Category: Travel Guide

Ready to explore the birthplace of Country music or enjoy a spectacular drive along the Blue Ridge Trail, all while popping into some of Virginia’s best craft distilleries? We’ve done the hard work for you— here’s your guide to a spirited adventure in Southwest Virginia.

Scroll for a complete list of distilleries to visit (itinerary included) and recommendations on lodging, food and activities to enhance your stay. Your next adventure with #VaSpirits will be one to remember. 

Everything we mention below is conveniently mapped out here.

Sips

While neighboring Franklin County may have the reputation of the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” it’s a little-known fact that more moonshine was made in Floyd County, situated in the heart of Southwest Virginia. That is nowhere truer than right in the town of Floyd, where many of the houses lining the quaint streets were built with the spoils of “secret” moonshine production. 

Situated mostly along US 81, Southwestern Virginia boasts nine craft distilleries offering unique experiences and handcrafted spirits for every palate.

5 Mile Mountain Distillery

Housed in the original Floyd County Public School Authority building, 5 Mile Mountain Distillery was the town’s first distillery since prohibition. They use the same old recipes with traditional copper stills on open flames. Handcrafted batches of whiskey are intentionally kept small, with careful attention to detail. Here, they’re bottling up the love, history and distinctive taste of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

• 489 Floyd Hwy. S., Floyd, VA 24901
• (540) 745-4495
• Website

Appalachian Heritage Distillery

From award-winning vodka to gin, bourbon and rye, Appalachian Heritage Distillery produces something for every palate right in the picturesque downtown Damascus, VA, directly on the Appalachian Trail. Generational family knowledge stems from a region steeped in cultural tradition. The unique design of the elegant and productive pot still forces a multiple distilled spirit with smooth yet robust flavor perfect for every gathering.

• 110 W. Laurel Ave., Damascus, VA 24236
• (276) 475-7150
• Website

Axe Handle Distilling

So, you want to build a log cabin but don’t know where to start? Ask the folks at Axe Handle Distilling. Nestled deep in Appalachia near the Kentucky border, Axe Handle’s distillery and tasting room sits next to the family’s other business: custom log cabin construction. So, after forty years of manufacturing and building hand hewn, Appalachian style, log homes, we understand that a hands-on approach may not be the fastest way to do things– but it is often the best. Chisels, drawing knives and axes are the tools we use to create our homes. And in the distillery, we swap these with the traditions of grains, limestone water and oak barrels. No matter what the job is for the day, we always keep an eye to the past.

• 42236 Wilderness Rd., Pennington Gap, VA 24277
• (276) 318-6162
• Website

Highlands Distilling Company

The Blue Ridge Highlands of Southwest Virginia has been the epicenter of the spirits trade for over 200 years. The Scots and Irish plied their trade illegally, under the cover of night. Pursued relentlessly by the “Revenuers”, the cat and mouse game continues to this day. We aim to keep this tradition alive for you to experience, albeit “legally.” We distill, bottle and age handcrafted, small-batch products including moonshine, whisky, bourbon and gin. All of our products celebrate our local heritage.  

• 1200 VA-16, Marion, VA 24354
• (276) 782-0932
• Website

Big Cedar Creek Distillery

A gathering place for weddings, events and general merriment, Big Cedar Creek Distilling is just one piece of the operations at Vincent’s Vineyards. Continuing the six generations of traditions of agriculture and hospitality, the GIlmer family took over operations here in 1992, starting by growing grapes for local wineries and raising livestock. The family now creates hand-crafted moonshine from recipes handed down over generations. 

• 2313 E. Main St., Lebanon, VA 24266
• (276) 202-6781
• Website

Creek Bottom Brewing

Like so many craft beverage producers, it all started as a hobby for the founders at Creek Bottom. A passion for craft beer soon led to the production of distilled spirits. And now, when you visit you can enjoy great food and entertainment at their house pub. 

