If you’ve been trailblazing in the Shenandoah Valley, you’re probably looking for even more places to fill your camera with stellar photos. Have we got a treat for you! Here are some of the absolute best Instagrammable spots in the Beerwerks Trail footprint. Get out there and explore them all, then follow up that camera action with a cold brew at one of our breweries. Lift your glass, snap a selfie, and don’t forget to tag your photos! #beerwerkstrail

Lexington/Rockbridge Co

Let Lexington and Rockbridge County help you develop your photographer’s eye. Nothing will make you feel as awestruck by nature as you’ll feel when admiring Natural Bridge, Goshen Pass, or the Buena Vista overlook at milepost 45.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the views stretch on for miles. For a sense of human structure, head to Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden, where you’ll find blooming trees and flowers as well as a cool oversized chair and abandoned piano. If you’re in downtown Lexington, pause at the faux historical  Millinery de Rousselot mural at the corner of Main and Washington Streets, which was created for the movie Somersby. Another excellent place to explore for your photos is historic Wade’s Mill, which features a water wheel, gears, belts, and a lovely setting.

Not only does this area have natural scenery and history, it also has “wildlife” from around the world and deep in the past! A popular shot to grab at Virginia Safari Park is the animals reaching their heads into your car for feed. You score more points if you get licked! The life-sized dinosaurs and other creatures at Dinosaur Kingdom II are the wacky creations of Mark Cline. They’re less active — but probably as interesting — as creatures that move and breathe. 

Augusta County

Augusta County is full of natural wonders. From panoramic views to waterfalls to wildflowers, you’ll enjoy every minute you spend here searching for the perfect photo. If you fancy wading in a pool under a waterfall to get your shots, take the 4-mile round trip hike up to St. Mary’s Falls. Photographers who want to get a spectacular view of the Shenandoah Valley should stop at the Raven’s Roost overlook at milepost 10.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway for views of Torrey Ridge and the Shenandoah Valley. A quick hike will take you to a rock outcropping that gives even better views and is often shared with ravens and vultures. Nearby Humpback Rocks requires a steep climb, but rewards hikers with magnificent views of the Shenandoah and Rockfish Valleys. Serious hikers might want to tackle Elliott Knob. This eight-mile hike will make your quads burn, but it showcases a bald mountaintop crowned with an old fire tower.

If you’d rather not work so hard for your photo, check out the blooms at Pebble Hall Wildflowers where you can take home a bouquet along with your shots. For more Valley-level beauty (and a glass of delicious local wine) spend an evening at Barren Ridge Vineyards, where the views of the sunset at the grapevines can’t be beat.

Waynesboro

Downtown Waynesboro has a cool urban vibe that’s amped up by the street art that’s been incorporated into the cityscape over the past few years during the annual Street Art Festival. See it all and pose by your favorites by following the new Street Arts Trail.

Commemorate your stroll down the nearby South River Greenway by pausing on the fish deck in Constitution Park and snapping some selfies in front of the fishing-themed Love sign.

The bridge over the river in Ridgeview Park will provide a nice photo backdrop and vantage point of the water. You’ll also want to admire the changing autumn leaves from the looping hiking and biking trails. 

If you don’t mind a short drive, head to Coyner Springs Park where you can grab action shots of your puppies chasing balls and wading in the creek. You’ll also get a chance to document your human pack showing off on the disc golf course. Since there’s still a little time left in harvest season, visit Wenger Grapes for some fresh grapes and photos of your family picking them.

Staunton

Staunton’s historic downtown is full of Victorian-era architecture that will definitely make your streetscapes stand out. Snap some photos of the recently painted You Belong Here Mural and the nearby Statler Brothers Tribute located at the Wharf parking lot. This is the site of the Staunton Farmers’ Market, so fill your feed with lush photos of ripe, local produce (and grab some to take home)!

Next, take a cue from many an engagement photographer and stroll to the historic Staunton train station, the antique iron Sears Hill Bridge, and the arched walkways under the tracks at Landes Park. Don’t forget to stop at the new beer garden outside Redbeard Brewing Company for more photos and a well deserved beer.

If you travel outside the downtown footprint, make sure you feed the ducks at Gypsy Hill Park, the statuary in Thornrose Cemetery, and the retro neon cool of Wright’s Dairy Rite, a diner that’s been a Staunton staple since the 50s. The Frontier Culture Museum offers a wealth of still-life subject matter, costumed interpreters, and animals hoping to star in your pictures.

