The Alpine Goat Brewery is the newest stop along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail! It joins the other craft breweries,19 total, located within an easy hour’s drive of each other in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. The brewery serves carefully crafted beer in a relaxing atmosphere. It’s also kid and pet-friendly, with lots of fun activities planned for the weekends. As you visit, make sure to get your Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport stamped towards earning your 2024 Beerwerks t-shirt!

The Alpine Goat Brewery 

Ready for a new and unique craft brewery experience? The Alpine Goat Brewery in Weyers Cave opened in March to rave reviews. The brewery serves several European-style beers as well as regional favorites like IPA and stout. Expect to love the beer as well as the beautiful views of the mountains from the beer hall-like taproom and outside patio. The brewery emphasizes the ritual and social aspects of spending time talking and laughing with friends and family in a biergarten. Visitors can enjoy outdoor games, fire pits, brewery tours, and small-batch beer releases. The brewery is kid and dog-friendly. Purchase small snacks in the taproom or wait for the rotating food trucks that will be onsite during evening and weekend hours. Come for live music on the weekends, Saturday morning yoga workshops, and chances to meet the goats and make memories.

What’s Nearby:

Want to know how Weyers Cave got its name? Find out when you delve underground to explore nearby Grand Caverns. Notable for being the oldest commercial cave in the country, the cave has been welcoming visitors since 1806. Grand Caverns offers both guided walking tours and more rigorous (and dirty) adventures. If you’re hungry, head over to Valley Pike Farm Market for a variety of snacks, coffee, wine, beer, deli sandwiches, burgers, ice cream, and more. Another good way to enjoy yourself in the area is a trip to the Green Valley Book Fair in Mt Crawford. This discount book outlet stocks over 500,000 new books at prices that are slashed up to 90%. You can also shop for puzzles, craft items, and seasonal decorations.

White Oak Lavender Farm & Brewery is now a stop along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail! It joins the other 17 craft breweries located within an easy hour’s drive of each other in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. The brewery serves carefully crafted beer in a relaxing atmosphere. It’s also kid-friendly, with room to explore and onsite animals to meet. During your visit, get your 2024 Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport stamped to earn a Beerwerks t-shirt!

White Oak Lavender Brewery

You’re probably already a fan of family-owned White Oak Lavender Farm for its relaxing atmosphere, lavender products, and wine in the Purple Wolf tasting room. But the farm is also brewing a variety of beers. Several feature subtle notes of lavender, including the Lavender Lemongrass Blonde Ale and Lavandé Lager. Enjoy a beer or wine tasting and a dish of lavender ice cream. If you want to take some lavender products home, you’ll find a gift shop stocked with great-smelling items like essential oils, candles, bath products, jellies, jams, and other good things to eat. Kids with you? Come to the farm on a Friday or Saturday for the small animal experience, or on a Monday for a chance to meet and groom the horses. The farm often hosts live music, wreath-making classes, and several festivals throughout the year. When lavender is in bloom, visitors can sign up for a U-Pick experience to harvest incredible-smelling flowers.

White Oak Lavender Farm answered some of our burning questions: 

What are your hours?

Hours: 10 am – 6 pm 

Seasonal Hours: 11 am – 5 pm

Do you offer tours?

Yes! Since we are a farm brewery using lavender in our beers, our customers are interested in tours that educate them about how we process our lavender. 

What are your go-to brews, and what makes them unique? 

Lavender Lemongrass Blonde Ale, American Ale with Lavender

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?

We walk our goats on leashes for customers to meet!

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations? 

We have an on-site consumption license. We do not distribute. We collaborate with local vendors for our local cheese, lavender coffee, ice cream, and jams!

Do you allow dogs? Are you kid-friendly? And do you offer food onsite?

We do allow dogs in the tasting room and outdoor seating area. Only service animals are allowed in the Discovery Area Gardens. Children are always welcome and we have non-alcoholic lavender slushies and lavender ice cream! We offer cheese and crackers and often have food trucks in the summer.

What events do you offer?

We offer live music with a dance floor, festivals, classes and private events.

Nearby Attraction:

If you’re looking for an all-day (or weekend) adventure, visit Massanutten Resort. This four-season resort boasts snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating. When the warm weather arrives, you’ll enjoy golfing, hiking, mountain biking, a family adventure park, and an indoor/outdoor waterpark. 

Ready to spend your spring break having a blast along the Beerwerks Trail? Avoid the crowded beach and the nosy TV crews, and find your peace with us. Whether you’re a family with children or a group of college-aged friends seeking an unforgettable adventure, this region offers something for everyone. Read on for our favorite fun stops as well as some nearby craft breweries, because what’s a spring break without some refreshing local brews?

Family Fun

Here’s how to keep the family busy.

Outdoor Family Adventures

For family-friendly fun, visit unusual local attractions like Grand Caverns, where the underground scenery will spark curiosity and imagination. You can explore with a gentle walking tour or a hard-core crawl through tiny tunnels. And don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal when you feed the exotic wildlife at the Virginia Safari Park. You’ll get slobber on your hands and feed pellets on your car seats, but you won’t ever forget the experience!

Creative Exploration

Your little ones will stay engaged for hours as they play and learn at Harrisonburg’s Explore More Discovery Museum. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities spark creativity and curiosity in children of all ages. Explore the kid-friendly scenic gardens and discovery zones at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Boxerwood Gardens, and Natural Bridge State Park. 

Get Back to the Farm

Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum is a must-do stop for learning and fun. Costumed interpreters demonstrate how the Valley’s early settlers lived and worked, and they’ll put your kids to work! Head to Point of View Alpaca Farm for a truly unique agricultural adventure. You’ll get to meet friendly alpacas and then enjoy a hike with them around the beautiful farm. Selfies are encouraged.

Brewery Stops

After a full day of family fun, take the family to Stable Craft Brewing in Waynesboro. This picturesque farm brewery serves up handcrafted beers and farm-to-table meals. It also hosts lots of kid-friendly entertainment like holiday events, s’mores kits, and horses to feed.

Another good brewery experience to share with the family is Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery. It’s a short drive from kid-friendly attractions like Natural Bridge State Park, the Virginia Safari Park, and Dinosaur Kingdom II. It’s also a laid-back environment with lots of outdoor space for the kids to run.

College-Aged Escapades

A break from school doesn’t mean you have to slow down!

Thrilling Outdoor Adventures

For the adventurous college crowd, the Beerwerks Trail passes close to several adrenaline-inducing outdoor activities. Rocket down the nine lift-served trails at Massanutten Bike Park, or tackle both the ups and downs on the Western Slope. If you’ve conquered your fear of heights, climb and explore the canopy at the Massanutten’s seasonal Family Adventure Park. Got a kayak? Beginners can cruise the calm water on the Waynesboro Water Trail, and intermediate or advanced paddlers can tackle the roiling rapids in Goshen Pass.

Hiking and Waterfall Exploration

Celebrate spring with a hike up Crabtree Falls, one of the tallest sets of waterfalls in the East. Capture Instagram-worthy moments along the steep and scenic trail. The top features a quiet spot to rest and enjoy a sweeping view of the Tye River Valley. You could spend weeks basking in the majesty of Shenandoah National Park with its scenic drives and wealth of hikes for all experience levels. Try classics like Old Rag, Dark Hollow Falls, or a section of the Appalachian Trail that bisects the park.

Live Music and Nightlife

Lexington and Harrisonburg are vibrant college towns, where live music venues and eclectic bars and breweries light up at night. You also don’t want to miss Shakespeare coming to life at Staunton’s Blackfriar’s Playhouse

Brewery Stops

Love live music? Check the Beerwerks events page for a detailed list of brewery happenings.

Enjoy your spring break adventure along the Beerwerks Trail. You’ll leave with memories of family laughter, thrilling escapades, and the delightful taste of local craft brews. 

Who says you have to huddle inside during the winter months? Venture out and enjoy bracing air, sunshine, and exercise with our favorite winter sports and activities along the Beerwerks Trail. Make sure you finish the adventure with a trip to a nearby brewery for some warm-up brews.

Skiing

The Beerwerks Trail runs through the Valley, but several ski resorts are an easy drive away. Stop at a brewery along the Trail to warm up after your day on the slopes!

• Everybody, regardless of ability, will find their thrills on Massanutten Resort’s extensive network of ski trails. There are eight lifts, a freestyle area, and 16 lanes of snow tubing. If you want to warm up away from the slopes, check out Massanutten’s indoor waterpark. 

• The Omni Homestead Resort is a winter paradise in the Alleghenies with downhill ski runs catering to various abilities. The resort has won awards for being beginner- and family-friendly, and skiers over the age of four can take lessons. The resort offers night skiing and lanes for tubing. 
• Wintergreen Ski Resort has 26 runs served by high-speed chairlifts with options for all ability levels to ski, snowboard, and snow tube. Visitors can sign up for group or individual lessons, and there’s a Terrain Park with a dedicated lift for developing your skills or rail, spines, and 40+ features. 
• Bryce Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and lessons in the winter. 8 slopes can be accessed by ski lifts as well as a dedicated area for beginners with carpet lifts. Beginners ages 8 and up can book lessons with the Horst Locher Snowsports School. Three 800-foot snow tubing lanes and an ice skating rink round out the fun.

Skating

Adjust your sparkles and lace up your skates for some triple-axel fun at one of these well-maintained outdoor ice rinks along the Beerwerks Trail.

• Generations Park in Bridgewater offers free skating to town residents! Non-residents can book rink tickets and skates online.
• There’s room for both future Olympians and beginners to practice twirls and leaps on a 5,000-square-foot rink at Massanutten Resort.
• If you want a break from the slopes, Bryce Resort has a skating rink in front of its restaurant.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding can be lots of fun in the winter. Here’s where to get back in the saddle.

• Enjoy a guided trail ride around the base of Massanutten Mountain with Woodstone Meadows Stable and Petting Farm. All riders – even beginners – 10 and up can enjoy this experience year-round, weather permitting.  
• Get back to nature in the saddle of a gentle horse at Star B Stables. Riders six and up can enjoy an hour-long adventure on a gentle horse.
• North Mountain Outfitter leads half and full-day rides through George Washington National Forest. You can also book all-inclusive getaway weekends, complete with lodging, rides, ranch-style meals, and entertainment.

Hiking

Winter trails are less crowded and sightlines are clearer when the leaves are off the trees. Plus, you’ll score an excellent workout and earn yourself a beer.

• The universally accessible Augusta Springs Wetlands is a nice destination to look for birds and take a stroll with kids or dogs on a chilly day. The mile-long main trail is a loop that uses boardwalks to traverse marshy areas. You can add additional distance by taking the .7-mile Upland Trail spur. 

• For an easy, mostly flat hike with the family, visit Natural Bridge State Park for a view of the bridge and a two-mile scenic hike along the Cedar Creek Trail to Lace Falls. A short spur trail leads to Saltpeter Cave, which was used to store ammunition during the Civil War. Check out the Rockbridge Outdoors website for more hikes throughout Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. 
• Harrisonburg and Rockingham County hikers should download the Harrisonburg Trail Guide for information on a slew of nearby hikes like Hone Quarry and Furnace Mountain.
• Several of our localities have in-town parks with strong trail systems. Plan to explore and stop off for food or beer afterward. Staunton’s Montgomery Hall Park and Harrisonburg’s Rocktown Trails trails at Hillandale Park have miles of looping hiking/mountain biking trails. The South River Greenway in Waynesboro and Lexington’s Chessie Trail are flat paths running along scenic waterways. Waynesboro’s Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail includes a dark journey under Afton Mountain. 

• Don’t forget to take advantage of Shenandoah National Park in the colder months. Many views open up after the leaves fall, and water features sport cold-weather ice formations. The entire South River Falls Trail hike is a 10.6-mile loop, but you can cut it in half if you do an out-and-back to the 83’ falls, the third-largest in Shenandoah. Winter is also an ideal time to take the easy 2.5-mile Turk Mountain Hike. Expect some rocky areas near the summit and incredible views to the west. 
• The 4-mile Trimble Mountain Hike has pretty winter-only views of Big Bald and Little Bald Mountains.

The winter is a wonderful time to have outdoor fun along the Beerwerks Trail! Plan your adventure today!

The Shenandoah Valley is one of the best places in the country to enjoy autumn and the brilliant fall foliage it brings. Virginia’s long-lasting foliage season peaks in October, and leaf peepers can enjoy crisp air, endless blue skies, and the incredible reds, yellows, and golds adorning the trees all month long. It’s also a wonderful time to explore the Beerwerks Trail and sip craft beer. Here’s your guide to Beerwerks breweries in the trail’s three zones and nearby parks, hikes, and drives that offer showstopping fall colors.

If you’re traveling around the Beerwerks Trail, make sure you grab a Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport and visit multiple zones on our map. Enjoy a beer and get a stamp. Eight stamps in at least two zones earns you a t-shirt!

Zone A’s Hiking and Biking Hotspots

Located at the northern end of the Beerwerks Trail, Zone A includes the breweries in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. 

• BrewHaHa Brewing Company
• Brothers Craft Brewing
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery
• Elkton Brewing Co.
• The Friendly Fermenter
• Pale Fire Brewing Co.
• Restless Moons Brewing Company
• Three Notch’d Valley Collab House

Arguably one of the best roads in the country for leaf peeping, the 105-mile Skyline Drive runs through the heavily forested Shenandoah National Park. Stop at one of the 75 overlooks for panoramic views, and in many cases, trailheads leading to summits or waterfalls. You’ll love the endless gazing out over the blankets of colorful trees spreading to the Valley floor below. You’ll see species like red oak and chestnut growing high on the ridges, giving way to mixed hardwood and yellow poplar forests at lower elevations.

Harrisonburg’s Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park’s system of stacked-loop trails is a great way for mountain bike riders of all levels to hit the singletrack and enjoy the seasonal colors without leaving the city. Another way to enjoy the foliage from your bike is on the slopes at 4-season Massanutten Resort. Fall activities include hiking, scenic chairlift rides, lift-served downhill mountain biking, and E-Bike tours on the Western Slope. 

Community Events

• Skeleton Festival (October 7, 2 – 5 pm). Come to downtown Harrisonburg in your costume to trick-or-treat. Adults can sip and stroll.
• Dayton Days Autumn Celebration (October 7) and Elkton Autumn Days (October 21-22) are both fall festivals featuring arts and crafts vendors, live music, food trucks, and fall-weather activities for everyone.
• Community Harvest Party – Friendly City Food Co-op (October 14, noon – 4). This is a free harvest celebration with music, dancing, food, and fun for the kids.
• Fall Festival at Massanutten (October 14) celebrates the changing season with live music, wine, beer, cider, kids’ activities, and more.
• Virginia Pumpkin Festival – Back Home on the Farm (October 14-15 and 21-22, noon – 6 pm). Come out to harvest your pumpkins, play seasonal games, and more!
• Heritage Festival – Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center (October 21, 9 am – 2 pm). Learn about the history and heritage of Brethren and Mennonites in the Shenandoah Valley. There will be demonstrations, wagon rides, storytelling, tours, and kids’ activities.
• 15th Annual Harvest Fest – JMU Arboretum (October 28, 11 am – 2 pm). The event will have lots of environmentally-friendly activities for the family.

Zone B’s Peaceful Parks

Zone B’s central location on the Beerwerks Trail includes the breweries in Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County. 

• Basic City Beer Co.
• Queen City Brewing
• Stable Craft Brewing
• Seven Arrows Brewing
• Redbeard Brewing Company

You won’t believe that you’re still in Staunton as you kick through fallen leaves on the quiet, wooded trails at Betsy Bell Wilderness Area. Two scenic overlooks provide unexpected views of the city and its blanket of fall colors from an elevation of 1,959 feet. Staunton’s Montgomery Hall Park offers a similar experience of being immersed in nature on miles of quiet trails, yet moments from downtown.

Waynesboro’s South River Greenway delivers excellent views of the natural and urban landscapes along the river. Framed by autumn colors, the flat, paved trail stretches for two miles connecting neighborhoods, parks, and downtown culture. Coyner Springs Park, another Waynesboro gem, is an ideal place to take your dog, your disc golf game, or your camera. Let the pup run in the large, open leash-free area, then leash him up for a ramble along the trails.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest boasts thousands of acres to enjoy the changing seasons. Sherando Lake Recreation Area and Todd Lake Recreation Area both have trail systems with lovely mountain lakes and forest views.

Community Events

• Celebrate the season with beer, German food, and live music at Oktoberfest at the Frontier Culture Museum (October 7).
• Staunton Jams (October 13-14) is a bi-annual celebration of music, art, and food featuring local bands playing music throughout the city of Staunton.
• Don’t miss Waynesboro’s 52nd annual Fall Foliage Art Show on October 14-15. The largest outdoor festival of its kind in the Shenandoah Valley, downtown Waynesboro hosts over 150 artists displaying works in various media, live music, festival food, beer, and activities for kids.
• The annual Fall Foliage Bike Festival (October 20-22) provides a variety of well-marked routes suitable for riders of all abilities and a weekend of sightseeing, food, music, and activities.

Zone C’s Stunning Autumn Drives and Hikes

Zone C is located at the southern end of the Beerwerks Trail and includes the breweries in Lexington, Natural Bridge, and Rockbridge County. 

• Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery
• Heliotrope Brewery
• Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen
• Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery 

You’ll be blown away by the seasonal mountain and Valley views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. This road winds along the ridgeline between the southern end of Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and offers regular places to pull over to enjoy the leafy extravaganza below. Be sure to scope out the many trails exploring the surrounding wilderness. 

Take a peaceful stroll or family bike ride on the Chessie Nature Trail, which follows the Maury River for seven miles between Lexington and Buena Vista. The flat, scenic trail follows an old railroad bed and provides views of the woodland, farmland, and the nearby water.

An easy hike in Natural Bridge State Park rewards with views of the commanding limestone arch framed by blazing seasonal hues. Serious hikers can tackle the climb to the summit of House Mountain for panoramic views and stunning fall colors.

Route 608 is a lovely backroad that connects Lexington to Grottoes and rolls past beautiful farms and along the edge of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Look for a changing palette of deciduous trees on this scenic byway. You’ll pass through Stuarts Draft, Fishersville, and the New Hope site of the 1864 Battle of Piedmont.

Community Events

• Biketoberfest (October 7, noon – 6 pm) is a celebration of the season featuring mapped, bike rides between three family-owned Rockbridge County breweries. Look for new beers, food, and live music! Plan to linger at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery for their 30th Annual Harvest Festival, which will feature beer, wine, live music, food, and fun.

The Shenandoah Valley is tucked between miles and miles of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. It’s known for its beauty and proximity to Shenandoah National Park as well as its historical legacy. Today, towns in the Valley offer incredible scenery and access to a wealth of outdoor activities. They’re also rich with dining, shopping, lodging, culture, and craft beer. Here’s a guide to some of the best mountain towns near the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. 

Rockbridge County

Lexington

Lexington is a beautiful, historic town packed with cultural experiences. You’ll find locally owned shops and boutiques, an active summer music scene, historic sites, and museums. Take your nature-loving family to Boxerwood Gardens for an afternoon of adventure followed by an evening of fun at Hull’s Drive-In. Lexington is home to two colleges with busy event calendars and exciting restaurants like Haywood’s Piano Bar and Grill, Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen, and Heliotrope Brewery.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista nestles against the foot of the mountains and provides nearby access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and the Maury River. Camp, kayak, or listen to live music at Glen Maury Park. History lovers will enjoy looking at Victorian architecture built during the industrial boom. Explore the 7-mile (one-way) Chessie Nature Trail that follows a railroad bed along the Maury River and connects the towns of Buena Vista and Lexington. Finally, enjoy beer or wine at nearby Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery.

Natural Bridge

Visitors come to the area around Natural Bridge to explore Natural Bridge State Park—an International Dark Sky Park. Here they’ll find a 215-foot limestone arch, miles of hiking trails, and dark sky programs. The bridge isn’t the only thing that makes this mountain town shine. Nearby hiking opportunities, such as Devil’s Marbleyard and James River Gorge, abound. Feed the animals at the Virginia Safari Park, a zoo with drive-through and walk-through areas that allow you to get up close and personal. Stop for a beer and view at Great Valley Farm Brewery before a meal or stay at the historic Natural Bridge Hotel. 

Augusta County

Waynesboro

Known for its Waynesboro Water Trail, Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, and its proximity to the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail, Waynesboro is a popular spot for paddlers, anglers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Waynesboro also has a friendly and walkable downtown full of independent shops, a summer music series, a historic live performance theater, and large-scale murals along the Waynesboro Street Arts Trail. Sit down for beers at Basic City Beer Co. or Seven Arrows Brewing then dine at one of Waynesboro’s tasty restaurants like Patina, River Burger Bar, or The Fishin’ Pig.

Stuarts Draft

Known for the competing aromas coming from Hershey’s Chocolate and McKee Foods, the makers of Little Debbie products, Stuarts Draft will whet your appetite! Shop fresh fruits and veggies at Troyer’s Fruit and Produce Farm or Stuarts Draft Farm Market. The Cheese Shop Country Market and Deli has a wonderful selection of bulk cheeses, meats, spices, treats, and baked goods. Stuarts Draft is a short drive from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway as well as Sherando Lake Recreation Area where you can camp, swim, hike, and bike in a serene mountain setting. 

Weyers Cave

Weyers Cave is a small community framed by farmland and distant mountains. It’s a perfect place to start your exploration of the surrounding area. Tour Harmony Harvest Farm, which grows almost 400 types of flowers, or Grand Caverns, the oldest commercial “show cave” in the country. Launch your canoe or kayak from Mountain View Park and enjoy a leisurely float down the South River. For more laid-back country fun, have a beer, meal, and book a stay at Stable Craft Brewing. Finally, head to Valley Pike Farm Market to shop a wide variety of Virginia-made goods, wares, foods, and more than 300 different wines and craft beers. 

Staunton

Once a bustling railroad town, Staunton has several historic districts and many fine examples of Victorian architecture. It’s known for the Blackfriars Playhouse, the only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. It’s also known for its beauty, walkable downtown, and foodie culture, including a Saturday Farmers’ Market. The Virginia Scenic Railway departs from Staunton’s photogenic train station, and visitors flock to the annual Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival. Learn about how the earliest settlers of the area lived and worked their homesteads at the Frontier Culture Museum. Make sure to sample the beers at Redbeard Brewing or Queen City Brewing.

Rockingham County

Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg is an adventure town with outfitters for cycling, hiking, and fishing and Virginia’s First Culinary District. The Friendly City is host to a growing number of cycling and running events each year. Harrisonburg is a bike-friendly, bronze-level ride center, boasting bike lanes, trails in Hillandale Park, and easy access to some of the best mountain biking in the Valley. Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University’s peaceful Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. Sample some of the Valley’s tastiest food with a view at the Ridge Room, Jimmy Madison’s Southern Kitchen and Whiskey Bar rooftop, or another fine restaurant. Have a beer or enjoy an event at Brothers Craft Brewing, Pale Fire Brewing Co., Three Notch’d Valley Collab House, The Friendly Fermenter, or Restless Moons Brewing.

Bridgewater

Tucked along a bend of the North River, Bridgewater is a town of 13 parks and pocket parks, including an arboretum, golf course, mini golf course, and an ice skating rink. More than 20 locally-owned shops specializing in homemade, hand-made, and antique goods are housed in the Shenandoah Heritage Market. A goldmine for book lovers, the Green Valley Book Fair stocks over 30,000 new books at discount prices. Head to The Cracked Pillar Pub for dinner, followed by farm-fresh ice cream at Smiley’s Ice Cream. If you’re looking for a new perspective of the Valley, book a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride with Star Ballooning.

Elkton

Elkton has a small but charming downtown with stores like McGuire’s Country Store, which carries household items, antiques, home decor, and primitives. Play all year long at nearby Massanutten Resort, paddle or fish on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, or explore Shenandoah National Park. Refresh with a flight or pint at Elkton Brewing Co., Cave Hill Farms Brewery, or BrewHaHa Brewing Co.

Following the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail is a good way to explore much of what the Valley has to offer. Have a blast discovering the wonders of nature as well as the charm of our mountain towns!

What are your favorite summertime mood boosters? Do you love spending time outside, listening to music, and drinking craft beer? If so, you’re in luck! The Beerwerks Trail can provide all three, usually together! Most of our breweries boast outdoor spaces to sip your suds, and many offer chances to listen to live music. All of them, of course, stand out in the beer department. Don’t waste this perfect weather. Here’s a guide to patios, decks, beer gardens, and picnic spaces as well as breweries hosting live music this summer along the Beerwerks Trail!

Zone A

Zone A is located at the northern end of the Beerwerks Trail and includes the breweries in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. 

• Elkton Brewing Co has a nice porch and a patio space with a pavilion for shade. Each weekend, they host live music and a food truck on Friday and Saturday nights. Elkton Brewing won the 2023 Best of the Valley awards for Best Brewery and Best Live Music Venue.

• Cave Hill Farms Brewery’s outside seating area has tables with umbrellas and views of the farm and mountains. The Feedlot serves tasty bar food and has a kids’ menu. Catch live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and occasional Sundays.
• Pale Fire Brewing Co’s. 2000-square-foot industrial-style taproom opens onto a spacious patio. Come for live music each Saturday night, and music bingo on Thursdays. Pale Fire serves Za Spot Detroit-style pizza and welcomes outside food.
• Brothers Craft Brewing’s family-friendly covered patio is hung with string lights and served by regular local food trucks. Check the schedule for a wide variety of events including weekly live Bluegrass Sunday Jams.

• Restless Moons Brewing Company features big garage doors that open wide on warm days. There’s also a big beer garden with tables and string lights. There’s an onsite food truck, and guests may bring their own food. Check the schedule for live music.

• Three Notch’d Valley Collab House has an outside patio where you can sit to enjoy your beer, including each week’s new, small-batch brew. They also host live music – see social media for the schedule.

Zone B

Zone B is located at the center of the Beerwerks Trail and includes the breweries in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County. 

• Queen City Brewing’s large patio is a laid-back space that’s convenient to  Gypsy Hill Park and downtown Staunton. Acoustic open mic events happen on Wednesdays. Check the schedule for other live music. If you’re hungry, the brewery has bottomless popcorn, regular food trucks, and the option to order food to be delivered to the brewery. 
• Redbeard Brewing Company has a beer garden behind the newly renovated taproom. This is the location of the Summer Concert Series, which brings area favorite bands to the stage along with food trucks every other weekend. Redbeard also hosts regular live Music in the Taproom sessions as well as Monday Music Bingo.