• 307 N. Meadow St., Galax, VA 24333
• (276) 236-2337
• Website

J.H. Bards Spirit Company

What do you get when two friends with the same name start a whiskey club? A new distillery, of course! When Jayson Hudson and Jason Hardy, both natives of Blacksburg, VA, moved home to the New River Valley region of Virginia in 2016, they started a local whiskey club called the Bourbon and Rye Drinking Society, or BARDS. Over the next several months, they had many whiskey-infused conversations about how great it would be to start their own distillery and bring their vision of good whiskey to the area.  From these conversations, J.H. BARDS Spirit Co. was born.

• 6580 Valley Center Dr., Bay 175, Fairlawn, VA 24141
• (540) 952-9658
• Website

Salty Stash Distillery

Salty Stash was built from a family tradition of farming, hard work and learning new crafts. Over a decade in quality wine production set the stage with the delicate fermentation of fruit juice, the cornerstone for quality brandy. Once a bank, and later a physician’s office, your visual journey through the distillery will be as memorable as the quality spirits you taste.

• 4655 Cleburne Blvd., Dublin, VA 24084
• (540) 320-0203
• Website

Dining

While there are great local spots spanning the southwest region, we have a few suggestions to get you started.

Want to go where the locals eat? Check out Damascus Diner in, you guessed it, Damascus, VA!

Craving something sweet or a morning breakfast pastry? Everyone in Bristol will point you to Blackbird Bakery.

With a reputation spanning far and wide and described as a “folk art masterpiece,” Cuz’s Uptown BBQ is located in Pounding Mill – about an hour north of Bristol on Route 19/460. Open seasonally, so check the website before you go!

For more ideas as you traverse along, visit here.

Stays 

Once you’ve filled up at the Damascus Diner, just head back to your room at the Dragonfly Inn, located on the same property.

Paying homage to Bristol’s claim as the birthplace of Country Music, The Sessions Hotel pieces together a historic grocery building, granary mill and candy factory for a truly unique experience and look into the region’s place in music history. Theme rooms and music memorabilia will have you tapping your feet in no time.

In a city straddling two Southern states, The Bristol Hotel does them both proud— serving up barrel-aged whiskeys and Virginia regional fare in a hotel turned office building turned hotel again.

Experiences

Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Get more info at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center.

Are you a country music fan? Check out The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum that honors Bristol’s musical roots. The museum tells the story of the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions, explores how evolving technology shaped its success and highlights how this rich musical heritage lives on in today’s music. You can also catch live performances almost every night at small venues up and down State Street. 

Featuring a landscape dappled with mammoth swaths of wilderness, laced with free-flowing rivers and crowned by high peaks— including the loftiest summit in the state, 5,728-foot Mount Rogers— Southwest Virginia is like no place else in the state. For outdoor lovers, this ruggedly wild corner of the state is not to be missed, but the bounty of recreational opportunities can be overwhelming. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Breaks Interstate Park
• Grayson Highlands State Park
• Virginia Creeper Trail

For more guides and resources, head to VisitSWVA.org.

Have you been itching to explore the Shenandoah Valley region, but not sure where to start or where to stop along the way? We’ve done the hard work for you. 

Scroll for a complete list of distilleries to visit (itinerary included) and recommendations on lodging, food and activities to enhance your stay. Your next adventure with #VaSpirits will be one to remember. 

Everything we mention below is conveniently mapped out here.

Sips

The Shenandoah Valley is every craft beverage lovers’ dream! Add these three award-winning Virginia distilleries to your visit to the region. Use this itinerary to manipulate based on your ideal starting point and final destination. 

1. Blue Shepherd Spirits

This veteran- and first-responder-owned distillery is crafting artesian, small batch spirits in beautiful Luray. The Valley is the shining star here, sourcing local grains and goods in every bottle. Here’s a toast to the namesake Bruce, the family’s special Blue Shepherd dog!

• 622 W. Main St., Luray, VA 22835
• (540) 316-0056
• Website

2. Filibuster Distillery

While its origin story begins in Washington, D.C., the Filibuster brand grew to what it is today in the Valley. Innovation is at the heart of everything produced here – always aiming to create extra  layers of complexity in each glass of Bourbon (or Whiskey or Gin). 

