Top 19 Things To Do In Berryville, Virginia

1. Learn about the region's history at Clarke County Historical Association

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dedicated to preserving Clarke County’s rich history is Clarke County Historical Association (CCHA), whose founding origins go back to as far as 1939. Housed in the historic Coiner House in Berryville, the CCHA building also features extensive, comprehensive archives of historical memorabilia and documents about the northern Shenandoah Valley and Clarke County. It even has a genealogical research library and a museum housing drawings, maps, burial records, historical photos and more. Tours of the 18th-century, fully operational Burwell-Morgan Mill, which the CCHA owns, are also conducted every weekend.

Clarke County Historical Association

Address: 32 E Main St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Clarke County Historical Association

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Mon)

2. Delve into African-American history at Josephine School Community Museum

The Josephine School Community Museum originally started out as a school for the free colored people of the community in the late 19th century and it is a symbol of accomplishment and hope. After the school moved to a new building in 1930, the original school building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. In 2003, the structure became the first museum in the region to be dedicated to the history of the African-American community in Clarke County.

Josephine School Community Museum

Address: 303 Josephine St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Josephine School Community Museum

Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 3pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

3. Spend an entire day at the Watermelon Park Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re traveling to Berryville with family and/or friends, there’s no better way to spend a day than by doing so at the family-run Watermelon Park Compound. Located along the Shenandoah River, the 1939-built campground and recreation area is a perfect place to have some fun in the sun by the water. Relax and go-in for a sun-kissed look as you lounge on the banks. Water babies can indulge in a lazy river float tubing trip, while the more intrepid ones can even kayak and canoe down the scenic river. End the day camping on the gorgeous campgrounds.

Watermelon Park Campground

Address: 3322 Locke’s Mill Rd, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Watermelon Park Campground

4. Relish fresh fruits at Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

How about enjoying some fresh fruit that you get to pick right off a farm? The You-Pick Mackintosh Fruit Farm allows patrons to not only pick fresh veggies and fruit from their farms, but it is also a place where you can dig into some delicious food featuring the local produce. Choose from fruits such as apples, pawpaws, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, sweet cherries, and strawberries, as well as from multiple vegetables, pumpkins, and more. What’s more, they even have fresh honey stored in an apiary!

Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Address: 1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 8am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

5. Play a game of baseball at Chet Hobart Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re a fan of baseball, take a break from exploring Berryville and indulge in a game at the 102-acre (4.4 million sq. feet) Chet Hobart Park, which houses 6 ball fields. The park even has baseball programs for kids, so if you have your children along with you, it’s a great place to enroll them if they’re interested in the game. Chet Hobart Park is also home to a gorgeous fitness trail, two playgrounds, four picnic shelters, a recreation center, multiple soccer fields, lighted outdoor tennis courts, and a lovely outdoor swimming pool.

Chet Hobart Park

Address: 225 Al Smith Cir, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Chet Hobart Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 12am - 6pm

6. Catch a performance at Barns of Rose Hill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Two 1900s-built dairy barns that were part of the Rose Hill estate in Berryville were respectfully renovated to transform into a center for cultural and performing arts and community, just like the Smithy family of Rose Hill envisioned. Today, you can watch a diverse spectrum of high-quality films, performances, concerts, and other events around the year. Whether it is a cinematic series on the Cold War or Jazz performances or book talks, do catch a performance at the beautiful Barns of Rose Hill.

Barns of Rose Hill

Address: 95 Chalmers Ct, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Barns of Rose Hill

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

7. Dress up for a British tearoom experience at The Tea Cart

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Watch the British tearoom experience come to life at The Tea Cart, which transports patrons to the very heart of London’s tearoom culture. The Downton Abbey-esque Tea Cart popularizes the old British iconic tradition of “Afternoon Tea”, even indulging in specialty, dressed-up events such as Mary Poppins Tea, Harry Potter Tea, and even Lord of the Rings Tea! Featuring six varieties of tea - Black, Blended Black, Rooibos and Herbal Infusions, Oolong, White, and Green, the Tea Cart also serves sweets and finger sandwiches. Some must-try teas include the Holiday Winter Spice, Jasmine Mint, Ginger Peach, Chocolate Almond tea, and the special house blend of Shenandoah Blue.

