February 2024 - Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail

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.