Amherst, VA/Devil's Backbone - bottle shops, other spots?

Discussion in 'Mid-Atlantic' started by Bluecane, Apr 28, 2012.

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  1. Bluecane

    Bluecane Initiate (0) Dec 30, 2011 New York

    So I'll be spending a couple of days next week in Amherst, VA. The place we're staying specifically recommends Devils Backbone, and we'll definitely be heading there. Any other restaurants or bottle shops where I should stop?

    Also, what brands/brews should I look out for that I can't get in NC? Any chance I can grab some Firestone Walker or Goose Island goodies while I'm there?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Bluecane, Apr 28, 2012
  2. Shilt

    Shilt Initiate (0) Dec 26, 2011 Virginia

    I would say definitely try and stop at Blue Mountain Brewery if your stopping at DB. Its only 13 miles up the road from DB and has better beer IMO. Their Full Nelson Pale Ale is killer, and they have great food. Haven't been there in a while but they may still have some of their Dark Hollow available (though not sure so someone can correct me). Not sure about bottle shops, unless you want to make the extra 30 minute drive to Beer Run in Charlottesville which has a lot of great stuff, and should be able to find Firestone there. Other people who live in the area will have to chime in on other places. Hope this helps!
     
    #2 Shilt, Apr 28, 2012
  3. blackie

    blackie Pooh-Bah (2,585) Mar 6, 2005 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Blue Mountain is absolutely worth the short trip up the road, and if you hit a warm day, definitely dinner on the patio - I wouldn't say either is better, but DBB has been making a good case for itself these days.

    Wild Wolf is between the two, so it deserves consideration for a beer at least. I like their stuff, but thought the atmosphere was pretty terrible.

    and this place: http://www.yelp.com/biz/paulies-pig-out-afton
     
    #3 blackie, Apr 28, 2012
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  4. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,295) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    Devils (no apostrophe!) Backbone (2 oz taster flights) and Wild Wolf Brewing Company near Wintergreen; Blue Hill (2 oz taster flights) in Afton...Starr Hill (2 oz plastic take-your-medicine cups) in Crozet...and South Street (4 oz taster flights) in downtown Charlottesville.

    http://brewridgetrail.com/
     
    #4 HerbMeowing, Apr 29, 2012
  5. Bluecane

    Bluecane Initiate (0) Dec 30, 2011 New York

    Thanks, everyone!

    Any idea if there's any bus service or otherwise if we want to check out the wineries and breweries without having to drive (drunk)?
     
    #5 Bluecane, Apr 29, 2012
  6. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,295) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    No public transportation or brewery-specific tour bus AFAIK.

    Wilie you're in the area...be sure to check out Thom. Jefferson's home at Monticello. Even if you don't feel like touring the house and grounds ($24)...the Visitor's Center (free) is well worth the stop.

    http://www.monticello.org/
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monticello
     
    #6 HerbMeowing, Apr 30, 2012
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  7. rapidsequence

    rapidsequence Initiate (0) Dec 6, 2006 Virginia

    This may be too late, but you might consider driving 20 minutes to Lynchburg to go to Rivermont Pizza. They have good, funky wood-fired pizzas, 20 taps with good (sometimes great) beers (all craft), and a good bottle shop inside the store.

    Cheers
     
    #7 rapidsequence, May 2, 2012
  8. Bluecane

    Bluecane Initiate (0) Dec 30, 2011 New York

    Thanks for the tip! Not too late actually, as we postponed the trip since the wife was feeling ill.
     
    #8 Bluecane, May 2, 2012
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