• Basic City Beer Co. has an extensive kid and pet-friendly outdoor seating area with picnic tables, umbrellas, and a grid of sparkling string lights. Order some pints and a Billy Pie brick-oven pizza and stay awhile. This space schedules live bands on Saturday nights. The new Foundry music venue brings monthly big-name concerts to Basic City.

• Seven Arrows Brewing’s outdoor seating ranges from open and shaded tables on the deck to seats around a fire pit and picnic tables in the graveled beer garden. Seven Arrows hosts live music each Saturday night in the taproom. If you have the urge to sing, stop by on a Tuesday night for the open mic session. Onsite Nobos Kitchen serves up lunch, dinner, and late-night fare emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. 

• Stable Craft Brewing’s extensive outdoor space includes a shaded patio, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs surrounding fire pits. Play lawn games, volleyball, and cornhole golf, or stroll the property for views of the mountains. Stable Craft’s Friday Night Love series combines live music and cider releases. Regular Saturday music events include live music and salsa dancing on the patio. Stable Craft also dishes up a chef-inspired menu with appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. 

Zone C

Zone C is located at the southern end of the Beerwerks Trail and includes the breweries in Lexington and Rockbridge County. 

• Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery offers plenty of outdoor space with excellent views. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables or spread out your blankets and chairs. Enjoy live “Uncorked” music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and grab a snack of local cheeses from the tasting room or from a scheduled food truck. 

• Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen sits high on a hill, and you can’t beat the mountain views from the enormous deck. There’s even more outdoor space in the separate beer garden with picnic tables and umbrellas. The exceptional menu includes appetizers, salads, delicious burgers, sandwiches, and entrees as well as a menu for kids. Check the schedule for opportunities to catch live music!

• Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery boasts incredible mountain views and lots of room for kids to run and have fun. Plan a picnic, or grab something from a Saturday food truck. Check the schedule for live music events.

• Heliotrope Brewery’s patio overlooks Lexington’s bustling Main Street. A second outdoor space includes picnic tables, string lights, and shade created by brick-walled buildings. This space hosts July’s weekly disc golf putting league. Heliotrope’s kitchen creates traditional and specialty pizzas, salads, and antipasto. 

Are you planning a family vacation this summer that’s full of fun activities, kid-friendly food, and plenty of chances for the adults to sip craft beer? You’re in luck because the Beerwerks Trail has lots of nearby stops for active families. Better yet, most of the breweries along the Beerwerks Trail are child-friendly!  Here’s our guide to how to play, eat, and sleep along the Beerwerks Trail.

Rockbridge County

Start your exciting Rockbridge County family adventure at 180-acre Virginia Safari Park, where you and your kids can get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. Drive through the park’s safari area, feeding gentle animals from your car windows. The park also has a walk-thru section, a farmyard petting zoo, and an aviary. Overall, you can meet more than 1,000 animals from around the world. Satisfy your appetite at the Pink Cadillac Diner, a retro-themed restaurant that will transport you back in time with classic American comfort food like burgers, milkshakes, and fries. Finish the evening with more old-fashioned fun snuggled in the car watching a double feature at Hull’s Drive-In. 

Where to Stay

The Natural Bridge Hotel offers several family-themed packages and has onsite dining. It’s close to popular attractions like Dinosaur Kingdom II, Caverns of Natural Bridge, and Natural Bridge State Park, which has disc golf,  a hike designed for kids, a natural play area, and chances to admire the dark sky and illuminated bridge at night.

Augusta County

Delve underground together with a visit to Grand Caverns. Explore the stunning cave formations, learn about geology, and enjoy a guided tour that is sure to captivate the kids. Next, meet some friendly animals with either a guided trail ride at Star B Stables or a walk with an alpaca at Point of View Alpaca Farm. Finally, stock up on picnic food like lunch meat and snacks at the Cheese Shop before heading to Sherando Lake Recreational Area. Surrounded by lush forests, the area features a picturesque lake, perfect for swimming and fishing. Spread your blanket on the sandy beach or hike along scenic trails.

Where to Stay

Make some memories camping with the family. 

• Sherando Lake Recreational Area has tent camping and access to the lake for swimming and fishing.
• Shenandoah Valley Campground boasts large, comfortable sites, playgrounds, a fishing pond, a heated pool, and hot tubs.
• Natural Chimneys Park & Campground has sites for both RVs and tents. Amenities include hiking trails around the limestone towers, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and access to the North River. 

Staunton

Learn about history the fun way at the Frontier Culture Museum. Costumed interpreters demonstrate how the Valley’s earliest settlers lived and worked the land. This hands-on history museum features historic farms from Europe, West Africa, and America as well as a blacksmith forge and a schoolhouse. Next, take everyone to Gypsy Hill Park to feed the ducks, play on the playground, and ride the Gypsy Hill Express mini train (weekends). Treat the kids to a surprise at Pufferbellies Toy Store, which has a wide selection of captivating toys and books. Sit down for dinner at The Depot Grille for burgers, pasta, steaks, sandwiches, and salads. After dinner, put your wits together to solve one of the active puzzles at Crack the Code Escape Room. You’ll have an hour to solve multiple puzzles and escape one of the themed rooms. 

Where to Stay

Kids stay and eat for free at the newly renovated Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center. This hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour market, a game room, and an on-site restaurant.

Waynesboro

Rent a stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak from Rockfish Gap Outfitters and spend an afternoon floating down the 4-mile Waynesboro Water Trail. Look for birds, fish, and turtles. Another way to have fun outdoors in Waynesboro is to download the Traipse app and locate and learn about the impressive murals along the Street Arts Trail. Later, cheer on the home team at a Waynesboro Generals game. The Generals are part of the Valley Baseball League, which recruits talented college players for summer play. Take the family for a massive 28-inch pie at Benny’s Pizza. If anyone’s still hungry, finish the night with a cone or sundae from Kline’s Dairy Bar.

Where to Stay

The newly renovated Best Western PLUS has an indoor heated saltwater pool and is close to shopping and dining. The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Pets are allowed and room options include up to four people.

Harrisonburg

Begin your day in Harrisonburg by sparking curiosity and creativity at the Explore More Discovery Museum, a hands-on space that offers interactive exhibits and educational play areas. Afterward, buckle your harness and find your hand and footholds on one of the 18 unique and challenging indoor Clip ‘N Climb climbing walls at Horizon’s Edge Sports Campus. Continue being active by tackling the extensive bike trails at Hillandale Park or exploring the universally accessible A Dream Come True playground. As the day winds down, make your way to Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza for dinner. This family-friendly pizzeria serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and salads, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. 

Where to Stay

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a great place for families. Not only does it include breakfast and WiFi, but there’s an indoor pool, free parking, and a gym, and it’s easy to access the highway. Suites sleep up to five guests.

Rockingham County

The Massanutten Family Adventure Park has multiple options for adrenaline-inducing fun. Learn to climb and rappel or rocket down the mountain on a zipline. Take a canopy tour, sign up for a Kids’ Adventure Course, or enjoy the Kids’ Playland with bouncy houses and gem mining. Cool off at Massanutten Indoor & Outdoor Water Park, which has slides, pools, a lazy river, a water fortress, a FlowRider Endless Wave, kiddie areas, and adults-only hot tubs. For those seeking a more laid-back afternoon, beautiful Shenandoah National Park is just a short drive away. Visitors can hike a variety of trails or enjoy a birds’-eye view of the Valley from scenic overlooks along the Skyline Drive. As the day comes to an end, treat your taste buds at Thunderbird Café, an eatery known for its delicious comfort food and breakfast served all day. 

Where to Stay

Along with access to 6,000 acres of four-season fun, Massanutten Resort offers lots of condo and hotel choices as well as amenities like hot tubs, onsite restaurants, and specials and packages. 

The 17 craft breweries on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail are all within an easy hour’s drive of each other. To guide your exploration, we’ve divided our map into three zones. Hop between zones or discover them one at a time, but make sure to mark your progress on your 2023 Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport. As you work toward earning your Beerwerks t-shirt, you’ll need to visit at least eight breweries in at least two zones. Buy a beer and get your Passport stamped. It’s that easy. You’ll be sporting that new shirt in no time!

Zone A is located at the north end of the Beerwerks Trail and includes the breweries in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. 

• BrewHaHa Brewing Company
• Brothers Craft Brewing
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery
• Elkton Brewing Co.
• The Friendly Fermenter
• Pale Fire Brewing Co.
• Restless Moons Brewing Company
• Three Notch’d Valley Collab House

Here’s what to know if you haven’t yet visited them.

BrewHaHa Brewing Company

BrewHaHa Brewing Company (McGaheysville) is a nano brewery specializing in small-batch brews from their one-banner brewhouse. Located near Massanutten Resort, the brewery is a great place to stop after a day on the slopes or the golf course. The taproom has comfy seating and lots of photos of popular comics on the walls. There’s also room to sit outside. Make sure to visit on the first Saturday of each month for live comedy and improv. 

Top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Float On By…Orange Honey Pale Ale – Pale Ale – American
• Broken Glass – IPA – Belgian 

Nearby Attraction:

Four-season Massanutten Resort boasts warm-weather activities like golf, hiking, mountain biking, a family adventure park, and an indoor/outdoor waterpark. In the winter, the resort’s focus shifts to snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating.

Brothers Craft Brewing

Award-winning Brothers Craft Brewing is located in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant in downtown Harrisonburg. The brewery focuses on both production-scale brewing and smaller experimental batches, and it’s known for delicious beer and for supporting the community. Each month, Brothers benefits local non-profits with a one-of-a-kind cask beer. The brewery has a large taproom with plenty of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. Check out the schedule for live music, events, fundraisers, and food trucks. 

Top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Hoptimization – IPA – American 
• The Great Outdoors – Pale Ale – American

Nearby Attraction:

The Virginia Quilt Museum displays over 300 quilts, dating back to the 18th century. The collection showcases different techniques, styles, and designs. It preserves and shares the history and art of quilting and its cultural heritage in the Valley. 

Cave Hill Farms Brewery

Cave Hill Farms Brewery (McGaheysville) is a picturesque farm brewery that combines a serene countryside setting with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The brewery’s tap list features IPAs, porters, and lagers, as well as sour ale and hard seltzer. Sip your beer in the large taproom – once the loafing shed for a 500-head dairy herd – or outside on the patio where the views of rolling hills stretch for miles. Barley and hops grown on the farm are used in the beer recipes. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat from the onsite Feed Lot, which serves bar food like steak and cheese sliders, pretzel bites, and quesadillas.

Top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Biking Viking Blueberry Blonde – Blonde Ale 
• Hoppy Gator – IPA – American 

Nearby Attraction:

Launch your canoe, kayak, or tube on the beautiful and gentle South Fork of the Shenandoah River, which flows north through the Valley for almost 100 miles. The scenic river is great for a float or a fishing trip. It’s one of the world’s best sites for smallmouth bass. 

Elkton Brewing Co.

Elkton Brewing Company is a family-owned and operated brewery that opened in 2020 in one of the historic Elkton Milling Company buildings. This small craft brewery focuses on craftsmanship and creates natural artisan beers in a variety of styles. Elkton Brewing Company is also home to a taproom and outdoor, dog-friendly seating area, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a cold beer. The brewery often hosts food trucks and live music on the weekends.

Top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Mercky Water – IPA – Imperial / Double New England / Hazy 
• Blonde Bear – Blonde Ale

Nearby Attraction:

Drive the Skyline Drive or explore over 500 miles of hiking trails leading through diverse ecosystems and landscapes in Shenandoah National Park. You’ll find breathtaking views, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and many species of birds and animals. 

Pale Fire Brewing Co.

Pale Fire Brewing Co. (Harrisonburg) combines a modern aesthetic with a laid-back vibe. Known for a variety of styles, the tap list features hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, and complex barrel-aged beers. You can watch the brewing process through a big window in the taproom. With over 2,000 square feet of taproom space and a large connected patio, there are a variety of places to sit, including the bar, and a couch by the fire. Pale Fire serves Za Spot Detroit-style pizza, but they also have an open food policy, so you can bring in whatever tickles your tastebuds. Pale Fire hosts live music, trivia, music bingo, craft workshops, and special events like the annual Townie Summer Cool Party. 

Top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Arrant – IPA – American
• Salad Days – Farmhouse Ale – Saison

Nearby Attraction:

Check out the nearby Hugo Kohl Museum of American Jewelry to see vintage jewelry and learn about America’s history of jewelry design and manufacturing.

Restless Moons Brewing Company

Restless Moons Brewing Company was founded in 2017 by friends with years of homebrewing experience. Located in a former auto service station in Harrisonburg, there’s plenty of room for the brewery’s large brewing system as well as one-keg experiments. The taproom’s big garage doors stay open on warm days. Head out to the patio for a beer in the fresh air and get a meal from the on-site food truck park. The brewery also has lots of games to keep you busy, and your dog can hang out with you on the patio.

Top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Booberry Ghose – Sour – Traditional Gose
• Harrisonburger Pilsner – Pilsner – Czech / Bohemian

Nearby Attraction:

Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park’s single-track mountain bike trails are well maintained and range from beginner-friendly to challenging. 

The Friendly Fermenter

The Friendly Fermenter is a basement nano-brewery located in downtown Harrisonburg that specializes in homebrew-inspired beers. The food menu includes tasty bar bites, including their award-winning pepperoni rolls. Though the brewery no longer offers brew on-site services, look for future “3 T experiences” that will treat small groups to a 90-minute tasting, teaching, and tour experience at the brewery. The Friendly Fermenter hosts live music, weekly trivia, art exhibits, and other special events.

Top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Brehfuss – Stout – White / Golden
• The Bees Knees – IPA – Imperial / Double

Nearby Attraction:

Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia’s First Culinary District, and an original Arts and Cultural District offer a blend of history, culture, shopping, and dining. The area has historic architecture, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and public art installations. You’ll also find venues for live music and community events.

Three Notch’d Valley Collab House

Known for its creative and experimental beers, as well as its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Three Notch’d Brewing’s Valley Collab House (Harrisonburg) brews a brand new, small-batch beer every week. Three Notch’d has a wide variety of beers on tap, including small batches, flagships, and limited releases. You can also choose from a large selection of non-alcoholic beers. Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside the taproom and outside on the patio.

Top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Minute Man – IPA – American 
• 40 Mile – IPA – American 

Nearby Attraction:

Visit James Madison University to watch a game, wander the Edith Carrier Arboretum, catch a show at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, or learn something about our planet at the John C. Wells Planetarium. 

The 17 craft breweries on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail are all within an easy hour’s drive of each other. To guide your exploration, we’ve divided our map into three zones. Hop between zones or discover them one at a time, but make sure to mark your progress on your 2023 Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport. As you work toward earning your Beerwerks t-shirt, you’ll need to visit at least eight breweries in at least two zones. Buy a beer and get your Passport stamped. It’s that easy. You’ll be sporting that new shirt in no time!

Zone B is centrally located along the Beerwerks Trail and includes Basic City Beer Co., Queen City Brewing, Stable Craft Brewing, Seven Arrows Brewing, and Redbeard Brewing Company. Here’s what to know if you haven’t yet visited them.

Basic City Beer Co.

Waynesboro’s Basic City Beer Co., named after the lore of the ‘Lost Town’ of Basic City, is known for its laid-back atmosphere and, of course, its excellent craft beer. Located in a historic warehouse, the brewery has a rustic, industrial vibe. You can chill outside on the patio or inside in the tap room or the arcade area for a friendly game of skee ball, pool, or any of the other fun, free games. The brewery also features live music, festivals, and trivia night every Tuesday. Basic City recently opened an 800-person music venue called “The Foundry” adjacent to the brewery and their spring line-up is already bringing great shows to the stage!

Basic City Beer Co.’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• The 6th Lord – PA – American – This beer toes the line between a West and East Coast IPA to appeal to any hop lover.
• Our Daily Pils – Pilsner – German – Clean and refreshing German-inspired pilsner and winner of the 2019 Virginia Craft Beer Cup gold medal.
• The Lady – IPA – American – This beer is soft on the palate and juicy

Nearby Attractions

Historic Downtown Waynesboro contains a wealth of restaurants, shops, and cultural destinations like the historic Wayne Theatre, the Waynesboro Heritage Museum, and the P. Buckley Moss Gallery. Waynesboro also has a robust art scene with resident artists and rotating exhibits at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center and a Street Arts Trail with over a dozen stops of murals, sculptures, and Waynesboro’s fishing-themed LOVEworks installment. Download the free Traipse app to add a fun scavenger hunt aspect to the trail. Pro-tip: End your Street Arts Trail with Basic City Beer Co.’s murals and reward yourself with a beer!

Stroll or pedal along the South River Greenway that runs along a stretch of the South River where you can drop a fishing line or launch your kayak. Nearby, the 4.5-mile out-and-back Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail travels under Afton Mountain along an old railroad bed. Hikers and bikers alike will be thrilled by the impressive historic tunnel, but don’t forget your flashlight and a jacket, it’s dark in the middle of the tunnel and a constant 50 degrees. 

Waynesboro is just three miles from Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Explore  500+ miles of hiking trails, including a long section of the Appalachian Trail. Visitors can hike to amazing overlooks and waterfalls, camp, picnic, hike, and spot wildflowers and wildlife.

Seven Arrows Brewing

Taste a pint or flight at Seven Arrows Brewing. Their lager-forward tap list has a solid lineup of core beers accented with seasonal and rotational brews for variety. Hang out in the spacious taproom or outside on the deck and patio area, where you’ll find both shade and firepits. On-site Nobos Kitchen creates a delicious menu to complement your beer by “blending old favorites with new concepts” and focusing on local ingredients. The menu has appetizers, burgers, and dishes like shrimp and grits and pulled pork mac and cheese. Seven Arrows hosts live music each Saturday night as well as monthly open mic and trivia nights.

Seven Arrow’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Eventide IPA – IPA – Red – The Eventide IPA is a red IPA based on the American Style IPA and offers a prominent hop aroma with a piney/spicy character derived from Simcoe and Chinook hops.
• Skyline Lager – Lager – American Light – This beer is a truly refreshing light beer that is perfect for any occasion.
• Aurora Pils – Pilsner – Other – Inspired by the Bohemian Pilsener, this lager offers a rich, complex malt profile with a spicy, floral presence of Saaz hops. 

Nearby Attractions

Nature lovers should check out Sherando Lake Recreation Area for camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. More than 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the forest around the lakes. If you’d rather get outside closer to town, test your golfing skills on the par-three course at Waynesboro Golf and Games. For even more fun, challenge your friends to a round of mini-golf. 

Bakers, cooks, snackers, and people who like to give baskets of goodies as gifts will all love visiting The Cheese Shop Country Market and Deli. It sells bulk spices and baking ingredients as well as snacks, and baking and canning supplies. You’ll also find dairy items and all your favorite deli meats and cheeses. 

If you want to dive further into local products, check out Valley Pike Farm Market in Weyers Cave. Grab a sandwich at the deli, or a burger or BBQ from their on-site Food Trucks, Valley Pike BBQ and Old School Burgers. Finish off your meal with a glass of beer or wine from the bar, or a handmade specialty coffee drink from Rumor Mill Coffee (which even has homemade sweet treats!)

Stable Craft Brewing

Stable Craft Brewing is located on a working horse farm where there’s plenty to do and see, as well as lots of excellent beer and cider to drink. Take a seat in the rustic taproom or spread out on the spacious patio that offers spectacular views. The agri-pub-style menu is full of burgers, sandwiches, and entrees like pan-seared salmon and Cajun chicken alfredo. Stable Craft has fire pits for chilly days, igloos during winter, and lawn games like volleyball and cornhole. Pet the horses or take a guided tour of the facilities to learn about the brewing process as well as the brewery’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. Stable Craft hosts lots of events like live music, holiday-themed parties, family fun, and special occasion meals. You can even book a suite on the farm and use Stable Craft as a home base for your next trip to the area.

Stable Craft’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Britchin Brown – Brown Ale – American – This NEW revamped recipe has produced a true-to-style, crushable, year-round ale. We’ve reduced the roastiness to allow the caramel sweetness to shine.
• Blueberry Blonde Ale – Blonde Ale – Clean and crisp blonde ale with a copious amount of blueberry for a light, fruit-forward easy drinking beer.
• Robot Cowboy – IPA – New England / Hazy – New England style IPA copiously hopped with Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic creating a fruity tropical burst of pineapple and guava! 

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to Augusta County should explore Natural Chimneys Park, a campground and natural area featuring seven tall limestone towers that resemble a castle. Home to the Red Wing Roots Music Festival, this park has hiking trails, a swimming pool, and river access. 

Grand Caverns is the country’s oldest show cave and has been wowing tourists with natural formations since 1804. Book a standard walking tour or take a 120-minute tour that focuses on history or geology. Intrepid explorers might enjoy one of the more intense caving experiences, guaranteed to wear you out and get you filthy!

Are you looking for a serious dose of cute? Reserve a time to snuggle a baby goat at My Peeps Farm or have an adventure with an alpaca at Point of View Alpaca Farm. The Walk-a-Paca experience pairs you with an alpaca partner for a stroll around a beautiful farm. You’ll get lots of chances for selfies and to learn about alpacas and hypoallergenic alpaca fiber.

Queen City Brewing

Queen City Brewing gives customers a chance to taste more than 30 handcrafted beers on tap. You can even try your hand at brewing your own batch under the guidance of a master brewer. This brewery invites you to have fun. Stop in for live music on Friday nights. You can also scope out the weekly open mic talent, play a game, or watch the big screen. You can hang out with friends in the taproom or on the spacious patio.

Queen City’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Falstaff’s Revenge – IPA – American – An unrestrained indulgence of hops, the biggest ale you’ll ever love.
• Daddy Rabbit – Stout – Imperial / Double Oatmeal
• Brass Knuckle IPA – IPA – American – Prepare for a full frontal mouth hit with some serious Cascade Dry hop.

Nearby Attractions

Queen City Brewing is located just steps away from Gypsy Hill Park. This large city park is beautifully landscaped with plenty of room to relax. In the summer, the bandstand hosts daily live music, and kids can ride the Gypsy Hill Express. The park also boasts a golf course, a skate park, and a dog park.

See how our African, English, Irish, German, and Native American ancestors worked and lived when you visit the living history Frontier Culture Museum. Visitors can explore working historical farms and chat with costumed interpreters. 

Looking for some new-to-you decor? Check out the Staunton Antiques Center for two floors of curated antique furniture, jewelry, art, collectibles, and more. Newly opened Juniper Lane helps you up both your style and your sustainability game. It specializes in vintage wedding dresses and other clothing that “can be repurposed and styled in fun and trendy ways.” 

Redbeard Brewing Company

Redbeard Brewing Company is a nano-brewery located in downtown Staunton. Each batch of beer is lovingly handcrafted using “ancient techniques but modern equipment.” Enjoy a range of styles on 10-14 taps. Redbeard’s taproom recently underwent a renovation, and there’s a big beer garden out back. Redbeard regularly hosts events like trivia, karaoke, Dungeons and Dragons, book club, and more. There are also several old-school video games to keep kids busy. During the summer, Redbeard hosts a popular music series with favorite local and regional bands.

Redbeard’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Blue Ridge Breakfast Stout – Stout – Coffee – Milk stout aged on whole coffee beans.
• 221B Baker Brown – Brown Ale – English – Award-winning homage to the classic English pub ale. 
• Pennyroyal Pale – IPA – American – Gold-medal winning pale ale that’s brewed and dry-hopped with only Citra hops, pale malt, and a touch of sheat. 

Nearby Attractions

Downtown Staunton has a wide selection of dining options, boutique shops, galleries, history, and culture. Redbeard Brewing Company is located in the historic Wharf District, the site of the Staunton Farmers’ Market, a popular destination for fresh produce, meat, baked goods, and more. Families looking for a fun afternoon with the kids will enjoy exploring the big selection of games, stuffed animals, LEGO kits, and art supplies at Pufferbellies Toys & Books. 

The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse is the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. The performances are “exciting, imaginative, and inclusive theatre with an emphasis on clarity, language, Shakespeare’s staging conditions, and continued experimentation.” A visit to Staunton isn’t complete without a tour of the house and gardens at the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace. You’ll learn about the president and the dynamic times in which he lived.

Staunton’s historic train station is only a short walk from the brewery. There’s a cool iron footbridge that climbs over the tracks and gives a phenomenal view of the city from above. Next, catch a ride on the Virginia Scenic Railway. The tour explores beautiful Augusta County in a restored 1940s passenger car.

The 17 craft breweries on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail are all within an easy hour’s drive of each other. To guide your exploration, we’ve divided our map into three zones. Hop between zones or discover them one at a time, but make sure to mark your progress on your 2023 Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Passport. As you work toward earning your Beerwerks t-shirt, you’ll need to visit at least eight breweries in at least two zones. Buy a beer and get your Passport stamped. It’s that easy. You’ll be sporting that new shirt in no time!

Zone C is located at the Southern end of the Beerwerks Trail and includes the breweries in Lexington, Natural Bridge, and Rockbridge County. Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery, Heliotrope Brewery, Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen, and Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery are all popular destinations for craft beer enthusiasts. Here’s what to know if you haven’t yet visited them.

Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery

Located in Natural Bridge, Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery is a family-owned and operated brewery that offers a farm-to-pint experience and specializes in Belgian-style farmhouse ales. In fact, the Belgian Blonde beer won an award in the 2017 Virginia Craft Beer Cup. Committed to eco-friendly and sustainable farming and brewing practices, they grow their own hops and other ingredients on their 27-acre farm. This makes their beer unique and flavorful. Visitors will wax poetic about the stunning views of the Blue Ridge from the outdoor patio area. The brewery also often features live music and service from some of the area’s best food trucks. Blue Ridge Outdoors calls it “the perfect destination for beer lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.” 

Great Valley’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Hibiscus Wit – Wheat Beer – Witbier / Blanche
• IPA – This beer features tons of Centennial, Chinook, and Cascade hops, both in the boil and dry hop. 
• Belgian Blonde Ale – A light-bodied, refreshing beer with floral/herbal aromas, backed up by smooth, bready Pilsner malt flavors. 
• Belgian Stout – Traditional flavors of coffee, chocolate, and caramel mingle with dark cherry and plum from the yeast. 