The Tea Cart

Address: 16 W Main St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: The Tea Cart

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

8. Enjoy tranquility at Holy Cross Abbey

Visit the quiet, secluded, and tranquil Holy Cross Abbey, a Trappist monastery in the Shenandoah Valley around 7 km (4.3 miles) from Berryville. Built on the grounds where the Battle of Cool Spring was fought during the Civil War, the main structure of Holy Cross Abbey was originally an 18th-century hunting lodge. Today, the order of monks that stay at the Abbey, not only make and sell creamed honey and fruitcakes but they also own and operate a quiet retreat house where guests can stay. The Holy Cross Abbey’s picturesque scenery and serene location were even commended in an article in the Washington Post.

Holy Cross Abbey

Address: 901 Cool Spring Ln, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Holy Cross Abbey

Opening hours: 3:30am - 8pm (daily)

9. Shop for handmade gifts at My Neighbour and Me

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The handmade, high-quality creations of little-known and ignored but exceptionally talented craftspersons and artisans from the Global South can be found at My Neighbor and Me. The specialty place emphasizes on reusing and recycling, aiming for the creation of a welcoming, safe place to showcase exceptional artisan work. My Neighbour and Me are akin to mini-ambassadors of small-scale, local craftspersons and artisans, promoting their creativity and encouraging their work. For great, unique gifts at a fair price, this is where you need to head to.

My Neighbour and Me

Address: 317 1st St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: My Neighbour and Me

10. Go horse-back riding at JBIT Ranch

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you a hippophile and in love with horses? JBIT Ranch, with all kinds of equestrian-based activities from camps and riding lessons to horse boarding, should be your next destination in Berryville. The ranch offers riders the options of taking out their own horses onto the field, or leasing one of the horses on the ranch, with the owner helping riders understand their steeds and develop a dynamic partnership with them. No matter whether you are an expert or a novice just starting out, JBIT ranch is here to help you master the art of natural horsemanship.

JBIT Ranch

Address: 1674 Summit Point Rd, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: JBIT Ranch

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

11. Admire local crafts at Firehouse Gallery

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Visit what was the former Firehouse and Town Office of Berryville, which has now transformed into the art gallery of Berryville Main Street Program. Having won an award for outstanding adaptive reuse in 2011, the Firehouse Gallery features exceptional region and local literature, music, foods, and art. It features works of more than 65 local artists, ranging from beauty products, chocolates, honey, soaps, wines and craft beers, glasswork, and woodwork to photography, home decor, jewelry, pottery, and original paintings. Shop away!

Firehouse Gallery

Address: 23 E Main St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Firehouse Gallery

12. Take a wine tour at Venamar Vineyard

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

On a 100-acre (40-hectare) estate near Shenandoah River lies Venamar Vineyard, one of the first successful wineries of the verdant, rolling Shenandoah Valley. The 28-acre (11-hectare) vineyard was founded on the basis of Italian farming and wine-making roots and has won more than 65 awards for producing some of Virginia’s best and finest wines over the last 20 years. Take a tour of this gorgeous vineyard and winery where you’ll get to not only sample wines but also learn all about the winemaking culture of the region.

Venamar Vineyard

Address: 905 Quarry Rd, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Venamar Vineyard

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 6pm; Fri: 12pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

13. Pick up some fresh produce at Nalls Farm Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The family-owned Nalls Farm Market is the best place in Berryville to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh bakery items. Selling everything from produce, bakery, and gardening essentials to seasonal products, vegetables, and fruits, Nalls Farm Market is closed only on Thanksgiving Day and between Christmas and mid-March. The farmer’s market is also a great place for picking up fresh local honey, and if you have a green thumb, mulch and potting soil as well. Pick up everything from cheese, cider, Blueberry Dutch Apple, and Fresh-baked Pies to Pumpkins, Cool Gourds, Biscuits and more.

