The Alleghany Highlands is the perfect place to Crush Friday! It is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground offering affordable recreational opportunities on some of the most scenic terrain in the state! Nearly 40 miles of rivers and over 100 miles of shoreline on two pristine lakes make up the Alleghany Highlands Blueway and offer tourists water recreation experiences they will never forget!
Douthat State Park, one of Virginia’s original six state parks, is home to the Middle Mountain Momma mountain biking event and has some of the best mountain biking trails in the entire state. Not into biking mountainous terrain? The Jackson River Scenic Trail is mostly flat and is perfect for hiking or biking with two outfitters located on the trail that offer bike & kayak rentals Twin River Outfitters, Jackson River Outfitters. It now spans over 14 miles and runs along an old railroad bed adjacent to the historic Jackson River. The views at many points on this trail are breathtaking! The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon is also held annually on the trail and has grown in popularity each year. In total, the Alleghany Highlands has over 100 miles of trails waiting to be explored!
What to do after a long day on the river or trail? Go enjoy some great live music in the regions two downtowns or nearby local entertainment sites! The Alleghany Highlands has an abundance of venues that offers local and regional musicians each week. Two outdoor amphitheaters (River Rock Amphitheater and The Historic Masonic Theatre & Amphitheater ) and over ten local establishments bring in the most popular genres of music weekly. Pair that with a great craft beer and the experience can’t be beat!
A new brewery and Crush Friday partner – Jack Masons Brewing, has just opened its doors in the Alleghany Highlands and serves up an awesome selection of local beers in a friendly atmosphere.
The Farm at Glen Haven, a historic venue turned hop farm is also an excellent venue for diverse live music and excellent craft beer year around. The Rail Bar & Grille, recently remodeled to allow for their growing base of customers, serves a locally inspired menu and offers a new batch of craft beer each month with live music every weekend. The wings were just named best in the region by WSLS Channel 10 News, a must have if you’re in town!
The best part of Crushing Friday in the Alleghany Highlands is that you can do so on a budget! It’s hard to have big fun on a small budget but they make it possible! Go explore one of the states hidden gems for unforgettable outdoor recreation and finish off your day with a drink and live music at one of many excellent venues! They know what it means to be Uniquely Alleghany, it’s time for you to find out for yourself! #UniquelyAlleghany
