Drinks with a View

Harpers Ferry Brewery 39.320642, -77.708089

Since starting our adventures together in 2016, Harpers Ferry has become a place we frequently visit. Earlier this year, before quarantine put a long pause on our adventures, Raven and I found ourselves detoured from a planned hiking trip in the Shenandoah Valley and making our way to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia for some once-in-a-lifetime photos.

Thankfully, nobody was hurt in the accident. The train was carrying grain and the two cars in the water were empty, meaning no hazmat team was needed.

Our trip was originally a light hike about Shenandoah national park to visit one of our favorite little waterfalls, but a freak train accident next to the pedestrian bridge at nearby Harper's Ferry National park resulted in us making a 180° on I-66. After a short climb down Loudoun Heights, I found myself hopping my way into the middle of the the river along the top of a boulder field. When the boulder tops became too far apart, my only option for getting the picture I wanted was wading through ice cold water.

Having made the shot, I made my way back across the river and up the steep bank of Loudoun Heights. Unfortunately, being soaking wet, neglecting to bring an extra pair of socks, and braving temperatures around 28°F (-2°C), we had to call our trip and end the day early. At least until we passed a sign for Harper's Ferry Brewery, mere minutes into our drive home. After a quick U-turn, we found ourselves driving to the top of Loudoun Heights to a brewery overlooking the beautiful Sandy Hook Bridge. Walking into the brewery, we were introduced to a massive sitting area with tons of tables, a projector screen showing Star Wars, the tap bar, a merchant booth, and a window for ordering a variety of food.

The beer menu was pretty average, consisting of IPAs and other pale ales. It also included a delicious sour and an amazingly addicting cranberry hard seltzer. We ordered a flight and made our way to their back patio area, where we had a great view of the river but also found four fire pits burning away. The best part however, were the dogs. That is, Harper's Ferry Brewery's outdoor area is completely dog friend. The real icing on the cake, however, was the food. Aside from the window, there was a food truck and a barbecue pork roaster, both of which were serving. Just when we thought things could not get any better, we learned that they sold s'mores kits. Having missed out on fall camping due to buying and working on the van, this was an awesome treat for us. Finishing our flight we ordered a pint of the sour, an absolutely delicious meat lover's pizza, and two s'mores kits. I kicked off my boots and socks, set them near the fire to dry, and took in the day's unexpected winter adventure.

I never did get everything completely dry and, I actually burned a hole in my favorite pair socks but, the experience that day remains unforgettable. Awesome photos, great food, delicious beer, friendly conversations, dogs, and an amazing view put this brewery as one we are very happy to share.

Edited by W.C. Dunning