Nalls Farm Market

Address: 4869 Harry Byrd Hwy, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Nalls Farm Market

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

14. Admire the art pieces at Center Ring Design Pottery and Art Studio

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Run by a family of three, Centre Ring Design Pottery and Art Studio is where passion is transformed into unique works of art and artisan pieces. Combining specialties of pottery, fine art, and contemporary art with times of crossover as well, the studio features some extremely interesting pieces of art and craft, including feeders, baths, and yard ornaments, sculptures, sketches, and drawings. The studio also stores and sells unique home decor and uses items such as grooming items, soaps, etc. So, pick up some unique souvenirs while you’re in Berryville.

Center Ring Design Pottery and Art Studio

Address: 325 S Church St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Center Ring Design Pottery and Art Studio

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12pm - 4pm; Fri: 12pm - 5pm; Sat: 12:30pm - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

15. Pick up some unique souvenirs at Modern Mercantile

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The quaint boutique of Modern Mercantile is the transformation of excellent design ideas into unique, one-of-a-kind home decor items and gifts. Stocking and selling everything from precious metal jewelry, handmade paper and cards, and handcrafted toys to reproduced US patent drawings, grooming products, trinkets, stuff for your pets, home essentials and even air plants, Modern Mercantile is a great place for travelers to pick up some offbeat, memorable souvenirs during their trip to Berryville.

Modern Mercantile

Address: 23 E Main St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Modern Mercantile

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun - Mon: 11am - 5pm

16. Explore the historical landmark of Clermont Farm

The historic 355-acre (144-hectare) working Clermont Farm is one of the most unique historic properties in the Shenandoah Valley. Gifted by Elizabeth Rust Williams to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the mansion, with its unusual floor plan, the barn, the slave quarters and the smokehouse are standing testaments to the settlement story in the Shenandoah Valley from the year 1756 to now. Open to the public only for specific events, the house and its outbuildings and land are a research and training site in agriculture, historic preservation, and history today.

Clermont Farm

Address: 801 E Main St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Clermont Farm

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

17. Have a picnic at Rose Hill Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The ancestral home of the Glass Family, Rose Hill Farm is where the First Battle of Kernstown of the Civil War took place. Today, the historical, verdant landscape on which Rose Hill Farm stands is now a beautiful, serene park, complete with a 1.25-mile (2-km) walking trail that not only features interpretive Civil War-era signage but also provides access to the actual battlefield. Pack some food, beverages, and games and have a picnic at the picnic shelter which can accommodate up to 60 people easily, and enjoy the historic and beautiful environs of Rose Hill Park.

Rose Hill Park

Address: 35 E Main St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Rose Hill Park

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

18. Enjoy comfort food at Mario's Pizza

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you have particularly massive hunger pangs to satiate, there’s no better place to go in Berryville than Mario’s Pizza, which serves up the best Italian and American fare in the quaint, wooded town. A large seating area with large windows along with a special kids menu makes this a great place to eat with the entire family. Some must-try items on the menu include their Sicilian Pizza, Manicotti, Steak and Cheese, Sausages, Fish Sandwiches, Salads, Fried Chicken Wings, Cheese Breadsticks, Shrimp Alfredo, and Spaghetti and Meatballs, among others.

Mario's Pizza

Address: 36 W Main St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: Mario’s Pizza

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm

19. Relish American fare at The Berryville Grille

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

In a historic, 1800s structure in downtown Berryville, The Berryville Grille has been serving famished patrons for the last decade, becoming a top, go-to restaurant in the region. The restaurant reached the peak of its popularity when it was written about and featured in Lee Child’s action-thriller novel “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”. Must-tries include the Chicken Caesar Wrap, Fries, Salad, Chili, French Toast, Pulled Pork Barbeque Sandwich with Coleslaw, the Angus Burger, Chicken Fried Steak with Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes, and Ribeye Steak with Sautéed Squash and Mashed Potatoes. Polish it all off with an Apple Pie to share!

The Berryville Grille

Address: 9 E Main St, Berryville, VA 22611

Website: The Berryville Grille

Opening hours: Tue: 9am - 4pm; Wed - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

A blissful holiday in Berryville

The Shenandoah Valley gem of Berryville makes for a great destination for a holiday and it has all the elements for a fun-filled and memorable vacation - historic and iconic monuments and structures, beautiful parks and rivers, Civil War-era history and, of course, a delicious cuisine too.