Harrisonburg Spots:

Harrisonburg is packed with inspiring sites and gems to explore. Start by swinging by some of the nearly 30 murals decorating downtown on the Harrisonburg Downtown Art Walk. Your best bets include the Lucy Simms mural, the Dino and Dragons mural, the Jack Brown’s mural, and the Ruby’s Arcade mural of a fortune teller.

If you want to broadcast your feelings, pose with your love in front of the Oasis Building love mosaic or the Love sign at the Turner pavilion. Visit the Ice House complex. Originally constructed in 1934, the site has been renovated for modern apartments and businesses like Pale Fire Brewing, Boboko Indonesian Restaurant, and Rocktown Kitchen. Architecture lovers will appreciate the arched facade and red-tile roof of the Rockingham County Court House, the historic spring house where travelers once quenched their thirst, and the historic Harrisonburg sign in Court Square. JMU fans will want to return to campus and make friends with the snarling Duke dog statue before exploring the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. These woodland gardens offer endless possibilities, but you can’t go wrong posing on the bridge.

Rockingham County 

Rockingham County contains even more undeniably beautiful views of the Valley, including mountain vistas, rolling farmland, and the gently flowing Shenandoah River. Since a portion of Shenandoah National Park lies in Rockingham, there are endless photography opportunities. The Massanutten Ridge Trail offers rugged hiking and plenty of sweeping views and is a 4.5-mile round trip. The Bearfence Mountain Trail in Shenandoah National Park is shorter and less challenging, but offers a rock scramble and more rewarding views.

To the west, along the border of Virginia and West Virginia, the unique stone High Knob Fire Tower can be reached (and climbed) after a 40-minute hike.

Instagrammers seeking shots that celebrate the area’s agriculture should take the family to  Showalter’s Orchard for an autumnal “pick your own adventure” of more than 30 varieties of apple. White Oak Lavender Farm offers not only the calming scent of lavender and lavender products and the on-site Purple Wolf Vineyard, but also the chance to catch the kids in action as they explore the discovery area.    

Brewer’s Name: Issac Peglow

How long have you worked at the brewery?  4 years

How did you get involved in brewing? I began homebrewing in college where I fell in love with the science and creativity of brewing. From there, I began reading every book on fermentation science and homebrewing I could get my hands on to improve my brewing skills.

Tell us something people don’t know about your brewery. We are a working farm and integrate sustainable practices throughout our entire operation. We have our own artisanal water source and recycle our gray water for agricultural uses. Our sustainable practices are also carried through from our tasting room to our brewery production facility. For example, we use food scraps to feed our hens for eggs, CO2 and boil-kettle steam to support farm-grown herbs and vegetables in our greenhouse. Spent-grain is fed to cattle and exchanged for local-inspected beef. We also grow a portion of our ingredients for the kitchen, brew house and cider operations. All of the interior property landscaping, which includes over 3000 trees and shrubs, was planted by the farm owners.

What’s your favorite food and beer combo? I have always been a fan of pairing beers with cheese. I really love bleu cheese paired with a west coast IPA. Our black and bleu burger with Throatlatch Imperial IPA is an awesome combo.

Tell us about your pets. My wife and I adopted two kittens in the spring of 2016. Elphaba and Cruiser. They are some of the most well trained cats that I have had the pleasure of living with, and are extremely patient with our one-and-a-half-year-old son.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Shenandoah Valley? I have always been an outdoorsman. I grew up hunting and fishing in Pennsylvania, and the Valley offers plenty of opportunities for more. Our weekend family adventures usually consist of trips to Mint Springs Park or Gypsy Hill Park where our son can run around and we can have a small picnic. I also love to take foraging hikes looking for wild edibles such as morels and chanterelles.

What’s the best way to spend time in the outdoors in the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail footprint? Hiking on the Parkway is best because it offers some gorgeous views of the Valley and close proximity to some tasty Stable Craft beers and ciders!

The kids are finally gone, so you might be thinking of dusting off your old camping gear.  Don’t bother! Stuff that tent back in the garage and make reservations somewhere that makes you feel like a grown-up. Set your weekend in Staunton and Lexington – cities with active cultural and shopping scenes and also short drives from some of the best hiking and scenery around. Best of all, you’ll be steps away from five Beerwerks breweries with more located nearby. Here’s our three-day, three-night guide to elegant lodging, incredible food and craft drinks, and outdoor adventure.

