Visitor
Guide
405 Partnership Drive • Blacksburg, VA 24060 • www.torcrobotics.com • 540.443.9262 • 540.443.3667 (fax)
Our Story
TORC Robotics, Inc. (TORC®) was founded by engineers that are driven with an absolute passion to change
the influence of technology on the way we work, live, and interact. We are a company that truly
believes some of the largest problems in industry can be solved through the application of advanced
technology and robotics.
In 2007, lead engineers from TORC-guided Team Victor Tango to be one of only 3 teams to successfully
complete the DARPA Urban Challenge. In order to complete the challenge, a fully autonomous vehicle had
to travel 60 miles of urban and off-road environments in less than six hours. The technology developed for
this challenge was just the beginning of an emerging industry for autonomous vehicles. The research and
product development that followed under the guidance of TORC has brought forth a new era of driverless
cars, unmanned farming, automated mining, and other rapid advancements in robotic application.
Moving forward, TORC has grown to be a leader in unmanned systems, vehicle automation, and robotics.
The dreams and passion of our employees have built a growing company that excels in the application of
innovative solutions. Our solutions have helped improve productivity, efficiency, and safety for our clients.
Armed with unmatched experience, knowledge, and capabilities, TORC has delivered countless successful
solutions to our partners. Our dedication is
unequaled; our products are safe, durable,
and completely modular. These attributes
allow TORC to provide advanced solutions
for many different industries.
We welcome our partners to come share
our passion. We want to push the
advancement of industry by developing
unprecedented robotic solutions. Our
products are designed to make this
transition easy, affordable, and safe. From
modular components and automation kits
to complete vehicle retrofitting services,
TORC gives our partners the ability to
choose dependable solutions that address the challenges and requirements of their industry. Let our vision
help you reach your goals.
Visitor’s Policy
As a secure facility, TORC has certain procedures that visitors must follow.
1. All visitors must enter via the front door of the building.
2. Each guest will be required to sign in and out according to the prescribed register.
3. All visitors will be issued a visitor’s pass that must be visible at all times. The pass needs to be
returned to the front desk when signing out. Guests will be escorted by a TORC employee while
visiting the facility.
4. All visitors need to comply with TORC’s safety rules, regulations, and policies while on company
property.
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How Do I Get There?
We are so pleased to welcome you to TORC Robotics, Inc., located in Blacksburg, Virginia. We hope
this Visitor Guide provides you with all the necessary information to make your visit a success.
To TORC from the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport/North
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Head south on Aviation Drive.
Turn right onto Aviation Drive NW.
Take the ramp and merge onto VA-101
W/Hershberger Road.
Take the ramp onto I-581 North/ US-220 North.
Take exit 1S on the left to merge onto I-81 South
toward Bristol/ Salem.
Take I-81 to exit 118B.
Follow the signs for US-460 West/ Blacksburg.
Take 460 West for approximately 5 miles and get
off at exit 5A, going towards Industrial Drive.
When you get to the stop sign, turn right onto
Industrial Park Drive.
Turn right at the stop sign onto Commerce Street
After about a ½ mile Commerce Street will bear
right into Partnership Drive.
Turn right into our parking lot
The first three spaces in front of the building are dedicated for visitors.
To the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport from TORC
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Turn left out of the parking lot onto Partnership Drive,
which then bears left into Commerce Street.
At the stop sign, turn left onto Industrial Park Drive.
At the first light, go straight.
At the second light take a left onto the entrance ramp
of US-460 East.
Take 460 East for approximately 5 miles.
You will see signs for I-81 North. Merge onto I-80 North.
Take exit 143 onto I-581 South/US-220 South towards Airport/Roanoke.
Take exit 3E and merge onto VA-101 E/ Hershberger Road NW.
Move over into the far left lane.
Take the Aviation Drive N/Airport exit on the left.
The airport terminal entrance is the second left.
Additional Airports
We understand that flying into the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport may not be the most convenient
option for you, so here is a list of additional regional and international airports that are relatively close to
TORC.
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Mercer County Airport (BLF), Bluefield, WV – 62 miles away
Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW), Beaver, WV – 87 miles away
Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH), Lynchburg, VA – 88 miles away
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Danville Regional Airport (DAN), Danville, VA – 123 miles away
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI), Johnson City, TN – 139 miles away
Kanawha Airport (CRW), Charleston, WV – 143 miles away
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), Greensboro, NC – 146 miles away
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO), Charlottesville, VA – 153 miles away
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Charlotte, NC – 175 miles away
Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU), Morrisville, NC - 216 miles away
Richmond International Airport (RIC), Richmond, VA – 223 miles away
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Washington, DC – 254 miles away
Planning on Visiting Virginia Tech?
