River Tubing, Bluegrass, and Breweries: The Charm of Berryville, VA

We keep being drawn back to Berryville, Virginia. This small town of roughly 5,000 residents is less than a 90-minute drive west from the D.C. Region, yet feels much further. Each summer we go as a family for a day of river tubing and relaxation. We have also gone without kids for a winter weekend trip to dine at the Buttery and enjoy bluegrass music.

The Practical Takeaways

Go for a day, or go for a night. If you live in the DMV area, Berryville is a place to escape while staying close to home.
There is not a whole lot to do, but that is the charm and the draw – just roll on down the river and relax.

River Tubing and other Activities

Watermelon Park: River tubing from Watermelon Park may be one of my all-time favorite summer activities. Once a year we rent tubes for ourselves and tubes for our coolers and float down the Shenandoah. It’s the most simple and laid-back way to enjoy life.

Chet Hobart Park: After tubing we often drive here and unpack a portable grill and cooler of food for dinner. Picnic shelters are always available and there is a ton of space for kids to run around.

Barns at Rose Hill: This is an excellent music venue, particularly for string bands and music of American Appalachian tradition. We saw the Plate Scrapers here, a band well known to Berryville.

Shopping: The main street in Berryville is not long and there are only a few shops, but I always enjoy visiting Modern Mercantile and Berryville Treasures/Artisans Boutique.
Dirt Farm Brewery: Breweries within a 90 minute drive of the DMV don’t get more scenic and kid friendly than this. Also, it overlooks Great Country Farm, another annual family outing. (Technically this is in Bluemont, not Berryville, but they are close enough).

Bears Den Overlook: This 1.8 mile trail is easy enough for kids and has panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.
Watermelon Pickers Fest: This annual event takes place in September at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds. The lineup includes local talent and national acts, along with family-friendly activities and jam sessions.

Food

Locke Store: I would drive over an hour just to come back here and get their Chicken Pot Pie to go. My daughter would make the same claim about their banana bread. It’s also a great place to pick up sandwiches for a picnic or hike.
Buttery at Locke Store: This cozy, farm-to-table restaurant is phenomenal. It’s a night without kids type of place – my husband and I went for an early dinner before going to a show at the Barns at Rose Hill.
The Tea Cart & Suecat’s: I have not been to either of these places, but I’m putting them on here because I keep wanting to go back to Berryville to try them.

Accommodations

Waypoint House: This is a nice Bed and Breakfast if you are staying overnight to see some music at the Barns at Rose Hill.
AirBnB: In covid times, we stayed here for three nights. The house is set up perfectly for a family and right on the water.

A Few Extra Tips

If you go river tubing, pack some long pieces of twine or rope so you can link together the tubes in your group. I’d also recommend water shoes, which they sell at a small store in Watermelon Park if you don’t have any.
If you’re looking for more to do, you can easily add in a trip to Middleburg, Leesburg, or Winchester.
For similar activities in the area, check out my post on Camping in the DMV or stops along Highway 81.