Where to Stay Along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail

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Looking for a new way to sip craft beer and soak up Shenandoah Valley scenery this spring? Why not plan a beercation along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail? The Trail links 19 independent craft breweries, divided into three zones, all within an hour’s drive. While you can technically travel the length of the trail in 60 minutes, there’s so much to do at the breweries and nearby attractions, you’ll want to stretch out and savor the journey. To help out, we’ve gathered some of our favorite lodgings to serve as home bases in each Beerwerks zone. Read on for where to stay as you enjoy the area’s greatest views and brews along the Beerwerks Trail.

Zone C: Lexington, Natural Bridge & Rockbridge County

Lexington’s Hampton Inn Lexington Col Alto spreads over seven acres with 86 modern guest rooms, It features an outdoor pool and whirlpool, EV charging, a hot breakfast, business and fitness centers, and pet-friendly spaces. Guests looking for historic ambiance are in for a treat: the 1827 Georgian-style Col Alto Mansion boasts an additional 10 rooms with details like fireplaces, wood floors, and period-inspired decor. Walk to Lexington attractions like dining and shopping, the Chessie Nature Trail, Washington & Lee University, Virginia Military Institute, and the Jackson House Museum. 

Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center’s rooms provide the perfect mix of comfort and charm, complemented by comfy beds and friendly service. The onsite Colonial Dining Room opens for breakfast and dinner and serves Southern cuisine along with steak, seafood, and pasta. The cozy Red Fox Tavern offers American pub fare with the option to dine on the patio. The hotel is just steps from Natural Bridge State Park where guests can explore miles of hiking trails, photograph the 215-foot tall limestone landmark, and admire the night sky. After visiting the park, check out the Virginia Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom II, and the Natural Bridge Speedway.

Zone B: Waynesboro, Staunton & Augusta County

Waynesboro’s Iris Inn is a mountain getaway that pampers guests with luxurious rooms, private hot tubs, fireplaces, and pretty views. Luxury cabins perch on the mountainside commanding views with floor-to-ceiling windows. Personalized service and an onsite spa ensures relaxation and rejuvenation. The inn can personalize your experience with food and activity packages to help you find romance, celebrate special occasions, enjoy local beer and wine, or get you hiking, horseback riding, or sightseeing. 

Convenient to the interstate, shopping, and dining, Wingate by Wyndham is also a short distance away from downtown Waynesboro and Shenandoah National Park. Enjoy a free breakfast and WiFi, a business center, gym, and an indoor pool that’s always open. Nearby, Days Inn by Wyndham features an outdoor pool with an incredible view of the Blue Ridge. Pet-friendly rooms have microwaves and refrigerators, and there’s a 24-hour coffee station. Both lodgings are:

Staunton

You might recognize award-winning Batten Green as the site for fairytale weddings (think 12 acres of manicured lawns, mountain views, vows under a gazebo), but you don’t need to be tying the knot to stay there. A variety of beautiful and deeply comfortable spaces suit groups of all sizes (up to 34). Options include the entire historic manor house with its three spacious bedrooms, multiple lounge spaces, and a full commercial kitchen. Suites in the converted barn include work spaces, kitchenettes, electric fireplaces, indoor and outdoor common spaces. Select suites are family and dog-friendly, with access to sofa beds, travel cribs, and patios opening onto the lawn. Visitors looking for additional privacy or longer term stays will like the cottage’s full kitchen, washer/dryer, ample closet space, and fenced in yard with doggie door.

Tru by Hilton Staunton boasts a fitness center, EV charging, streaming entertainment, build-your-own breakfast, and the option to bring your pet. Nearby, Fairfield Inn & Suites promises friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and an included breakfast bar stocked with eggs and bacon, breakfast pizza, fruit, oatmeal, and more. Convenient to both the interstate and downtown, Holiday Inn Staunton has a pool, fitness center, EV charging, and accommodates pets. Visitors praise the clean rooms and friendly staff. Staunton attractions include the Blackfriars Playhouse, the Virginia Scenic Railway, and the Frontier Culture Museum. Foodies will love the Saturday Farmers’ Market and the Shop and Dine Out Downtown weekend walking mall. These Staunton lodgings are:

Augusta County

Tucked on a private 16 acres in western Augusta County, Meadowlark Ridge B&B is a perfect home base for adventures in the natural forest. The log home and its innkeepers provide comfortable accommodations, delicious, home-cooked food. The environment promises peace in nature starting with morning coffee and birdwatching on the porch and stargazing at night. Visitors have easy access to Natural Chimneys Park, Elkhorn Lake, and the Stokesville mountain bike trails. 

Built in 1790, but updated for modern comfort, Cider House Bed and Breakfast sits on a 20-acre organic farm with an orchard, pollinator gardens, pastureland for donkeys and alpacas, fire pits, and lawn games like croquet and horseshoes. Guests will enjoy a full gourmet breakfast made with local ingredients, and the option to purchase picnics, snacks, and special packages.This lodging is a short drive from both Waynesboro and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Stable Craft Brewing offers delicious craft beer, a menu of dishes made with local ingredients, and onsite suites for beer enthusiasts who want to spend a weekend on the farm. Guests enjoy comfortable bedrooms, well-appointed bathrooms, and private living spaces with kitchens, patios, and hot tubs. There’s plenty to do on the farm: take a sustainable brewery tour, listen to live music, play yard games, and relax in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Zone A: Harrisonburg, Elkton & Rockingham County

Live the high life when you choose Friendly City Inn as your home base for your visit to Harrisonburg. The mansion dates back to 1885, and each unique room retains the charms of that area, but has been updated with modern comfort in mind. Guests will enjoy gourmet breakfasts made with locally-sourced ingredients. Relax on the inn’s 2-acre grounds or stroll downtown for a meal and entertainment. You’ll be close to James Madison University, The Explore More Children’s Museum, Hillandale Park, and more. Make sure to check out the inn’s Craft Beer Special package, which comes with six different local beers, soft pretzels, and a tasty array of snacks. The breweries below are all within walking distance, making it easy to get a number of passport stamps.

Massanutten Resort is a fun, four-season resort with no end to amenities and activities. Used for snow sports in the winter, the slopes open for lift-served mountain bike trails and summer tubing. The resort has hiking trails, golf courses, a spa, a half dozen restaurants, three escape rooms, and a family adventure park with zip lines and climbing walls. The popular indoor/outdoor waterpark is open for fun all year round. Lodgings range from streamlined condos to sprawling family getaways, so it’s suitable for groups of all sizes. 

Make plans to spend this spring and early summer sipping – and staying – along the Beerwerks Trail. Book your lodging today.