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 great places to stay. These home bases will serve you well as you explore everything the Valley offers. Check out some of the limited-time packages offered by some of our favorite accommodations along the route.
Lexington/Rockbridge Lodging
Harrisonburg’s Overnight Elegance
Augusta County’s Rustic Farm Lodging
Waynesboro’s Romantic B&B’s
Staunton’s Historic Hotels
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: Silk Road Asian Restaurant and Bar or The Green Leaf Grill
- Lexington: Southern Inn Restaurant or Haywood’s Piano Bar and Grill
- Staunton: BLU Point Seafood Co. or 101 West Bev.
- Augusta County: Augusta Kitchen or Old School Burgers
- Harrisonburg: Joshua Wilton House or Jimmy Madison’s Southern Kitchen and Whiskey Bar
- 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 and Espresso Bar and the Lexington Farmers Market (seasonal)
- Augusta County: The Gateway Cafe and the Rumor Mill Coffee Company at the Valley Pike Farm Market
- Staunton: Crucible Coffee Roasters and the Staunton Farmers’ Market (seasonal)
- Harrisonburg: Shenandoah Joe and the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market
- Waynesboro: Farmhaus Coffee Co. and the Waynesboro Farmers Market (seasonal)
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: North River Gorge Trail is 35 minutes from Skipping Rock Beer Company
- Lexington: House Mountain is 20 minutes from Heliotrope Brewery
- Waynesboro: Appalachian Trail, Rockfish Gap is 12 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing
- Staunton: Spy Rock is 45 minutes from Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company
- Harrisonburg: Dark Hollow Falls is 60 minutes from Pale Fire Brewing Co.
- Click here for more suggestions
Step 6: Explore Our Unique Downtowns
- 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.
- 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 is steeped in history, and with two colleges located in town, there’s always something happening. The charming downtown offers many fine restaurants, galleries and shops, and its location deep in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley makes it easy for visitors to access city trails such as the Chessie Nature Trail, Boxerwood Nature Center, Natural Bridge State Park and the James and Maury rivers.
- 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
- Staunton
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: Table 44
- Harrisonburg: Food.Bar.Food
- Waynesboro: Heritage on Main Street
- Lexington: The Palms
- 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!