• 80 Maurertown Mill Rd., Maurertown, VA 22644
• (540) 436-3900
• Website

3. River Hill Distillery

“We literally take it from the fields to the bottle.” At River Hill, bourbon and whiskey products are unique to the local land and people who make it. You’ll experience true hospitality and meticulously curated libations with each visit.   

• 356 Ruffners Ferry Rd., Luray, VA 22835
• (540) 843-0890
• Website

Dining

Between distillery visits, these local eateries have you covered – no matter the craving:

• Spring House Tavern 
• Woodstock Café 
• Blue Stone Inn
• Gathering Ground Patisserie & Café 

For an inclusive list stretching from Winchester all the way to Roanoke, visit here. 

Stays 

From rustic cabins and campgrounds to boutique inns, you’ll find a variety of options for a memorable stay in the Shenandoah Valley. 

#DYK, Luray is called the Cabin Capital of Virginia? Nearby rural escapes: 

• Creekside Campground
• Hawksbill Retreat

A bit of luxury: 

• The Legacy Inn 
• The Mimslyn Inn (Includes popular restaurants on site – The Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant & Circa ’31 Restaurant)

Experiences

There is no shortage of things to do in the Valley. From excursions in nature to museums and scenic exploration, choose your own adventure. 

Full-day activities:

• Shenandoah National Park – All the hiking and camping you could want. Little to no cost!
• Luray Caverns – Explore the caverns, garden maze, Car and Heritage Museum, zoo and more.

Worthy pit stops:

• Valley Ballooning – See the scenic Valley like never before in a personal hot air balloon ride. Rates start at $250, and each balloon holds up to 4 people.
• The Edinburg Mill (& Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum)
• Museum of Shenandoah Valley

While you’re sampling spirits, you might as well explore more of the craft beverage scene. It’s a blossoming industry here, so go out and get a taste of local wineries, cideries and breweries. 

For more guides and resources, head to visitshenandoah.org. 

Have you been itching to explore the Virginia Mountains region, but not sure where to start or where to stop along the way? We’ve done the hard work for you. 

Scroll for a complete list of distilleries to visit (itinerary included) and recommendations on lodging, food and activities to enhance your stay. Your next adventure with #VaSpirits will be one to remember. 

Everything we mention below is conveniently mapped out here.

Sips 

Sample spirits from all Virginia Mountain distilleries in just a day or two! Use this itinerary to manipulate based on your ideal starting point and final destination. 

1. Brady’s Distillery

Founded in 2020, Brady’s Distillery offers carefully blended and aged craft spirits including whiskey, bourbon, vodka and rum. Each spirit has been meticulously curated to satisfy anyone from the most sophisticated bourbon enthusiast to the up-and-coming novice.

• 711 Pocahontas Ave. NE, Roanoke, VA 24012
• (540) 685-1003
• Website

2. Franklin County Distilleries

When you stumble upon FCD, you’ll find a distillery steeped in history and rooted in quality local craftsmanship. Located in the Moonshine Capital of the World, you can experience the family tradition of moonshine whiskey-making firsthand. 

• 25156 Virgil H Goode Hwy., Boones Mill, VA 24065
• (540) 334-1610
• Website

3. Twin Creeks Distillery

Another distillery with a commitment to preserving traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains – Twin Creeks offers up complex and inviting moonshine, whiskey and fruit brandies. Each glass tells a story of locally harvested grains and fruits, fresh spring water and age-old methods.

• 510 Franklin St., Rocky Mount, VA 24151
• (540) 483-1266
• Website

4. Roosters Rise-N-Shine

Here at Roosters Rise -N- Shine Distillery, each bottle starts with an authentic moonshine recipe provided by Franklin County native “Rooster” Hodges. From there, you’ll pick up on hints of maple to peaches and apple pie. Pride in Southern flavor flows through every ounce.

• 96 Builders Pride Dr., Hardy, VA 24101
• (540) 986-5044
• Website

Dining

With close proximity to city-center Roanoke or charming towns like Rocky Mount, there are countless restaurants to quell your hunger in between special tastings and cocktails. 

