expensive, especially for those on a tight budget. In this post, we will explore some cheap travel options for visiting Blacksburg, VA.
Getting to Blacksburg
Getting to Blacksburg can be challenging, as the town does not have a commercial airport. The closest airport is the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), which is located about 30 miles from Blacksburg. However, there are several affordable options for getting to Blacksburg from the airport. * Taxi services: Taxis are available from the airport to Blacksburg, with fares ranging from 40 to 60. * Shuttle services: Several shuttle services, such as the Smart Way Bus, offer transportation from the airport to Blacksburg, with fares starting at around 10. * <i>Ride-hailing services</i>: Uber and Lyft are also available in the area, with fares ranging from 30 to $50.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation in Blacksburg can range from budget-friendly to luxurious. Some affordable options include: * Hotels: Hotels like the Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express offer comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, starting at around 80 per night. * <b>Hostels</b>: The Blacksburg Hostel offers dormitory-style accommodations starting at around 20 per night. * Bed and Breakfasts: For a more homey experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast like the Claytor Nature Study Center, with prices starting at around 100 per night. * <b>Vacation Rentals</b>: Websites like Airbnb offer a range of vacation rentals, from apartments to houses, starting at around 50 per night.
Transportation Around Blacksburg
Getting around Blacksburg is relatively easy, with several affordable options available. * Public Transportation: The Blacksburg Transit system offers bus routes throughout the town, with fares starting at $1. * Biking: Blacksburg has a bike-friendly infrastructure, and visitors can rent bikes from shops like East Coasters Bike Shop. * Walking: The town’s downtown area is easily walkable, and many attractions are within a short walking distance.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Blacksburg offers a range of free and low-cost activities for visitors to enjoy. Some popular options include: * Hiking and Biking Trails: The town has several hiking and biking trails, including the Huckleberry Trail and the Blacksburg Trail System. * Virginia Tech Campus: Visitors can explore the university’s campus, including the Duck Pond and the War Memorial Chapel. * Blacksburg Farmers Market: Every Wednesday and Saturday, the town hosts a farmers market, where visitors can sample local produce and crafts. * Smithfield Plantation: This historic plantation offers tours and exhibits, with admission prices starting at around $5.
Food and Drink Options
Blacksburg has a range of affordable food and drink options, including: * Food Trucks: The town has several food trucks, offering everything from tacos to barbecue. * Local Restaurants: Restaurants like The Cellar and Cabos Tacos offer a range of cuisines at reasonable prices. * Coffee Shops: Coffee shops like Our Daily Bread and The Coffee Shop offer a cozy atmosphere and affordable drinks.
📝 Note: Be sure to check the opening hours and prices for each attraction and business, as they may vary.
Budgeting and Planning
To make the most of your trip to Blacksburg, it’s essential to budget and plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you save money: * Book Accommodation in Advance: Booking your accommodation well in advance can help you save money and ensure availability. * Use Public Transportation: Using public transportation can be a cost-effective way to get around the town. * Take Advantage of Free Activities: Take advantage of the town’s free activities, such as hiking and biking trails, to save money. * Eat at Local Restaurants: Eating at local restaurants and food trucks can be a more affordable option than dining at chain restaurants.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hiking and Biking Trails | Free |
| Virginia Tech Campus | Free |
| Blacksburg Farmers Market | Free |
| Smithfield Plantation | $5 |
In summary, Blacksburg, VA, is a charming college town that offers a range of affordable travel options. By using public transportation, eating at local restaurants, and taking advantage of free activities, visitors can save money and enjoy all that the town has to offer. Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation, history, or culture, Blacksburg has something for everyone.
What is the best way to get to Blacksburg, VA?
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The best way to get to Blacksburg, VA, is to fly into the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) and then take a taxi, shuttle, or ride-hailing service to the town.
What are some affordable accommodation options in Blacksburg?
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Some affordable accommodation options in Blacksburg include hotels like the Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express, hostels like the Blacksburg Hostel, and vacation rentals through websites like Airbnb.
What are some free and low-cost activities to do in Blacksburg?
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Some free and low-cost activities to do in Blacksburg include hiking and biking trails, visiting the Virginia Tech campus, attending the Blacksburg Farmers Market, and touring the Smithfield Plantation.
