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A gorgeous Friday is the toughest day to concentrate and perform your duties at work, so why try? Instead, cash in a vacation day and head to the best breweries for a Blue Ridge Friday. You’ll want to bring a few friends for this tasting adventure, and probably an overnight bag, too.
Arrange a craft beer tour with Tour Roanoke and its hop-on hop-off brewery tour to check out multiple local spots in one evening while you leave the driving to someone else.
All our breweries are part of the Virginia's Blue Ridge Cheers Trail. Before your visit, make sure to sign up for the Cheers Trail Passport Program so that you can check in at various locations to receive exclusive specials and some cool swag! Learn more >
Here are the breweries you have to check out during your beercation in Virginia's Blue Ridge.
Big Lick Brewing Company | Roanoke
Bringing a wide variety of craft beer to downtown Roanoke since 2014, Big Lick offers the area’s largest beer garden, which sounds like a great place to be on a beautiful Friday in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Choose a site-brewed craft beer to enjoy and perhaps another for your growler to go? Nearby restaurants deliver, so kick back or pull up a stool for a while.
>> Big Lick Brewing Company Opens New Spot in Downtown Roanoke
Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage | Roanoke
Charlottesville’s Starr Hill Brewery has launched a pilot brewery, tasting room, and live music stage at the base of Mill Mountain. This facility will offer many of Starr Hill’s most acclaimed brews and also craft new brews in their custom five barrel system. Food trucks bring the tastes and hot new artists bring the tunes. All that’s missing is you!
>> Starr Hill Pilot Brewery Opens in Roanoke
Parkway Brewing Company | Salem
Parkway is a favorite destination and meet-up place for those who love the Roanoke Valley Greenway and other nearby trails. Just steps away from outdoor opportunities, it’s a great spot for unwinding with a post-run beer and food truck delights. Choose from 11 taps to enjoy on the patio.
>> Beer Wars: Light vs Dark with Craft Beer in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Chaos Mountain Brewing | Callaway
Tucked into the shadow of Cahas Mountain is Chaos Mountain Brewing, a husband and wife-owned craft brewery dedicated to their mantra, “Chaos is Brewing.” The team experiments to create fun one-offs for those who visit the brewery, but also distributes some of their 49 beers to area watering holes. A special perk for your DD is Chaos Mountain Root Beer, a non-alcoholic swill that’s on tap when there’s an empty tap. Cool, huh?
>> 13 Summer Beers to Try in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Beale’s Brewery & BBQ | Bedford
The old Hampton Looms woolen mill has a new life as a craft brewery and restaurant. Revitalized industrial spaces aren’t new, but we love the mood at Beale’s, which opened in June 2017. It’s a family- and pet-friendly destination that goes above and beyond with games, outdoor spaces, and excellent BBQ and appetizers, too. Try their four flagship beers to find your fave. We recommend Black.
>> Beale’s Features Great Craft Beer & BBQ
Twin Creeks Brewing Company | Vinton
Vinton’s hometown brewery is Twin Creeks, so named for its location between Glade and Tinker Creeks, Roanoke River tributaries. If you’re into drinking craft beer that gives a nod to the name of the brewery, try their Slow Water Porter (6% ABV American Porter) or Spring Water Kolsch (5.6% ABV German style Kolsch). Food trucks are on-site Thursday through Sunday, along with trivia on Thursdays, live music Friday and Saturday nights, and Vinyl Sundays every weekend.
>> 8 Spots for Mountain Biking & Beer in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Are you ready to #CrushFridayVA like a pro? Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge to indulge in craft beer, wine, food, adrenaline junkie fun, and a ton more. See what you’re missing and join us for a #BlueRidgeDay.
