24-hour eatery caters to students
Joe’s Diner has always been popular for students who crave breakfast food at all hours of the day, remaining one of the only 24-hour service restaurants close to campus. This may be on reason Joe’s was voted best breakfast/brunch in Blacksburg. “I think it makes a big difference that we are open all the time,” said Hannah Brame, assistant manager for Joe’s Diner, Incorporated. “After 10:30 (p.m.), there’s not really any other place besides the bigger chains that serves good breakfast like we do.” The diner has been open since 2001 and has two... Cold Stone's creations offers delectable blend of flavor
As spring fever sets in simultaneously with final exams, an ice cream shop seems ideal for students who need a study break. What better place to go than one in which the customers are enthusiastically greeted with “Welcome to Cold Stone!” upon their eager arrival? Located on North Franklin St. in Christiansburg, Cold Stone adds its own, unique twist to the ice cream experience. Costumers walking into the ice cream shop might as well be walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory with its brightly colored decorations, seemingly limitless confectionary possibilities, and a... TOTS outlasts through song
The mid afternoon ambiance at Top of the Stairs is slightly different from its busy night scene. A propped door welcomes customers and a comfortable breeze. Phil Collins, Queen, Sting and other classic rock-style songs play at a moderate volume in the background. Liquor bottles are neatly stacked behind a bar made of polished hardwood. Empty red-cushioned stools wait for customers who want to rest their feet and fill their spirits. The restaurant and bar, affectionately named TOTS, has its charm and appeal — like many establishments in Blacksburg.  “It’s been around... Classic spot captures students hearts
For those Virginia Tech students who are looking for a cheap but enjoyable date, the Lyric — a small downtown historic movie theater that has been in Blacksburg since 1930 — could be the perfect place to go. “I would definitely go to the Lyric on a date,” said Shane Forsythe, a Virginia Tech freshman who frequents the Lyric. “The prices are really cheap and the theater has this kind of classic atmosphere, romantic even.” Unlike the average multiplex movie theaters who charge an average of $9 per ticket, the Lyric provides tickets that are, at the most... Apartment complex "out-foxes" the competition
The Foxridge Apartment complex, located approximately six miles from campus and accessible by the Hethwood Blacksburg Transit bus, has been voted as the best deal in off-campus housing by Virginia Tech students. The 1728-unit complex is serviced by a full staff of workers who are in charge of 24-hour home maintenance and on-site assistance, as well as teams who complete custodial duties, landscaping and trash pick-up and management officers. Even the owner of HHHunt, the company that owns Foxridge and Hethwood as well as complexes in North and South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and... Stars Fell On's edgy music inspires Blacksburg again
Every April, the “Best of Blacksburg” awards are given out to the people and places that stand out in this small town. The members of the band Stars Fell On are no strangers to these awards, and this year, they won “Best Local Band” for the second time. The band consists of Mike Murrey (guitar/ lead vocals), Anthony Harika (guitar), Casey Rafter (bass) and Dan Kehler (drums), all Virginia Tech students. The band has been playing in Blacksburg since 2003, entertaining local audiences with their blend of punk rock rhythms, harmonious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. In... Macado's earns top spot for the fifth year
Few things sum up the spirit of Blacksburg quite like Macado’s, which got voted best restaurant in Blacksburg for the fifth year in a row. The warm, eclectic atmosphere and wide selection of food and drinks at affordable prices have made it one of the most popular spots for Blacksburg residents to relax, have a meal with family or just a drink and watch a game on one of its many big-screen TVs. The interior of Macado’s may look like a maze upon first glance, but the twists and turns of the restaurant are one of the things that keep patrons coming back. It seems as if it’s... Kabuki offers unique quality and flair
Stepping into the lobby of Kabuki’s Japanese restaurant is like taking a giant leap out of Christiansburg. One of three main areas in the restaurant, the lobby is built up on all sides by ornately decorated walls, and sheltered by an elegant “starlit” ceiling. The bar is dominated by a floor to ceiling window that showcases a small Japanese garden and fountain and provides a serene setting for those boisterously yelling at a game on the flat panel TV. Then there’s the restaurant. A large, fairly open room that houses several islands of grills and seats where customers...