Weekday visitors to campus must obtain a parking pass at Visitor & Undergraduate Information Center if
they wish to park on campus. A parking pass is not required to park at the center. Although passes to park
on campus are not required on weekends, special
parking rules prevail on days when the university is
hosting home football and basketball games. To
facilitate the process of obtaining a visitor parking
pass, please have your name, license plate number,
and the name of the state where the vehicle is
registered with you when you enter the center. The
receptionist needs this information before they can
issue a visitor parking pass. Note that only visitors may secure a visitor parking pass - Virginia Tech students,
faculty, and staff may not. Check the Parking Services website for detailed information on parking rules and
regulations. http://www.facilities.vt.edu/tcs/parking/visitors.asp
The visitor center is open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5
p.m. Sunday. The center is not open on days the university is closed for holidays or due to severe weather
conditions. To contact the Visitor Information Center, call (540) 231-3548 or send them an email:
welcome@vt.edu.
For directions to various places on campus, visit http://www.admiss.vt.edu/visit/directions.php.
Where Should I Stay?
There are many places to stay in Blacksburg, and we hope one of these venues will suit you!
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Courtyard Blacksburg, 105 Southpark Drive, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.58222 (1.1 miles from TORC)
Days Inn Blacksburg Conference Center, 3503 Holiday Lane, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.1330 (1.1 miles
from TORC)
Comfort Inn, 3705 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.1500 (1.3 miles from TORC)
Clay Corner Inn, 401 Clay Street SW, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.4030 (2.4 miles from TORC)
Main Street Inn, 205 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.6246 (2.6 miles from TORC)
Comfort Suites University, 1020 Plantation Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.5636 (4.2 miles from Hilton
Garden Inn Blacksburg, 900 Plantation Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.5005 (4.2 miles from TORC)
Holiday Inn Blacksburg, 900 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.7001 (4.2 miles from TORC)
The Inn at Virginia Tech, 901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA.
540.231.8000 (4.2 miles from TORC)
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Where Should I Dine?
In addition to the traditional chain restaurants, Blacksburg is also home to a variety of local eateries. We
encourage you to explore all the dining options the New River Valley has to offer. You are sure to find the
right atmosphere for all your dining needs.
Greek
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The Greeks’ Restaurant & Grill, 610 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.961.5000. Menu.
Souvlaki Subs & More, 201 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.0555. Menu.
Cajun/Creole
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Boudreaux’s, 205 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.961.2330. Menu. (Jennifer recommends the
outdoor setting upstairs)
Indian
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India Garden Restaurant, 210 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.5100. Menu. (Dave loves their
lunch buffet)
Vegetarian
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Gillie’s, 153 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA. 540.961.2703. Menu. (One of Ruel’s favorites)
Mediterranean
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Pita Vera, 235 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.9200. Menu.
Italian
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The Cellar, 302 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.0651. Menu.
Ceritano’s Ristorante, 428 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.443.9135. Menu.
D.P. Dough, 215 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.9663. Menu.
Firehouse Pizza, 860 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.1975. Menu.
Mickey G’s Bistro & Pizzeria, 113 Parkview Road, Floyd, VA. 540.745.2208. Menu. (Wayne loves this
place)
PK’s Bar & Grill, 432-B North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.3278. Menu.
Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 1440 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.4040. Menu.
Zeppoli’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Shop, 810 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.2000.
Menu. (Steve’s favorite place)
Mexican
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Cabo Fish Taco, 117 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.0950. Menu. (Phillip likes to go for
lunch)
Chipotle Mexican Grill, 314 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.3860. Menu.
El Mariachi, 3703 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.7300. Menu.
El Rodeo, 1540 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.1005. Menu.
Moe’s Southwest Grill, 239 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.443.6614. Menu.
Japanese
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Green’s Grill & Sushi Bar, 109 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA. 540.961.2020.
Kabuki Japanese Steak House, 120 Arbor Drive, Christiansburg, VA. 540.381.3600.
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Kobe Japanese Express, 860 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.7030.
Sake House, 1560 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.0068. Menu.
Thai/Vietnamese
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Café de Bangkok, 104 Jackson Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.8424. Menu.
Café Mekong, 1405 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.2838. Menu.
Chinese
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China Inn, 403 Draper Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.0871. Menu.
Chinese Kitchen, 1409 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.7110. (Aaron thinks this is the best in
town)
Double Dragon, 1305 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.6651.
Happy Wok, 133 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.3048.
Hunan King Chinese Restaurant, 801 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.0654. Menu.
Marco & Luca, 725 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.0028.
American
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622 North Restaurant, Bar, & Wine Lounge, 622 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.1033.
Menu. (Ashley likes to go here)
Abby’s Restaurant & Bar, 1001 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.0100. Menu.
Blacksburg Taphouse, 607 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.3023. Menu. (Ricky highly
recommends)
Buffalo Wild Wings, 211 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.9464. Menu.
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill, 1470 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.2855. Menu. (Andrew
Culhane eats here frequently)
Due South Pit Cooked BBQ, 1465 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, VA. 540.381.2922. Menu.
Five Guys, 880 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.4899. Menu.
Joe’s Diner, 221 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.961.4194.
Lefty’s Main Street Grille, 1202 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.7000. Menu. (Jesse likes
their food)
Macado’s, 922 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.2700. Menu.
