R.J. “Rip” and Darlene McGinnis have such an attachment to the Virginia Tech Hokies and Blacksburg that they decided to invest in the small college town in a big way. Rip - VT class of ‘71 - owns McGinnis Realty and Development Company in Virginia Beach and holds Blacksburg near and dear to his heart.

“Fond memories of college days and active participation in Virginia Tech’s Hokie Club, coupled with timing, opportunity and a great site location, encouraged us to pursue this endeavor,” Rip states. “We always enjoy coming to town, and now we can contribute to local economic development and healthy downtown growth.”

Darlene has extensive hospitality and management experience, as well as a keen eye for interior design, color, style and practical comfort for the traveling public. “I’m especially excited to be an integral part of the Blacksburg community,” she says.

When Main Street Inn opens in the Fall, Rip and Darlene will have spent five years thinking, taking, planning, researching, designing, constructing and furnishing this distinctive, 34 suite hotel in the heart of downtown Blacksburg.

Darlene and Rip at the Miami Game