The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail is packed with months’ worth of adventure thanks to our location in the Shenandoah Valley (1.5 hours from DC or Richmond, 3 hours from Hampton Roads,) but two days will let you experience some of the best we have to offer. Boutique hotels and rustic farm lodging, craveable food, rockin’ music and outdoor adventure fill out your beercation. Here’s our 48-hour guide in nine steps.
FRIDAY:
Step 1: Check into Your Hotel
From fancy boutique hotels to rustic farm experiences, towns along the Beerwerks Trail boast many great places to stay. These home bases will serve you well as you explore everything the Valley has to offer.
- Staunton’s Historic Hotels
- Waynesboro’s Romantic B&B’s
- Augusta County’s Rustic Farm Lodging
- Lexington/Rockbridge Lodging
- Harrisonburg’s Overnight Elegance
Step 2: Pick up Your Beerwerks Passport
Toast your weekend with a cold one and earn a cool t-shirt while you’re doing it. Get your Beerwerks Passport at participating breweries and the following visitor centers:
- Harrisonburg’s Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center,
- Lexington and Rockbridge Visitor Centers
- Staunton Visitor Center
- Rockfish Gap Tourist Information Center
Step 3: Get Some Grub
The diverse restaurant scene along the Beerwerks Trail celebrates craft food and emphasizes farm-to-table freshness. If you’re visiting a brewery, make sure to take time to explore nearby restaurants, too.
- Waynesboro: Basic City Brewing and Hop’s Kitchen or Jake’s Bar & Grill
- Lexington: The Palms or The Southern Inn
- Staunton: Chicano Boy Taco or Table 44
- Augusta County: Stable Craft Brewing or Nobos Kitchen (located at Seven Arrows Brewing)
- Harrisonburg: Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint or Local Chop and Grill House
- See our “What We’re Eating as We Explore the Beerwerks Trail” featuring some of the best food along the trail.
SATURDAY
Step 4: Fuel up for Your Day
You have a busy day ahead of you. Recharge at a local coffee spot and visit a nearby farmers’ market for some caffeine and food.
- Lexington: Lexington Coffee Roasters Roastery and Espresso Bar and the Rockbridge Farmers’ Market
- Augusta County: Perk Place Coffee Company and either the market in Staunton or Waynesboro
- Staunton: Réunion and the Staunton Farmers’ Market
- Harrisonburg: Black Sheep Coffee and the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market
- Waynesboro: The French Press and the Waynesboro Farmers Market
Step 5: Head Outdoors
It’s time to take a hike and see what all the Shenandoah Valley fuss is about. Get outside and breathe in the fresh air. Pair your adventure with a post-hike beer at a nearby brewery.
- Augusta County: Natural Chimneys Park is 35 minutes from Stable Craft Brewing
- Natural Bridge: Natural Bridge State Park is 12 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery
- Waynesboro: Humpback Rocks is 15 minutes from Basic City Beer Co.
- Staunton: Elliot Knob is 20 minutes from Redbeard Brewing Company
- Harrisonburg: Hone Quarry Recreation Area is 30 minutes from Restless Moons Brewing
- See http://explore.beerwerkstrail.com/ for more suggestions
Step 6: Explore Our Unique Downtowns
- Staunton
- Perhaps best known for its Victorian architecture, the American Shakespeare Center and its proximity to beautiful natural areas, Staunton also has a vibrant downtown with an active arts and music scene. In addition to dining choices that are reminiscent of a larger city and a variety of independent shops, Staunton’s central location also makes it an ideal jumping-off point to explore the rest of the Valley.
- Harrisonburg
- There’s so much to do in “The Friendly City!” Harrisonburg’s walkable 40-block downtown is rich in unique restaurants, cutting-edge arts and culture, shopping, history and college-town cool. Plan to visit some of its fine museums and parks. Harrisonburg is proud to be the first recognized Arts and Cultural and Culinary District in Virginia. Outdoor enthusiasts can easily access Shenandoah National Park or the Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
- Lexington
- Lexington is steeped in history, and with two colleges located in town, there’s always something happening. The charming downtown offers many of fine restaurants, galleries and shops, and its location deep in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley makes it easy for visitors to access the surrounding natural wonders.
- Waynesboro
- Waynesboro is divinely placed to be your gateway to outdoor adventure. Nature fans can enjoy hiking the Appalachian Trail, driving the Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway, or exploring a wealth of in-town parks and green spaces. History buffs can learn about historical figures like Mad Anthony Wayne and locations like the Crozet railroad tunnel. In addition, Waynesboro’s growing cultural scene includes regular festivals like the Fall Foliage Art Show, Virginia Street Arts Festival, and Virginia Chili Blues n’ Brews, making it a can’t-miss place to visit.
Step 7: See a Show at a Brewery Serving up Live Music on Saturday Night
Several breweries along the Beerwerks Trail often host live music on Saturday nights. Check their schedules for a chance to drink your favorite brew and enjoy some tunes.
- Lexington & Natural Bridge
- Waynesboro
- Augusta County
- Harrisonburg
SUNDAY
Step 8: Enjoy a Little Brunch
Sleep in, rise late, and then start the day right with a relaxing brunch. Here are some sure bets in each area.
- Staunton: The Shack
- Harrisonburg: Clementine Cafe
- Waynesboro: Weasie’s Kitchen
- Lexington: Bistro on Main
- Augusta County: Nobos Kitchen (located at Seven Arrows Brewing) or White’s Wayside
Step 9: Hit up a Brewery for a Final Farewell
Before you say “happy trails,” make sure you stop at one more brewery to
- Fill up your growler to go
- Plan your next trip to the Valley to complete your Passport
And Lastly, Start Planning Your Beercation!
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