{"id":6138,"date":"2020-09-09T09:48:02","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T13:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beerwerkstrail.com\/?p=6138"},"modified":"2020-12-23T10:25:26","modified_gmt":"2020-12-23T15:25:26","slug":"empty-nesters-fly-free-48-hour-beercation-on-the-shenandoah-beerwerks-trail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beerwerkstrail.com\/empty-nesters-fly-free-48-hour-beercation-on-the-shenandoah-beerwerks-trail\/","title":{"rendered":"Empty Nesters Fly Free: 48-Hour Beercation on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script id=\"cr-init__0af9290171ce8adb\" src=\"https:\/\/starling.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The kids are finally gone, so you might be thinking of dusting off your old camping gear.\u00a0 Don\u2019t bother! Stuff that tent back in the garage and make reservations somewhere that makes you feel like a grown-up. Set your weekend in Staunton and Lexington &#8211; cities with active cultural and shopping scenes and also short drives from some of the best hiking and scenery around. Best of all, you\u2019ll be steps away from five Beerwerks breweries with more located nearby. Here\u2019s our three-day, three-night guide to elegant lodging, incredible food and craft drinks, and outdoor adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>FRIDAY<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Check into Your Hotel<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the first time in 20 years, you\u2019re traveling without kids and you deserve to treat yourself to a special home base! Enjoy Staunton\u2019s elegant and historic best at the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blackburn-inn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blackburn Inn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gibsonswarehouse.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gibson\u2019s Warehouse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Both luxury accommodations are downtown and offer access to the best of Staunton\u2019s dining and cultural scene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-8d9bdecc3d05ec6dd145db7b\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Pick up Your Beerwerks Passport (and a Quick Drink)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toast your weekend with a cold one, and earn a cool t-shirt simultaneously. Get your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/beerwerkstrail.com\/things-to-do\/passport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beerwerks Passport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redbeardbrews.com\/events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redbeard Brewing Company<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qcbrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queen City Brewing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shenvalbrew.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co.<\/span><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/skippingrockbeer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skipping Rock Beer Company<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.visitstaunton.com\/plan-your-trip\/visitor-centers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staunton Visitor Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Celebrate Your Freedom with Good Food<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staunton\u2019s dining choices will remind you of a larger city, so when it\u2019s the time to sit across from each other and think of conversational topics that don\u2019t involve the kids, why not discuss the incredible craft food and farm-to-table freshness on your plates? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blupointseafoodco.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BLU Point Seafood Co.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, one of Staunton\u2019s newest restaurants, offers upscale fine dining, fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood, and must-grab seats at the raw bar. Try something different at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.101westbev.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">101 West Bev.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a design-your-own bowl restaurant. Finally, you\u2019ll love <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/theshackva.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Shack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s ever-evolving menu inspired by local and seasonal ingredients. With praise from <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Esquire<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food and Wine<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southern Living<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s Staunton\u2019s most buzzed about eatery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-5d7c42feec1809211aaf4554\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><\/p>\n<h1><strong>SATURDAY<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 4: Get Started on Your Day<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Partial to fresh French pastry? Place an online order at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newtownbaking.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newtown Baking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a savory scone or a peaches and cream danish to go. Next, stroll through the Wharf Historic District to enjoy the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/stauntonfarmersmarket.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staunton Farmers\u2019 Market<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the small <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ci.staunton.va.us\/departments\/parks-recreation-\/parks\/woodrow-park-sears-hill-copy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Woodrow Park (on Sears Hill)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ci.staunton.va.us\/departments\/parks-recreation-\/parks\/landes-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Landes Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211;\u00a0 both give you a different perspective on downtown and a view of historic railroad landscaping.