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to Natural Bridge should explore Natural Bridge State Park to see the 215-foot limestone bridge that was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. The park has seven miles of hiking trails, a 30-foot waterfall, and the Children’s Discovery Area and Kid’s in Park TRACK Trail. One of four International Dark Sky Parks in Virginia, self-guided stargazing nights and ranger-guided dark sky programs are offered throughout the year. 

The Virginia Safari Park is another local attraction worthy of a visit. This drive-thru safari park gives kids the chance to pet and feed the wildlife nosing through the car windows in search of feed. Other park areas allow visitors to feed giraffes and let birds perch on their fingers.

If your family likes odd stuff, grab tickets for Dinosaur Kingdom II, and walk through the bizarre imagination of sculptor Mark Cline. You’ll see life-sized dinos fighting alongside soldiers in an unexpected version of the Civil War and more.

Heliotrope Brewery

Heliotrope Brewery is a popular microbrewery that offers small batches of ales and lagers brewed primarily with local grain and other ingredients. The taproom is located on Lexington’s Main Street and the Scandanavian-inspired decor promotes “the concept of hygge, a cozy feeling of contentment.” Heliotrope is known for its friendly staff and a wide selection of unique beers, wines, and ciders. The food menu complements the beer selection including tasty appetizers and artisan pizzas.

Heliotrope’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Neahkahnie – Pacific NW-style IPA with Strata, Citra, and Apollo.
• Snoggin’ Toboggan – 1st-anniversary stout, conditioned on local maple syrup from Seasons’ Yield Farm, and a chocolatey Guatemalan coffee blend from Lexington Coffee Roasters.
• New Boots And Contracts – Double dry hopped IPA with Citra and Galaxy.
• Ouija Board Boyfriend – Double dry hopped IPA with Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado.

Nearby Attractions

Heliotrope is located in downtown Lexington, steps away from shopping, dining, historical sites, and culture. In warmer months, Lime Kiln Theater is a popular destination for entertainment and music under the stars. Families looking for a fun afternoon with the kids will enjoy the gardens and amazing natural playground at Boxerwood Gardens.

Lexington is also home to Washington and Lee University as well as the Virginia Military Institute. Both colleges have on-campus museums, and visitors should check the schools’ schedules for opportunities to see sports, lectures, performances, exhibits, and more.

Take a stroll or bike ride along the scenic (and flat) Chessie Trail. Once a railroad bed, the 7-mile trail follows the path of the Maury River and connects the towns of Lexington and Buena Vista.

Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen 

Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen is an outpost of Devils Backbone Brewing Company that’s located in Rockbridge County. Devils Backbone has a long history of brewing high-quality beers in a wide range of flavors and styles. They’ve won numerous awards at beer festivals, including medals at the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Cup, and the Virginia Craft Brewers Cup. Brewery visitors will love the indoor and outdoor seating options and the lively, family-friendly atmosphere. People also love the kitchen at Devils Backbone. The full menu is loaded with appetizers, burgers, salads, and entrees, including options that are gluten-free. Ask your server to recommend a food and beer pairing!

Devils Backbone’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Vienna Lager – Smooth, medium-bodied, and semi-sweet, while not too heavy or bitter.
• 8 Point American IPA – Brash American hops balanced with a bright, citrus finish.
• Danzig (Porter – Baltic) – Well-balanced, full-bodied blend of a strong English porter and a Germanic black lager.
• Gold Leaf Lager – Traditional German-style lager.

Nearby Attractions

Devils Backbone is on the outskirts of Lexington and very close by to Hull’s Drive-In, a classic drive-in movie theater that admits people by the carload, switches up the double-feature every Friday, and offers tasty snack shop fare. Hull’s is open from March to October. Devils Backbone is also near the Virginia Horse Center, an equestrian center that hosts regional, national, and international horse shows, rodeos, concerts, and much more.

For scenic views of the Valley from above as well as access to trails along the ridgeline, hop on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. Rockbridge County is also a phenomenal place to pedal your bike. Check out some popular routes including the 45-mile Lexington to Goshen Loop or the 11.7-mile Whetstone Ridge Trail.

Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery

Beer and wine lovers alike will love family-owned and operated Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery. Visitors will love the relaxed atmosphere and the stunning vineyard views, as well as the delicious wine and beer selections. The wines are made with estate-grown grapes, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Vidal Blanc. And though the brewery portion is relatively new (added in 2018), Brew Ridge Trail calls the beers it produces “just as impressive as their wines, with a range of flavorful and well-crafted beers that showcase the best of Virginia brewing.” Relax in front of the fire in the rustic tasting room or spread out on the lawn for a panoramic view of the mountains. Sunday is especially popular because the brewery hosts Uncorked live music and food trucks. Other regular events include the monthly Mimosas and Brunch, Sip & Paint sessions. Check the calendar to see how Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery plans to celebrate upcoming holidays.

Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery’s top-rated beers on Untappd include:

• Hazy IPA – Lush tropical aromatics and palate showcase the wonders of Mandarina Bavaria, Citra, and Mosaic hops.  
• Porter – American porter with notes of dark fruit and toasted malt. 
• Pale Ale – A light American-style pale ale brewed with hops showcasing piney and citrus aromatics.
• Oatmeal Stout – A healthy dose of oat malt and flaked oats give this richly flavored stout a lovely smooth and creamy mouthfeel.  

Nearby Attractions

Hikers will like the challenge of the trails threading through nearby St. Mary’s Wilderness. The popular St. Mary’s Falls hike crosses the river multiple times before reaching a swimming hole fed by a waterfall. The wilderness area also includes the Tye River Gap Recreation Area and the Cellar Mountain trailhead. 

If you’d rather just stretch your legs before or after your brewery visit, head to the Cyrus McCormick Farm to learn about the history of the mechanical reaper. This small exhibit features farm buildings with a water wheel, picnic tables, and a short nature trail.

History lovers will also enjoy the Brownsburg Museum (reopening with a new exhibit in June 2023). This small museum houses a collection of 18th, 19th, and 20th-century regional memorabilia. Its purpose is to instill civic pride by “connect[ing] the public with the history, arts, and culture of Brownsburg and the surrounding area.” 

Each year, the readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors nominate and vote for their favorite businesses, attractions, adventures, and more in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. This year, over 200,000 votes were received in 50 categories. The results are in, and the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail is officially the Best Beer/Wine/Spirits Trail of 2023!

Consisting of 17 breweries all located within an hour’s drive of each other, the Beerwerks Trail guides beer enthusiasts to discover award-winning craft beer in a variety of styles. Along with producing the best craft beer, the breweries are ideally situated to access the Shenandoah Valley’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to dining with an emphasis on farm-to-table fare. The Beerwerks Trail provides access to vibrant downtown and cultural scenes, national parks and forests, and historical sites. What are you waiting for? Hop on the Trail today!

Want to visit?

The Beerwerks Trail travels through the Valley and is divided into three zones from north to south. 

• Zone A: Harrisonburg, Elkton, and Rockingham County
• Zone B: Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County
• Zone C: Lexington, Natural Bridge, and Rockbridge County

Plan your route today!

Grab your passport

It’s also a great idea to pick up a newly-redesigned Beerwerks Passport at a Beerwerks brewery or visitor center. Not only can you keep track of the breweries you’ve visited, but you can also work toward earning each year’s free t-shirt. Just get your Passport stamped at 8 Beerwerks breweries within two zones and send it in to receive your “Drink-in the Valley” t-shirt. The color for 2023 is military green, which goes with everything in your wardrobe. Wear it with jeans. Wear it to work out. Sleep in it. Dress it up with heels and lipstick!

Since 2016, this popular program has marked over 52,000 stamps and awarded almost 7,500 shirts. Get your Passport and start earning those stamps!

Which brewery should you try first?

You won’t be able to stick to just one, but you have to start somewhere, right? 

Check out an event this weekend:

Visit our events page for an up-to-date roundup of brewery fun! 

• February 10 at Pale Fire: Enjoy a sample of what’s coming up at the June Red Wing Roots Festival with the Official Winter Roots Pre-Party & Performance featuring Maya de Vitry.
• February 11 at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery: Mimosas and Brunch with a chocolate torte and music by the Goodson Band. The Hitchin Post will serve food on-site.
• February 11 at Stable Craft Brewing: Blooms, Besties, & Brews Galentine’s Day Flower Arranging Workshop. All levels of flower-arranging skills are welcome at this interactive workshop led by Harmony Harvest Farm.

Try a brewery with an awesome view:

• Great Valley Farm Brewery
• Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery

Walk to nearby downtown fun:

• The Friendly Fermenter offers easy access to downtown dining, art galleries, and live music in Harrisonburg.
• Heliotrope Brewery is steps away from Lexington’s finest shopping, entertainment, food and drink, and more.

Grab a stage-side seat for live music:

• Basic City Beer Co.’s outside beer garden is an excellent space to relax and enjoy live music and craft beer.
• Restless Moons Brewing Company fills the stage with live music each Friday night.

Try your hand at trivia, karaoke, crafts, and more:

• Redbeard Brewing Company hosts weekend live music, a monthly book club, karaoke, and bingo each week, a monthly “bad” movie night, and a monthly D&D session.
• Brothers Craft Brewing holds weekly Arts & Drafts and Gamer Thursdays, Comedy Open Mic nights, and special seasonal events like the upcoming Saint Linda Valentine’s Brothers Beer Dinner. Brothers also supports charity with events like this month’s Souper Bowl February Food Drive.

Bring your pets and kids:

• Elkton Brewing Co.
• Queen City Brewing
• Seven Arrows Brewing 

Chow down with onsite food:

• Stable Craft Brewing dishes up a chef-inspired menu with apps, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and dinners like chicken fried steak.
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery serves tasty snacks and appetizers like nachos, pretzel bites, sliders, flatbreads, and quesadillas.
• Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen’s menu includes appetizers, salads, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and macaroni skillets.

How about a nearby adventure?

The Beerwerks trail runs through an area rich with opportunity. From world-class hiking and mountain biking to museums and farm-to-table dining, we have your next adventure waiting. Here are some of our favorites:

• Outdoor Adventures: Hiking & Natural Attractions
• Outdoor Adventures: Fishing & Swimming
• Quirky Roadside Attractions
• Local Food Goodness
• History & Culture
• Music Festivals
• Backroad Cycling & Mountain Biking

While you’re probably still gathering last-minute Christmas presents (hats, growlers, t-shirts, and gift certificates make great presents, btw), it’s not too early to start making plans for New Year’s Eve. Why not toast 2023 with some craft beer cheer? Here’s a list of Beerwerks breweries hosting fun events for the New Year.

If you’re planning to low-key it this year with a night at home, make sure to lay in a supply of cans, crowlers, or growlers, available at most Beerwerks breweries! 

Pre-Game Events on Friday, December 30

Start the New Year’s weekend with some live music on Friday night.

• Devils Backbone Brewing Company: Live Music with Jason Hostetter at 6:30 p.m.
• Skipping Rock Beer Co.: Bryan Elijah Smith & Jay Austin Tree Burning Party at 6 p.m.  BYO trees to burn!
• Stable Craft Brewing: The Night Before NYE w/ Pasquale DiMeo at 6:30 p.m. 
• Queen City Brewing hosts live music with The Loya Brothers at 7:00 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Parties on Saturday, December 31

Don’t sit at home as the ball drops! Here are the Beerwerks breweries that are throwing parties.

• Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery: New Year’s Eve at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery from noon-5 p.m. Enjoy the last day of the year with wine, local cheeses, and “an eclectic mix of cover tunes” by Porch Dogs.
• Brothers Craft Brewing: New Year’s Eve Festivities from noon-10 p.m.
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery: NYE Party at the Cave with Thieves of Burden. Doors open at 7 p.m. Music from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy “original music inspired by elements from rock, Americana, and alt-country” Thieves of Burden and Dustin Pence Band as well as appetizers, toasts, party favors, and a photo corner. Reserve tickets ahead of time.

• Pale Fire Brewing Company: New Year’s Eve with Dogwood Tales at 9 p.m. Say farewell to 2022 with music, craft beer, and a midnight toast. $15.

• Basic City Beer Co. will be open and serving beer and brick oven pizza from 3-8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
• Seven Arrows Brewery: Seven Arrows Brewery 8-Year Anniversary Shindig at 8 p.m. Music by DJ Lance starts at 9 and there will be a champagne toast at midnight as the ball drops. Enjoy 12 taps, slushies, hot cider, snack specials from Nobos Kitchen, and a free photo booth. No cover.

• Stable Craft Brewing: 2022 NYE Dance Party w/ DJ Rick Rowe. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and music will run from 9-12:30 a.m. Party on with DJ Rick Rowe and enjoy a nacho bar, champagne toast, and party favors. Ticket available ahead of time or at the door. 18+ only.
• Redbeard Brewing Company: New Year’s Eve Party w/ The Hot Mamas & Drägön Wägön at 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, beer, and champagne at midnight. Space is limited, so purchase tickets ahead of time. $15.

• Elkton Brewing usually has live music on Fridays and Saturdays and will host New Year’s Eve with local band, Who Shot John.
• BrewHaHa Brewing Co. usually has live comedy on the first Saturday of each month.

Looking Ahead

January is dark and cold. Plan to warm up at these upcoming events!

• January 6: Redbeard Brewing Company’s Music in the Taproom w/ Sean Stringer at 9 p.m.
• January 7: Palmyra at Basic City Brewing 
• January 8: Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery’s Uncorked with Gary Randall, 1-7 p.m.

• January 14: Brothers Craft Brewing’s 10th Anniversary Party starts at noon. Join Brothers for live music by Georgia Saunders and Thomas Oxbrough and Thieves of Burden Duo, tasty food, and a big lineup of seasonal and anniversary beer.
• January 14: Stable Craft Brewing’s Eighties Prom Night with DJ Adonis, 7-10 p.m.

• January 14: Redbeard Brewing Company’s Music in the Taproom w/ Kiz Carter & Rob Martin 9-11 p.m.
• January 20: Skipping Rock Beer Co’s D.E.D. Winter ‘Farewell Bash’, 8-11 p.m.

New Year’s Resolutions

Still working on your New Year’s resolutions for 2023? Check out our post on how to make keeping those resolutions easier by combining them with chances to drink craft beer: 9 Ways to Keep Your New Beer’s Resolutions Along the Beerwerks Trail.

Need a break from all the seasonal bustle? Want a way to celebrate the cold, crisp days and nights in the Shenandoah Valley? How about easy access to hiking trails, scenic drives, and winter sports? Pack your warm sweaters, your camera, your steaming latte, and your hiking boots. Here are some of our favorite winter retreats and cozy cabins along the Beerwerks Trail.

Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast

38-acre Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast (Fairfield) features a big front porch and outdoor dining on the deck. Enjoy a comfortable bed, complimentary beverages, and a country-style breakfast featuring farm-fresh eggs and other local ingredients. You’ll find trails to wander and incredible views of the mountains and the stars above them. The bed and breakfast is also close to many attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls, the Virginia Horse Center, and historic Lexington and Staunton. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, book a special like an in-room couple’s massage.

Sugar Tree Inn 

Enjoy front-porch sitting at Sugar Tree Inn (Vesuvius). This family-run mountain lodge is free from tech to keep you focused on the here and now. Accommodations include rooms in the lodge and log house as well as free-standing cabins. Look for amenities like decks, big wood-burning fireplaces, suites that can house up to 6 people and pets, home-cooked breakfasts.

Stable Craft Suites

We think Stable Craft Suites (Waynesboro)  is an ideal place to plan a getaway. Not only does it offer cozy, private lodgings, with varied amenities like hot tubs and full kitchens, but it’s also the location of Stable Craft Brewing. Besides delicious craft beer and cider, the brewery offers a tasty menu, toasty fire pits, and all sorts of fun games and activities to keep you busy.

Alpine Hideaway Cottages

Alpine Hideaway Cottages (Steeles Tavern) is known for southern hospitality. Choose from five distinctly decorated guest rooms at the Steeles Tavern Manor or from several private cottages. Each cottage boasts a king-sized bed, a luxury bathroom, a fireplace, and a private, outdoor hot tub. Enjoy views of the Allegheny Mountains. Don’t feel like venturing out for meals? Each cabin has a fully-appointed kitchen. Choose from a number of special packages including a steak package for cabin guests and a Beerology 101 (for Manor guests) in which the day starts with breakfast beer pairings

The Inn at Meadowcroft

The Inn at Meadowcroft (Swoope) is set on a picturesque 300-acre seventh-generation working farm. The 1795 log home has been fully updated with modern comforts but still retains regional and historical characteristics like native stone fireplaces. Choose from six unique guest rooms and suites. Enjoy your cozy, antique-decorated room and modern bath, have a drink in the great room and explore the terraced gardens. Make sure to check out the views of the sunset and the stars. Greet the morning with a locally sourced, farm-to-table breakfast. 

North Mountain Outfitter

Enjoy the crisp air and incredible views on a trail ride through the George Washington National Forest with North Mountain Outfitter (Swoope). Taking inspiration from the Old West, “North Mountain Outfitter rekindles the cowboy way of life by providing riders with a unique wilderness adventure.” Look for upcoming all-inclusive getaway weekends such as Couples Weekend, which includes lodging, rides, ranch-style meals, and entertainment.

Iris Inn

Travel to the top of the Blue Ridge to relax at the Iris Inn (Waynesboro), a modern retreat overlooking the majesty of the Shenandoah Valley. This location is a prime destination to appreciate the tranquility of nature, but it also allows easy access to Waynesboro’s restaurants and other cultural opportunities. Mingle with fellow guests in the inn’s public spaces or retreat to your room or private cottage to watch the sunset over the Valley and soak in the two-person jacuzzi. Schedule a massage or body treatment at the onsite spa, and celebrate special occasions with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Cave Hill Bed and Breakfast

Cave Hill Bed and Breakfast (McGaheysville) is another good place to stay if you’re planning to access the slopes at Massanutten. Located ten minutes away in a historic manor built in 1830, the lodging offers five guest rooms with private baths and fireplaces. Bonus: Cave Hill Farms Brewery is 2 minutes away.

Massanutten Resort

Massanutten Resort is a 6,000-acre four-season resort, known for golf, mountain biking, a family adventure park, escape rooms, and more. When the temperatures drop, multiple slopes open for ski and tubing season. Visitors can also ice skate and splash in comfort in the giant indoor/outdoor waterpark. Massanutten offers lots of condo and hotel choices as well as amenities like hot tubs, onsite restaurants, and specials and packages. 

By The Side of The Road Getaway Lodging

Enjoy your stay at a pond-side cottage with a private balcony or porch overlooking the pond and furnished with comfortable outdoor seating at By The Side of the Road Getaway Lodging. Relax by a fireplace or in a large bath. Admire the historic manor on the property circa 1840 where rooms are also available to rent. Located a short distance from scenic hikes in the George Washington National Forest and 30 minutes from Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.

In this month’s Brewery Spotlight, we talked to Skipping Rock Beer Co., the only brewery on the Beerwerks Trail situated on the site of a former garden center. Learn about their award-winning beer, the fun events Skipping Rock is planning, and the beers the staff highly recommends that you try.

What’s new or what’s coming up? 

• Our Halloween Weekend Creep Show Metal Band Night.

• Check out all of our upcoming events. 
• We also just won a GOLD medal at GABF (Great American Beer Festival) for our Belgian Dubbel. This is available on draft and in cans to go. We are super proud and honored to have represented the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia in this national competition. 

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique? 

I love our Kolsch. It’s light, crisp, and a delicious year-round beer. Our seasonal Oktoberfest beer is also super amazing and my current go-to brew. 

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know? 

Ben Mullett, our Head Brewer, served in the United States Marine Corps before he got started in brewing. Semper Fi. 

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations? 

Yes, we distribute throughout the entire state of VA. You can find our core beers at local Food Lions, Krogers, and local restaurants throughout the Valley. 

Do you allow dogs? 

Yes. 

Are you kid-friendly? 

Yes. 

And do you offer food onsite? 

Yes, we have a full food menu with delicious Detroit-style pizza and other fun appetizers and salads. 

What regular and special events do you offer? 

• We have live trivia every Wednesday at 7 pm through Geeks Who Drink. 
• We also have live Bingo on Mondays at 7 pm. 
• We regularly book private events. Email us at claire@skippingrockbeer.com to book your event.  

Fall in the Shenandoah Valley brings crisp air, endless blue skies, and brilliantly colored trees. It’s also the peak of cider season, and fortunately, you can enjoy both fall foliage and cider along the Beerwerks Trail. Here’s your guide to area roads and walks that are favored by leaf peepers as well as nearby Beerwerks breweries that serve cider along with delicious craft beer.

Skyline Drive

Arguably one of the best roads in the country for leisure drives, the Skyline Drive runs through Shenandoah National Park for 105 miles. You’ll love the endless panoramic views and the blankets of colorful trees spreading to the Valley floor below. Stop at one (or several) of more than 75 overlooks and trailheads. You’ll see species like red oak and chestnut growing high on the ridges, giving way to mixed hardwood and yellow poplar forests at lower elevations.

Swift Run Gap Entrance Station is 35 minutes from Brothers Craft Brewing

Brothers Craft Brewing created Blonde Betty in collaboration with Bold Rock. It’s “an Imperial American Blonde Ale with juice from fresh pressed apples…and a healthy dose of pie spice.” While not technically a cider, it hits all the apple-y, spicy fall notes you’ve been looking for.

Rockfish Gap Entrance Station is 15 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing

Relax in the large taproom or in one of the outdoor spaces at Seven Arrows Brewing and enjoy the tastes of fall with their Harvested Apple Lager, which uses 30% cider. You’ll smell the fresh apples and taste the tartness and the apple flavors.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The stunning Blue Ridge Parkway connects the southern end of Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. One of America’s most popular roads for 90 years, the beautiful drive offers regular places to pull over to enjoy the magnificent overviews and leaf extravaganza spreading below. Be sure to scope out the many trails exploring the surrounding wilderness. 

20 minutes from Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen

You can’t go wrong with the offerings at Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen. Relax on the expansive deck, check out the autumn colors, snack on apps and sandwiches, and sample ciders like Winkleberry Elderflower Variant Cider, Apple Dapple, and Sparkling Grapefruit Ale.

Rt. 11

Rt. 11 stretches north and south through the Valley, offering a slower, more scenic alternative to I-81. Once called the Wilderness Road, it was originally formed by Native American hunters. European settlers followed the same pathways, and many of the oldest settlements along this route are separated by the distance that could be covered in a day’s ride. You see laid-back farms and distant mountains, and the road connects Lexington, Staunton, Harrisonburg, as well as many smaller towns and their charming town centers.

5 minutes from Redbeard Brewing Company

Redbeard Brewing Company has an updated taproom with a cool, new mural to check out while you’re sampling their brews. Try the Graf, a beer/cider co-ferment created in collaboration with Ciders from Mars. Graf blends juice from locally grown apples and Mycroft Pale Ale to make something seasonal and phenomenal. 

Route 608

Route 608 connects Lexington to Grottoes and rolls past beautiful farms and along the edge of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Look for a changing palette of deciduous trees on this scenic byway. You’ll pass through Stuarts Draft, where you can find The Cheese Shop and Milmont Greenhouses, as well as the Andre Viette Nursery in Fishersville. You’ll also pass the New Hope site of the 1864 Battle of Piedmont.

2 minutes from Stable Craft Brewing

Stable Craft Brewing will keep you busy all fall long with festive events, lawn games, and live music. If the weather is nippy, gather around a fire pit, toast s’mores, and enjoy the selection of ciders. Offerings include sweet and fruity Blackberry Cider, Just Peachy Cider, and Pear Cider.

Chessie Nature Trail

The Chessie Nature Trail follows the Maury River for 7 miles between Lexington and Buena Vista. The flat, scenic trail is a perfect place for a peaceful stroll or bike ride, and you can enjoy the falling leaves and sounds of the nearby water.

2 minutes from Heliotrope Brewery

Along with its delicious craft beer and artisan pizza, Heliotrope Brewery also serves Virginia-made ciders like Castle Hill Cider’s Celestial and Troddenvale’s House Cider.

Betsy Bell Park

Betsy Bell Wilderness Area isn’t Staunton’s best-known park, but its wooded trails and solitude make it wonderful for a quiet hike. The park has two scenic overlooks that provide views of Staunton from an elevation of 1,959 feet.

10 minutes from Queen City Brewing

There are always lots of choices to make when perusing the Queen City Brewing taps, but you really should try one of the ciders. Ruby Sparkling Sangria and Hard-Pressed Ginger are good options.

Purcell Park

Harrisonburg’s Purcell Park is a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy the seasonal color show without venturing out of the city. This 67-acre park has a 1.5-mile walking trail and a big playground for the kiddos.

6 minutes from Three Notch’d Valley Collab House

Quench your thirst at nearby Three Notch’d Valley Collab House. Along with craft beer, they offer Ring of Fire sweet cider, Blue Toad: In the Orchard, and Blueberry Mint Mojito Cider.

Fall is here, so pull on a cozy sweater, grab your camera, and head outside to enjoy the cooler weather and the incredible autumn colors. Here’s your guide to the best corn mazes, pumpkin patches, festivals, ghost tours, and other fall activities to visit with your family and friends. Don’t forget to stop by a Beerwerks brewery for a pumpkin ale or other seasonal brew after your adventure!

Fall Family Fun

• Your family will have a blast at Rockingham County’s Back Home on the Farm. Not only can you pick over 60 varieties of pumpkins, but there’s a giant corn maze full of “cornundrums” to solve, barnyard mini golf, slides, zip lines, wagon rides, farm animals, games, a “spook-takular enchanted garden,” and much more. 

• Troyer’s Fruit and Produce Farm (Waynesboro) specializes in summer strawberries, but they get into the fall spirit, too, with a pumpkin patch, a big corn maze with waypoints and a leaderboard to see how you did, and a giant, fall-themed teddy bear to help out with your selfies.  
• Celebrate October by getting lost in the Muppets Mayhem-themed 6-acre corn maze at Skeeter’s Cornmaze at Creative Works Farm (Crimora). When you find the way out, there are lots of other fall-themed things to do like gaga ball, corn hole, and shopping for pumpkins. (October 1-23)
• Bond with the crew while working together to escape the five-acre corn maze at Overlook Produce and Farm Adventure. You can also pick your own pumpkins and buy nutritious fruits, veggies, meats, eggs, and seafood in the farm market. 
• The weather is perfect for visiting the animals at the Virginia Safari Park (Natural Bridge). Feed the animals in the drive-thru section, then explore the rest of the park on foot. There’s even a giraffe-feeding station and an aviary where birds will perch on your fingers.

