Staunton wins spot in USA TODAY'S 10 best small town beer scenes in the U.S.
STAUNTON — USA TODAY 10Best has announced the winners in the best beer categories of the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and Staunton wins a spot in USA TODAY's best small town beer scene. The awards highlight the very best in travel, food + drink, and lifestyle.
Ten U.S. small towns, each with a population of fewer than 30,000, have been selected by an expert panel and voted as the best by our readers for having some of the most outstanding beer scenes in the nation. These spots offer plenty of festivals, great breweries, brewpubs, and beer bars to enjoy — all accompanied by small-town hospitality.
Queen City Brewing
Queen City Brewing heads the small town's list of places to imbibe, and it was actually the city's first brewery since Prohibition and boasts some 30 beers. Located at 834 Springhill Road in Staunton, it's more than just a brewery, it's an experience.
Not only can you choose from nearly two dozen beers on tap, you can also brew your own private batch, selecting from over 80 different recipes. Saturdays let visitors watch the brewing process and offer the opportunity to join in through the Brewer's Apprentice program.
Queen City's friendly tap room frequently has live music and a jovial crowd. You can reach them at 540-213-8014 or [email protected].
Redbeard Brewing Company
Make sure you stop by Redbeard Brewing Company, which (alongside Queen City) is part of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, a collection of 19 breweries less than an hour's drive from one another in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. A place that is a favorite among locals, Redbeard is a big part of the Staunton community.
A true microbrewery in downtown Staunton, Redbeard Brewing Company brews small batches of big beer, handcrafted by one brewer from beginning to end using traditional methods, Belgian malts and American hops mere steps away from where you'll drink it.
The 90-seat taproom features 10-14 beers on tap and large outdoor beer garden, making Redbeard a great place to enjoy a beer with the locals in one of Virginia's prettiest small towns. Redbeard was recognized by Fritz Hahn with the Washington Post for having one of the best barrel-aged beers in 2017. The brewery also received a top ranking in the state of Virginia in 2024 for both their Blue Ridge Breakfast Stout and Stargazer Black IPA on Untappd.
Located at 120 S. Lewis St., Redbeard hosts music bingo Mondays at 7 p.m., live music in the taproom every Friday or Saturday night as well as several monthly events which includes comedy shows, D&D, monthly crafting and Redbeard's book club. Their 2024 concert series, Groovin' in the Garden, starts in April and runs through July. Part of the suggested donations at each show benefits Staunton City Schools. Give them a call at 540-430-3532 or email [email protected].
While you're in the Shenandoah Valley, make sure you pick up a map and passports from Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail to make the most of your beercation.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton wins USA TODAY 10 best small town beer scenes in U.S.
