Woodstock, Virginia was the runner up in the small town category of our fifth annual Top Adventure Towns Contest, and a quick look at what this charming small town has to offer makes it easy to see why. Wether you’re looking for a mountain biking base camp or a scenic fly fishing getaway, Woodstock is an excellent place to begin. But don’t take our word for it. Head to Woodstock for yourself, and use this handy guide to experience 48 Hours there just like the locals.
Woodstock Day 1
Fly Fishing
Shenandoah County, where Woodstock is situated, boasts over 31 miles of trout streams, all within the George Washington National Forest, and the bedrock ledges within the nearby North Fork of the Shenandoah River create ideal habitat for smallmouth bass to thrive. Here are a few recommendations for fly fishing in and around Woodstock, Virginia.
North Fork Shenandoah River
The most sought after sportfish in the North Fork Shenandoah River is the smallmouth bass, and going after these fish with a fly rod can make for some serious fun. The North Fork is a relatively small, shallow river and is super accessible to wade angling and great for floating via canoe. Learn more about fishing the North Fork of the Shenadoah River here.
Passage Creek in the Shenandoah Valley
This delayed harvest trout stream is one of Virginia’s finest and fall is one of the best times to fish it. Bound by the Massanutten Mountains, this creek flows through the heart of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley in Fort Valley just east of Edinburg. It’s stocked with browns and rainbows and home to native mountain brookies as well.
Lodging Options
The Inn at Narrow Passage
Located on five private acres along the Shenandoah River, the Inn at Narrow Passage offers 12 guest rooms, common areas, and access to nearby fly fishing.
Camping in the Wolf Gap Recreation Area
Wolf Gap Recreation Area was once the site of a 1930’s African American Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. Today this recreation area offers camping, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and quick access to the town of Woodstock.
Good Eats
Located in the heart of Woodstock, Caramelized Restaurant is known for simple but unique southern food with flavor. If you happen to be in town early and you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to fuel your next big adventure, Carmelized is the place to go.
Libations and Nightlife
Woodstock Brewhouse
If you’re still up and at ’em after a full day of fishing and food head over to the Woodstock Brewhouse, which offers in-house craft beers every day of the week. The owners of Woodstock Brewhouse are local Shenandoah Valley residents. Having been home-brewers for years, the opportunity to make larger batches of favorite recipes to share with the people of Woodstock was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. The beers include a blonde ale, an American pale, an IPA, and a delicious marzenbeir lager, just to name a few. The brewers at the Woodstock Brewhouse make a conscious effort to source local ingredients, and take advantage of the bounty of the Shenandoah Valley.
Shenandoah County Wine Trail
Craft beer is all the rage these days, but if you’re spending time in Woodstock and nearby Shenandoah County you should consider paying homage to the area’s thriving wine scene. Shenandoah County is home to 8 award-winning wineries. Learn more about the Shenandoah County Wine Trail here.
Day 2 Plans
Mountain Biking
Shenandoah River State Park
Smooth trails, moderate climbs, and miles of ripping downhill make Shenandoah River State Park a favorite among intermediate mountain bikers. The scenery is amazing and camping is available nearby. Get more info here.
Bryce Resort Mountain Bike Park
No discussion of the mountain biking scene in this part of Virginia would be complete without mention of the Bryce Resort Mountain Bike Park. Built in partnership with Gravity Logic out of Whistler, British Columbia and Trek bicycles, this bike park features 8 lift-accessed trails ranging from beginner to advanced terrain. The bike park at Bryce Resort will remain open until snow blowing begins.
Stay
Camping at Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area
This family-friendly campground is located on the banks of the above-mentioned Passage Creek, so it makes for the perfect fly fishing camp. Stay here and you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy hiking on the nearby Pig Iron and Charcoal trails.
Eat
Woodstock Garden Cafe is situated in the middle of the Fort Valley Nursery in downtown Woodstock. In addition to great locally sourced farm to table fare you’ll find for live music and a nearby farmer’s market. While all of the food at the Woodstock Garden Cafe is top-notch, they’re somewhat renowned for their breakfast menu, which features homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, a great breakfast burrito, and their famous breakfast bowls. This hearty entree comes with a home made biscuit topped with a number of different egg and meat combos and is the perfect fuel for a mountain biking filled day in Shenandoah County.
Libations and Nightlife
Lynn and Dave St.Clair established Swover Creek Farms in 1998, diversifying their family farm to include hops. The farm has been in continuous production by the same family for over 100 years. In November of 2015 Swover Creek renovated a 2,000 sqft barn and installed a 3.5 barrel brew system, where they serve some of the freshest craft beer in all of Virginia.
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