• Another great way to enjoy the season with an animal is at Point of View Alpaca Farm (Mt. Sidney) where you pair with an alpaca for a stroll around the beautiful farm.

Apple, Pumpkins, and Fall Farmer’s Markets

• Spend a wholesome afternoon picking apples at Showalter’s Orchard. Choose from over 30 varieties of apples, enjoy the panoramic views, and quench your thirst with some orchard-made sweet or hard cider.

• Bond with the family as you head to the farm to select your favorite pumpkins and decorative gourds. 
  • Besides great deals on pumpkins, Mount Crawford’s Mulberry Hills Pumpkin Patch also offers hayrides, photo ops, and a menagerie of friendly farm animals.
  • Swisher’s Farm (Fairfield) sells a large selection of pumpkins and other fall-themed items. 
  • Enjoy breathtaking views from the you-pick pumpkin patch at Every Soul Acres (Keezletown). You can also grab a pumpkin from the pre-picked selection. 
  • The family-operated pumpkin patch at Middle River Farm (Grottoes) sells over 30 varieties of pumpkins and gourds. Their $40 wagonload deal is one of the best around!

• Don’t forget about the bounty to be found at our local farmers’ markets. Look for fresh vegetables, flowers, meats, baked goods, and more.
  • Kerr’s Creek Community Market (Lexington)
  • Verona Farmers Market
  • Stuarts Draft Farm Market
  • Waynesboro Farmer’s Market
  • Staunton Farmers’ Market 
  • Harrisonburg Farmers Market
  • Broadway Community Market

Fall Sports

• The annual Fall Foliage Bike Festival (October 14-16) draws cyclists from all over the mid-Atlantic region to Augusta County. This weekend of riding, sightseeing, and activities includes a variety of well-marked routes suitable for riders of all abilities. It even features one of the “finest ride lunches in the country.”

• Run your fall race on the Chessie Trail (October 29). Select from distances that include full, half, and relay marathons as well as 5 and 10Ks. The beautiful, flat course is run on the rail trail stretching between Lexington and Buena Vista.
• Enjoy the fall colors on a trail ride through the George Washington National Forest with North Mountain Outfitter (Swoope). Taking inspiration from the Old West, “North Mountain Outfitter rekindles the cowboy way of life by providing riders with a unique wilderness adventure.”
• Fun fall activities at four-season Massanutten Resort include leaf peeping from hikes and decks, spa services, mountain biking and E-Bike tours on the Western Slope, archery, new Escape Dinners, golf, and the indoor water park. Choose lodgings from condos or hotel rooms and dine at several on-site restaurants.

Fall Festivals and Events

• Learn about the historic mechanical reaper and how a watermill operates at Mill Day at McCormick Farm (October 1). There’s a Q and A session as well as vendors, music, food, activities, and farm tours. 
• Dayton Days Autumn Celebration (October 8) and Elkton Autumn Days (October 15-16) are both fall festivals featuring arts and crafts vendors, live music, food trucks, and fall-weather activities for everyone.
• Celebrate the season with beer, German food, and live music at Oktoberfest at the Frontier Culture Museum (October 1): Explore the museum and listen to music from the Stadtkapelle Gersthofen band and Elbe Musikanten German Band. 
• Car enthusiasts will love Waynesboro’s Annual British Car Show (October 1) at Ridgeview Park. There will be lots of British cars and motorcycles, a food vendor, and door prizes. Proceeds will benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Also on October 1, the annual “Lost in the 60s” show comes to Eastside Speedway bringing drag races, a car show, and a flea market. The following weekend, head to Elkton for the Myers Ford Company’s Fall Cruise-In (October 7) for music, food, and door prizes.
• Historic downtown Waynesboro will close to vehicular traffic for the 51st Annual Fall Foliage Art Show (October 8-9). This juried show will feature 150 fine artists specializing in various media. Besides unique artwork, you’ll find craft beer, delicious food, and lots of live music. More arts, crafts, and food can be found at Waynesboro’s annual Apple Days Arts and Crafts Show, which will be held on October 15-16. 
• Mountain Day is Buena Vista’s annual Lost Arts and Craft Community Festival. Enjoy live music, local food, arts and crafts, and lots of activities for the kids. (October 8)
• There’s something for everyone at the annual Fall Festival at Massanutten (October 8). Let the kids discover the kids’ activities while you enjoy food, beer, wine, and cider. Three bands will light up the stage, and you can get a bird’s-eye view of the changing leaves with a scenic chairlift ride.
• Head to historic Wade’s Mill for the 26th annual Apple Butter Festival on October 15. Learn how apple butter was traditionally made, enjoy tasty food and drink, and shop for local crafts.

• The Halloween Spooktacular Carriage Rides & Petting Zoo Event (October 22) at McGaheysville’s Valley Olive Oil & Balsamics will feature a carriage ride, Halloween displays, face painting, a petting zoo, a DJ, seasonal treats, and other fun stuff for kids.

Ghostly Adventures

• Professional guides will lead 90-minute Haunting Tales Ghost Tours through the spookiest areas of historic Lexington, combining entertainment and interesting history. 
• Black Raven Paranormal’s Ghosts of Staunton Tours explore the most haunted spots in Staunton by candlelight. Experiences include Staunton’s Haunted History, Dark Tales and Haunts, Haunted American Hotel, and Haunted Depot Spirit Tours.
• Get ready to face your nightmares at Harrisonburg’s Fear Forest where there are three interactive, haunted spaces. Get spooked in the forest, run from zombies in the corn, and tour a factory haunted by demonic clowns. 
• If you hate jump scares, you should avoid  Madame Redrum’s Nine Gates of Doom. This Waynesboro haunted house experience promises one of the “most frightening haunted attractions in Virginia.” 

The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild is “dedicated to the growth of independent craft breweries in the Commonwealth.” The annual Virginia Craft Brewers Guild Cup lets brewers face off for awards and recognition in 33 different categories. This year, 106 breweries sent a record 396 beers to the competition. According to Head Judge, Charlie Harr, “This year’s competition proves Virginia has some of the best craft brewers in the nation.” 

Beerwerks Trail breweries won seven medals, including two first-place awards. Taste the victory by sampling some of our decorated beers in the brewery taprooms or through retail partners, when applicable. 

• Pale Fire Brewing Company won a first-place award in the creams and blondes category for Taking Water.
• Three Notch’d Brewing Company won a first-place award in the hazy IPA category for King of Clouds Juicy IPA, which is hopped with Idaho 7 and Citra. King of Clouds has “notes of mango, orange, and tangerine for a true tropical IPA.”

• Stable Craft Brewing won a second-place award in the hazy IPA category for Robot Cowboy, “a New England-style IPA copiously hopped with Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic creating a fruity tropical burst of pineapple and guava.”
• Stable Craft also won second place in the European sour category for Porch Sipping, a wheat-based German-style gose that’s citrus forward with “a crisp tart finish reminiscent of an ice cold glass of old fashion lemonade.” 
• Skipping Rock Beer Company won a second-place award in the brown ale category for Roasted Pecan Brown Ale. Skipping Rock describes the English-style brown ale as having “mild caramel and toffee malt flavors pair well with nutty pecan notes, and there are very light chocolate notes on the back end.”

• Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery won a second-place award in the monastic ale category for Belgian Blonde, which it describes as “A light bodied, refreshing beer with floral/herbal aromas, backed up by smooth, bready Pilsner malt flavors. This beer features low hop bitterness with a hint of light red fruit in the finish.” 
• Heliotrope Brewery won second place in the porter category for Charm Offensive, a chocolate porter brewed with organic cocoa nibs.

This month’s Brewery Spotlight shines on Three Notch’d Valley Collab House, a dog and child-friendly brewery serving up fantastic craft beer in downtown Harrisonburg. Read on to meet their stand-out beers, including one made with your favorite childhood snack. Learn about upcoming event nights and other fun finds in the taproom like video games and old-school board games.

Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 3-10 pm
• Saturday: 12-10 pm
• Sunday: 12-8 pm

Do you offer tours?

We are happy to show off our brewing space and engage with guests about the process!

What’s new or what’s coming up?

We have started some fun new event nights including open mic (Tuesdays) and game nights (Wednesday).

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique? 

We have a wide range of beers but the three we always try to have on tap are:

• King of Clouds, a big juicy IPA, started out as part of our Nephology series but was so popular it became a mainstay. Nephology is the study of clouds, and it was dubbed the King.
• Jacks Java is a collab stout with Shenandoah Joe’s coffee. It’s made with real espresso and tastes just like black iced coffee.
• Whatever our brewer Nick Branson has on tap is always interesting and delicious. Look for After School Special to return at the end of the month. It’s peanut butter and jelly amber made with real peanut butter and blackberry preserves. It was so popular, that we had to bring it back for the start of the school year!

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery?   

Local artist spotlights, free video games, old-school table games, and our staff make us a quirky, casual hang.

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations?  

We distribute throughout the state of Virginia. We have collaborated with local restaurants, bands, and other breweries to coordinate special events and shows.

Do you allow dogs? Are you kid-friendly?  

We are kid and dog friendly. We have games for the kids and treats and water for the dogs.

Do you offer food on-site?  

We offer some smaller snacks like chips and salsa, but guests are welcome to bring in food, or have Giddyup Food Courier bring them something from one of the great nearby downtown Harrisonburg restaurants.

The Shenandoah Valley is tucked between miles and miles of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. It’s known for its beauty and proximity to Shenandoah National Park as well as its active Civil War history a one-time position on the American frontier. Today, towns in the Valley offer incredible scenery and access to a wealth of outdoor activities. They’re also rich with dining, shopping, lodging, culture, and craft beer. Here’s a guide to some of the best mountain towns near the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. 

Rockbridge County

Lexington

Home of two prestigious colleges, Lexington is a beautiful, historic town packed with cultural experiences. You’ll find locally owned shops and boutiques, an active summer music scene, historic sites and museums, and an exciting restaurant scene.

What you can do there:

• Catch a game or performance at Washington and Lee University or Virginia Military Institute. Make time to tour the campuses, too!
• Lexington is home to a number of excellent restaurants including the Southern Inn Restaurant and Haywood’s Piano Bar and Grill.
• Take your nature-loving family to Boxerwood Gardens for an afternoon of adventure. There’s a natural playground, a fairy garden, unusual garden installations, woodland trails, and much, much more.
• Don’t forget to see what’s happening at the Virginia Horse Center or catch a show at Hull’s Drive-In!

Nearby Beerwerks breweries:

• Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen
• Heliotrope Brewery

Natural Bridge Station

Natural Bridge Station is named after the nearby 215-foot limestone bridge carved by the waters of Cedar Creek, but the bridge isn’t the only thing that makes this mountain town shine. Nearby hiking opportunities abound, such as Devil’s Marbleyard, the Appalachian Trail, James River Gorge, and more.

What you can do there:

• Visit Natural Bridge State Park to see the bridge, hike the trails, and learn about history. The park is also a Dark Sky Park.
• Feed the animals at the Virginia Safari Park, a zoo with drive-through and walk-through areas that allow you to get up close and personal.
• Go underground at Natural Bridge Caverns.
• Dine or stay at the historic Natural Bridge Hotel.

Nearby Beerwerks brewery:

• Great Valley Farm Brewery

Buena Vista

Buena Vista nestles against the foot of the mountains and provides access to the beautiful Maury River. Hikers and paddlers will love the nearby activities, and history lovers will enjoy looking at the Victorian architecture built during the industrial boom.

What you can do there: 

• Explore the 7-mile (one-way) Chessie Nature Trail that follows a railroad bed along the Maury River and connects the towns of Buena Vista and Lexington.
• With Buena Vista so close to the base of the mountains, it’s an easy drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail.
• Check out the local architecture, especially the 1800s Buena Vista Hotel.
• Camp or listen to live music at Glen Maury Park. The park also rents kayaks, tubes, and bikes.

Nearby Beerwerks brewery:

• Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery

Augusta County

Waynesboro

Known for its 4-mile Waynesboro Water Trail and its proximity to the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail, Waynesboro is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Waynesboro also has a friendly and walkable downtown full of independent shops, a summer music series, an active community theater, and a variety of dining options.

What you can do there:

• Fish or paddle in the South River or stroll the South River Greenway.
• Explore the Waynesboro Street Arts Trail, which is made up of large-scale, award-winning murals painted during recent Street Art Festivals.
• Hike the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, which ventures through a historic railroad tunnel, once the longest of its kind.
• Dine in one of Waynesboro’s tasty restaurants like the River Burger Bar, Heritage on Main, or The Fishin’ Pig.

Nearby Beerwerks breweries:

• Basic City Beer Co.
• Seven Arrows Brewing

Weyers Cave

Conveniently located near the interstate and the area’s airport, Weyers Cave is a small community framed by farmland and distant mountains. It’s a perfect place to start your exploration of the surrounding area. 

What you can do there:

• White Oak Lavender Farm provides beautiful views, tours of the lavender fields, a lavender shop, and a tasting room for the Purple Wolf Vineyard. For more nearby wine, try Marceline Vineyards and Cross Keys Vineyards.
• Take a harvest tour, visit the farm shop, pick your own flowers, and see the flower-covered LOVEwork sign at Harmony Harvest Farm. The farm grows almost 400 types of flowers and is a Certified American Grown farm.
• Open since 1806, Grand Caverns is a National Natural Landmark as well as the oldest commercial “show cave” in the country. 
• Launch your canoe kayak from Mountain View Park and enjoy a leisurely float down the South River.
• Valley Pike Farm Market stocks a wide variety of Virginia-made goods, wares, foods, and more than 300 different craft beers and wines.
• The Middle River Farms pumpkin patch opens in mid-September and grows over 30 varieties of pumpkins and gourds. Their wagonload deal is one of the best around!

Staunton

Once a bustling railroad town, Staunton has several historic districts and many fine examples of Victorian architecture. It’s also known for its beauty, walkable downtown, and foodie culture, including a Saturday Farmers’ Market. Visitors flock to the annual Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival in September.

What you can do there:

• Learn about how the earliest settlers of the area lived and worked on their mountain homesteads at the Frontier Culture Museum.
• Catch a show at the Blackfriars Playhouse, the only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater.
• Take a ride on the new Virginia Scenic Railway, which departs from Staunton’s historic train station and includes meal service. 

Nearby Beerwerks breweries:

• Redbeard Brewing
• Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company
• Queen City Brewing
• Skipping Rock Beer Co.

Stuarts Draft

Known for the competing smells coming from Hershey’s Chocolate and McKee Foods, the makers of Little Debbie products, Stuarts Draft will whet your appetite! Check out the local farm markets and produce stands. Stuarts Draft is also a short drive from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking trails in the George Washington National Forest.

What you can do there:

• Find the freshest fruits and veggies at Troyer’s Fruit and Produce Farm or Stuarts Draft Farm Market.
• Shop The Cheese Shop Country Market and Deli for a wonderful selection of bulk cheeses, meats, spices, treats, and baking goods. 
• Head to Sherando Lake Recreation Area for camping, swimming, hiking, and biking in a serene mountain setting.

Nearby Beerwerks brewery:

• Stable Craft Brewing

Rockingham County

Harrisonburg

Home to James Madison University, Harrisonburg is an energetic college town full of fun and culture. The Friendly City is the 12th largest in Virginia and home to a burgeoning international population. This rich cultural diversity is celebrated through a variety of global restaurants and an annual International Festival. Harrisonburg is also a bike-friendly town, and it includes downtown bike lanes, rural road biking opportunities, and easy access to some of the best mountain biking in the Valley.

What you can do there:

• Mountain bikers will love the trails at Hillandale Park, which are arranged in concentric circles of increasing difficulty.
• Check out one of Harrisonburg’s many festivals and annual events, which include the half-marathon, bike races, beer festivals, and much more.
• Sample some of the Valley’s tastiest food at one of Harrisonburg’s many restaurants like Joshua Wilton House or Jimmy Madison’s Southern Kitchen and Whiskey Bar.
• Take kiddos to the Explore More Children’s Museum for active, educational, and creative play.

Visit James Madison University’s Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for a peaceful stroll.

Nearby Beerwerks brewery:

• Brothers Craft Brewing
• Pale Fire Brewing Co.
• Three Notch’d Valley Collab House
• The Friendly Fermenter
• Restless Moons Brewing

Elkton

Elkton has a small but charming downtown with stores like McGuire’s Country Store, which carries not only household needs, but also antiques, home decor, and primitives. The Hidden Violet provides an inclusive shopping experience for all shapes and sizes.

What you can do there:

• Play all year long at Massanutten Resort, where you can ski, mountain bike, golf, hike, and splash at the indoor/outdoor waterpark.
• Paddle or fish on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River.
• Access Shenandoah National Park at the Swift Run Gap entrance station. 
• Learn some history at the Miller-Kite House Museum, a historical home-turned-local history museum.

Nearby Beerwerks breweries:

• Elkton Brewing Co.
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery
• BrewHaHa Brewing Co.

Bridgewater

Tucked along a bend of the North River, Bridgewater is a town of 13 parks and pocket parks. There’s a lot to do, including a 9-hole golf course and an 18-hole mini golf course. Visitors can stroll on fitness trails or around Cooks Creek Arboretum. There’s also a bird sanctuary, historical signs, and lots of peaceful views of the river.

Why you should visit:

• The Green Valley Book Fair is a goldmine for book lovers. This discount book outlet stocks over 30,000 new books that are reduced up to 90%. 
• Head to The Cracked Pillar Pub for dinner, followed by farm-fresh ice cream at Smiley’s Ice Cream.
• Explore the national forest at these recreational areas and trails: Natural Chimneys Park, North River Gorge Todd Lake, Reddish Knob, and Hone Quarry Recreation Area.
• See the Valley from above with a hot air balloon ride from Bridgewater’s Star Ballooning, which specializes in sunrise and sunset views. 
• With more than 20 locally-owned shops, the Shenandoah Heritage Market is the area’s largest country market. It specializes in homemade, hand-made, and antique goods.
• Looking ahead to cooler weather? Ice skating season at Generations Park starts on Thanksgiving.

While most of the Beerwerks breweries boast outdoor spaces to sip your suds, some patios and porches are particular standouts, especially when they serve food made onsite. You’ll find decks, patios, picnic spaces, and more. Here are our recommendations for enjoying your brew and your tasty food al fresco.

Beerwerks Breweries with Both Outdoor Spaces and Onsite Dining Options

• Heliotrope Brewery has a nice modern patio space overlooking the bustle of Lexington’s Main Street as well as a funky outdoor alley space filled with picnic tables, string lights, and shade created by brick-walled buildings. Heliotrope’s kitchen creates traditional and specialty pizzas featuring flavor combos like masala sauce, marinated chicken, mozzarella, and pickled red onion on sourdough crust. You cut your pizza with cool pizza shears. They also serve salads and antipasto and offer vegan cheese and gluten-free dough. You can sign on to their wifi and request that your music gets added to the playlist. 

• Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen has a large deck with shaded and sunny areas and views of the distant mountains. There’s even more outdoor space in the separate beer garden with picnic tables and umbrellas. The exceptional menu includes appetizers, salads, delicious burgers, shrimp or fish tacos, sandwiches, meatloaf, and a menu for kids 10 and under. Try the savory pulled pork poutine that’s loaded with cheese, gravy pulled pork, and pearl onions. 
• Basic City Beer Co.: There’s extensive pet-friendly outdoor seating on the parking lot patio with picnic tables, umbrellas, and a grid of sparkling string lights. Taproom fare includes Billy Pie brick-oven pizzas to go with the 12 delicious beers on tap.

• Seven Arrows Brewing’s outdoor seating ranges from open and shaded tables on the deck to seats around a fire pit and picnic tables in the graveled beer garden. Onsite Nobos Kitchen serves up lunch, dinner, and late-night fare. The delicious menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and you’ll want to try the brined and fried chicken wings with your choice of house-made rubs and dipping sauces. They also serve other apps like fries, nachos, Cajun shrimp, and pierogies. Save room for a selection of bowls, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. There’s a kids’ menu, too.

• Stable Craft Brewing has a ton of outdoor space including a shaded patio, private dining decks, picnic tables on the grass, and Adirondack chairs arranged around several firepits. You’ll like the lawn games, the volleyball courts, the 9-hole cornhole golf course, and strolling around the property for views of livestock and the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Stable Craft dishes up a chef-inspired menu with shareables, salads, entrees like fried shrimp or catfish, and handhelds. Save room for dessert. There’s a lot to choose from, but consider the “birimisu” that showcases stout and vanilla-soaked ladyfingers or the brownie sundae.

• Skipping Rock Beer Company has a big beer garden with picnic tables, sun shades, and seating to relax around the fire pits. Dine on Za Spot Detroit-style pizza, which is a square pie topped with tomato sauce, Wisconsin cheese, and elevated toppings like truffle oil, balsamic glaze, and bacon jam. 

• Pale Fire Brewing Co. also serves Za Spot Detroit-style pizza as well as Route 11 potato chips. You can enjoy it in the 2000-square-foot industrial-style taproom or on the spacious patio. When the big garage doors are open, the spaces blend together, and dogs (and outside food) are welcome both inside and out. Customers are also welcome to order or bring in outside food.
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery’s outside seating area has tables with umbrellas and views of the farm and mountains. The Feedlot serves tasty snacks and appetizers like blackened chicken tenders, steak and cheese sliders,  pretzel bites, sliders, flatbreads, and quesadillas. Check for specials. There’s also a kids’ menu.

Breweries with Outdoor Spaces and Regular Food Trucks

The following breweries feature outdoor spaces with regular food trucks. Check events and social media for details.

• Great Valley Farm Brewery boasts incredible mountain views and hosts Saturday food trucks like Hogback Mountain BBQ, Jam Dawgs, Gonzo’s Pollo, Hewitt’s Jamaican Cuisine, and more.

• Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery offers plenty of outdoor space with views of the vineyard and mountains. Spread out with blankets, lawn chairs, and canopies, or grab a seat at one of the many picnic tables. Enjoy live music with the Sunday afternoon music series “Uncorked” and grab a snack of local cheeses from the tasting room or from a local food truck. 
• Queen City Brewing’s large patio is convenient to the park and downtown Staunton. It offers bottomless popcorn, regular food trucks, and the option to order food to be delivered to the brewery. 
• Brothers Craft Brewing’s covered patio is hung with string light and served by regular local food trucks.
• Restless Moons Brewing Company features an open space with tables out back where the Summer Down food truck parks, light snacks, and guests may bring their own food.
• Elkton Brewing Co has a nice porch and a patio space with a newly constructed shade pavilion. Enjoy delivery food or regular food trucks on the weekends. Check Facebook for availability.

In this month’s Brewery Spotlight, we talked to Redbeard Brewing Company, a dog and child-friendly brewery serving up amazing craft beer in downtown Staunton. Read on to find out about exciting new partnerships and collaborations and the slew of upcoming concerts, events, and activities they have planned for you. Learn about the new batches of beer they’re brewing and about the “beer factory’s” former life as the area’s biggest coal yard. They even share where the secret walk-in vault is located.

Do you offer tours?
We do not offer tours. Redbeard’s production area is one room that resembles a commercial kitchen more than the “beer factory” most people think of as a brewery.  So there’s nothing really to tour, per se.

What’s new or what’s coming up?
We’ve recently entered an exciting new partnership with Central Virginia Brewing, in Crozet, VA.   First, we’re doing a couple of “one-off” batches to dial things in, but CVB will eventually take over the production of a number of our “core brands,” enabling us to free up the taproom brewery for more experimentation. This should also allow us to make our beers available to the retail market for the first time. More on that in the coming months!

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique?  

Our most popular beers are some of our simplest recipes, 221b Baker Brown, Pennyroyal Pale, Two Moons Pilsner, etc. We have always focused primarily on trying to produce clean, true-to-style English, American, and Belgian ales, with a recent toe-dipping into lagers. It’s unique that we’ve stuck to that ethos, in the era of pastry stouts and frozen seltzer slushies.  

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery?   

That I’m constantly paying people to keep it from falling down? Just kidding, but it is a very old property with a long and varied history; most people wouldn’t know that we have a walk-in vault from the 1920s in the bathroom hall. At that time the property had operated as the William S Bryan Coal and Lumber Yard for over 40 years, and it was the largest coal yard in the area. The building the taproom is in was built at that time as a covered, open-air, coal yard. You drove a truck into the building, got weighed empty, then loaded up with coal, weighed full, and then drove out. Cash payments were stored in the vault.

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations?  

We currently have a collaboration on tap with Ciders From Mars from across the street. It’s a beer/cider co-ferment called Graf. It’s a dry, fruity, very cider-like quaff. Distribution-wise, again, more on that in the coming months…

Do you allow dogs?  

Yes, but only in our beer garden. We understand how much people love to travel with their fur babies, but we also understand that other people are allergic, phobic, etc. We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy their visit. 

Are you kid-friendly?  

Of course, otherwise, my two kids would be loitering on the sidewalk or in the parking lot constantly. The taproom has some vintage Nintendo video games and a snack machine, so your kids aren’t going to be yanking on your sleeve asking if it’s time to leave the entire visit.

We don’t, however, focus on catering to families in the way that some of our Beerwerks Trail peers do, and more specifically can. Our friends at Stable Craft, Basic City, Skipping Rock, Devils Backbone, etc. are much better suited to focusing on kids’ activities, as they have the space for it. The Redbeard taproom is, in essence, an urban downtown pub (as urban as Staunton gets), and therefore we focus on appealing to the demographics most likely to frequent our area. 

Do you offer food on-site?  

We offer basic snack machine fare as well as some pre-packaged Olli and Berreta brands charcuterie snack packs.

What events do you offer?  

Lots. To begin with we have a Summer Concert series running basically every other weekend throughout the summer. Those events are held in our beer garden and parking lot, it’s free admission, and food trucks will rotate from date to date. We do request a $5 donation, a portion of which is donated to Staunton City Schools, your $5 donation gets you a commemorative can koozie that is not available for sale. In addition to that, we have monthly events like Arts ‘n Drafts, Dungeons and Dragons, Professional Comedy, etc, as well as weekly karaoke, trivia, and music bingo.  Also, there’s Beer Day, which is every Sunday-Saturday, noon-midnight.