Mike’s Grill, 418 N Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.7391. Menu. (Cheryl says they have the best
burgers in town)
Poor Billy’s Steaks, Seafood, & Sushi, 201 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.2200. Menu.
Preston’s Restaurant, 901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.231.8000.
River City Grill, 103 Third Avenue, Radford, VA. 540.629.2130. Menu.
The River Company Restaurant & Brewery, 6633 Viscoe Road, Fairlawn, VA. 540.633.3940. Menu.
The Rivermill, 212 Draper Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.2483.
Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint, 220 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.2030. Menu. (One of John’s
favorite places)
Wikiteria Market & Café, 1715 Pratt Drive, Suite 1200, Blacksburg, VA. 540.443.9221. Menu. (James
eats here frequently)
Bakery/Deli
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Bollo’s Café & Bakery, 206 Draper Road NW, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.1669. Menu.
Carol Lee Donuts, 1414 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.6706.
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Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea, 700 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.7442.
Next Door Bake Shop, 460 Turner Street NW, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.2253. Menu.
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro, 1329 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.2815. Menu.
Panera Bread, 715 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.8650. Menu.
Sub Station II, 112 Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.0001. Menu.
Sycamore Deli, 211B Draper Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.9817.
Nightlife
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Big Al’s Grille & Sports Bar, 201 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.3300. Menu.
Champs Downtown Sportsbar & Café, 111 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.2233. Menu.
(Andrew Lycas enjoys this place)
Hokie House Restaurant, 322 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.0280. Menu.
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Top of the Stairs, 217 West College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA. 540.953.2837. Menu.
What Is There To Do?
When visiting TORC, plan to extend your stay just a day or
two to take in the wide variety of activities available.
Golf
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Auburn Hills Golf Club, 1581 Turnberry Lane, Riner, VA.
540.381.4995.
Blacksburg Country Club, 1064 Clubhouse Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.552.9165.
Blacksburg Municipal Golf Course, 800 Graves Avenue, Blacksburg, VA. 540.961.1137.
Pete Dye River Course, 8400 River Course Drive, Radford, VA. 540.633.6732.
Virginia Tech Golf Course, 1 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA. 540.231.6435.
Trails & Parks
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Appalachian Trail, Giles County.
Blacksburg Parks & Recreation Skate Park, Blacksburg, VA.
Blue Ridge Parkway.
Cascade Falls, Giles County.
Claytor Lake State Park, Pulaski County.
Huckleberry Trail, Montgomery County.
Mountain Lake, Giles County.
New River Trail, Grayson, Wythe, & Pulaski Counties.
Pandapas Pond/Brush Mountain, Montgomery County.
Radford Mountain Bike Park, City of Radford.
Radford Riverway, City of Radford.
Vineyards
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Attimo Winery, 4025 Childress Road, Christiansburg, VA. 540.382.7619.
Beliveau Estate Winery, 5415 Gallion Ridge Road, Blacksburg, VA. 540.961.0505.
Chateau Morrisette, 287 Winery Road, Floyd, VA. 540.593.2865.
Firefly Hill Vineyards, 4289 Northfork Road, Elliston, VA. 540.529.5814.
Villa Appalaccia, 752 Rock Castle Gorge, Floyd, VA. 540.358.0357.
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Fishing
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Claytor Lake State Park: yellow perch, walleye, sunfish, striped bass, crappie, catfish, carp, small-mouth
bass, large-mouth bass.
New River: sunfish, musky, catfish, carp, small-mouth bass, large-mouth bass.
Craig Creek: rainbow trout.
Goose Creek: rainbow & brown trout.
Little Indian Creek: brook trout.
Little River: rainbow trout.
Little Stony Creek: rainbow & brook trout.
Pandapas Pond: rainbow trout, sunfish, chain pickerel, carp, large-mouth bass.
Poverty Creek: rainbow trout.
Stony Creek: rainbow trout.
Tom’s Creek: rainbow trout.
Music
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Radford Fiddle & Banjo Jam @ River City Grill
Friday Night Jamboree and Other Jams @ the Floyd Country Store
Old Time Jam @ Gillie’s Restaurant, 153 College Avenue, Blacksburg. 540.961.2703.
Due South BBQ Bluegrass Jam
Narrows Weekly Old Time Jam @ Anna’s Restaurant. 100 Monroe Street, Narrows. 540.726.3545.
Blacksburg’s Market Square Jam, corner of Draper Road & Roanoke Street, Blacksburg.
Other Fantastic Attractions
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Dixie Caverns, 5753 West Main Street, Salem, VA. 540.380.2085
The Lyric Theater, 135 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA. 540.951.0604.
Virginia Museum of Transportation, 303 Norfolk Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA. 540.342.5670.
Contact
For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
TORC Robotics, Inc.
405 Partnership Drive
Blacksburg, Virginia 24060 USA
Tel: +1 (540) 443-9262
Fax: +1 (540) 443-3667
Email: info@torcrobotics.com
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