We’d like to introduce you to the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail’s newest partner, The Carriage. The Carriage is a 14-seat shuttle providing safe transportation to, from, and between all 20 of our craft breweries. With customizable itineraries, comfy seating, party lights, and karaoke, they’re dedicated to making your brewery experience safe, convenient, and better than ever!
1. Tell us the story behind The Carriage. How did it all begin?
The idea for The Carriage really came out of our own love for brewery tours. We’ve always enjoyed spending the day with friends, hitting a few local spots, and just having a great time together without anyone having to drive. As we started thinking about retirement, we tossed around the idea of getting our own brewery tour bus to combine our love of local breweries, good company, and travel. In 2023, we found the perfect vehicle and we decided to take the leap and open a business focused on brewery and winery tour transportation. In a short two years, our business has grown and we have added a second bus. That’s how The Carriage got rolling—literally!
2. What inspired you to start a shuttle service, and why in the Shenandoah Valley?
The Shenandoah Valley is home for us, and we’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. This area has become a real destination for craft beer lovers, with so many amazing breweries to explore. We wanted to create a fun, stress-free, and safe way for people to experience it all—just like we enjoy doing ourselves. With The Carriage, we’re not just giving folks a ride—we’re helping support local tourism and partnering with the incredible breweries that make this region so special. It’s a great way to bring people together and shine a spotlight on what makes the Valley such a great place to visit.
3. What sets The Carriage apart from other transportation options in the area?
We’ve designed The Carriage to be more than just transportation—it’s part of the fun. Our buses are fully renovated with comfort and entertainment in mind. From limousine-style seating and vinyl flooring to party lights and a top-notch sound system, the whole setup encourages a good time. We’ve added mobile Wi-Fi and onboard TVs with cable and streaming, so there’s always something to watch—or sing along to! Karaoke has quickly become a crowd favorite and adds a whole new level of fun between stops. We feel like the ride itself becomes part of the adventure.
4. What excites you most about being part of the Beerwerks Trail experience?
One of the most exciting parts of being part of the Beerwerks Trail is the chance to build real relationships with the local breweries. We love getting to know the people behind the beer and helping more visitors discover everything they have to offer. Our goal is to make it seamless and enjoyable for folks to explore the trail—whether it’s their first visit or their fifth. We’re proud to play a part in bringing more customers to these fantastic local spots and supporting the craft beer community here in the Shenandoah Valley.
5. How does The Carriage enhance a brewery-goer’s visit to the trail?
The Carriage makes it easy for brewery-goers to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about the drive. Guests can visit multiple stops along the Beerwerks Trail, knowing they’ll be safe, comfortable, and in good company the entire way. From the moment they hop on board, the experience is elevated—with cozy seating, onboard entertainment, and a laid-back atmosphere that keeps the fun going between breweries. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy everything the Valley’s breweries have to offer.
6. Describe a typical Beerwerks shuttle experience. What can riders expect?
No two rides on The Carriage are ever the same—and that’s part of the fun! We tailor each experience to match the vibe of the group. Some folks want a laid-back cruise through the Valley, soaking in the views between stops. Others turn it into a rolling celebration, complete with music, karaoke, and party lights. With all the amenities on board, groups can make the experience their own. What’s most rewarding for us is seeing how each group makes the experience special—whether it’s a birthday, a weekend getaway, or just a day out with friends, it’s always a fun way to travel.
7. Is there music on board? Snacks? Games? Give us the vibe!
The Carriage is built for a good time! We’ve got a high-quality sound system on board, and music is always part of the ride—whether it’s a party playlist, your own tunes, or even karaoke. Groups are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, and many bring along games to keep things lively. That said, plenty of folks just kick back, enjoy the ride, and take in the views. We let each group set the tone—whether you’re going for chill and scenic or upbeat and festive, we’re here to match the vibe.
8. What’s the most fun or surprising thing that’s happened during a tour?
There’s never a dull moment on The Carriage, but some of the best memories come as the day unfolds—when the music gets louder, the singing kicks in, and next thing you know, there’s a full-on dance party happening on board. One of our favorite surprises has been discovering just how much karaoke talent we have here in the Shenandoah Valley! It’s always a blast watching people let loose, cheer each other on, and really make the experience their own. Every tour has its own energy, and that’s what makes it so much fun for us too.
9. Any tips for riders to make the most of their Beerwerks shuttle adventure?
Honestly, just come ready to have a good time! Traveling with The Carriage is easy—we’re flexible and do our best to tailor each ride to the group. The one tip we always share: book early, especially for weekends or during peak seasons when the weather’s nice. Tours can fill up quickly, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the fun!
10. What’s your personal favorite karaoke song?
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is definitely the crowd favorite—and we can’t argue with that! It’s one of those songs that gets everyone singing along, no matter the group. The energy when the whole bus joins in is just the best. It’s become a bit of a tradition on The Carriage, and we love it every time.
11. How can people book a ride, and what should they know before hopping on board?
Booking with us is easy. Just call or text 540-320-4514. We’re always happy to chat and help you plan the perfect outing. You can also visit our website, where you’ll find a helpful FAQ section that covers common questions. Whether you’re planning ahead or just starting to explore options, we’re here to make the process fun, flexible, and stress-free. And don’t forget to follow us on social media @TheCarriage.netVA (instagram) or @TheCarriageShuttle (facebook).