The breweries along the Beerwerks Trail as well as the surrounding areas have lots going on this 4th of July. We’ve rounded up family-friendly fun, live music, 5K races, and massive fireworks displays to help you celebrate Independence Day. Grab a brew and get your red, white, and blue on at one of these fun events. 

Fireworks, Runs, and More

Buena Vista

• Monday, July 4, 6-10 p.m.: Buena Vista’s Glen Maury Park will host a July 4th Concert & Dance featuring the Party Crashers band at 6 p.m. The festivities include a huge fireworks display (9:30 p.m.) that’s expected to be visible for six miles. Food and beer will be available for purchase.

Harrisonburg

• Saturday, July 2 at 9:15 p.m.: Harrisonburg Independence Day Fireworks: 

Event organizers suggest viewing the show from these areas:

• Turner Pavilion and Park, 228 S. Liberty St–look west!
• Food Maxx International Market, 924 W. Market St.
• JMU Memorial Hall Parking Lots, 395 S. High St.
• Thomas Harrison Middle School, 1311 W. Market St.
• Westside Baptist Church, 715 W. Wolfe St.
• Harrisonburg High School, 1001 Garber’s Church Rd.

• Monday, July 4.: 2022 Valley 4th RUN: Events include 10K, 5K, and 1.5 MILER. Read more on RunSignup

Massanutten

• Sunday, July 3, 5 – 10 p.m.: Summer Jam at Massanutten has a lineup of great music, beer, wine, food trucks, and fun and games. Rock out as The Wildflowers play a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute show. They’ll be joined by TC Carter, a rhythm and blues guitarist, and Brisk, a 90’s rock and alternative band. The day will end with a fabulous fireworks display.

Staunton

• Monday, July 4: Bring the family to Gypsy Hill Park this Independence Day for the free, family-friendly Happy Birthday America celebration. Have a blast with a 5K race, a lively parade, a parent/child baseball game, vesper’s service, a beauty pageant, and concessions. Rock out to live music from local acts, Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, and headliner Wilson Fairchild. Fireworks will follow the concert. (Free)

Waynesboro

• Saturday, July 9: If you want to revisit the holiday a week later, check out the Sunrise Spectacular 5K race at Ridgeview Park. Next, visit Lumos Plaza from 2-7 p.m for Downtown Spectacular, a new event with vendors, food, and a hot dog-eating contest. Watch the skies that night from pretty much anywhere in town to see the Sunset Spectacular fireworks.

Beerwerks Events

Basic City Beer Co.

• July 9 at 6 p.m.: Dropping Julia at Basic City Beer Co.
• July 16.: Lag Lover Fest. Fresh beer and music by Silas Frayser Band, Bryan Patrick Band, and Fashionably Late.

Brothers Craft Brewing

• Saturday, July 2 at noon.: 4th of July Celebration. There will be lots of terrific beer as well as food from The Corndog Company. Listen to the folk, American, and rock sounds of Taylor LaFever from 3-6 p.m.

Cave Hill Farms Brewery

• July 1 at 6:30 p.m.: Morgan Dean @Cave Hill Farms Brewery. Americana roots/rock.

Elkton Brewing Co.: 

• Check Facebook for regular live music

Pale Fire Brewing Co.

• Friday, July 1 at 7 p.m.: The Invasion at Pale Fire. This Valley band plays the music of the 60s and 70s British Invasion.
• July 8 at 8 p.m.: Annabeth at Pale Fire. Folk-pop.

Redbeard Brewing Company

• Saturday, July 2, 5-8 p.m. Everyday People with The Bayou Kitchen food truck. This show is part of Redbeard’s Summer Concert Series.

Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery

• Saturday, July 2 at 1 p.m.: Uncorked with Kiz Carter and Rob Martin. Blues and contemporary favorites.  Food Truck will be Brats and More.

• Sunday, July 3 at 1 p.m.: Uncorked with John Goslin & Bill Yetzer. “A wide variety of music, from John Prine to Jimi Hendrix, and even a few classics.”  Food Truck will be Brats and More.

Seven Arrows Brewing

• Tuesday, July 5 at 6 p.m.: Open Mic Night at Seven Arrows 

Stable Craft Brewing

• Friday, July 1 at 3  – 10 p.m.: Independence Steal the Glass
• Friday, July 1 at 6:30 p.m.: John Howard Live: Friday LOVE 
• Saturday, July 2 at 2 p.m.: Ben Reade + Sam Lowe: Independence Show
• Sunday, July 3 at 1 p.m.: Sunday: Cedar Creek Cowboys Jam. Wear your red, white, and blue!

Basic City Beer Co. is in the brewery spotlight this month, and they’re serving lots of fresh craft beer as well as lots of activities to keep you (and your kids) busy. Read on to learn about live music, fun stuff like trivia, and the best way to rock the middle of the week.

Do you offer tours? No, not at this time.

What’s new or what’s coming up? Lots of live music and events outside this spring and summer! Plus, we have seasonal cocktails in The Showroom every weekend.

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique? Anything at Basic City! Derek, our brewmaster, is a beast! However, Bask DIPA is probably consistently one of our most popular brews.

What is unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know? We have a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge on the weekends: The Showroom!

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations? Basic City distributes locally to grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. We’ve recently released a special collab brew with Massanutten Resort.

Do you allow dogs? Yes, absolutely! We allow leashed dogs both inside and outside.

Are you kid-friendly? Yes!

Do you offer food on-site? Yes, we have Lost Town Billy Pie here in the taproom featuring their amazing brick oven-fired pizza. On the weekends, we have other appetizers and sandwiches available at the Showroom.

What events do you offer? Every Tuesday is Trivia Tuesday! And on Wednesdays, we have been celebrating Half Way to the Weekend with Half Off Wednesdays, where select brews are half price. We also have live music often on the weekends. Follow us on Facebook for our full calendar of events.

Are you ready for some positive energy and a guaranteed mood booster? It’s summer and the chances to hear live music are amping up. Enjoy the great outdoors and the sense of community and togetherness we’ve been craving for so long. So what are you waiting for? Grab your blankets and chairs, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready to have fun. Here’s a roundup of this summer’s best live music along the Beerwerks Trail.

Harrisonburg

The 7th annual Sing Me High Music Festival celebrating music and faith is happening August 26-27. Bands with local or faith backgrounds will provide the soundtrack, and there will be plenty of fun, food, and fellowship for the whole family. Festival attendees can buy food like barbeque, brats, hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream on the grounds prior to the show. They can enjoy kids’ activities including a giant slip ‘n slide and a “fun zone,” and win a pie at auction. Musical acts John Schmid, Ebony Nicole, Good Company, Honeytown, and The Walking Roots Band will perform.

While the performance lineup isn’t set yet, you can still plan your trip to the Harrisonburg International Festival on September 24. The festival’s mission is to celebrate, support, and raise awareness of Harrisonburg’s diverse community by “providing a friendly forum in which cultural groups can showcase their cultural and linguistic values as a means to educate the larger community.” Visitors can sample international food, shop handmade and fair-trade artisan goods, and let the kids learn about other cultures through activity stations.

Restaurants and breweries that host regular live music:

• Brothers Craft Brewing
• Pale Fire Brewing Company
• Restless Moons Brewing
• The Golden Pony
• Clementine Cafe

Rockingham County

May 28 marks the 21sth annual ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival on the slopes of Massanutten. Join the fun to listen to live music, drink craft beer and wine, gnosh on delicious festival food, and peruse the booths of vendors. Purchase tickets in advance or at the gate. This year’s lineup includes crowd favorite Tunnels End, country grunge band Parker Barrow Project, as well as Pebble to Pearl, and Chamomile and Whiskey.

Hurry and buy your tickets to July 3rd’s Summer Jam at Massanutten. This year’s fun event has a lineup of great music, fireworks, beer, wine, food trucks, and fun and games like face painting, henna tattoos, sensory toys for kids, and more. Headliners The Wildflowers will wow the audience with an amazing tribute to the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. They’ll be joined by TC Carter, a rhythm and blues guitarist, and Brisk, a 90’s rock and alternative band.  Proceeds from Summer Jam benefit the Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA.

Bluestone Vineyard’s Toast the Weekend concert series brings you live local bands on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month through September. Spread a blanket, grab some dinner from the dedicated food truck, and enjoy music in a variety of genres. Artists include The Judy Chops, The Roadducks, Big City Band, Standing Room only, and more. Kids  12 and under are free.

The Rockingham County Fair is the largest annual event in the Shenandoah Valley. You’ll want to attend all the exhibits, sideshow acts, livestock displays, food, and carnival rides and games by Deggeller Attractions. But you should also add the live music events to your calendar. On August 15, come see a bluegrass concert and the music of Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Nothing Fancy, and Caleb Bailey & Paine’s Run. Ticket holders can also catch Zach Williams & Riley Clemmons (August 16), and Dustin Lynch and Drew Parker (August 17). Track and bleacher seating is available.

Rockingham County breweries and vineyards that regularly host live music:

• Brix and Columns Vineyards
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery 
• CrossKeys Vineyards
• Elkton Brewing Co. 

Augusta County

The whole family can celebrate the sounds of summer at the annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival (June 24-26). The event sets some of the biggest names in folk music against a stunning backdrop of 120-foot limestone towers at Natural Chimneys Park & Campground. Listen toThe Steel Wheels, The Jayhawks, Langhorne Slim, Aoife O’Donovan, and over 40  more as they light up five stages. Buy a day pass or make it a weekend and camp.  Besides the music, festival attendees can expect a beer garden, food and craft vendors, bike rides, yoga, and lawn games for adults and kids alike. Here’s the full 2022 lineup.

Bring the whole family to Valley Pike Farm Market’s 6th annual Music at the Market series on the last Saturday of the month through September. Groove to bands like Little Walter & the Convictions, Thieves of Burden, Big City Band, and more! Bring your lawn chairs and the whole family: kids 12 and under are free.

Restaurants and breweries that host regular live music: 

• Edelweiss German Restaurant
• Seven Arrows Brewing
• Skipping Rock Beer Company
• Stable Craft Brewing

Staunton

After a 4-year hiatus, Staunton Jams is back, bigger and better than ever, hosted by The Judy Chops and supported by a number of Staunton businesses. This free, all-day music and art event will take over downtown Staunton on May 28. Look for 20 acts representing a variety of musical styles to appear at the Sunspots Pavilion, the Staunton Patio, along Beverley Street, in the Wharf, and more.  There’s even an afterparty scheduled at Tempest Bar & Lounge. The event will also showcase artists, vendors, food, street performers, and more. Check Facebook for a schedule.

Spend a summer night relaxing on your blanket listening to music under the stars at the Blackburn Inn’s Friday night SummerStage concert series. The concerts will extend through Labor Day and they will showcase talents like David Wax Museum, Danielle Nicole, Chatham Rabbits, Scott Miller, The Judy Chops, and more playing in a wide range of genres. Along with the music, you can enjoy food from the 2nd Draft Bistro and beverages from local vineyards, cideries, and breweries. In fact, Beerwerks is partnering with Summerstage, and you can enjoy tastes from a variety of our breweries. Don’t forget your Beerwerks passport – you might be able to sip your way to a new shirt! The grounds and bar open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. See the full schedule and buy tickets.

From now thru September, relax at Redbeard Brewing Company on select Saturday nights for their Live Summer Concert Series. Favorite groups like The Judy Chops, Six Shot Rebellion, The Findells, and Drägön Wägön will headline. Here’s the full schedule.

Rock out to free live music from local acts, Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, and headliner Wilson Fairchild at Staunton’s July 4th Happy Birthday America celebration. Fireworks follow the performances. The event also features a 5K race, a lively parade, a parent/child baseball game, vesper’s service, a beauty pageant, and concessions. 

Staunton area restaurants and breweries that regularly host live music:

Queen City Brewing

Waynesboro

Waynesboro Parks and Rec’s Groovin’ at the Greenway at Constitution Park is a wonderful way to enjoy music in the outdoors and celebrate the spirit of community. The Thursday night concert series presents a variety of artists and genres including rock, blues, funk, swing, soul, alt-country, and more. You’ll hear the rock n’ soul sounds of Who Shot John, rock and Americana from Thieves of Burden, r&b and classic soul from Shades of Gray, and more. Concert goers should bring blankets or chairs and each concert features an onsite food truck. The event is family-friendly and Blue Ridge Children’s Museum will have activities to occupy the kids. The concerts are from 6-8 p.m. and extend through July 29. 

The Wayne Theatre’s Wayne on Main also provides outdoor live music to the public. Musicians will set up under the Wayne marquee and play a variety of genres on the last Wednesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. The 500 block of Main Street will be closed to vehicles during the shows, so concertgoers can set up chairs in the street. Upcoming performances go through September 28 and include Don’t Look Up, Prime, Sundried Opposum, and more.

Waynesboro area restaurants and breweries that regularly host live music:

• Basic City Beer Co.
• Benny Stivale’s
• E&J’s Deli Pub 
• The Fishin’ Pig 
• Heritage on Main 
• Plaza Antigua 

Lexington-Rockbridge

The Lime Kiln Theater Summer Concert Series offers a seventh season of music in the trees and under the stars. Once a turn-of-the-century lime quarry, the venue is now a prime spot for local, regional, and national outdoor music and performance art. This year the Lime Kiln welcomes Shakey Graves, Madison Cunningham, The Milk Carton Kids, The Steel Wheels, and more. Here’s the entire 2022 schedule. While season passes are already sold out, you can still purchase tickets to individual shows. Concerts extend through October 8th. Food trucks, as well as wine and beer, will be available before and during the show.

The Freedom Food Festival (July 3) is a food and music festival on Main Street in downtown Lexington. Local nonprofit organizations pair with celebrity chefs and restaurants to prepare July 4th picnic-style fare that will be judged “cook-off” style. Meal tickets and tables may be reserved online. Kid’s meals, desserts, and beer/wine/alcohol sales will be available. Performances by Acoustic Syndicate, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, and 49 Winchester. Admission is FREE making the Freedom Food Festival the perfect family-friendly Independence Weekend activity!

Rockbridge area breweries with regular live music:

• Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen
• Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery 
• Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery 

In this month’s Brewery Spotlight, we talked to Brothers Craft Brewing, the only brewery on the Beerwerks Trail situated in an old Coca-Cola bottling factory. Learn about this year’s ambitious production cycle, how to keep your dog hydrated in the taproom, and the forward-looking way the brewery gets its power.

Looking for a way to end your month on a high note? Check out the Run, Sweat, and Beers event with VA Momentum on the 4th Friday of every month from March through September. 

Do you offer tours?

We hope to get things in place to get them going again soon.

We offered Saturday tours before the pandemic and we’re working on bringing them back.  We were fortunate to get a canning machine last fall, so between getting the space laid out to allow for tours again and getting current production orders caught up as to not need the space on Saturdays, we have been holding off this weekly offering.  

What’s new or what’s coming up?

Our production team has been cranking out new beer, and this year’s production schedule is our most ambitious yet!  

• We released our spring seasonal, Hibiscus Blonde Ale, in February.  
• Daylight Savings weekend saw the annual release of Daylight Cravings, Drunken Mornings, and two variants of each beer (for 6 total). 
• Just for fun, we released a Tart Cherry Cheesecake Imperial Milk Stout to go along with three new Horizon Society beers (our craft beer appreciation club) that include Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake Imperial Milk Stout, Mass Appeel Bananas Foster Ale, and Carmel Coffee Brown Ale. 
• We also released a new flagship Hazy IPA called Skyline Falls.  
• Then just last week, we released Truckload-a Hops, which is a variety 12-pack with three new spins on our flagship IPA Hoptimization that includes Hazy Hop, Tropi-Hop, and Spruced Up Hop.  Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to have all 4 of those beers pouring at one time, but we do have a rotating line to allow people to try them in addition to the 12 packs which have 3 cans of each of the 4 beers available at the taproom and they will be hitting retail stores soon.  
• Finally, we released the first beer in a brand new Imperial IPA line for 2022.  Cheat Code is a DIPA on pineapple and will be followed by 3 other DIPAs through the year on draft and 4 packs of 16 oz cans.  
• And keep your eyes out for Proud & True’s bro, J Maddy, a 5.0% ABV Dukes Seltzer that will be releasing soon!

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique?

Any brewery’s go-to is typically in its flagship beers that are continuously crafted, honed, brewed, and available all year round.  For us, Hoptimization VA IPA, Great Outdoors VA Ale, Proud & True Dukes Lager, Lil’ Hellion Helles Lager, Cerveza Hermanos Mexican Lager, and our brand new Hazy IPA Skyline Falls fit that category. Right now, Skyline is my definite go-to of those beers.

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?

Most people already know that we operate out of an old Coca-Cola bottling factory.  Most don’t know that we use electricity from wind power.

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations?

We distribute in every major market in Virginia and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We also participate in multiple national bottle clubs each year. And we have even shipped beer to Asia!  We are also always down for collaborating with other breweries and were honored to help brew one of Restless Moon’s anniversary beers.

Do you allow dogs?

Absolutely! Well-behaved dogs are welcome both in our outdoor area and in the taproom.  We keep a couple of water bowls behind the bar so our furry 4-legged friends can stay as hydrated as their owners.

Are you kid-friendly?

As a family-owned, family-run business we are both family and kid-friendly. In fact, we have events during the year like Christmas in July and Harry Potter’s Birthday Bash that are very child-centered for both kids and kids at heart alike.

And do you offer food onsite?

We do not have a kitchen or a resident food truck. We book food trucks for large events along with having partnerships with businesses like Mr. J’s and Lola’s that allow us to buy and resell their delicious food. Moreover, we always encourage patrons to bring in food from local restaurants or have GiddyUP couriers deliver.

What events do you offer?

We have something, if not multiple things, going on each month at the taproom. From live music to fundraisers to beer releases to major events, we like to keep things interesting and lively while providing a little something for everyone!

With its solitude, beautiful scenery, and bodies of water boasting numerous species, the Shenandoah Valley is an East Coast hotspot for freshwater fishing. Whether you’d rather cast your line in a lake, river, fresh mountain stream, or just in a pond with the kids, we’ve found your new favorite fishing hole. After your day on the water, celebrate your catch at a nearby Beerwerks brewery. Or, if you prefer to start cleaning fish right away, most of our breweries sell cans, bottles, and growler fills to go. 

Rockbridge County

Upper James River Water Trail

20 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery

The Upper James River Water Trail offers 59 miles of beautiful James River scenery as well as some of the best fishing in Virginia. Anglers from all across the country catch smallmouth, spotted, and largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, and sunfish. Several stocked trout streams feed into the James. The UJRWT also provides extensive opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting adventures.

Lake Robertson

35 minutes to Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen

Rockbridge County’s 31-acre Lake Robertson was built in 1971 and named after Senator A. Willis Robertson, who championed conserving our natural resources. Nestled in the lush green mountains, the scenic recreation area includes boat rentals, a boat launch, and a campground. The clear lake averages depths of 18 feet and anglers can catch largemouth bass.

Glen Maury Park 

15 minutes from Heliotrope Brewing

Got littles who want to try fishing? Take the family to Buena Vista’s Glen Maury Park for a fun introduction to the sport. Fishermen can drop a line from the banks of the Maury River or launch a canoe from the park’s boat ramp. Stocked with trout eight times a year, the Maury River is also home to small-mouth bass, rock bass, fallfish, and bluegills. Make a weekend of camping in the park. There are trails, an ice cream shop, and much more.

Guides and Outfitters

• John Roberts Fly Fishing Adventures / Lexington
• Journey Outdoors / Lexington

Augusta County

Lake Tams

5 minutes from Queen City Brewing

Another nice place for family fishing is Staunton’s Lake Tams. This stocked 2.5-acre pond is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. This spot is perfect for introducing your youngest family members to the sport. This site boasts ample parking, room to set up lawn chairs, and it’s a short distance from playgrounds and dining. 

The South River

5 minutes from Basic City Beer Co.

The South River offers opportunities for both warm- and cold-water fishing. Anglers can catch smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, fallfish, and largemouth bass along the length of the river. Several sections of the river are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. The South River flows through Waynesboro, and the section from Ridgeview Park to Basic Park makes up the 4-mile Waynesboro Water Trail. It’s one of only two urban trout fisheries in the state and it offers launches for small craft, a fishing platform, habitats constructed for fish, and easy access to downtown dining.

Braley Pond 

30 minutes from Skipping Rock Beer Company

4.5-acre Braley Pond is part of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Constructed by the U.S. Forest Service for recreational purposes in 1965, the beautiful, forested setting can be reached in minutes from Rt. 250 west of Staunton. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishermen can also catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Nearby, 54-acre Elkhorn Lake supplies water to the city of Staunton and is managed for both warm and cold-water fishing. Fishermen can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish. 

North River Headwaters

50 minutes from Stable Craft Brewing

The North River flows eastward through Augusta County and eventually joins the South River to form the South Fork of the Shenandoah. Hike into the headwaters above Elkhorn Lake to fish for wild brook trout. Below Elkhorn Dam, stocked sections of the river are designated both delayed harvest and put and take.

Sherando Lake

25 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing

Sherando Lake Recreation Area’s two lakes are good spots to fish for rainbow and brook trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The 7-acre upper lake has fishing piers, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. The lower 20-acre lake can be fished from the bank or from canoe or kayak. 

Outfitters and Guides

• Dominion Outdoors / Fishersville
• Rockfish Gap Outfitters / Waynesboro
• South River Fly Shop / Waynesboro
• Wilderness Adventures  / Staunton

Rockingham County

Mossy Creek

20 minutes from Pale Fire Brewing Co.

Mossy Creek is stocked with brown trout each fall and makes a worthy destination for experienced fly fishermen. The creek flows through private property, but landowners along with The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries and Trout Unlimited have made a four-mile stretch open to the public. No wading is allowed, but dry fly fisherment who patiently work the steep banks often score big catches of brown trout. Fishermen must carry a signed permit card along with their VA fishing license.

Shenandoah River

15 minutes from BrewHaHa Brewing Company

The beautiful, lazy Shenandoah River is one of the world’s best sites for smallmouth bass. You can also catch largemouth, carp, and musky. The South Fork, which is formed when the Middle River joins the South River has a number of public access points, so you can fish from your canoe or take advantage of shoreline access to the river in Port Republic. So many fish make this body of water their home that anglers rarely report returning home empty-handed.

Hone Quarry

35 minutes from Brothers Craft Brewing

Located in the George Washington National Forest, Hone Quarry is a 5.5-acre lake that’s stocked with trout, channel catfish, bass, sunfish, and crappie. There’s a primitive boat ramp for crafts powered by electric motors or paddles. Hone Quarry Recreation Area also offers camping and hiking, so you can make a weekend out of it. Nearby 9-acre Briery Branch Lake is stocked with channel catfish and trout. Fishing is permitted from the banks or from small boats, but there is no boat launch.

Lake Shenandoah

15 minutes from Cave Hill Farms Brewery

Shallow Lake Shenandoah offers easy paddling and access to Harrisonburg. Fishermen can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, channel catfish, and musky from the shore, a fishing pier, or from non-motorized boats. The lake is also a good spot to see both migrating and year-round waterfowl. 

Silver Lake

10 minutes from Restless Moons Brewing Company

Just south and west of Harrisonburg, Silver Lake is a second fishing destination that’s close to the downtown action. You’ll find the shallow waters stocked with trout. 

Outfitters and Guides

• Blue Ridge Outdoor Supplies / Elkton
• Dubby’s Fishing and Hunting / Harrisonburg
• Heartland Outfitters / Dayton
• Mossy Creek Fly Fishing / Harrisonburg
• Old Dominion Outfitter and Guide Service / McGaheysville

Licenses and Permits

Have your fishing license in hand before you bait your hook. For information, visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fishing.

We’re deep in the NCAA Tournament, and whether you’re rooting for a top seed or an underdog, there’s plenty of heart-thumping action. Will your top pick make it to the Final Four or is your bracket in shambles? March Madness can be unpredictable, but one thing’s for sure: basketball always tastes better with craft beer. Here’s how you can savor the drama from a Shenandoah Beerwerks taproom or from your couch at home.

Breweries with TVs

• Basic City Beer Co.
• BrewHaHa Brewing Company
• Brothers Craft Brewing
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery
• The Friendly Fermenter
• Queen City Brewing
• Redbeard Brewing Co.
• Seven Arrows Brewing
• Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company
• Skipping Rock Beer Company
• Stable Craft Brewing

Popular Beerwerks Brews

We’ve used the Untappd app to see what your friends are drinking and to give you a taste of what’s popular at the breweries right now. All breweries have selections on tap, and most offer cans, bottles, crowlers, and growler fills to go. Read on for popular choices with the brewery’s tasting notes.

Heliotrope Brewery

• Snoggin’ Toboggan (2021) – Stout – Imperial / Double 11.7% ABV: ”Imperial Stout brewed with cocoa nibs, cinnamon, dried chiles, and Virginia hickory syrup. Aged in A. Smith Bowman bourbon barrels.”

Devils Backbone Brewing

• Vienna Lager – Lager – Vienna 5.2% ABV: “This is our Ol’ Faithful, the beer everybody, including professional beer judges, just seems to dig. Maybe they like how it’s smooth, medium-bodied, and semi-sweet, while not too heavy or bitter. Maybe it’s the amber color, or the blend of four imported malts balanced by two Germanic hops, or the fact that it takes five weeks to get right.” 

Great Valley Farm Brewery 

• Farmhouse Ale – Farmhouse Ale – Saison, 5.5% ABV: “Floral notes from the Saaz hops. The yeast provides flavors of black pepper and citrus peel.”

Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery

• Coffee Stout – Stout – Coffee, 6.5% ABV: “Made in collaboration with Crucible Coffee Roasters. Robust coffee and roasted malt combined with a smooth nitro mouth feel.”

Basic City Beer Co. 

• The 6th Lord – IPA – American, 5.3% ABV: “Sweeter and more aromatic than a traditional West Coast IPA, our IPA toes the line between a West and East Coast IPA to appeal to any hop lover. Character from Scottish Yeast & True American Hops (Citra and Falconers).” 

Seven Arrows Brewing 

• Skyline Lager – Lager – American Light, 4.5% ABV: “Although low in bitterness, our lager has a great noble hop aroma and subtle pilsner malt notes. This beer is a truly refreshing light beer that is perfect for any occasion.”

