Surrounded by mountains, today’s Shenandoah Valley is one of the most popular destinations in Virginia for taking in the spectacular colors of the fall foliage. Explore the Shenandoah Valley, along the Beerwerks Trail as you discover authentic cities and towns, cultural attractions, outdoor exploration, live theater and local farm to table dining which give the Valley its distinct flavor which is best paired with craft beer!
Start your journey in Harrisonburg at Hugo Kohl’s Museum of American Jewelry Design. This multi-sensory museum was designed to give visitors a visual and audible experience of jewelry manufacturing. An elevated floor plan allows your group to browse the retail store while watching artisans create in the workshop below. Guided tours available or take a self-guided tour and explore the museum at your own pace. Located next door, stop by Pale Fire Brewing Company a cozy tap room complete with fireplace, outdoor patio, and collection of vinyl waiting to spin. Eleven taps feature a range of classic beer styles including an American Saison that won Bronze at the Great American Beer Festival. After your tasting, have a home-cooked meal at O’Neill’s Grill. For over 15 years, they’ve been serving up fresh, scratch-made food. Best known for their indulgent cookie skillets created for classic dessert lovers.
Traveling south to Staunton, discover the life and legacy of the 28th President at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. Take a guided tour of the Presbyterian Manse where Wilson was born and spent the first year of his life. Next stop, is the museum which includes Wilson’s Pierce-Arrow limousine, an interactive World War I trench and seven exhibit galleries. Round out the day with a beer and a little Shakespeare. A true microbrewery in downtown Staunton, Redbeard Brewing Company brews small batches of big beer, handcrafted by one brewer from beginning to end using traditional methods. Before your show, have an authentic, Italian meal at Emilio’s. This upscale restaurant makes for a fine dining experience serving multiple courses and an extensive wine list. Afterward, stroll on over to the American Shakespeare Center where Shakespeare is serious fun!
On your next day check out Humpback Rock in Augusta County—arguably one of the Valley’s most well-known hiking destinations. Located off the scenic, Blue Ridge Parkway, this challenging two-mile hike offers amazing views from the top of this popular rock outcropping. For those looking for an easy leg-stretcher start at the Humpback Visitor Center and take the Mountain Farm Trail (.25 mile) leading to the Outdoor Farm Museum where you can tour a 19th century log cabin and outbuildings complete with costumed interpreters providing demonstrations of subsistence farmers. After you’ve worked up an appetite, experience a true working farm brewery at Stable Craft. With opportunities to tour hop fields, pet the horses, and take a behind scenes tour of the brewery. Afterward, enjoy a tasting of their farm fresh beers and lunch featuring an agri-pub menu.
Head back to your hotel to freshen up before a night out in Waynesboro. Have a truly southern meal at the Fishin’ Pig. Serving a fusion of Grady’s Memphis BBQ and Shorty’s Famous Seafood, Chicken and Vegetables. Their extensive menu features 20 craft beers on tap, several from local breweries on the Beerwerks Trail! Next stop is, Basic City for a tasting and tour. Reclaiming this “Lost Town,” Basic City has transformed this former industrial complex paying homage to the City of yesteryear with its distinctive taproom and hand-crafted beers like Waynesbeeroh. End your night at the Wayne Theatre. After a period of renovations, this historic theater reopened its doors in 2016. The state-of-the-art performance venue, presents national acts like Robin and Linda Williams, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Wilson Fairchild, and even America’s Got Talent performers. The Wayne also features locally produced musical theater, science and history lectures, and classic movies.
In the morning wake up and head south to Lexington and one of the Valley’s natural wonders at Natural Bridge State Park. Discover for yourself why the awestruck Thomas Jefferson purchased the 215-ft. limestone arch in 1774. Follow the Cedar Creek Trail – for a total walking distance of about a mile on relatively flat land – under the Bridge to the Monacan Indian Living History Exhibit and past an old saltpeter mine and the Lost River, ending at Lace Falls. Grab lunch in downtown Lexington. The Sheridan Livery Inn was originally opened in 1887 as John Sheridan’s stable and carriage service. Today, the dining room offers a varied American menu, full bar, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax. The perfect end to Drink in the Valley is Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery & Tap Room located on a beautiful hillside just outside of Lexington, the Outpost, houses a custom-built brewery featuring a 120bbl Rolec Brewing system, SBC bottling and canning lines and Tap Room. Tour the inner workings of this larger scale brewery and then enjoy an award-winning brew in the taproom.
The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail pairs the craft beer experience with a combination of activities and attractions that uniquely reflect the region’s recreational and cultural activities. Trail updates and news can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.