Check out the Washington & Old Dominion Trail for Beer, Food, and Fun

Do you like to bike, run, or walk? Do you love craft beer? If the answer is yes, then you are in luck. There is a trail in northern Virginia with an abundance of places along its length with craft beer and artisanal foods that are spaced out at nearly perfect intervals. It’s called the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.

It’s a trail that runs about 45 miles long from Arlington to Perceville, through Loudoun and Fairfax counties. There are 57 breweries, bars, and restaurants serving craft beer within 1.5 miles of the bike trail, 41 within 1 mile of the trail, 30 within a half mile, and 12 located right on the trail!

It is a beautiful trail, and if you’d like to do some biking, hiking, or enjoy a long walk and spending more time outdoors, this is a great way to spend the day. The sun on your back and the wind on your cheeks, and the comradery of friends and other people on the trail. Take a break whenever you want, or need. Have lunch, dinner, a light snack, and maybe something cold to drink. Unwind as the miles roll by, stopping frequently to sample local offerings and leave the stress of everyday life along the trail, or pushing through to get your endorphin fix, then rewarding yourself with a celebratory craft beer.

Whether you are a hard-core cyclist or you just want to spend a nice relaxing day enjoying the countryside, this trail has as much as you need or as little as you want.

If you start your trip in Arlington there is Lost Dog Café South Arlington, New District Brewing Company, Cafe Pizzaiolo Shirlington, and Copperwood Tavern.

Near the 11-mile point, you can find Caboose Brewing, and Whole Foods Vienna.

Close to the half way point on the trail (about 22.5 miles in), you’ll find Lost Rhino Brewing, Old Ox Brewery, Buffalo Wing Factory and Pub Sterling, Rocket Frog Brewing Company, Crooked Run Brewing (Sterling), Beltway Brewing, and Mellow Mushroom.

Around 32 miles into the trail there is Black Hoof Brewing, BikeTrAle Brewing, Black Walnut Brewery, Crooked Run Brewing, Loudoun Brewing Company, Dog Money Restaurant & Brewery, Kettles and Grains DIY Brewery, Fire Works Pizza, Tuscarora Mill, and Leesburg Public House. 

And finally, at the end of the trail in Perceville, you will find Adroit Theory Brewing, Jack’s Run Brewing, Dragon Hops Brewing, Monk’s BBQ, and Magnolias at the Mill.

Of course, there are numerous places between these points. In fact there is a place to take a break nearly every mile. Stop anytime you should feel the need, and of course you can always double back at any point along the trail.

It is important to keep in mind that too much of a good thing is never a good idea. Alcohol can affect your balance, coordination, and judgement (all three of which are pretty important for cycling, running, or even walking), and drinking beer is not the proper way to stay hydrated no matter how much we wish it were. So imbibe in moderation, enjoy the trail, and hold off on any heavy celebrating until you have finished your journey.

For more info about the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, you can visit www.bikeablebrews.com/WOD/wodhome.html for a more complete list of places to visit along the trail.

Cheers!