Stable Craft Brewing

• Britchin Brown – Brown Ale – American, 5.5% ABV: “Our Britchin Brown Ale is a tribute to beer brewed in the tradition of Old Style Ales. Brewed with carefully selected malts and our very own farm-grown hops, this ale is our salute to everyone who enjoys this exquisite style. Britchin Brown Ale surprises with a delightful and delicate toffee flavor up front and is balanced by underlying caramel notes that pleasantly, but briefly rest on the palate. The finish is smooth with a refreshing aroma.”

Skipping Rock Beer Company

• Roasted Pecan Brown Ale – Brown Ale – English, 4.9% ABV: English-style brown ale made with roasted pecans. Mild caramel and toffee malt flavors pair well with nutty pecan notes. Very light chocolate notes on the back end.

Redbeard Brewing Company

• Double Chocolate Coconut Hound – Stout – Imperial / Double, 10% ABV: “Imperial Stout with double chocolate and coconut added.”

Queen City Brewing

• Falstaff’s Revenge – IPA – American, 6.7% ABV: “An unrestrained indulgence of hops, the biggest ale you’ll ever love.”

Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co.

• Shenandoah Pale Ale – Pale Ale – American, 5.3% ABV

The Friendly Fermenter

• Golden Hopportunity – IPA – Imperial / Double New England / Hazy, 8.3% ABV: “New England-style DIPA featuring Golden Promise base malt and a menagerie of hops.”
• Check out the March Madness homebrew supply clearance sale to score big on all your homebrew needs!

Brothers Craft Brewing

• Hoptimization – IPA – American, 7.1% ABV: “Hoptimization uses big, bold, bitter hops to get a clean citrusy flavor you’ll love and the bitter bite that you crave.”

Pale Fire Brewing Co.

• Arrant – IPA – American, 7.5% ABV: “First, Arrant extracts its rounded mouth-feel from the flaked oats in the grain bill. Then, this Citra-hopped concoction tickles the tongue with aromatic orange and juicy lemon.” 

Three Notch’d Valley Collab House

• Minute Man – IPA – New England / Hazy, 7% ABV: “This unique and brand new style of IPA has a super low bitterness, allowing the fresh fruity flavor and aroma of hops to completely dominate. This beer is unfiltered and unclarified, leaving the yeast to add to the smooth mouthfeel. The Galaxy, Mosaic, and Idaho 7 hops make this beer super “juicy” and fruity with a strong, citrus bouquet aroma.” 

Restless Moons Brewing Company

• Booberry Ghose – Sour – Traditional Gose, 4% ABV

Cave Hill Farms Brewery

• Bovine Bodacious IPA – IPA – American, 7.2% ABV: “West coast style that is strong with upfront bitterness followed by notes of citrus and tropical fruit.”

Elkton Brewing Co.

• Mercky Water– IPA – Imperial / Double, 8% ABV

BrewHaHa Brewing Company

Ski Lesson – IPA – Session, 4.75% ABV: “Belma and Simcoe hops. Cascade hops used for flavoring and additional dry hopping.”

It’s hard to believe Elkton Brewing Co. is celebrating its second anniversary this month! Read on to learn what kinds of new and exciting beer they’re brewing with their unique Bear Lithia Springs water. Visit their historic brewery, which has been a grist mill, a warehouse, and even a church. You’ll learn community history and connect with locals over the cool names the brewery gives the beer. Bring your kids and your dogs, and keep your ear alert for the train whistle to take advantage of the “Chugga Chug” discount! 

Hours?

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. 

Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

We are closed on Mondays.

Do you offer tours?

There isn’t a lot to see, as our brewing system is quite nano. We don’t currently offer tours of our brew cellar. Space is limited down there, and we are brewing all the time, so the space is just not conducive to tours.

What’s new or what’s coming up?

There is always something new on tap and in the works! In our first two years, we have brewed over 100 unique beer recipes. And we have no plans of slowing down! August and Aaron Napotnik (the brewers of the family) are always working on developing new recipes and tweaking old recipes to make sure there is always a new flavor for our patrons to experience. We have a few “flagships” that we keep on tap most of the time, but we are otherwise committed to producing new and unique quality beers to always keep the tap list fresh! 

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique?

We are always rotating a must-try beer onto the taps. The go-to beer of the week is always changing. There are a few standouts currently on tap (which will change when the batches kick). We have a chocolate, peanut butter, banana stout called “Primate Puncher.” We have a Lithuanian farmhouse ale, with a bit of lactose for creamy and sweet mouthfeel and fruited with raspberry and peach. We have an American strong ale called “The Zetty,” that we fermented with rye whiskey-soaked oak spirals for a unique, full-bodied flavor. And we have a double New England style IPA hopped with French Barbe Rouge hops for a unique, low IBU, somewhat tropical hoppy flavor. The beer recipes themselves are already unique in terms of ingredients and flavor profiles, but the local backstories behind the beer names are often as rich as the beers themselves.

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?

Newcomers will notice that we ring a bell behind the bar whenever a train rolls by, which happens at least a few times a day. The bell signifies the start of the “Chugga-Chug” discount, which is 10% off all beer purchases while the train is rolling. Also, our beers are all named after local backstories. This is a great way for locals to connect with other locals and also to newcomers by sharing about those backstories (some of which are hard to believe). Another lesser-known fact is that we brew all of our beers with fresh Bear Lithia Springs water. It is pure, untreated, lithia water that we take straight from the source and truck it to our boil kettle for brewing fresh each brew day. Bear Lithia is one of only a few lithia springs in the entire country, and to our knowledge, we are the only brewery in the country using fresh lithia spring water for our beer. This spring has been used for generations for its medicinal qualities, even being bottled and sold in pharmacies as medicinal water. We truly believe that the unparalleled quality of that water greatly contributes to the overall quality and flavor of our beer.

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations?

We do not distribute our beer. First of all, our brewing operation is too small to support distribution. Secondly, and more importantly, our focus and vision has always been on the idea that “small is beautiful.” Small batch beer in our small town is where it’s at for us. Buying a six-pack off the shelf at a grocery store doesn’t give you the experience of what that beer’s brewery is really all about. We want people to come in and experience what we’re all about here. We love our town, and we want to draw more people into it, so if you want our beer you have to get it here!

As for local collaborations, we have not yet brewed any beer with another brewery. However, a collaboration of sorts would be our barrel-aged beers. We source all of our barrels from Ragged Branch Distillery, which is owned and founded by a relative of our family. This works out very well, as Ragged Branch produces exceptional whiskey.

Do you allow dogs? Are you kid-friendly? And do you offer food onsite?

We allow leashed dogs in our outside space (the front porch and beer garden), but not inside. We are family-friendly. Kids are absolutely welcome here, just so long as they are respectful of other patrons in our space. We host food trucks on the weekends, and throughout the week Old 33 Burgers delivers to us at no extra charge. They are just a couple of blocks away, and they have a great menu!

What events do you offer?

We host live music every Friday and Saturday evening, plus we sporadically have additional special events for special occasions. The best way to keep up with what we have coming up is to follow us on social media. Look us up on Facebook and/or Instagram! 

All the snow we’ve had this winter, plus the chilly damp weather makes gathering around a crackling fire feel awfully good. Whether you’re snuggling with your love or telling jokes with a group of besties, those flickering flames help you bond, especially if you pair them with fantastic Beerwerks brew and some comfort food. Visit one of our breweries with fireplaces or fire pits to make the most out of this chilly weather.

Skipping Rock Beer Company

Skipping Rock Beer Company is situated in the pastoral countryside just west of Staunton. Sample Skipping Rock’s selection of craft beers on tap in the taproom or cozy up around the crackling flames of a fire pit outside. Fun events like trivia and regular live music as well as a family atmosphere will make you return to Skipping Rock again and again. 

Stable Craft Brewing 

Stable Craft Brewing offers several choices for where to get cozy. Warm up in front of the welcoming fireplace in the spacious taproom. For a different kind of feeling, you can gather around the fire pits outside and take in the scenic views. A third option is to rent one of Stable Craft’s cool heated igloos that seat up to eight people. Stable Craft offers a delicious tap list and, a full menu. They also host regular fun, seasonal events and activities. To complete your night, consider staying in one of Stable Craft’s on-site suites. 

Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery

Stay warm at Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery as you gather around the firepit. You’ll love the craft beer and award-winning wine that’s served by flight, class, or bottle. You’ll also love the beautiful country views and the welcoming atmosphere. Visit on a Sunday afternoon to hear live acoustic music during one of the Uncorked sessions.

Elkton Brewing Co.

One of the choice seating areas in Elkton Brewing Co. is in the comfy furniture flanking the taproom’s toasty stove. Sample small-batch artisan beer as you soak up the feel-good community vibe. If you visit on the weekend, you’ll probably catch some live acoustic music and a food truck.

Seven Arrows Brewing

One of our favorite winter pleasures is basking in a fire’s warm glow while enjoying a seasonal beverage and comfort food. Snag a seat in front of the fireplace at Seven Arrows Brewing while sampling a flight. There’s also outside seating around a firepit. Grab a meal from on-site Nobos Kitchen, which serves an extensive menu from 11 a.m. to late at night. 

Pale Fire Brewing Company

Belly up to the spacious u-shaped bar in Pale Fire Brewing Company’s taproom. Better yet, sink back into the couch in front of the Little Free Library area’s fireplace. Settle in for a long winter’s night of sipping, reading, and toasting your toes. Sometimes this area heats up even more with live music and events. The brewery, which is a space in a renovated ice house in downtown Harrisonburg, serves delicious craft beer as well as locally-produced draft kombucha. 

Heliotrope Brewery 

Head south to Lexington to check out Heliotrope Brewery. Enjoy the exposed brick, modern fireplace, and the welcoming atmosphere while you order from a menu of small-batch, artisan ales, and lagers that utilize Virginia and North Carolina malt. Heliotrope also sells wine and cider. Give your belly some love with one of Heliotrope’s incredible gourmet sourdough pizzas.

Want to find out what’s on the menu at your favorite Beerwerks brewery? Here’s our guide.

The philosophy at Pale Fire Brewing Co. is that “there’s generally a great beer close by” when creativity gets sparked. Come stoke those creative fires, chill with friends at the bar, or relax with a book by the fire as you taste a pint or flight of Pale Fire’s award-winning beer. Read on to learn more about the brewery located in Harrisonburg’s Ice House complex.

What are your hours of operation?
We are open Sunday 1-9 .pm., Monday-Thursday 2-9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 12-11 p.m.

Do you offer tours?

We do not offer tours, but you can see the brewery through large windows in the tap room.

What’s new or what’s coming up?
We are switching from 12oz bottles to 16oz cans! We’ve also partnered with Za Spot and are adding Detroit-style pizza in our tap room. This change includes an expanded beverage menu.

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique?

• Red Molly Irish Red Ale is our bestselling beer. It has a hint of sweetness from the Irish malt and appeals to beer drinkers who are looking for something refreshing and not too bitter. Available in 16oz cans.
• Arrant IPA is our flagship India Pale Ale. Made primarily with Citra hops, it’s juicy and full of citrus flavor. Also available in 16oz cans.
• Negative Boogie NEIPA is the newest of the three. It’s hazy and full of tropical flavors. It’s currently draft only, but will make its debut in cans in 2022!

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?
We have a (large!) Little Free Library, a giant Lite Brite, and we name all of our beers after pop culture references (literature, art, music, etc.)

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations?
Our beer is available throughout Virginia!

Do you have any local collaborations or other items you produce?
We just brewed a beer for Jack Brown’s that will be available on draft and in 16oz cans at all of their Virginia locations. Launch is planned for early February at each location.

Do you allow dogs? Are you kid-friendly? And do you offer food onsite?
We are dog-friendly and kid-friendly, and we are introducing food in February.

What events do you offer?

• Mondays at 6 p.m. – B SIDE Vinyl Night: bring your favorite vinyl and play it on our record player. If the crowd likes it you can flip to the B side.
• Wednesdays at 8 p.m. – Geeks Who Drink trivia. Teams of six or fewer can use their brainpower to battle for beer and prizes.
• Happy hour – Sun 1-9 p.m.: $1 off draft pints, Mon-Fri 3-5 p.m.: $2 off draft pints
• We are known for our annual Townie Summer Party in August.

What goes best with craft beer? A tasty snack or meal, of course. Fortunately, you won’t need to leave your barstool to forage for food along the Beerwerks Trail. Many of our breweries have onsite dining or regular food trucks parked outside. The others are usually open to visitors bringing snacks, take-out, or having food delivered. Here’s our guide to gourmet pizza, comfort food, juicy burgers, elevated pub fare, and everything in between.

• Heliotrope Brewery creates traditional and specialty pizzas featuring flavor combos like masala sauce, marinated chicken, mozzarella, and pickled red onion on sourdough crust. They also serve salads and antipasto and offer vegan cheese and gluten-free dough.
• Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen’s menu includes appetizers, salads, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, a BBQ pork mac skillet, and a menu for kids 10 and under.
• Great Valley Farm Brewery hosts Saturday food trucks like Hogback Mountain BBQ, Jam Dawgs, Gonzo’s Pollo, Hewitt’s Jamaican Cuisine, and more.
• Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery’s gift shop carries crackers and locally made cheeses from Razzbourne and Mt. View Farms. 
• Basic City Beer Co.’s taproom sells Billy Pie brick-oven pizzas and the newer Showroom location pairs beer, cider, wine, cocktails, and kombucha with hot-pressed sandwiches, appetizers, and salads.

• Seven Arrows Brewing’s Nobos Kitchen is a no-brainer for ordering lunch, dinner, or late-night fare. The delicious menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and recent specials include a fry basket topped with crab dip, watermelon salad, a bacon gouda burger, and pizza egg rolls.

• Stable Craft Brewing dishes up a chef-inspired menu with apps, salads, dinners like seared steak and peppers or pan-seared salmon, handhelds, and a kids’ menu for folks under 12. Save room for something delectable from Stable Sweets. There’s a lot to choose from, but consider the oreo chauffels, chunks of oreos sandwiched in waffle batter and baked to crispy perfection.

• Skipping Rock Beer Company will be offering Za Spot Detroit-style pizza, which serves a square pie topped with tomato sauce, Wisconsin cheese, and elevated toppings like truffle oil, balsamic glaze, and bacon jam. The Grand Debut is scheduled for Monday, March 14th!
• Redbeard Brewing Company’s vending machine sells snacks, and their downtown location lets customers easily bring in or order takeout.
• Queen City Brewing offers bottomless popcorn, regular food trucks, and the option to order food to be delivered to the brewery. “​​​If you go hungry here, it’s your own dang fault!”

• Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co. is located in downtown Staunton steps away from numerous restaurants.
• The Friendly Fermenter is located in downtown Harrisonburg steps away from numerous restaurants.
• Brothers Craft Brewing has regular local food trucks.
• Pale Fire Brewing Co. is now serving Za Spot Detroit-style pizza as well as Route 11 potato chips. Customers are also welcome to order or bring in outside food.
• Three Notch’d Valley Collab House is located in downtown Harrisonburg steps away from numerous restaurants.
• Restless Moons Brewing Company features the Summer Down food truck parked out back, light snacks, and guests may bring their own food.
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery’s onsite The Feedlot serves tasty snacks and appetizers like nachos, pretzel bites, sliders, flatbreads, and quesadillas. Check for specials. There’s also a kids’ menu.
• Elkton Brewing Co. has regular food trucks on the weekends. Check Facebook for availability. You can also order food from Old 33 Beer and Burger Grill and have it delivered to the brewery.

• BrewHaHa Brewing Company is located adjacent to GogiWa Korean Barbecue, Thirty 3’s Craft Burgers, the 1835 Smokehouse, and The Bagel Shop.

There’s nothing better than an exhilarating hike in the crisp winter air. Trails are less crowded, sightlines are clearer when the leaves are off the trees, insects aren’t an issue, and you’ll score an excellent workout without sweating so much. Since you’ll burn extra calories just keeping your body warm, you’ll definitely earn a beer or two after your hike. Read on for some of our favorite cold-weather hikes and Beerwerks brewery pairings.

Augusta Springs Wetlands / 2735 Little Calf Pasture Hwy, Augusta Springs, VA 24411

16 minutes from Skipping Rock Beer Company

The universally accessible Augusta Springs Wetlands is a nice destination for a stroll with kids or dogs on a chilly day. The main trail is a loop that’s under a mile long, and it’s flat, wide, and relies on boardwalks to traverse marshy areas. Random stonework that is all that remains of a long-vanished resort and educational stations offer interest. You can also add additional, more rugged distance to the hike by taking the .7-mile Upland Trail spur. This is a popular place to see birds and look for wildlife.

Bearfence Mountain / Skyline Drive MP 56.4

31 minutes from BrewHaHa Brewing Company

The Bearfence Mountain hike is only 1.4 miles long, but it’s tough. Generally busy in warmer months, winter is an excellent time to visit, but steer clear if there’s snow or ice. You’ll soon be out of breath as you scramble and crawl over the rocks. A wonderful, long-ranging view in all directions awaits you at the top. Leave the pups at home for this one. Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail, and it also may not be suitable for small children.

Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail / 483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy, Waynesboro, VA 22980

3 minutes from Basic City Beer Co.

The Crozet-Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail stretches for 4.5-miles out-and-back between parking areas on either side of Afton Mountain. Perfect for the winter, the wide trail follows an old railroad bed, so it’s relatively flat, and it’s clear of rocky areas that could be hidden under snow or leaves. The tunnel itself was built in the 1850s and recently restored and opened for public hiking and biking. It stretches for nearly a mile and maintains a temperature around 60 degrees, regardless of the weather outside. The inside of the tunnel is very dark, so bring a light.

Cedar Creek Trail / 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578

9 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery

Rockbridge County is named after Natural Bridge, a geologically formed 215-foot-high natural arch over a limestone gorge carved by Cedar Creek. For an easy hike with the family, visit Natural Bridge State Park for a view of the bridge, a replica of a Monacan Indian Village, and a two-mile scenic hike along the Cedar Creek Trail to Lace Falls. The trail begins (and ends) with 137 steps, but is fairly flat after that. Check out the short spur trail leading to Saltpeter Cave, which was used as a storage place for ammunition during the Civil War.

Crabtree Falls / 10636 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA 22976

41 minutes from Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery

Hike the up-and-back 3.8-mile trail for incredible winter views of 1,200-foot Crabtree Falls. One of the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi, the falls feature five major cascades and many smaller ones. Better yet, the trail employs switchbacks that return you again and again to knockout views, so if you just want a quick stroll, you can shorten the hike and still have it pay off. This steep climb employs steps and railings for safety on the slipperiest sections and the large, walled viewing area at the top features a magnificent view of the Tye River Valley.

Dobie Mountain / Humpback Gap Overlook, Afton, VA 22920

21 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing Company

The Dobie Mountain loop starts at the parking lot for Humpback Rocks. While it doesn’t have quite the same showstopping summit view, it’s much less crowded, includes fewer steep climbs, and its lovely Glass Hollow Overlook faces west into the Rockfish Valley. If you keep your eyes peeled in the final ascent, you might catch a glimpse of a Beechcraft airplane that wrecked in 1962. The hike is 6.8 miles long but can be shortened to a 4-mile loop.

Montgomery Hall Park / 1000 Montgomery Ave, Staunton, VA 24401

5 minutes from Redbeard Brewing Company

Though there are no tremendous views or water features, the miles of looping trails in Staunton’s Montgomery Hall Park will give you a sense of isolation that’s surprising for an area located within city limits. The well-kept wooded hiking trails cover hilly terrain that will get your heart pumping. The trails are interconnected, so it’s easy to adapt your hike if it becomes too challenging for beginners. This is one of Staunton’s birding hotspots, so bring your binoculars. You might also see deer and other wildlife. 

Natural Chimneys Park Loop / 94 Natural Chimneys Ln, Mt Solon, VA 22843

28 Minutes from Queen City Brewing

Another short hike for families with young children is the flat Natural Chimneys Loop at Natural Chimneys Park and Campground, which skirts the borders of the park and follows a stretch of the North River. Altogether, the park has 2.5 miles of hiking trails that include close and distant vantage points of the imposing limestone chimneys as well as other scenic views from overlooks. Some trails will be too steep for a stroller.

Rocktown Trails at Hillendale Park / 710 Hillandale Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

10 minutes from Brothers Craft Brewing

A convenient way to stretch your legs in Harrisonburg is to design your own hike on the looping Rocktown Trails trails at Hillendale Park. Intended for use by hikers, runners, and bikers, the trails are rated by difficulty, so it’s easy to develop a route that feels comfortable for your needs. Hillendale Park also has a 1.3-mile hiking loop.

South River Falls Trail / Skyline Drive MP 63

16 minutes from Elkton Brewing Co.

Don’t forget to take advantage of Shenandoah National Park in the colder months. Many views open after the leaves fall, and water features sport their cold-weather ice formations. The entire South River Falls Trail hike is a 10.6-mile loop, but you can cut it to a manageable 4.8 miles after you see the 83’ falls, one of the largest in Shenandoah National Park. If you choose to do the entire thing, you’ll encounter two old cemeteries, the ruins of the  Upper Pososin Mission, and some lovely views from the ascent and summit of Bald Face Mountain.

Trimble Mountain Hike / Fr 95, West Augusta, VA 24485

41 minutes from Restless Moons Brewing

The 4-mile Trimble Mountain Hike sports pretty views in the winter when the leaves are off the trees. Rated easy to moderate, it’s suitable for families and is relatively quiet. The trail climbs slowly as it wraps around the mountain and offers views of Big Bald and Little Bald Mountains. After the steep descent in the last section of the hike, continue across the road to follow the yellow-blazed trail up the Todd Lake dam for a view of the lake.

Turk Mountain Hike / Skyline Drive MP 93.5

40 minutes from Stable Craft Brewing

Winter is an ideal time to visit the easy 2.5-mile Turk Mountain Hike. This popular destination is often crowded during warmer months, so winter provides more solitude on this trail. Expect some rocky areas near the summit, but also incredible views to the west. If you’re feeling really motivated, this hike can be done as part of a challenging 10-mile loop, which includes multiple stream crossings.

Tips for Winter Hiking

• Dress in layers. Hikes at higher altitudes may be colder than at home.
• Stay hydrated.
• Phone service in natural areas can be limited, so leave your plans with a friend.
• Trails can be icy, so use caution and your trekking poles.
• Natural areas and roads may close due to weather. Check on the status of your destination before you set out.
• Keep an eye on the time and carry a flashlight. Daylight is in short supply this time of year.

2021 is winding down, and it’s time to send it out in style. How about visiting a Beerwerks Trail brewery for festivities and some seasonal suds? If you prefer to watch the ball drop at home, prepare first by visiting your favorite brewery to carry out a 6-pack (or several) or a growler fill!

New Year’s Eve Events

• Brothers Craft Brewing will celebrate New Year’s Eve from noon to 10 p.m. with 13 beers on tap, specialty taps, and discounts on to-go beer. Check the link for more details.
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery will celebrate New Year’s Eve with “the best New Year’s Eve party around.” It’s happening from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. and will feature Big City Band, a band that plays a big mix of “country, rock, and Southern rock hits from the 60s-70s to what’s on the radio today and everything in between.”

• Pale Fire Brewing Co. is hosting live music the entire week leading up to New Year’s. Here’s the lineup:

• • December 26, 6 p.m. Spencer Hatcher at Pale Fire
  • December 27, 6 p.m. Clayton Ware at Pale Fire
  • December 28, 6 p.m. Chad Hanger + Jonathan Rhodes at Pale Fire
  • December 29, 6 p.m. Bryan Elijah Smith at Pale Fire
  • December 30, 6 p.m. Andy McLeod + Oil Derek at Pale Fire

• Redbeard Brewing Company will be open until 12:30 a.m. on NYE. Watch the ball drop and share a champagne toast at midnight!
• You don’t want to miss the 7th-anniversary party at Seven Arrows Brewing. Held on New Year’s Eve, this celebration commemorates seven years of awesome craft beer and a brand new year. Dance to the music of DJ Lance, share a toast, and watch the ball drop at midnight. Stay refreshed with 12 taps, local wine, cider, and kombucha. Hungry? Nobos Kitchen will be open late. There’s no cover charge for this event.
• Skipping Rock Beer Company will be open from 2 – 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and from 4 – 11 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

• Stable Craft Brewing‘s NYE Dance Party w/ DJ Rick Rowe is a stellar way to welcome 2022. Not only is there tasty craft beer and cider on tap, but you’ll get to dance and party until 12:30 a.m. Buy your tickets online today! They include a nacho bar, a champagne toast, and cool party favors. Make sure you return for the New Year’s Day Brunch on January 1st from noon – 3 p.m. Stable Craft also offers onsite cabins so you can stay all weekend for a complete holiday getaway. 

Other Brewery Events

• Want to test your knowledge? Devils Backbone Brewing is hosting a Trivia Night on December 30 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Come on out, drink a few beers, have some food, and show everyone exactly how smart you are.
• Queen City Brewing also celebrates weekly with a Wednesday night Acoustic Open Mic. Sign up at 6 p.m. for performances starting at 7. Thursday nights, Carl Loya hosts a weekly jam session. Hang out and listen or bring your favorite instrument and join in. Music starts at 6 p.m.
• Redbeard Brewing Company’s entertainment lineup happens weekly, and holiday week is no different. Sing your heart out at a Sunday Funday Karaoke session w/ DJ Jammie Sosa (7-10 p.m.) or bust out your brain at a Trivia Tuesday w/ King Trivia.

• Warm up on crisp winter days with a flight and live music with Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery’s upcoming Uncorked events. Plan to come out for Uncorked with James the Guitar Guy on December 26 at 1 p.m. and Uncorked with Brent Hull on January 2, at 1 p.m.

New Year’s Resolutions

Still working on your New Year’s resolutions for 2022? Check out our post on how to make keeping those resolutions easier by combining them with chances to drink craft beer: 9 Ways to Keep Your New Beer’s Resolutions Along the Beerwerks Trail.

Celebrate responsibly and have fun. Happy New Year!

Husband and wife team Aaron and Melissa Allen launched Seven Arrows Brewing Company on New Year’s Eve 2014 to “provide high-quality craft-brewed beers to the Shenandoah Valley.” We touched base with them this month, seven years later. Read on for info about what to expect from a visit, what to try first, and what events are absolutely can’t-miss.

