Summer is officially in session and you find yourself still in the promise land that is Harrisonburg, Va. While this is never a bad thing, summer at JMU can be a little less thrilling than the regular semester. A lot of your friends have packed up and headed off to their summer jobs or internships so what to do now? I've composed a comprehensive list of 10 nearby breweries you should check out while in the area this summer because you can never go wrong with beer.
1. Wolfe Street Brewing- Harrisonburg, VA
Wolfe Street is a no brainer for JMU students! Located in downtown Harrisonburg it's within walking distance. Try a flight, play a board game, or indulge in the food trucks located behind the brewery! There's a little something for everyone at Wolfe Street Brewing.
2. Stable Craft Brewery- Waynesboro, VA
Only 25 short miles from JMU's campus, Stable Craft Brewery has everything a college students could want. This brewery is also a working farm, wedding venue, and restaurant. Grab a cheese plate, a flight of beer, and sit out on the patio to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views. Don't forget to say hello to the horses while you're on the farm.
3. Three Notch'd- Harrisonburg, VA
Also located in downtown Harrisonburg is the ever popular Three Notch'd Brewery. Try their bend & brew yoga session every Saturday morning!
4. Pale Fire Brewing- Harrisonburg, VA
Located on N. Liberty in the IceHouse complex is Pale Fire Brewing! The beautiful indoor decor attracts beer lovers. The brewery has a "little free library" with a plethora of books around their cozy fireplace which makes for a cozy reading nook.
5. Basic City- Waynesboro, VA
Nestled at the foothills of Afton Mountain, this new brewery is definitely worth the visit! With a rustic garage feel, this is a cool place to grab a brew and chill. If you're not in the mood to chill, try the indoor corn hole boards, pool, and pinball. There's also widescreen projectors for all the sports fans!
6. Pro Re Nata- Crozet, VA
Pro Re Nata is a personal favorite! Not far from Basic City, this brewery is just over the mountain. Sit on the patio under the lights while enjoying gorgeous views. Pro Re Nata is Latin for "as needed", the doctor's orders for what ails you! The flights come in cute mason jar glasses, perfect for your next Instagram post.
7. Bold Rock Cidery- Nellysford, VA
Ok, if you haven't been to Bold Rock then you're missing out for sure. If you're not a huge beer fan, this is a perfect stop for you. Grab a pint of cider and walk around the property or sit outside on the porch and relax. Located on the 151 beer trail in Nelson County, it is easy to hit up other breweries close by.
8. Blue Mountain Brewery- Afton, VA
Grab a Full Nelson, Blue Mountain's signature pale ale and grab a seat in the luxurious beer garden. Just up the road from Bold Rock, Blue Mountain is a fun brewery and restaurant with breathtaking views and a large outdoors patio. Their pizza is big enough for the whole family to share and is definitely worth a try!
9. Devils Backbone- Roseland, VA
Located close to Wintergreen Resort it's easy to plan a fun weekend around your visit to this popular brewery. Their outdoor beer garden is one of the best you'll find anywhere, nevermind the Harrisonburg area.
10. Random Row Brewing Co.- Charlottesville, VA
Random Row Brewing Company was founded by twenty local families in Charlottesville. This brewery is located nearby downtown Charlottesville and has a fun, family-friendly environment. Grab an aesthetically pleasing flight and snap a few pictures with friends!
So if you're in Harrisonburg this summer and wondering what to do with your idle time, check out one (or a few) of these breweries!