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-b583d2b3926d8d7f033fd0bb\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 5: Head Outdoors<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wonderful way to get some exercise, learn some history, and get acquainted with Staunton\u2019s Victorian charm is to take a walking tour. Check out the walking tours of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/visitstaunton.com\/explore-staunton-on-foot-the-gospel-hill-historic-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gospel Hill<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/visitstaunton.com\/explore-staunton-on-foot-wharf-historic-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wharf<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/visitstaunton.com\/explore-staunton-on-foot-beverley-historic-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beverley<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/visitstaunton.com\/explore-staunton-on-foot-newtown-historic-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newtown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/visitstaunton.com\/explore-staunton-on-foot-stuart-addition-historic-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stuart Addition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> historic districts, or consider a Biteseeing Staunton tour &#8211; the perfect combo of Staunton\u2019s interesting architecture and its food culture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-50c370638b15fec05508cd88\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re a birdwatcher or nature lover, explore the loop trail at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dwr.virginia.gov\/vbwt\/sites\/augusta-springs-wetlands-trail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Augusta Springs Wetlands<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, then cool down with a post-hike beer at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pg\/arfanan1\/events\/?ref=page_internal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-342b0965d260241065d76e7e\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staunton has a vibrant and walkable downtown packed with independent shops. It also boasts an active arts and music scene. Want some art on your walls not made by your kids? Pick a new favorite artist at <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/coartgallery.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CoArt Gallery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or some handmade gifts at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/latitudesfairtrade.com\/pages\/staunton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Latitudes Fair Trade<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.made-va.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Made; by the People, for the People<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-45e6da61a68ce69bd27d15eb\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 6: Enjoy Some Shakespeare or Live Music at a Brewery\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/americanshakespearecenter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Shakespeare Center\u2019s Blackfriars Playhouse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a spot-on recreation of Shakespeare\u2019s indoor theater. It has made Staunton a Shakespeare destination with its performances of Shakespeare plays and more, and is a must-see if you\u2019re in town.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-067ecedcea3da2da5ce69d03\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pg\/arfanan1\/events\/?ref=page_internal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redbeardbrews.com\/events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redbeard Brewing Company<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/skippingrockbeer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skipping Rock Beer Company<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often host live music on Saturday nights. Check their schedules for a chance to drink your new favorite brew and rock out without the kids.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>SUNDAY<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 7: Savor Some Brunch<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep in, rise late, and then start the day right with a relaxing brunch. Downtown Staunton\u2019s\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pariscakeco.com\/table-44\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Table 44<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> kicks comfort food up a notch. Complement your meal by ordering a loaded Bloody Mary and a beautiful baked treat from Table 44\u2019s in-house bakery, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pariscakeco.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paris Cake Company<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.zynodoa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zynodoa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another good bet for re-envisioned Southern classics.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-588d200fec41529a1d36305a\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 8: Take a Drive on the Parkway toward Lexington and Check into Your Lodging<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People flock to the Shenandoah Valley for its natural beauty, and you can score a bird&#8217;s eye perspective from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueridgeparkway.org\/districts\/blue-ridge-parkway-ridge-region\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue Ridge Parkway<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Touted as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Favorite Drive,\u201d this scenic byway undulates along the mountain ridge and offers scenic overlooks and trailheads.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 27.2 and take VA Scenic Byway Rt. 56 \u2013 also a segment along the cycling TransAmerican Trail. Spend the third night of your trip enjoying the countryside around Lexington at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sugartreeinn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugar Tree Inn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.steelestavern.com\/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=GMB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steeles Tavern Manor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brierleyhill.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. From each, you\u2019ll be able to breathe deeply in the peace of the countryside, yet make it downtown in just a short drive. If you want to be closer to the action and be within walking distance of dining, shopping and historical sites, boutique <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thegeorges.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Georges Inn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/roberteleehotel.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Gin<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are downtown options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-dc0759bcc5a6abf80ae66c01\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 9: Spend the Afternoon and Evening Exploring and Eating in Downtown Lexington<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lexington is steeped in history, and with two colleges located in town \u2013 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington and Lee University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vmi.