FRIDAY

Step 1: Check into Your Hotel

For the first time in 20 years, you’re traveling without kids and you deserve to treat yourself to a special home base! Enjoy Staunton’s elegant and historic best at the Blackburn Inn or Gibson’s Warehouse. Both luxury accommodations are downtown and offer access to the best of Staunton’s dining and cultural scene. 

Step 2: Pick up Your Beerwerks Passport (and a Quick Drink)

Toast your weekend with a cold one, and earn a cool t-shirt simultaneously. Get your Beerwerks Passport at Redbeard Brewing Company, Queen City Brewing, Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co. Skipping Rock Beer Company, or the Staunton Visitor Center. 

Step 3: Celebrate Your Freedom with Good Food

Staunton’s dining choices will remind you of a larger city, so when it’s the time to sit across from each other and think of conversational topics that don’t involve the kids, why not discuss the incredible craft food and farm-to-table freshness on your plates? BLU Point Seafood Co., one of Staunton’s newest restaurants, offers upscale fine dining, fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood, and must-grab seats at the raw bar. Try something different at 101 West Bev., a design-your-own bowl restaurant. Finally, you’ll love The Shack’s ever-evolving menu inspired by local and seasonal ingredients. With praise from Esquire, Food and Wine, and Southern Living, it’s Staunton’s most buzzed about eatery. 

SATURDAY

Step 4: Get Started on Your Day

Partial to fresh French pastry? Place an online order at Newtown Baking for a savory scone or a peaches and cream danish to go. Next, stroll through the Wharf Historic District to enjoy the Staunton Farmers’ Market, and the small Woodrow Park (on Sears Hill) and Landes Park –  both give you a different perspective on downtown and a view of historic railroad landscaping.

Step 5: Head Outdoors

A wonderful way to get some exercise, learn some history, and get acquainted with Staunton’s Victorian charm is to take a walking tour. Check out the walking tours of Gospel Hill, Wharf, Beverley, Newtown and Stuart Addition historic districts, or consider a Biteseeing Staunton tour – the perfect combo of Staunton’s interesting architecture and its food culture. 

If you’re a birdwatcher or nature lover, explore the loop trail at Augusta Springs Wetlands, then cool down with a post-hike beer at Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company.

Staunton has a vibrant and walkable downtown packed with independent shops. It also boasts an active arts and music scene. Want some art on your walls not made by your kids? Pick a new favorite artist at CoArt Gallery or some handmade gifts at Latitudes Fair Trade or Made; by the People, for the People.

Step 6: Enjoy Some Shakespeare or Live Music at a Brewery 

The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse is a spot-on recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. It has made Staunton a Shakespeare destination with its performances of Shakespeare plays and more, and is a must-see if you’re in town.

Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company, Redbeard Brewing Company, and Skipping Rock Beer Company often host live music on Saturday nights. Check their schedules for a chance to drink your new favorite brew and rock out without the kids.

SUNDAY

Step 7: Savor Some Brunch

Sleep in, rise late, and then start the day right with a relaxing brunch. Downtown Staunton’s  Table 44 kicks comfort food up a notch. Complement your meal by ordering a loaded Bloody Mary and a beautiful baked treat from Table 44’s in-house bakery, Paris Cake Company.  Zynodoa is another good bet for re-envisioned Southern classics.  

Step 8: Take a Drive on the Parkway toward Lexington and Check into Your Lodging

People flock to the Shenandoah Valley for its natural beauty, and you can score a bird’s eye perspective from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Touted as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this scenic byway undulates along the mountain ridge and offers scenic overlooks and trailheads.
Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 27.2 and take VA Scenic Byway Rt. 56 – also a segment along the cycling TransAmerican Trail. Spend the third night of your trip enjoying the countryside around Lexington at Sugar Tree Inn, Steeles Tavern Manor, or Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast. From each, you’ll be able to breathe deeply in the peace of the countryside, yet make it downtown in just a short drive. If you want to be closer to the action and be within walking distance of dining, shopping and historical sites, boutique The Georges Inn or The Gin are downtown options.

Step 9: Spend the Afternoon and Evening Exploring and Eating in Downtown Lexington

Lexington is steeped in history, and with two colleges located in town – Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, both on the National Registry of Historic Places – there’s always something happening. The charming downtown offers seasonal carriage tours, many fine restaurants, galleries and shops. Look for unique treasures in Sugar Maple Trading Company, or art and gifts by local artists in Artists in Cahoots. Empty nesters with new grandchildren on the way will enjoy browsing all the cute things in Baby’s First Gifts.

