Outdoor Recreation
The views are wonderful from the top of the Blue Ridge, and from Waynesboro you can head north into Shenandoah National Park or south along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both directions boast frequent scenic overlooks that are easy to access from your car, as well as miles and miles of incredible trails through undeveloped land.
Fly fishing challenges the body and the brain. Not only is it a physical activity, but you have to do way more work than tossing a hook in the water to catch anything! Anglers must know where to go and how the river moves, what fly to use, and where (and how) to cast that fly. A good place to start is the South River as it flows through downtown Waynesboro, and spring is the perfect season to go, as the aquatic insects are hatching.
If you’re looking for a different kind of experience, check out the newly restored Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel that cuts right through the mountain under Rockfish Gap. The tunnel was built in the 1850s for the railroad, but was abandoned when trains got too big to pass safely through. Park at either end of the two-mile trail and hike or bike to the tunnel entrance. Once inside the tunnel, you’ll need a good light, as it is nearly a mile long and has no artificial illumination.
Foodie Hotspots
The bar at The River Burger Bar provides a nice transition from the outdoors to inside as it is designed to look like a real riverbed with water running over pebbles. Enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails to accompany delicious burgers and appetizers, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. Grab a table inside or outside, or call ahead for curbside or take-out service.
Is there anything more refreshing after a long day of exertion than a beer and a pizza? You can get your fill of both at Basic City Beer Co. Enjoy cold craft beer and Billy Pie brick-fired pizza and relax in their ample indoor or outdoor seating areas. Parties of adults will enjoy the newly opened Showroom, which serves up rare Basic City beers, cocktails with a twist, cider, wine, and a Southern-style tasting menu.
Make sure you wash the trail dust off your hands, because you’ll definitely want to lick your fingers as you chow down on BBQ or fried catfish and beans at The Fishin’ Pig. Kids eat free off the Lil’ Piglet menu every Wednesday, and there are daily specials–and more importantly, daily happy hours.
Plan to have a drink before your meal at Heritage on Main, where they serve 31 specialty cocktails and 24 beers on tap, as well as appetizers like cheese boards, wings, ahi tuna, and lobster mac and cheese. Next, choose a home-cooked main course from a menu that includes decadent steak, pasta, and seafood entrees as well as hearty salads and sandwiches.
Waynesboro offers a wealth of opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors, as well as an abundance of places to please your growling belly after your explorations. Use our Instagram and Facebook as inspiration for your next getaway (@VisitWaynesboro).
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