What’s new or what’s coming up?

We are excited that we will be celebrating our 7th Anniversary on New Year’s Eve this year.  With seven years of brewing beers at Seven Arrows, we are planning a 7th Anniversary and New Year’s Eve party on Dec 31st.  We hope to see you all there!

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique?

From the very beginning, we have been heavily focused on making German-style lager beer. In recent years, we have been branching out into kettle sour beers that use grape must. With that in mind, we would say our “go-to” beers are our Aurora Pils (classic style with a full-body taste), our Sour Grapes (this series is our sour beer series with grape must), and our Smoothie Sour.

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know? 

We have surprisingly a lot of staff that have been with us since the beginning. They have officially become family to us!

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations? 

Being able to provide fresh and local beer is something that we have been passionate about since day one. We have a fantastic partnership with Oakridge Distribution that allows us to bring our beer to many locally owned and operated businesses.  Some of the folks that have recently had us on tap or in their bottle shop include:

• Mr. Jamison’s
• Silk Road
• River Burger Bar
• Valley Pike Farm Market
• Capital Ale House (Harrisonburg)
• Brew Ridge Taps (Lexington)

Do you offer food onsite?

We are blessed to have a wonderful onsite partnership with Nobos Kitchen. We have the talented Chef Ben Demory and staff at Nobos Kitchen offering a wide range of American fare to all who visit Seven Arrows.

Are you kid-friendly?

Yes, we are kid-friendly and offer non-alcoholic slushies, sodas, and juice boxes for the kiddos.  Nobos Kitchen also has a range of kitchen offerings for kids as well.

Do you allow dogs?

Dogs are definitely allowed. In fact, if the dog is willing to vouch for the owner, we will let them in too!  But, in all seriousness, we are dog lovers to our core and welcome all well-behaved dogs and dog owners. 

What are the top events held at the brewery each year?

1. We have Bazaarfests in the summer, fall, and spring. These events feature all-day music from local bands, and local vendors come out to sell their wares.
2. We have an awesome fully decorated and costumed-up Halloween with a DJ (all the staff gets in on it too!)
3. We celebrate our anniversary on New Year’s Eve with a DJ, a free photo booth, and drink and food specials.

Do you offer brewery tours?

We do offer tours by request.  You won’t always have a brewer with you, but we are always excited to show where the magic happens and answer any questions.

The Shenandoah Valley wouldn’t be the same without the independent businesses along the Beerwerks Trail. These companies provide unique, local goods. Every product you buy helps these businesses that are so important to the local economy and our community identity. Each dollar supports area providers and helps keep people in our community employed.

Are you still trying to fill the gaps in your gifting list? Here are some local Valley businesses offering unique products this holiday season. Read on to find perfect last-minute gifts and wonderful treats for yourself! 

Beerwerks Breweries:

Most Beerwerks breweries are offering gift cards, growlers and/or other merchandise. Stop by the taprooms or follow the links below to score fantastic gifts and stocking stuffers!

Basic City Beer Co. sells gift cards, hats, shirts, backpacks, and glassware online and in the taproom.

Brothers Craft Brewing has merchandise for sale in the taproom and online, including hats, beanies, dog leashes, and tap handles. 

Cave Hill Farms Brewery: Gift cards, apparel, and glassware can be purchased on site.

Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen: Offers “gear to match your beer.” Ready-to-drink cocktails ship to anywhere in Virginia. Merchandise includes growlers, tap handles, shirts, koozies, glassware, dog accessories, and much more. Order online or visit the brewery.

Elkton Brewing Co.: Shirts, hats, stickers, pint glasses and mugs can be purchased in the taproom.

The Friendly Fermenter: Stock up on all your homebrewing needs like specialty yeasts, grains, and more.

Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery wines can be shipped to many states. There’s a minimum of three bottles, but 12 bottles or more ship free. 

Pale Fire Brewing Co.: Check here to find gift cards as well as t-shirts, beer koozies, gaiters, pins, and sunglasses.

Redbeard Brewing Company has hoodies, hats, glassware, beer soap, and gift cards online.

Restless Moons Brewing Company: Check out the taproom for merchandise like sweatshirts. Gift cards are available online.

Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery: Wines can be shipped to many states. There’s a minimum of two bottles. Growlers and more for sale in the onsite gift shop.

Seven Arrows Brewing growlers or gift cards make great gifts. Seven Arrows also sells beer glasses for all your beer needs, including goblets, pints, and pilsner glasses.

Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co.: Stop by the taproom for t-shirts, stickers, and growlers.

Skipping Rock Beer Company sells merch like shirts, hats, glassware, koozies, and of course delicious beer at the taproom or online.

Stable Craft Brewing: Grab some Stable Craft holiday gift cards, which make awesome gifts for foodies, beer, and cider lovers. Apparel, beer glasses, and more are available in the taproom.

Three Notch’d Valley Collab House: Check the taproom or website for gift cards and a nice selection of tees, sweatshirts, hats, and stickers.

Apparel, Accessories, and Jewelry

• Lineage (Harrisonburg) showcases simple, heirloom-quality waxed canvas and leather bags that have been created by hand in Harrisonburg. The store also carries candles, clothing, and home goods.
• Waynesboro’s Initial Inspiration sells apparel, jewelry, and bags that can all be personalized with in-house embroidery to identify the owner or commemorate a special event like a bridal party. 
• Find something cute to wear for the holidays or for a unique gift to brighten someone’s home at ltd7 (Staunton). They carry casual, trendy fashions for men, women, and children as well as home decor, gifts, jewelry, handbags, and holiday items.
• Harrisonburg’s Elk Run Mining Company’s unique jewelry sets locally sourced and brilliantly colored cabochons (polished gems that are not cut into facets) into sterling silver or 18K gold.

Gifts for the Home

• You’ll find all kinds of wonderful gifts at Lexington’s Sugar Maple Trading Company including scarves, lotions, stationery, garden items, Virginia swag, and more. The online gift recommendation tool helps you pick a gift based on the recipient’s personality.
• Faded Poppy Mercantile (Waynesboro) will make your day with stunning fresh floral arrangements and merchandise like candles, clothing, stationery, decor, and quirky gifts. 
• Downtown Dayton’s Hopeful Things sells kitchen decor and gifts like wooden and stoneware bowls. Nanny’s Nook is an old-fashioned shop selling Virginia and handmade goods.
• Made; By the People brings local products and quirky gifts to downtown Staunton. You’ll find Staunton-themed items as well as artisanal chocolate, tarot cards, books, jewelry, clothing, garden gifts. 

Local Products

• The specialty shops at The Dayton Market sell crafts, collectibles, food, and handcrafted gifts. Shops include Whiskey Valley Jerky, Tic Tac Toys, Firefly Yarn and Mercantile, and Warfels Chocolates.
• Broadway’s Ben Franklin J&B Country Store sells antiques, handcrafted items by local artists, home and holiday decor, party supplies, and much more. Hungry? Grab something delicious at The Country Cafe & Bakery. 
• JMD Farm Market and Garden Center (Augusta County) offers a big selection of quality local plants as well as eggs, meat, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and other farm products. They also sell pottery, garden decor and gifts like bath bombs and snacks.
• Pick and cut the perfect concolor fir, Canaan fir, Douglas fir, blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, and pre-cut Fraser firs at Keezletown’s Every Soul Acres. You’ll also find decorations like wreaths and centerpieces made from fresh greenery. 

Toys and Hobbies

• Staunton’s Pufferbellies Toys & Books will delight all ages with books, games, art supplies, building toys, and more. The carefully curated collection is designed for inventive and imaginative play.
• The Quiltery in Fairfield is one of the best fabric stores in the mid-Atlantic and is packed with colorful fabrics, kits, threads and sewing supplies.
• Waynesboro’s new-age apothecary Pyramid sells natural items like stones, feathers, bones, shells, candles, and herbs for your Appalachian magick and holistic remedy needs. 
• Luke’s Hobbies stocks all major brands of RC Surface and Air vehicles as well as slot cars, model kits, hobby supplies, paint, and accessories. 

Art by Local and Regional Artists

• Harrisonburg’s non-profit OASIS Fine Art & Craft highlights local fine art and contemporary crafts including paintings, stained glass, pottery, fiber art, jewelry and photography. 
• Waynesboro’s Shenandoah Valley Art Center Winter Market showcases handmade artisan works like original paintings and drawings, jewelry, cards, pottery, wood, glass, and textile art, and more from local and regional artists. 
• Select special one-of-a-kind gifts created by 70 local and regional artists at the Staunton Augusta Art Center’s annual Art for Gifts event, which is open until December 31st. This juried marketplace features paintings, drawings, photography, textile art, pottery, stained glass, jewelry, holiday ornaments, and more. 

Local Food

• Visit Wade’s Mill (Raphine) for bags of delicious, ground-to-order products sourced from local or regional farms. The mill has been grinding 100% natural, whole grain products with no additives, preservatives, or bleaches since 1750! 
• Virginia Gold Asian Pear Orchard (Natural Bridge) offers 16 tree-ripened varieties of this hard-to-find fruit. The family-run orchard also carries persimmons, chestnuts, Chinese dates, black raspberries, blackberries, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, Asian pear marmalade and syrup, and other local products. 
• If you’re baking or making gift baskets this holiday season, The Cheese Shop (Stuarts Draft) is a wonderful source for bulk and organic ingredients, spices, snacks, deli items, and local treats like honey and jams. 
• Weyers Cave’s Valley Pike Farm Market stocks Virginia-made goods, wares, foods, and more than 300 different craft beers and wines. 
• Downtown Elkton boasts Blue Elk Coffee Company where you can buy locally roasted coffee and a variety of gifts and products.
• The French-inspired Heritage Bakery & Café located in the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center serves all-day breakfast, lunch, and pastries like incredible-tasting apple tarts. You can special order cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and picnic tea party baskets.

We talked to Pete Ballou, the owner of BrewHaHa Brewing Company in Elkton, who believes beer simply tastes better with laughter. BrewHaHa, a comedy brewhouse, just celebrated its grand opening and is the newest brewery along the Beerwerks Trail. Learn why the six beers on tap have quirky names, what your kids can do while you’re tasting, and, most importantly, why the BrewHaHa motto is “Because BAD Beer is NO Laughing Matter!”

Hours:

Friday 3-9

Saturday 1-8

Sunday 1-8

Monday 3-8

The brewery is closed for production Tuesday-Thursday. However, it will offer growlers to go for sale or pints on back deck (under tent or in our grassy area).

Do you offer tours?

Tours are not provided but the entire brewhouse can be viewed from the taproom through the windows.

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique?

New and upcoming beers:

Broken Glass a Belgian IPA will pick a wallop at 8.75% ABV, Patchwork Pumpkin our Imperial Pumpkin Porter is on tap for October.

Also, we are doing a variation of our Must Have IPA called “boobilicious.” It is a beer to benefit “WeRTickledPink,” a local organization that helps fight breast cancer. 

All of our beers have a quirky or funny name and there is a story behind every one of them.  Ask us, and we will gladly tell you. 

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?

Our beers are also ski-trail rated from beginner to expert and freestyle for specialty beers.

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations?

All brews are sold solely at the brewhouse.

Do you allow dogs? Are you kid-friendly? And do you offer food onsite?

We allow dogs in our outside areas and of course service dogs wherever they need to be.  We’re also kid-friendly. We have a mini pool table, foosball, and games in our “veteran room,” which is a small room that seats six but allows for fun times to be had.

What events do you offer?

Eventually, we will have comedy workshops and some local comedy at the brewery like open mic comedy night. Right now, our focus is putting out good beer because, like our trademarked motto…

“Because BAD Beer is NO Laughing Matter!”

The Beerwerks Trail now includes 19 breweries, and they all serve delicious craft beer. They’re still unique in terms of beer specialty, setting, atmosphere, amenities, activities, and more. The wealth of choices can be overwhelming! Fortunately, we’ve got your back –  take our new quiz. It’s easy: just answer a few fun questions, and we’ll give you a customized list of breweries suited to your favorite tastes. Still can’t make up your mind? That’s all the more reason to plan your next multi-day, multi-brewery beercation.

Pick Your Style

While many of our breweries offer a range of beers on tap, we’ll point you in the direction of your favorite style of brew. Want to learn more about beer production? Ask if your favorite brewery offers tours of the brewing facilities. If you’d rather take your research into your own hands, download the Untappd app. You’ll learn what’s popular and on tap, read ratings and reviews, and connect with your friends.

Who Brought the Dog?

Can’t go anywhere without Rex? Fortunately many Beerwerks breweries welcome leashed and well behaved dogs in the taproom or in outdoor spaces at the brewery. Try a night out with your pooch at Skipping Rock Beer Company, Elkton Brewing Co., Queen City Brewing, or Three Notch’d Valley Collab House.

You’ve Gotta Eat

Most of our breweries sell snacks, allow you to bring in takeout, or frequently host food trucks. Several locations even offer extensive in-house menus. Grab a beer and a bite at Seven Arrows Brewing’s Nobos Kitchen, Cave Hill Farms Brewery’s onsite The Feedlot, or Heliotrope Brewery.

What Kind of View Do You Want?

You can’t beat the incredible mountain views you’ll get from Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery, but the cool, urban vibe you’ll find at Pale Fire Brewing Co. is a lot of fun, too. If you’d rather drink in a cozy, pub-like environment, Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co. or The Friendly Fermenter might be more your style.

Hammock or Happy Hour?

Do you prefer to kick back in one of Basic City Beer Co.‘s hammocks to sip your suds, or would you rather drink and rock out to a wild night of live music at Restless Moons Brewing Company? Several, like Stable Craft Brewing, have fire pits to gather around on those cooler nights. Still others host weekly trivia, lawn games, painting classes, karaoke, open mic nights, and even book clubs. Check brewery events to find your favorite vibe.

Make a Day of It

Most of our breweries have trails within a 15-mile radius. Others are close to scenic waterways for fishing and kayaking. Still more are an easy ride from road or mountain biking opportunities. Those in urban areas provide easy access to shopping, museums, and entertainment. There’s lots to do around Redbeard Brewing Company, Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen, or Brothers Craft Brewing.

What Are You Waiting For?

There’s still time to take the quiz, find your destination, grab a Beerwerks Passport, and hop on the Trail this weekend!

Take the quiz!

Lots of communities in Virginia are sharing the love. Their LoveWorks signs demonstrate creativity as well as personal interpretations of the word’s meaning. Discover the signs and their unique locations, commemorate your visit with photos, and show your love of craft beer with a visit to a nearby Beerwerks brewery.

LOVEwork at Stable Craft Brewing / 375 Madrid Rd, Waynesboro

The LOVEwork at Stable Craft Brewing captures the “humble farm lifestyle … many locals live every day.” Visitors will see letters crafted from a giant tractor tire topped with a cowboy hat, beer kegs, and reclaimed wood. Spend some time learning about the brewery’s history and sustainable farming practices, gaze at the lovely landscape, and, of course, enjoy a glass of beer.

LOVEwork in Massanutten / 3827 Massanutten Drive, McGaheysville 

10 minutes from BrewHaHa Brewing Company

The Massanutten Property Owners Association constructed their love sign of natural elements like wood and tree trunks from the surrounding forests. The sign is 11 feet high and 35 feet wide, one of the biggest in Virginia! After you photograph the sign, you’ll want to explore the adjacent Massanutten Family Entertainment Center for swimming, mini golf, go karts, and bumper cars.

Elkton LOVEwork / 173 W. Spotswood Avenue, Elkton

1 minute from Elkton Brewing Co.

Come see the monthly changes to the design of the Elkton LOVEwork. Originally installed in 2017 by the Elkton Progressive Improvement Committee, it’s decorated by different small businesses, civic groups, and members of the community for different purposes like holidays, graduations, and awareness campaigns for a variety of causes. Nearby at 196 W. Spotswood Avenue, find a large LOVEworks mural that depicts positive character traits.

LOVEwork in Waynesboro / Constitution Park

2 minutes from Basic City Beer Co.

Waynesboro’s LOVEwork sign is installed in Constitution Park on the banks of the South River. It depicts a fishing theme, and you’ll probably see actual fishermen fishing from the overlook platform and the banks. Stroll a short way down the South River Greenway to find a second LOVEworks sign, decorated by Waynesboro High School students. Next, explore the public art along Waynesboro’s mural trail and hit up the walkable downtown for food and shopping before heading over to Basic City Beer Co. for a cold pint.

LOVEwork in Harrisonburg / 311-331 S Main St, Harrisonburg

1 minute from Pale Fire Brewing Co.

The LOVEwork sign in Harrisonburg sits upon a base of solid bluestone, a common building material in the area. The rest of the materials are repurposed or locally-sourced. The letters represent the agricultural background of the area, the exciting outdoors, the thriving art scene, and Harrisonburg’s diverse population. Nearby, you’ll find educational plaques to help you better understand important cultural themes.

LOVEwork at Oasis Fine Art & Craft / 103 S Main St, Harrisonburg

3 minutes from The Friendly Fermenter

The Oasis Fine Art & Craft LOVEwork is another that draws attention to Harrisonburg’s unique cultural diversity and growing art scene. This Friendly City mosaic features the word “love” in a variety of languages and was created by artists, high school students, and members of the community.

LOVEwork at Back Home on the Farm / 2915 Willow Run Road, Rockingham

8 minutes from Brothers Craft Brewing

The rustic, wooden letters of the LOVEworks sign located on the old farm gate at Back Home of the Farm will bring good, wholesome feelings to the entire family. Plan a day to explore over thirty fun and agricultural activities like a corn maze, an enchanted fairy garden, and a carousel.

LOVEwork at Natural Bridge State Park / 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge

9 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery

You’ll get a preview of the sights at Natural Bridge State Park when you check out the LOVEworks sign. The letters are painted with the bridge, Lace Falls, and more. After you pose by the sign, see the bridge in real life, hike the trails, and let the kids play on the play trail and in the nature center.

LOVEwork at JJ’s Meat Shak / 1607 Magnolia Ave, Buena Vista, VA 24416

15 minutes from Heliotrope Brewery

Dine at JJ’s Meat Shak for some delicious barbeque and stick around to admire (and pose in front of) the LOVEworks mural. The mural is just steps away from Buena Vista’s scenic Riverwalk Trail, and it depicts important elements of the Rockbridge County experience like the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nearby colleges Southern Virginia University, Virginia Military Institute, and Washington & Lee University are also celebrated.

LOVEwork in Dayton / 382 High Street, Dayton

10 minutes from Restless Moons Brewing Company

The LOVEwork sign at Dayton’s Heritage Museum celebrates “the historical and rural character of the town and embodies the spirit of the Shenandoah Valley.” Check out the museum’s permanent and changing exhibits, including the 5,000-square foot “Invincible Spirit,” about the history of the Shenandoah Valley as well as their folk art collection and genealogy research library. 

LOVEwork at Cave Hill Farms Brewery /  1001 Jacob Burner Dr, McGaheysville

The cool metal sign on the wall of an old structure at Cave Hill Farms Brewery reflects the sun and lights up at night. Stop in for some photos and some delicious craft beer.

Did you know that the taproom at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery was once a dairy barn and that you can buy local cheese to nibble while you sip? Did you know that you could take your dog and your kid with you when you visit? Read on for more, including information about happenings at the vineyard/brewery.

What are your hours of operation? Do you offer tours?

We are open 12-6 Thursday 12-8 Friday Saturday and 12-5 on Sundays.

We do not currently have the staffing to conduct tours.

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique? 

Our go-tos are the Hazy IPA, Pale Ale and Pilsner.

What’s new or what’s coming up?

For beers, we have a Cara Cara Orange Sour IPA done in collaboration with Billsburg Brewery in James City County and a Blood Orange Gose that will be released in the next couple weeks. Fruity and refreshing brews in time for the heat of summer!

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?

Our taproom is built inside the big red barn that was built when the property functioned as a dairy. Also, the bar tops are from ash trees that were felled on the property.

Do you distribute locally? 

We do not distribute at this point. 

We are actually more well known for our winery which can be found adjacent to the taproom. We have been crafting wines on premise for 28 years and offer a wide range of styles.

Do you allow dogs? Are you kid-friendly? 

We are dog friendly so long as they are leashed. Also we are kid friendly.

Do you offer food onsite? 

We offer local cheeses, crackers and sausage full time and on Sundays we have the Intuition Kitchen food truck on site from 12-5.

What events do you offer? 

We have live music every Sunday rain or shine and we feature music in the evenings from time to time (check our Facebook or website for dates and artists). 

Lexington’s Heliotrope Brewery serves a menu of small-batch, artisan ales and lagers created by using Virginia and North Carolina malt. Enjoy your beer in Heliotrope’s cool taproom, which features exposed brick, a modern fireplace, and a welcoming atmosphere. Heliotrope also sells wine and cider and incredible gourmet sourdough pizzas.  Also on the menu are an assortment of sides and desserts. Read on for more info on touring the brewery, the brewery’s collaborations, and the fun you can look forward to in October.

Hours: 

Wednesday/Thursday: 5-8 p.m.

Friday: 4-9 p.m.

Saturday: 12-9 p.m.

Sunday: 12-8 p.m.

Do you offer tours?

We offer tours upon request

What’s new or what’s coming up?

• We just tapped a new pale ale brewed in collaboration with Big Lick Brewing Company in Roanoke called Dad Bod Bike Tights. 
• Coming up: a Mexican-style lager called Beach Blanket Bunco, made with regionally grown bloody butcher corn

What are your go to brews and what makes them unique?

Quotidian Pilsner, Neahkahnie NWIPA, New Boots and Contracts New England IPA are all regularly brewed mainstays. All three are brewed with 100% Virginia and North Carolina malt (all of our beers use 95+% local malt).

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?

All of our farmhouse and sour beers are fermented with our house culture of wild-foraged Rockbridge County microflora that was harvested off of a basil plant in my garden. All of the other yeasts we use are certified organic.

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations?

No local distribution at this time

Do you have any local collaborations or other items you produce?

We’ve collaborated with Seasons’ Yield Farm on two beers to date. In addition to the new beer brewed with Big Lick, we’ve also collaborated with Great Valley Farm Brewery, and with Deschutes Brewery in Roanoke. Our food menu features locally grown produce and Virginia-raised pork 

Do you allow dogs? Are you kid-friendly? And do you offer food onsite?

Yes, yes, and yes!

What events do you offer?

I’m looking forward to having our Oktoberfest celebration again this year, with live music and three new beers brewed for the occasion.

Are you ready for some positive energy? Want a unique experience that’s proven to improve your mood? It’s summer and the chances to hear live music are amping up. Listen in the great outdoors and safely experience the sense of community and togetherness we’ve been craving for so many months. So what are you waiting for? Grab your blanket and snacks, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready to have fun. Here’s a roundup of this summer’s best live music along the Beerwerks Trail.

Fourth of July Events

• Stable Craft Brewing is sure to be a fun destination over the 4th of July weekend. Not only can you hear the Eli Cook Band live on July 2nd, there will be seasonal new releases, and a whole lineup of events and friendly competitions like wheelbarrow races, giant beer pong, hula hooping, and cornhole golf.
• Skipping Rock Beer Company has a weekend of live music planned over the 4th of July. Americana fiddle, guitar, and mandolin duo MandaCyn will play on July 2nd, and Shagwüf will rock out on July 3rd. Food trucks will be onsite both nights: German Bratwurst Food Truck (Friday), Gonzo’s Pollo (Saturday).
• Chad Cash will be playing at Seven Arrows Brewing on July 3.
• Celebrate Independence Day on July 3 with a “funky rock and roll dance party” featuring Disco Risqué in Basic City Beer Co.’s illuminated beer garden. Check the events calendar for upcoming performers in the Outdoor Concert Series like Empty Bottles, a “sultry and soulful group will put the wind back in anyone’s sails with grooves from legends such as Kenny Loggins, Hall and Oates, and the Doobie Brothers.”
• Brothers Craft Brewing 4th of July Celebration (July 3) will have lots of special taps, live music, and fun, including Cousin Jimmy’s String Band.
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery is celebrating with music by The Seven Bends Band (July 2) and Thieves of Burden (July 3).
• Hurry and buy your tickets to July 3rd’s Summer Jam at Massanutten. This year’s fun event has a lineup of great music, fireworks, beer, wine, food trucks, and kids’ activities like face painting, arts and crafts, Jenga, and Connect 4. Headliner Kanye Twitty will wow the audience with an eclectic mix of country, rock, hip hop, pop and party favorites. They’ll be joined by Red Dirt Revolution playing popular country hits, and Kevin Davis & BanCaribe, “ an exciting blend of Afro-Cuban, Latin, Caribbean and Soulful Rhythm and Blues, all held together with pulsating percussion.” Proceeds from Summer Jam benefit the Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA.
• Buena Vista’s Glen Maury Park will host a July 4th Concert & Dance from 7-11 p.m. The festivities include a performance by the Dundies as well as a huge fireworks display that’s expected to be visible for six miles. Tickets to the concert can be purchased at the gate.
• If you want to revisit the holiday a week later, check out the fireworks at Waynesboro’s Sunset Spectacular on July 10!
• Head to Broadway’s Heritage Park for the 8th annual Red, White and Brew Festival (July 10). The festival will have beer, wine, cider, food trucks and music from Thieves of Burden and Spencer Hatcher.

Other Summer Music

Lexington-Rockbridge

The Lime Kiln Theater Summer Concert Series has been selling out most of its shows for the past six years and this season offers more chances to enjoy music and theater in the trees and under the stars. Originally an abandoned turn-of-the-century lime quarry, the venue is now a prime spot for local, regional, and national outdoor music and performance art. This year the Lime Kiln welcomes Seldom Scene, Watkins Family Hour, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush Band and more. Click here for the entire 2021 schedule. Purchase tickets individually or spring for a season pass. Concerts extend through October 2nd. Food trucks as well as wine and beer will be available onsite.

Rockbridge area breweries with regular live music:

Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery 

Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery hosts live music on Sundays called “Uncorked.”

Waynesboro

Waynesboro Parks and Rec’s Groovin’ at the Greenway  at Constitution Park is a wonderful way to get outside, listen to music, and celebrate the spirit of community. The Thursday night concert series presents a variety of artists and genres including rock, blues, funk, swing, soul, alt country, and more. You’ll hear the rock and alt country sounds of Thieves of Burden, the funky horns of Every Day People, and more. Concert attendees should bring blankets or chairs and order food from the onsite food truck. The event is family friendly and Blue Ridge Children’s Museum will have activities to occupy the kids. The concerts are from 6-8 p.m. and extend through July 29.

