Home of the Fighting Gobbler
Posted by Deutlich on May 28th, 2008 | Filed under: UncategorizedI’d almost forgotten how much I love Blacksburg, Virginia. My roadtrip with Maxie was both enlightening and disheartening. We had good times, despite her reluctance to admit it (being that she is a West Virginia Mountaineer and all). If you weren’t aware, Mountaineers and Hokies mix like oil and water. For salad dressings, it works. Other wise? Not so much.
Either way, we both choose to ignore these aspects of each other’s lives. School rivalries aside, we’re both quite fantabulous (but Hokies are definitely still better).
Going back this weekend turned out to be a great idea for several reasons, the weather being at the forefront. I can’t even begin to explain how breath-taking the region is during this time of the year. Thankfully, I took pictures.
Tons and tons of pictures.
See?
Taken on the way to my friend’s house.
Taken from the aforementioned friend’s deck.
This is the hotel at Mountain Lake used in Dirty Dancing. It’s about 20 minutes away from campus.
The view leaving Mountain Lake.
We took the scenic way out of Blacksburg, back towards Roanoke.
Random bridge.
While these types of things will never change, the original face of Blacksburg is being surgically removed. Where we once only had a motel or diner, there are now huge buildings being erected for future profit. Stores like Ann Taylor’s Loft will soon grace Main Street and it is an odd thing to behold. B’burg has always been very low-key. The town in and of itself gives off an aura of simplicity, relaxation and hippie-like freedoms. I mean, downtown can pretty much be captured in these two pictures:
Yet, somehow, the town has been inundated with yuppies. I’m sure this has to do with the increasingly good stats formed by the Hokie Football Team. I’m also sure that the basketball team, women’s softball team and several other sports-related reasons have a bit to do with it.
Yes, our academics are stellar and frankly we wouldn’t be able to maintain if it weren’t for that. But let’s face it, sports equals money and money equals opportunity to expand and branch out.
What I always enjoyed about Blacksburg was the quiet nature with which it is nestled in the mountains. Within 15-20 minutes you can find yourself knee deep in mountainous terrain, lakes, water falls, hiking trails, camping grounds and the like.
It also reminded me of how desperately I need change. I miss the simplicity. I miss the camaraderie. I miss the friendliness. While I’d move back there in a heartbeat, it doesn’t fit in right now… it may in the future, but right now I have to continue fleshing out my career and Blacksburg is not the place to do it.
Not at this moment, that is.
While I sit here at work, I am steadfastly pretending as though I am not. I have not been productive in about a week. I stare at my moniter and will myself to work, only to find seven different fun things to distract me.
I am exhausted and I feel guilty for not giving a damn about what goes on here.
It’s why I’d like some change.
I need some change.
I’ve already driven this point into the ground, but I felt like reiterating the statement. This Memorial Day’s festivity just cemented the idea.
I loathe Northern Virginia with a fiery burning passion.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Looks beautiful there…
I want my pic taken on the stairs going up to the dirty dancing place…or possibly a video of me dancing up them…either way.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Yay for sports!
Sorry.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
wow… gorgeous.
May 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I always get stricken with nostalgia when I head back to my small-town America home. People always ask, “Isn’t it boring and 20 miles away from a Starbucks?”
Yes. Exactly.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I grew up in Southern West Virginia and holy crap, those pics make me homesick. And also want to build a massive wall around the town to prevent that bitch Ann Taylor from stomping in and wrecking things, what with her smocked dresses and sensible knits.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
It looks beautiful.
::gasp:: The Dirty Dancing stairs! I love that part of the movie when she’s dancing her way up the stairs.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
ah, I forgot to update my reader! Missed you. Also I can’t believe that’s from Dirty Dancing. So. Awes.
May 28th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Aw, it sounds like such a great trip. And I feel you on the lack of productivity. Blah.
May 28th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Loove the crisp, clean and lovely photos…. so dreamy. It almost looks fake that’s how perfect it all is. wow – no wonder you miss it…
May 28th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I’ve never been there but it looks beautiful! I miss roadtrips, and travel in general. Sigh.
May 28th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Does Va Tech have the 2008 lacrosse national champs? No? Who does?
Right, Syracuse! Whoo hoo!
That town looks gorgeous. For real for real.
May 28th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
These pictures are awesome, they kind of remind me of where I grew up. I’m glad your Memorial Day weekend rocked.
May 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
your pictures are awesome. sounds like a fabulous trip!
May 28th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Sweet photos.
Here’s to your forthcoming change of scenery!
May 28th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
What a beautiful place! I can see why Hokies love it so.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Sorry for the loathing. Sometimes we need to feel it deeply to be certain about change.
Great pics though.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Looks so peaceful
May 28th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
was she dancing down those stairs, or was it that bridge?
whichever. that’s awesome!
May 28th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
cleveland is going to be a great few hours of change for you too! ; )
May 28th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
sounds like just the little getaway that you needed lady. those pictures are fabo. god, especially the dirty dancing one! jealous!
May 28th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I loathe Northern Virginia with a fiery burning passion.
Don’t we all? My coworker and I were just talking about it today even.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Wow cool photos! I want to go there now but since I can’t I guess the pictures help me escape for a second. I’m in need of a vaca soon!
May 29th, 2008 at 1:13 am
Living in a small town is something that always stays with you. It’s a beautiful thing. And as much as I love the country like you its not where I can be at the moment.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:35 am
It is funny how rejuvenating and inspiring it can be to get out of town to somewhere else with memories.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:02 am
You always have the best pictures on your post
May 29th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I went to school in Richmond. If I had known the proximity of Blacksburg to the Dirty Dancing location… I might have changed my mind. But probably not.
May 29th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Oh, it looks so beautifully rustic! I feel more at peace after just looking at those pictures, it must be so relaxing to actually be there!
May 31st, 2008 at 7:59 am
It’s funny how often I assume that movie locations were just set up for the movie. Funny, naive, stupid…same thing.