Located a short drive from the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, Waynesboro, Virginia is a trout angler’s dream in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Fish thrive in the mountain waters of George Washington National Forest and fly anglers especially enjoy the South River flowing through downtown Waynesboro for trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout. The 2.2-mile catch-and-release section, extending from Wayne Avenue bridge downstream to Second Street bridge, is one of two urban trout fisheries in Virginia. Further upstream, you’ll find the put-and-take section of the river at Ridgeview Park. While in town, visit the professionals at South River Fly Shop for fishing gear, advice, and guided excursions to the nearby South River or further out to the James and Jackson Rivers.
The outdoor fun doesn’t stop there. Check out great hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park, or explore the newly opened Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel, a unique hike that takes you under Afton Mountain through an abandoned railroad tunnel.
After taking on the great outdoors, grab your mask and head into town to take advantage of Waynesboro’s cultural offerings. Our restaurants and attractions are doing everything they can to keep visitors safe, including limited seating, mask requirements, and frequent cleanings. Catch a movie or live show at the beautifully restored Wayne Theatre, originally built in 1926. Discover world-class murals on the new Waynesboro Street Arts Trail, an interactive, scavenger-hunt-style tour on the free Traipse app.
You’ve probably worked up an appetite by now, and there are plenty of enticing options to sate your hunger in Waynesboro. Stop by The River Burger Bar, a new, upscale burger joint already recognized in this year’s Best of the Blue Ridge competition. Cruise through the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, a series of nearly twenty breweries within an hour of each other, for stunning mountain views, live entertainment, fresh brews, and tasty eats. Visit Basic City Beer Co. (also recognized in three Best of the Blue Ridge categories), Seven Arrows Brewing, and Stable Craft Brewing in Waynesboro before discovering the rest of the trail. With over fifty wineries, breweries, and distilleries within thirty miles, plus Virginia’s first dedicated kombucha taproom, Blue Ridge Bucha, right in Waynesboro, there’s something for everyone.
Spring-fed waters, mountain views, alluring activities, and exceptional restaurants make Waynesboro the ideal angler’s getaway and a foodie’s haven. Come work up an appetite in Waynesboro!
All photos courtesy of visit Waynesboro