The Wayne Theatre’s Wayne on Main also provides outdoor live music to the public. Musicians will set up under the Wayne marquee and play a variety of genres on the last Wednesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. The 500 block of Main Street will be closed to vehicles during the shows, so concertgoers can set up chairs in the street. Upcoming performances go through September 29 and include Lil Boy Blue Band, The Skill Billy’s, and Blue Ridge Thunder.

Waynesboro area restaurants and breweries that regularly host live music:

• Basic City Beer Co.
• The Fishin’ Pig 
• E&J’s Deli Pub (indoor) 
• Plaza Antigua (new outdoor space!)
• Heritage on Main 
• Benny Stivale’s

Staunton

The historic Blackburn Inn’s SummerStage concert series brings you great music under the stars. Listen to the sounds of Americana, roots, country, folk, and bluegrass bands during the weekly Friday night concerts, which extend through Labor Day. Dine on gourmet picnic boxes and sip beverages from local breweries, cideries, and vineyards. The series will feature artists like The Quebe Sisters, David Wax Museum, Bonnie Bishop, Hackensaw Boys, and more. Get your tickets today!

Outdoor music has returned to the Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand this summer. This year, visitors can hear free live music four nights a week. On Monday nights, hear marches and other big band classics from the historic 70-piece Stonewall Brigade Band. On Tuesday nights in July and August, Linden Heights Baptist Church puts on the annual southern gospel, gospel bluegrass, and contemporary gospel concert series Praise in the Park. Wednesday night brings July and August bluegrass to the park. Local and regional entertainers will get your toes tapping with energetic tunes and banjo picking. Relax on Thursday nights with the Jazz in the Park concert series.  You’ll hear classic jazz standards performed by S.P.L.A.A.A.T. Quartet, amazing stride/boogie pianist William Hayes performing with The Boogie Kings, and more.

The Heifetz Institute’s Festival of Concerts is made up of 50+ concerts, including performances by Heifetz students, alumni artists, celebrity faculty members, and special guests from around the world. The music will range from chamber music, to Fourth of July music, to the multi-genre Heifetz Hootenannies. Concerts will take place both indoors and out and extend through August 6. 

Redbeard Brewing Co.’s Live Summer Concert Series will fill the last Saturday night of each month with music from now until October. Drink your favorite craft beers while listening to the sounds of Six Shot Rebellion, The Findells, The Judy Chops, and more.

Queen City Brewing hosts a weekly (Wednesday) open mic night on their patio.

Augusta County

If you keep up with the music festival scene, you’ve surely heard of the annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival (July 9-11). The family-friendly event sets some of the biggest names in folk music against a stunning backdrop of 120-foot limestone towers at Natural Chimneys Park.  Listen to The Steel Wheels, Tim O’Brien Band, Son Little, Ragged Mtn String Band, and over 40  more as they play sets on five stages. Buy a day pass or make it a weekend and camp in the Natural Chimney’s campground or nearby. Enjoy a beer garden and food and craft vendors. Besides the music, the festival boasts outdoor activities like daily group bike rides, hikes, morning yoga, fun runs, a climbing wall, lawn games, and other activities for kids.

Bring the whole family to Valley Pike Farm Market’s 5th annual Music at the Market series on select Saturdays in July and August. Groove to bands like Thieves of Burden, Relentless, Big City Band, and more!

Restaurants and breweries that host regular live music: 

• Stable Craft Brewing
• Skipping Rock Beer Company
• Seven Arrows Brewing
• Edelweiss German Restaurant

Rockingham County

This year’s EPIC Fest Beer & Wine Festival will take place at the Elkton Landing on August 14 and will feature beer, wine, and music by Who Shot John and Big City Band. Buy tickets online or at the door. Drink tickets will cost $5.

The Rockingham County Fair  is the largest annual event in the Shenandoah Valley. You’ll want to attend all the exhibits, sideshow acts, livestock displays, food, and carnival rides and games by Deggeller Attractions. But you should also add the live music events to your calendar. On August 15, come see a gospel concert and the music of “country, bluegrass, gospel dream team” Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers, and Ben Isaacs. Ticket holders can also catch Tracy Lawrence with Kentucky HeadHunters (August 16), Jimmie Allen with Matt Stell (August 17), and HARDY with The Hackens Boys (August 18). Track and bleacher seating is available.

September 18 marks the 20th annual ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival on the slopes of Massanutten. Join the fun to listen to live music, drink craft beer and wine, gnosh on delicious festival food, and peruse the booths of vendors. Purchase tickets in advance or at the gate. This year’s lineup includes country music singer/songwriter Michael Christopher and dance-floor filler DJ FINKS who mixes everything from contemporary dance songs, to house, afrobeats, and the best music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. You’ll also hear rock party cover band Bombshell RVA’s “fun crowd interaction, spicy vocals, and energetic infectious music.” Finally, you’ll love hearing the hits from Fleetwood Macked, the “most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute band in the U.S.” as they bring you music from the 70s to today.

Rockingham County breweries and vineyards that regularly host live music:

• Bluestone Vineyard (Toast the Weekend)
• CrossKeys Vineyards
• Cave Hill Farms Brewery (Fridays & Saturdays)
• Elkton Brewing Co. (Fridays & Saturdays)
• Brix and Columns Vineyards

Harrisonburg

The 6th annual Sing Me High Music Festival celebrating music and faith is happening August 27-28. Bands with local or faith backgrounds will provide the soundtrack, and there will be plenty of fun, food, and fellowship for the whole family. Festival attendees can buy food and ice cream from vendors and food trucks, take part in kids activities including a giant slip ‘n slide, bid on a guitar in a raffle, and win a pie auction during a hilarious variety show. Musical acts Walking Roots Band, John Schmid, Ebony Nicole, Good Company, Honeytown, and more will perform.

Restaurants and breweries that host regular live music: 

• Brothers Craft Brewing
• Pale Fire Brewing Company
• Restless Moons Brewing
• The Golden Pony
• Clementine

Hey Beerwerks Trailblazers! We’ve got another new set of trailblazers in town with some decidedly selective tastes. Meet the newest Trailblazers – can you relate?

Have you ever sipped a locally sourced, low-carb pilsner after balancing a baby goat in your hand during a Half Lord of the Fishes pose? No? Well what about chilling an IPA with mountain snow while you camp on the side of Mt. Ruapehu? Okay, well, Isla and June have, and while it only crossed off a very small section of their considerably large bucket list, they’re still quite proud of it. This cheery pair has traveled all across the world looking for eco-friendly beers and sustainable fun. Don’t let the faux leather Birkenstocks fool you though. These two know their stuff – how else would they be able to find an organic Baltic Porter made by a group of non-denominational nuns who politely ask the malt to toast itself instead of just roasting it. Your guess is as good as ours. 

Read on for ideas about how Isla and June, the Granola Gals, make the most out of this world…without making a negative impact.

Outdoor Gear

Isla and June are hard on their gear because they really use it. It’s crucial that it’s dependable. Can you imagine your boots falling apart after you step in a creek 18 miles down the trail or ropes that drop your hammock on the ground or fray halfway down your morning rappel? We’ll suggest some hard core adventures, but better gear up first with high-quality gear.

• Walkabout Outfitter (Lexington & Harrisonburg) 
• Rockfish Gap Outfitters (Waynesboro)
• Appalachian Trail Outfitters (Elkton)
• Wilderness Adventure (Staunton)

Fair-Trade (and Vintage) Clothing

Isla and June are stylish and fashionable, but they care passionately about where their clothes are sourced and prefer to buy fair trade and vintage garments. Here are some of their favorite places to shop along the Beerwerks Trail.

• Green Hummingbird Fair Trade Clothing (Harrisonburg)
• New Creation (Harrisonburg)
• Water Street Vintage & Bohemian (Harrisonburg)
• Ten Thousand Villages (Harrisonburg)
• Heartworn Vintage (Harrisonburg)
• Latitudes Fair Trade Store – Shop for Good (Staunton)
• Nanny June Vintage Clothing (Staunton)
• 17 East Beverley Antiques (Staunton)

Farmers’ Markets & Food Co-ops

Isla and June know that if you want to get the freshest organic produce and meats you need to go right to the source. Some of the best selections can be found at local farmers’ markets. Not only will you buy healthy, in-season fruits and veggies, you’ll support sustainable farming practices and get to interact with the farmers, producers, and the community.

• Friendly City Food Co-Op (Harrisonburg)
• Harrisonburg Farmers Market
• Staunton Farmers’ Market
• Lexington Farmer’s Market

• North Augusta Farmer’s Market
• Waynesboro Farmer’s Market
• Stuarts Draft Farm Market
• Staunton’s Local Food Drive-Thru
• The Dayton Market

Yoga Studios

After a hard day of working hard and being good, the Granola Gals need to relax. They’ll breathe deeply with some vinyasa, Iyengar, or hatha yoga before relaxing some more at their favorite brewery.

• Ice House Studios (Harrisonburg)
• Shenandoah Yoga (Harrisonburg)
• Center of Gravity Yoga & Pilates (Lexington)
• Kundalini flow yoga at the Russell Museum (Waynesboro)
• Phoenix Fitness and Yoga (Fishersville)

Sustainable Living

The Granola Gals know that each one of their choices impacts the environment. They strive to live eco-friendly lives with zero-waste (or at least low-waste) lives by eliminating packaging, plastics, chemicals, and buying reusable and sustainable products whenever possible! 

• Bring Your Own (Harrisonburg)
• RefillRenew (Staunton)
• withSimplicity (Harrisonburg)

Located in beautiful Rockbridge County, just down the road from Natural Bridge State Park, Great Valley Farms Brewery & Winery offers delicious beer and wine, incredible view, and lots of room to spread out. Bring your dog and your kids. Taste a flight or pint of beer, and on the weekends, kick back and listen to live music and grab a bite at the food truck. Want to know more? Read on for the answers to all your brewery questions.

Hours:

Wed/Thurs – 12 – 7pm

Fri/Sat – 12 – 8pm

Sun – 12 – 6pm 

What’s new or what’s coming up?

• We just released our Peach Blackberry Farmhouse Ale featuring fresh peaches and blackberries that we froze last summer.  We made the beer over the winter and then aged the beer on the fruit for several months.  
• On the wine side, we are releasing our first carbonated Rose’ (Vin Gris Rose’), which is a pale Rose’ with light effervescence.   

What are your go to brews and what makes them unique?

• Rye Kolsch – The addition of rye malt makes for a different twist on this traditional German ale.
• Lemongrass Basil Saison – We brew a basic Saison and then transform it with the addition of fresh lemongrass and basil from our farm (seasonal).
• Coffee Stout – We make this beer every winter and age it on fresh coffee beans from Lexington Coffee Roasters. 

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?

The Virginia Safari Park is right next door.  You might spot a camel or an ostrich while sipping on your beer! 

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations? 

We don’t distribute our beer, but we do distribute wine to local restaurants and retailers. We’ve been making wine since 2019 and will be processing our third vintage this fall.

Do you allow dogs? Are you kid-friendly?

Yes, we are dog and kid friendly.  

Do you offer food onsite?

We do have food trucks and live music on the weekends.

What events are held at the brewery each year? 

We host several fundraisers with non-profit groups every year, such as Cheers with the Chamber and the Rockbridge Pie Festival.  

Do you offer brewery tours?

No tours are available.  

Pack away the winter gear and get outside and seek a new adventure. You’ll find thrills underground, high in the sky, or watching your kids discover a new park feature made just for them. Check out three fresh ways to explore the outdoors along the Beerwerks Trail. Afterwards, stop by your favorite brewery (or try a new one!) for great-tasting craft beer.

Natural Bridge State Park

Besides a chance to gaze in awe at the 215-foot limestone bridge from the gorge carved by Cedar Creek, visitors will love checking out 60-foot-high Lace Falls and hiking the 6+ miles of trails through Natural Bridge State Park. There are also new offerings for learners of all ages. 

Children’s Discovery Area

The new Children’s Discovery Area features a .6-mile Kids in Parks Track Trail. These trails are part of an expanding network that encourages families to unplug and get outside. The Natural Bridge trail includes self-guided brochures about animals, birds, and pollinators that populate the area. You’ll follow the Skyline Trail, which takes adventurers through animal habitats and shows off stunning views of the Blue Ridge. There’s another area Kids in Parks Track Trail in Shenandoah National Park at Blackrock Summit Trail. Kids will also love getting their hands (and more) dirty at the nearby Nature Explore Outdoor Play Area. Here, they’ll encounter natural features and be encouraged to let their imaginations run wild. 

International Dark Sky Park

The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has awarded International Dark Sky Park status to Natural Bridge State Park—the third in the Virginia State Park system. A dark-sky park is one that has a “distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.” The park will work with astronomy groups and universities to develop stargazing programming.

Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel 

The Trail

The newly restored 1850s Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel runs for 2.25 miles under Afton Mountain and between trailheads with parking in Augusta County and Nelson County. Visitors can hike or bike the trail, including the nearly mile-long tunnel section. Water dripping from the ceiling and walls might surprise you, but the tunnel stays a pleasant 50 degrees year round. Look for underground dwellers like crawfish and salamanders. Signage along the trail gives background on the tunnel’s history and the project to restore it, which took nearly 20 years.

The trail to the tunnel gets steep in sections, especially on the western side, so younger families might prefer starting from the eastern trailhead. However the lot on the eastern side will be closed for expansion until May. There is no interior lighting (and sometimes you can’t even glimpse light at the end), so visitors will need to bring headlamps or flashlights. 

History

The tunnel is named for its designer, Claudius Crozet, a French immigrant who worked as an engineer for Virginia and the Board of Public Works. The state hired him to develop a railroad tunnel through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and despite incredibly hard greenstone, workers (mainly Irish immigrants) punched through in 1856. It took more time to reinforce rock walls with brick and lay the railroad track, and the tunnel opened for railroad traffic on April 13, 1858. At that time, it was the longest railroad tunnel in North America and remained in service until 1944, when the railroad company replaced it with a nearby tunnel designed to accommodate larger trains.

Massanutten Resort’s Adventure Park

You might know Massanutten Resort for its excellent skiing and other winter sports, but did you know that the entire family can now find thrills at Massanutten Resort’s Adventure Park year round? Read on for fresh ways to enjoy thrills and develop skills.

Thrills

Nothing will get your heart pumping like rocketing down the mountain at 30 m.p.h. on the MegaZip. If that’s not enough for you, climb to the top of the 30-foot quick flight jump tower and jump off. Yes, you’ll be strapped in, but you’ll actually achieve the feeling of weightlessness for a few seconds before you’re returned safely to your own shaking legs. Finally, the park offers 600 feet of downhill tubing in both winter and summer, thanks to a special surface on the run. Better yet, there’s a conveyor lift to drag you and your tube back up to the top..

Skills

Climbing enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the park recently installed a climbing area with 16-30-foot walls. Friends can even race each other to the top with no fear of falling because they’ll be securely harnessed to a tension/pulley system. Climbers eager to develop skills should take a climbing and rappelling tour. Professionally trained guides will provide instruction and safety briefings as you take on 38 and 54-foot drops and Class 5 climbs. If you like challenging yourself while in the air, you’ll enjoy a two-hour canopy tour where you’ll be faced with aerial obstacles like vines, ziplines, bridges, and more. The full course might be challenging youngsters, but there’s a Kid’s Adventure Course for those under 12, that provides kid-sized servings of the canopy adventure. Afterward, they’ll enjoy the kids’ playland where they can jump on bouncy castles and mine for gems.

Hey Beerwerks Trailblazers! We’ve got some new trailblazers in town with some decidedly selective tastes. Meet the newest Trailblazer – can you relate?

Marcus and Conrad are the snobbiest of snobs… when it comes to beer. They are self-appointed beer inspectors and they WILL judge you on your choice of beer. Don’t believe us? Listen to this: Conrad claims lite beer has never once touched his lips and Marcus didn’t partake of the toast at his sister’s wedding because they served the beer in the wrong glass. They still haven’t spoken. Trust us, though. The Beerwerks Trails is ready for these two. Will they find a beer that’s worthy of their taste buds? Definitely. 

While a full-length itinerary is coming soon, read on for some Beer Snobs’ favorites, fine establishments that will please even the pickiest self-appointed arbiters of taste.

Fine Clothing

You’ll never find Marcus and Conrad lounging around in hoodies and saggy jeans. Whether dining or hiking, they dress, and they dress well. Here’s where they head for quality.

• Alvin-Dennis (Lexington)

• CFO Trading Company (Staunton)
• Classic Menswear and Tuxedos (Harrisonburg)
• Walkabout Outfitter (Harrisonburg)

Fine Jewelry 

Marcus and Conrad know the value of fine jewelry and accessories. From cufflinks to watches to monogrammed tie bars, and gold-plated bottle openers, they’re up on the classics and the current trends.

• Hugo Kohl Fine Jewelry (Harrisonburg)
• Elk Run Mining Company (Harrisonburg)
• James McHone Jewelry (Harrisonburg)
• Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers (Lexington)
• Hess & Co. Jewelers (Lexington)
• Crown Jewelers (Staunton)
• H.L. Lang & Co (Staunton)
• Rocky’s Gold, Silver & Antiques (Weyers Cave)

Fine Dining

After a day of evaluating craft beer and passing judgement on everybody and everything, Conrad and Marcus are understandably famished. Here are some fine dining establishments that will please their discerning palates.

• Silk Road (Waynesboro)
• Tonic Restaurant and Inn (Lexington)
• Jimmy Madison’s Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar (Harrisonburg)
• Zynodoa (Staunton)
• Blue Elk Coffee Company (Elkton)
• The Cracked Pillar (Bridgewater)

Self-Care

It’s difficult to go through life demanding high standards from everyone and everything, including themselves. Along with their regular grooming regimens, our gentlemen require regular massages because they are so tense!

• Christine Moncure Spa, Beauty & Personal Care (Lexington)
• Wild and Free LLC (Waynesboro)
• Blackburn Spa (Staunton)
• The Healing Touch Spa (Harrisonburg)
• Tangle’s Day Spa (Harrisonburg)

Kitchen and Bar Ware

You didn’t think Conrad and Marcus relax their standards at home, did you? Here are the places they shop to bring luxury to their homes and kitchens!

• Ladles and Linens (Lexington)
• Old Lex Mercantile (Lexington)
• Silver Gallery (Waynesboro)
• Staunton Olive Oil Company
• Beverley Cigar Store (Staunton)
• Kitchenwares & More (Dayton)
• Dayton Interiors (Rockingham)

Local Trailblazers love exploring and trying new things. They embrace the experiences and beauty nature throws at them. They take advantage of local food and products. They revel in all the things that make an area special and unique. Here are five ways to be a trailblazer along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail.

Eat Local

The Beerwerks Trail footprint is home to many great restaurants and Agri-pubs  specializing in local ingredients. You’ll find upscale dining establishments like Haywoods, Zynodoa, or the Joshua Wilton House, and restaurants that serve up heaps of Southern classics like Heritage on Main Street.

Try Edelweiss German Restaurant and Gloria’s Pupuseria for global favorites. Stop by a converted school bus for burgers to die for at Old School Burgers or score a plate of finger-licking barbeque at Log Cabin Barbeque or The Fishin’ Pig.

 Friendly City Food Co-op is good for grab-n-go meals. Save room for fresh local ice cream from Smiley’s Ice Cream or Sweet Things.

Check out more of our restaurants.

Shop Local

Shop along the Beerwerks Trail for one-of-a-kind items from an eclectic selection of independent shops, unique boutiques, and art galleries. 

• Staunton’s historic downtown boasts a number of fine restaurants ranging from comfort food to culinary elegance, and sometimes a mix of the two. You’ll also find unusual offerings like sweet or savory pies at Firkin Pie Company and gelato at The Split Banana. Don’t miss an opportunity to purchase specialty food items at Staunton Grocery. 

• Shop historic downtown Waynesboro for original, local art. Stop by the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, P. Buckley Moss Gallery, and The Wayne Theatre’s newly reopened exhibit gallery to view or make purchases.
• Harrisonburg offers an excellent range of national brand stores and independent retailers. You’ll find beautiful hand-made goods at Lineage Goods, New Creation VA, The Lady Jane, and more.

• Lexington and Rockbridge County have a number of unique boutiques and specialty shops where you can find high-end clothing, antiques, local crafts and artwork, and more. They’re also known for their four country stores: Layne’s Country Store, Natural Bridge General Store and Natty B’s Café, Gerties, and Coiner’s Country Store, and the Brownsburg Museum’s country store replica exhibit.

• Augusta County is a great place to score antiques. Start at Verona’s Factory Antique Mall and the Stuarts Draft Antique Mall. Take advantage of farm-fresh opportunities like farm-to-table dining, farmers’ markets, and farm tours.
• Rockingham County shines in the area of specialty Farm Markets and produce shops like the Dayton Market, Shenandoah Heritage Market, J&B Country Store, Fulks Run Grocery and The Valley Pantry.

Drink Local

With 18 craft breweries and more on the way, you’re always close to a cold Beerwerks brew. Stop in today and try the freshest beer around. If you want to know ahead of time what’s on tap, download the Untappd app. All Beerwerks breweries have profiles and you can read descriptions and reviews of the brews.

Adventure Local

Trailblazers love adventure, and there’s plenty of that along the trail. Keep busy with three new ways to adventure local! 

• The newly restored and opened Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel delves right under Afton Mountain. There’s a 2.25-mile trail for hikers and bikers that stretches from the trailhead in Waynesboro to the one in Nelson County. The mile-long tunnel was originally built for trains in the 1850s, and was once the longest railroad tunnel in North America. It isn’t lit, so you’ll need a flashlight, but the entire family will enjoy hunting for crawfish and salamanders and the slightly spooky sensation of being so far underground.

• Natural Bridge State Park is another stellar location to explore a natural wonder and learn about the history and geography of our area. Use the self-guiding materials to learn about the 215-foot limestone arch, explore the seven miles of trails, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Try out one of the seasonal living history programs and let the kids play, climb, dig, and explore in the Children’s Discovery Area. Keep an eye out for the park’s native animals and insects as well as George Washington’s carved initials! 

• Finally, head to Massanutten Resort’s Adventure Park, where the entire family will find thrills and joy in nature. Hone your skills with a guided climbing and rappelling tour or rocket down the mountain at 30 m.p.h. on the MegaZip! A two-hour canopy tour challenges you with all sorts of aerial obstacles. Children under 12 will enjoy gem mining at the kids’ playland or a kids’ adventure tour with age-appropriate versions of the canopy challenges. The park offers 600 feet of downhill tubing in both winter and summer, thanks to a special surface on the run and a conveyor lift. The park recently installed a climbing area with 16-30-foot walls as well as a quick flight jump tower designed to help you achieve weightlessness!

Wear Local

Skinny jeans might be on their way out, but Beerwerks T-shirts are in, and they flatter everyone!

Earn yours by doing what you love: drinking beer! Get started by signing up for the Beerwerks passport program. Pick up your passport at any of our participating breweries or visitor’s centers (Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington and Rockbridge, Waynesboro, or Rockfish Gap). Next, collect stamps at any eight breweries on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. Fill out and mail your passport, making sure to include your shirt size. Finally, wait for that shirt to arrive!

Check the Beerwerks Website for more ways to be a Trailblazer!

Located just outside of Staunton in Augusta County, Skipping Rock Beer Co. offers delicious beer, a fun atmosphere, and lots of room to spread out. Relax in the beer garden with your dog and your kids. Taste a flight or pint of beer, gather around a firepit, grab a bite at the food truck, and test your brain during tap trivia. Want to know more? Read on for the answers to all your brewery questions.

Hours:

Open 7 days a week!

M-Th: 4-10 p.m.

F: 2-11 p.m.

S: 12-11 p.m.

Sn: 12-8 p.m.

What’s new or what’s coming up?

• Summer Fest in June!
• Double NEIPA + fruited goses in cans (Blackberry, Strawberry & Tropical)

What are your go-to brews and what makes them unique?

• Kolsch – crisp, clean and totally crushable
• NEIPA – hazy, juicy New England IPA. It’s our #1 best seller.
• Amber Lager – Vienna -style lager that is Jason’s [a Skipping Rock owner] personal favorite. It also won a bronze medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival.

What is something unique/quirky about the brewery that most people don’t know?

• We have a large beer garden with fire pits. Our Outside Sales Manager, Andrew, and his dad built them all!
• We ship beer anywhere in Virginia as well as offer curbside pickup through our online store.
• Our location is available to be rented out for private parties including weddings.
• The property used to be a locally owned garden center with greenhouses.

• Our Brew Master was in the Marines before beginning as a dishwasher at Elm City Brewing in New Hampshire, eventually working his way up to Head Brewer. Ben won multiple awards for his brews before transitioning to Skipping Rock in 2018. Since then, he has won gold and bronze medals at the renowned Great American Beer Festival in 2020. 

Do you distribute locally or have any local collaborations?

• We distribute throughout the Shenandoah Valley to many local bars and restaurants including dedicated tap lines at Rocktown Kitchen, The Cracked Pillar, Fishin’ Pig and The River Burger Bar. In addition to those we are also now available at local grocery stores such as Food Lion, Bridgewater Foods, and the Harrisonburg Costco.

Do you allow dogs?

• Absolutely! We allow leashed pups inside and out, plus we offer water bowls and dog treats.

Are you kid-friendly?

• Yes.

Do you offer food onsite?

• We partner with German Bratwurst Food Truck who serves up German-American fare Tuesday through Sunday. You can find more information on their website.

What are the top 2 or 3 events held at the brewery each year?

• Our Anniversary Party in March, Oktoberfest in October, and Xmas Fest in December!

Do you offer brewery tours?

• Not officially, but if you ask, we accommodate!

Weekly Events:

•       Mondays: “Mellow Mondays”: $1 off pints all day for First Responders, Healthcare Pros, Military & Educators
•       Tuesdays: “Twenty%Tuesdays”: 20% off all to-go beer, including cans and growler fills
•       Wednesdays: Trivia Night: Hosted by our own beertender, Heather, every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. 1st place: $20 SRBC gift card, 2nd Place: $15 SRBC gift card!
•       Thursdays: “Thirsty Thursdays”: $2 Select Pints all day
•       Live Music every Friday & Saturday from March through December