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.
