Let’s talk Black Friday – we think your friends and loved ones might love you even more if you turn your trip to the Shenandoah Valley into a dream holiday shopping spree. Your celebration to-do checklist will get that special Valley-local touch, and you’ll have an excuse to stop by Beerwerks breweries for a break from all that hard work! Take a look at just a few of our unique Beerwerks-approved shops.
For the Book & Music Lover
One of the best parts about shopping local is our proprietors who take great joy in bringing quality items to each customer. This helps you obtain unique goods and knowledgeable advice to make an informed decision about your purchase.
Rockbridge Music / Lexington
Rockbridge Music suggests that it’s “never too late to pick up an instrument.” If you’ve always been curious, check out their extensive collections of “instruments, accessories, recording equipment, band rentals, amplifiers, lesson books, music lessons, instrument repairs, and fun!”
Black Swan Books / Staunton
Come choose a classic read at Black Swan Books, which offers rare and used books as well as records. Not sure what to read or listen to next? Ask at the counter for a recommendation. Plus, if you’re lucky you might be in the store when there’s a reading, book signing, or live music.
Downtown Books / Harrisonburg
Downtown Books, run by independent bookseller Bob Schurtz, sells a variety of used books, videos, CD’s, DVD’s, comic books, postcards, cards, and more. You’ll find the perfect gift and probably something for yourself as well.
For the Food Lover
Buying food locally here means enjoying Shenandoah Valley-grown food – it’s fresh, wholesome and part of the reason you came here, right? Plus, you’ll be able talk to the vendor about the production of the food.
Friendly City Co-Op / Harrisonburg
More than 150 local vendors sell their wares at Friendly City Co-Op. You can buy fresh produce, hot foods, baked goods, coffee, honey, dairy, meat, and many other giftables like locally-made lotions, soaps, CDs, cookbooks, and lavender products. Feel good supporting local artisans while reaping the benefits of wholesome and organically sound products.
Cocoa Mills Chocolates / Lexington
Cocoa Mills Chocolates sells an array of artisanal chocolates, all worth trying. One of their best gifts, perfect for the outdoors fanatic on your list, is the chocolate survival kit. Buy one for yourself, too, as the generous assortment of chocolate is a must-have for the Black Friday shopper as it will “help you survive any situation great or small.”
Staunton Olive Oil / Staunton
Don’t forget the holiday entertaining you’ll be doing in the next few weeks. Stock up on vinegar and olive oil at Staunton Olive Oil to serve at your next beer and cheese party. And if you’re looking for gifts, you can purchase herbs, soaps, coasters, or olive oil sampler sets.
The Cheese Shop / Augusta Co.
It may be early in the baking season, but for anyone who gifts cookie baskets, a trip to The Cheese Shop is in order for all your ingredient needs. This newly renovated store also offers snacks (to go with your beer), deli meats and cheeses, and bulk spices, which cost far less than in the supermarket. (Insider Tip: stop by the Galactic Donut within the Cheese Shop and grab the Homer Special!)
For Kids at Heart
Just Games / Lexington
Just Games is a great place to stock up for the next game night with friends. “We have just the game for beer lovers called Brewin’ USA. It’s a strategy board game where you play a startup brewery competing to develop the best craft beer and control regions by winning local brewfests,” Zander Tallman, at Just Games, enthuses. Just Games carries dozens of party games like Cards Against Humanity and Telestrations. Everyone knows games like those are more fun with a pint of beer!
Pufferbellies / Staunton
While you won’t find anything beer related at Pufferbellies (!), you’ll find plenty to keep your kids (or yourself) nostalgically-entertained for many happy hours. Browse the carefully curated children’s books or the LEGO wall. Find products for the science-minded or the art enthusiast. Our personal favorite is the game selection, made up of many award-winning titles that emphasize creativity and teamwork.
For Outdoor Lovers
There’s something special about giving experiences. If you (or the lucky gift recipient) enjoy the outdoors, check these shops out.
Rockfish Gap Outfitters / Waynesboro
If you’re in the market for hiking, biking, paddling, or camping gear, make Rockfish Gap Outfitters your first stop. Rockfish Gap Outfitters is the Valley’s oldest outdoor store, outfitting Appalachian trail hikers and the area’s outdoor enthusiasts since 1987. This store carries a wide array of inventory, but knowledgeable staff, who actually use the products, can provide great guidance and advice to customers.
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing / Harrisonburg
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing is your go-to shop for Harrisonburg-area fly fishing supplies or adventure. In addition to showcasing a full line of great products to meet your supply needs, including the largest selections of fly-tying supplies in Virginia, Mossy Creek will also offer guide services and instruction along the scenic Mossy Creek or in the mountain streams in George Washington National Forest.
Dominion Outdoors / Augusta Co.
Do you like to hunt or target shoot? Buy rifles, handguns, shotguns, ammo, optics and a wide variety of other gun-related supplies at Dominion Outdoors in Fishersville.
South River Fly Shop / Waynesboro
Located within easy walking distance of the South River, the fully-stocked South River Fly Shop is a great choice for last-minute supplies for your fly-fishing adventure. Grab a gift certificate for a guided trip or fly fishing lessons.
For Beer Lovers
Finally, you can spend this hectic shopping day relaxing at one of our breweries and enjoying a variety of fresh craft beers. Take home six-packs or growlers for you or your friends. Also, many of our breweries sell gift cards, so plan to share the love. Here are some other beer-related stops you should make.
Shenandoah Hops / Staunton
Shenandoah Hops sells a wide variety of craft beer, cider, and wine and the staff is very knowledgeable about the products being sold. Some bottles may be mixed for six packs, and you can also buy snacks and local art and jewelry.
Valley Pike Farm Market / Augusta Co.
Valley Pike Farm Market loves supporting all things local. Offering Virginia-made products including peanuts, hot sauces, specialty seasonings, Route 11 potato chips, and a huge selection of Virginia Craft beer, Valley Pike is perfect for the holidays, sporting events, and other fun get-togethers. Nicole Klingensmith, Director of Events, tells us that “these products are sure to be party pleasers and always pair well with local craft beer!”
Mr. Jamison’s Sub Shop and Beer Market / Waynesboro
Purchase beers from the cooler to go or to drink on the premises while you hang out at Mr. Jamison’s Sub Shop and Beer Market. You can also enjoy subs, salads, and sports on TV.
Brew Ridge Taps / Lexington
Visit Brew Ridge Taps for a great craft beer experience. On Black Friday, the taphouse will be partnering with Pumpkin Seeds, a local boutique, for a Black Friday sale. Both stores will give customers a ten-percent discount when they produce receipts from the other business.