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virginia Military Institute<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, both on the National Registry of Historic Places \u2013 there\u2019s always something happening. The charming downtown offers <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lexcarriage.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seasonal carriage tours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, many fine restaurants, galleries and shops. Look for unique treasures in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sugarmapletradingcompany.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugar Maple Trading Company<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or art and gifts by local artists in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/artistsincahoots.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Artists in Cahoots<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Empty nesters with new grandchildren on the way will enjoy browsing all the cute things in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/babysfirstgifts.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baby\u2019s First Gifts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-cec63de9a2ad1e025a42b2b4\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lexington\u2019s newest brewery, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/heliotropebrew\/photos\/pcb.735198260584823\/735198017251514\/?type=3&amp;theater\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heliotrope Brewing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, will help you get refreshed after a long day of activity. Stay longer and enjoy one of Heliotrope\u2019s gourmet pizzas. Other recommended dining options include savory classics at the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southerninn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southern Inn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or contemporary favorites at <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bistro-lexington.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bistro on Main<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Finish off your evening at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SweetThingsIceCreamShop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a summer weekend double-feature at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hullsdrivein.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hull\u2019s Drive-in Theater<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Extend your stay\u2026<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 10: Get Outside<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With over 100,000 acres of public lands and two rivers, empty nesters of all skill levels can hike, bike, paddle and fish in Lexington and Rockbridge County. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcr.virginia.gov\/state-parks\/natural-bridge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Natural Bridge State Park<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with 7 miles of hiking trails, including the universally accessible Cedar Creek Trail which passes directly under the 215ft tall and 4 million year old Natural Bridge.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-a96a9faf830344390f5e3433\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/upperjamesriverwatertrail.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Upper James River Water Trail<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> includes 74 miles of the James and Maury Rivers, and sections of both rivers have been designated a Virginia Scenic River. Folks can enjoy kayaking, tubing, and fishing at public access points or team up with an outfitter. <\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grab a deli sandwich or blue plate special at one of the nostalgic country stores &#8212; Natural Bridge General Store and Natty B\u2019s Cafe or Lanye\u2019s Country Store &#8212; and enjoy the outdoor dining spaces at <a href=\"http:\/\/greatvalleyfarmbrewery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery<\/a>, overlooking 27-acres with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-dd7ab61862ec032aceeb1d86\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For wildlife viewing, walk or cycle along the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vmi.edu\/about\/our-location\/chessie-trail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chessie Nature Trail<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a 7 mile rail-trail paralleling the Maury River between Lexington and Buena Vista. Relax amidst over 2,000 varieties of trees, meadows and ponds at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/boxerwood.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8212; the perfect spot for bird watching. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grab a casual dinner at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dbbrewingcompany.com\/location\/outpost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room &amp; Kitchen<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a final toast to your beercation with a flight of craft beers and classic pub-style eats. (Covid-reservations required). Fill up your growler to go, and plan your next trip to the Valley to complete your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/beerwerkstrail.com\/things-to-do\/passport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t forget to tag your photos #beerwerkstrail to share your fun!<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 11: Hit up a Roastery for a Jolt of Caffeine<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you hit the trail back home, fuel up at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtoncoffee.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lexington Coffee Roasters<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with an espresso and take home a bag or two of award winning, freshly roasted coffee&#8230;our favorite is the organic Blue Ridge blend.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"cr-embed-a64ce5a25153ea31174642cb\" src=\"https:\/\/post.crowdriff.com\/js\/crowdriff.js\" async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The kids are finally gone, so you might be thinking of dusting off your old camping gear.\u00a0 Don\u2019t bother! Stuff that tent back in the garage and make reservations somewhere [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5911,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Empty Nesters Fly Free: 48-Hour Beercation on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail - Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/beerwerkstrail.com\/empty-nesters-fly-free-48-hour-beercation-on-the-shenandoah-beerwerks-trail\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Empty Nesters Fly Free: 48-Hour Beercation on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail - Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The kids are finally gone, so you might be thinking of dusting off your old camping gear.\u00a0 Don\u2019t bother! 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