Farm-to-table favorites in Roanoke: 

• Local Roots
• Lucky
• bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar
• Alexander’s

Lunch bites in Rocky Mount: 

• LouReda’s an American Table
• Barley and Burger
• Westridge Grill
• Tipsy Tomato

Find more eateries here. 

Stays 

Make it a full-fledged vacation and stay in bustling Roanoke, at nearby Smith Mountain Lake or opt for a quaint inn. 

Unique stays close-by: 

• Shirley’s Bed and Breakfast
• Black Lantern Inn
• Roanoke Boutique Hotel

See more options here. 

Experiences

While the spirits may attract you to the area, there are plenty of things to do during your visit to the Virginia Mountains region. Here’s a bucket list to guide you: 

• Visit the iconic “Roanoke Star”
• Wind through the Blue Ridge Parkway (& watch the leaves change colors before your eyes)
• Explore the Virginia Museum of Transportation
• Get active with over 1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails (Did you know Virginia’s Blue Ridge is America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital?!)
• Head over to the second largest freshwater lake in the state: Smith Mountain Lake. 
• Experience nightlife in downtown Roanoke!

There’s so much to be discovered in the Commonwealth, and the Virginia Spirits Passport is here to help!  

The FREE mobile pass guides you across the Birthplace of American Spirits into more than 30 Virginia distillery tasting rooms.  There, you’ll sip and find new favorites, all while earning points for visiting. Points can be redeemed for specially curated prizes like Virginia-made shrubs, #VaSpirits SWAG and a chance to win weekend getaway packages.  

At the click of a button, learn about the rich history of spirits-making, taste the unique craftsmanship of local distillers and raise a glass to Virginia’s scenery and culture! Learn how to get started below. 

Here’s How:  

Step 1: Sign up for adventure. 

The Virginia Spirits Passport exclusively includes Virginia distilleries and is catered to spirit enthusiasts. Connect with local distillers and explore new products. Click the button below and follow the steps to start your adventure! 

• Click “Get Your Pass.” 
• Click “Checkout.” (Don’t worry, it’s FREE).  
• Fill out your first and last name, country and ZIP code, email address and mobile number. You’ll also select if you’d like to hear from us or join our monthly email newsletter – we’d love to have you! 
• Before selecting “Complete Order,” don’t forget to check that last box to confirm the above information is correct.  
• Look for a text to the mobile number used to sign up and click the prompted link.  
• While the passport requires no app download, you do have the option to save the webpage to your home screen for quick and easy access. Follow the customized instructions on your smartphone to do so, or bookmark in your preferred browser. 
• Once you’re in, click “View” and you’ll see all the distilleries that await.  

Step 2: Start sipping on Virginia Spirits! 

When visiting a participating distillery, pull up the passport and ask tasting room staff to input the unique 4-digit PIN. It’s as simple as that.  

Select distilleries will also offer discounts, special tastings or prizes with your visit – which can be redeemed within its profile.  

Step 3: Turn those points to prizes. 

The more you explore, the more points you’ll rack up. Start browsing through the “Rewards” tab and make note of how many points you need to earn the prize you’ve been eyeing.  

When you’ve saved up enough, simply select “Claim Now” under the prize of your choice. Depending on what you choose, the item will be shipped to your supplied address, or you’ll submit a sweepstakes entry.  

The best part: we have prizes available for as low as 300 points (which only requires three distillery check-ins) all the way to 2,500 points (for our biggest prizes and biggest fans).  

Check out a few Virginia Spirits Passport prizes:

Get Started Today 

More than 650 spirits lovers have already signed up – what are you waiting for?  

The Virginia Spirits Passport is a unique chance to unlock prizes and experiences, all for visiting your favorite Virginia distilleries. You might even find new favorites along the way. And more distilleries and prizes are being added all the time. 

The passport will expire August 31, 2024. For more information, to sign up and view participating distilleries, visit explore.virginiaspirits.org.