Lexington’s newest brewery, Heliotrope Brewing, will help you get refreshed after a long day of activity. Stay longer and enjoy one of Heliotrope’s gourmet pizzas. Other recommended dining options include savory classics at the Southern Inn, or contemporary favorites at Bistro on Main. Finish off your evening at Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe or a summer weekend double-feature at Hull’s Drive-in Theater.

Extend your stay…

Step 10: Get Outside

With over 100,000 acres of public lands and two rivers, empty nesters of all skill levels can hike, bike, paddle and fish in Lexington and Rockbridge County. Visit Natural Bridge State Park with 7 miles of hiking trails, including the universally accessible Cedar Creek Trail which passes directly under the 215ft tall and 4 million year old Natural Bridge.    

The Upper James River Water Trail includes 74 miles of the James and Maury Rivers, and sections of both rivers have been designated a Virginia Scenic River. Folks can enjoy kayaking, tubing, and fishing at public access points or team up with an outfitter.
Grab a deli sandwich or blue plate special at one of the nostalgic country stores — Natural Bridge General Store and Natty B’s Cafe or Lanye’s Country Store — and enjoy the outdoor dining spaces at Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery, overlooking 27-acres with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

For wildlife viewing, walk or cycle along the Chessie Nature Trail, a 7 mile rail-trail paralleling the Maury River between Lexington and Buena Vista. Relax amidst over 2,000 varieties of trees, meadows and ponds at Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden — the perfect spot for bird watching.  
Grab a casual dinner at Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen for a final toast to your beercation with a flight of craft beers and classic pub-style eats. (Covid-reservations required). Fill up your growler to go, and plan your next trip to the Valley to complete your Passport. Don’t forget to tag your photos #beerwerkstrail to share your fun!   

Step 11: Hit up a Roastery for a Jolt of Caffeine

Before you hit the trail back home, fuel up at Lexington Coffee Roasters with an espresso and take home a bag or two of award winning, freshly roasted coffee…our favorite is the organic Blue Ridge blend. 

Are you looking for a weekend of adventure, sweet snapshots of family and friends, and the tastiest beer around? A two-day beercation on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail offers up all this plus craveable food, live music and more. Here’s our 48-hour guide in eight steps. Don’t forget to tag your photos to share your fun! #beerwerkstrail

FRIDAY

Step 1: Check into Your Lodging

• We all like adventure, but being close to your homebase has its advantages. Not only does Stable Craft Brewing Suites have cozy lodging, but it’s also a craft brewery. You won’t even have to call an Uber to get back to your suite. 
• If camping is your bag, Natural Chimneys Park & Campground combines the best of nature and civilization, with shower houses, electrical hookups, and even a pool. For a more rustic experience, nab a first-come, first-served site at Hone Quarry Campground.

Step 2: Pick up Your Beerwerks Passport (and a Quick Drink)

Toast your weekend with a cold one and earn a cool t-shirt while you’re doing it. Get your Beerwerks Passport at all of the Trail’s participating breweries like Skipping Rock Beer Company, Pale Fire Brewing or Harrisonburg’s Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center. You can also use Untappd to earn a t-shirt. Here’s how.

Step 3: Get Some Grub

• If you’re staying at Stable Craft Brewing, order from their Agri-pub menu of locally-sourced beef burgers, sandwiches, and hearty entrees like steak and smoked pork and grits. Go full circle, and finish your dinner with their spent grain bread pudding.
• Campers should take a break from the campstove and head to Jimmy Madison’s Southern Kitchen and Whiskey Bar for Southern cuisine and whiskey. Connoisseurs can sample whiskey flights and craft cocktails over entrées like char grilled meatloaf. Dying for a great burger, you say? Jack Brown’s serves up incredible classics and inventive specials made from all-natural wagyu beef.

SATURDAY

Step 4: Fuel up for Your Day

• Harrisonburg’s Shenandoah Joe offers 25 varieties of delicious Arabica coffee as well as pastries. Black Sheep Coffee uses fresh roasted beans for espresso, drip and pour-over coffee. Get yours to go and enjoy a stroll around the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market for produce, flowers, baked goods, and all kinds of handmade treats.
• If you’re still near Stable Craft or Natural Chimneys, it’s just a quick drive to Fishersville’s The Gateway Cafe for great coffee as well as a full menu of breakfast and lunch items. The Rumor Mill Coffee Company at Valley Pike Farm Market has a large selection of morning treats including: lattes, frozen mochas, and summer lavender lemonade.

