How long does it take for something to become "historic" or "classic" or an "antique"? What does "art" mean?
Downtown Christiansburg will offer some of each as it hosts another cruise in with Grand Classic Cruisers this Saturday from 2 until 9 pm.
Music will float through the air, provided by Brian Muller, David Simpkins, Scott Patrick and Bob Thomas. A few food vendors will add their aroma to entice visits, while complementing regular downtown restaurant offerings and the great street tunes.
From town square, West Main will be closed up toward Phlegar Street, all of Hickok Street will be closed between First and College streets, and Franklin from town square up to First street will be closed.
With clear skies, over 400 cars and their owner are expected to begin arriving around noon. It's fun to watch as the cars cruise in with owners proudly behind the wheel, then getting settled in and pampering their "babies" once tucked into a parking space. Visitors really get an appreciation of the history of the automobile when seeing such a grand collection of cars assembled.
At town square and around the corner on Roanoke Street, there are antique shops offering collectibles from past times. With items ranging from oddly unusual to those which are nowadays quite unique, a visit to Treasured Memories and Antiques on Main offers another glimpse into America's past. It's hard to say whether this is more like art or history appreciation, and many pieces also offer great form and function. If these locations make you want to see even more antiques, you can visit Cambria Emporium by continuing up East Main to Depot Street, or head out West Main towards the interstate to visit another shop.
The Montgomery Museum & Lewis Miller Regional Art Center offers yet more for those who appreciate art and history. Found only two blocks away from town square, on Pepper Street, this local jewel is always offering new exhibits and has beautiful grounds and gardens to enjoy.
Or simply stroll through the downtown area and pull your eyes off the beautiful cars and look up. With its several historic churches and a handful of well-preserved buildings, even a casual observer understands most of the buildings date from nearly a half century ago, or earlier back to the early 1900s. Moving along East Main or South Franklin, one begins to discover architectural delights tucked in here, and here and oh, look -- what's that? African huts? Over there, two Victorian mansions welcoming guests as local Bed & Breakfasts, and another serving up fine dining just up the hill.
Coming together as a community is a classic American event. Whether very young or very old, there's much to be discovered and enjoyed in Downtown Christiansburg this Saturday.