College rox but you know what doesn’t? Crappy, warm Natty Light (or Natty Regular which is apparently a thing). Let me set the scene for you: you’re sitting outside on a beautiful fall day, the wind in your air as you look out at the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley, an ice, cold brewhaha in your hand. Sounds a little better than that Natty Light, amirite or amirite?
If you are as #overit as I am, then check out this ultimate guide to breweries in the Shenandoah Valley. Most of these are only a couple hours away from JMU (with a couple actually located in Harrisonburg). Let’s do this.
1. Beer Hound Brewery: Culpeper, VA
Beer Hound is a nanobrewery which for all of you craft beer novices is basically a brewery that doesn’t typically brew more than one batch at a time. Fun fact: all the beers at Beer Hound are named after famous hounds in movies and history.
2. Devils Backbone Brewing Company: Lexington, VA
Devils Backbone has a stacked lineup of beer from IPAs, lagers and seasonal varieties (basic girls rejoice: their pumpkin ale is straight fire). Devils Backbone is the King of taproom takeovers so peep their website for where they’ll be and when.
3. Brothers Craft Brewing: Harrisonburg, VA
After class beer, anyone? Head to downtown Harrisonburg and grab this beer. It’s as local as it gets. My personal fave is their Hoptimization but on any given day they have 10 rotating drafts. So. Many. Choices. Just drink ’em all.
4. Backroom Brewery: Middletown, VA
Beer Tasting A photo posted by Rob Shultz (@mr_shultz) on Jul 3, 2015 at 3:50pm PDT
BRB (see what I did there) is doing big things with their beer. They are creative AF with beers like Cilantro Lime, Chili Pepper Red Ale, Black Truffle Pig Black IPA and Chicken Chow Barley Wine. They also have a kitchen so you can nom while you drink (which may save you from that hangover).
5. Pale Fire Brewing Company: Harrisonburg, VA
Boom. Another brewery that is just minutes away from JMU’s campus. The Pale Fire tasting room is like a comfy, cozy library. Ditch Carrier and make Pale Fire your new study spot. They’re also mad trendy and play records and serve you kombucha. #DoItForTheInsta
6. Queen City Brewing: Staunton, VA
Almost like a chocolate dipped strawberry! Can you guess what this is? A photo posted by Queen City Brewing (@qcbrewing) on Mar 4, 2015 at 12:01pm PST
This place makes tasting beer a party. Which I diggggggg. They have live music on Friday nights alongside 22 beers on tap. They also have this thing called “become the brewer” where you can straight up brew your own batch of beer which is the coolest thing I’ve ever heard of.
7. Three Notch’d Brewing Company: Harrisonburg, VA
YAS MORE LOCAL BEER. Go Harrisonburg. Three Notch’d rockkkkks. They bring in food trucks on Saturdays which is ~trendy~ but they also have awesome events every week. Follow them on FB to make sure you don’t miss out. Say no to FOMO.
8. Woodstock Brewhouse: Woodstock, VA
Eat local. Drink local. Woodstock’s finest #WoodstockBrewHouse. #1752Barbecue. A photo posted by Murdock Snarr (@murdocksnarr) on Jul 18, 2015 at 12:26pm PDT
Yum. Woodstock has this beer, the Tipsy Squirrel that is not only tasty AF but has the best name I’ve ever heard of. Also, food. They’ve got pizza and giant pretzels to accompany your brewski. Even if you’re designated-driving, they have their own cream soda, ginger ale and root beer.
9. Seven Arrows Brewing Company: Waynesboro, VA
Seven Arrows has the normal brewery experience but they also have an exclusive club, 38N by 78W (it’s free). By joining, you get special perks like discounts off pints and t-shirts. College kids love free stuff and it has to do with beer? We’re sold.