Step 5 Option #1: Hiking/Caving, Drinking, Shopping

• It’s time to tie your hiking boots, load your hiking apps and get on the trail. Try Shenandoah National Park’s strenuous, 9.8-mile “action-packed” Riprap Trail for an icy swimming hole. You’ll also love the shorter scramble up Humpback Rocks for a drop dead view of the surrounding valleys. Recover with a post-hike beer at Waynesboro’s Basic City Beer Co, which is expanding into a new space and will serve local wine, cider, craft cocktails, and food.
• If you’re looking for something a little different, go for a hike underground. Our area’s bedrock resembles swiss cheese and boasts Endless Caverns and Grand Caverns. Afterwards, refresh yourself at Harrisonburg’s The Friendly Fermenter.
• After your beer, walk around downtown Waynesboro and check out Pyramid, which sells everything from home goods, locally made jewelry, and self care, to Appalachian magick and crystals. Alpha & Omega Antiques carries the collectibles and memorabilia to help “grand-millennials” furnish their homes and live in style. Shenandoah Hemp Supply supports local suppliers by selling their hemp and CBD supplies for relaxation and more. Next, drive through Verona, to experience the vast inventory of Factory Antique Mall, which claims the title of the largest such establishment in the country! Finally, the Green Valley Bookfair in Mount Crawford is a goldmine for book lovers. This discount book outlet stocks over 30,000 new books that are reduced up to 90%.

Step 5 Option #2: Biking, Farm Tours,and Art

• For an adventure guaranteed to spike your adrenaline, grab your mountain bike and hurtle down the ski lift-served trails at Massanutten’s Mountain Bike Park. You’ll get the thrills of the downhill without sweating the climbs. Cross country riders (who don’t mind tackling the uphills) will enjoy the 30+ miles of trails on the Western Slope.The park offers trails for riders of all abilities, lift ticket options, lessons and bike rentals. Don’t forget your action camera! Cool off afterwards with a beer at nearby Cave Hill Farms Brewery.
• The Shenandoah Valley is known for its agriculture, its focus on ethical and sustainable farming, and its farm-to-table philosophy. To learn more, take a self-guided tour of Polyface Farm, a leader in environmentally friendly farming. Enjoy the scenery while sourcing materials for beautiful bouquets at White Oak Lavender Farm and Pebble Hall Wildflowers. Or make a day out of “picking your own adventure” at Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse. Check out the Fields of Gold Trail for links to farmers’ markets, farms to tour, farm-to-table restaurants and more.
• Explore Harrisonburg’s walkable 40-block downtown. A good way to start is by checking out the Downtown Harrisonburg Art Walk, which encourages visitors to engage with public art through the nearly 30 murals, mosaics, and sculptures by local artists. Feast your eyes at 1500 Franklin Street Gallery, which showcases multicultural work by local and national artists. Also check out Oasis, a fine art and craft gallery where you can view and purchase work from many Valley artists. Finally, visit Ten Thousand Villages, which sells fair trade crafts from around the world. 

Step 6: See a Show at a Brewery Serving up Live Music on Saturday Night

We know you want to get comfortable, but wait just a little longer before donning your baggy sweats. Several nearby breweries often host live music on Saturday nights. Check their schedules for a chance to drink your favorite brew and enjoy some tunes.

• Brothers Craft Brewing
• Elkton Brewing Co.
• Restless Moons Brewing Company
• Pale Fire Brewing Co.
• Stable Craft Brewing
• Basic City Beer Co.
• Seven Arrows Brewing

SUNDAY

Step 7: Brunch Up – Gather Strength for the Drive Home!

Sleep in, rise late, and then fill up with a relaxing brunch. 

• Harrisonburg: Sip an inventive cocktail at Clementine Cafe while sampling some of their southern classics with eclectic flare along with extensive vegan and vegetarian options. Another good bet is Magpie Diner where you can get wholesome classics like buttermilk biscuits smothered in local sausage gravy or peach French toast.
• If you’re located in the other direction, Waynesboro’s Weasie’s Kitchen has a classic menu stocked with breakfast favorites and more. Nobos Kitchen (located at Seven Arrows Brewing) has a made-from-scratch menu of eclectic comfort food featuring local ingredients.

Step 8: 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