Traveling with the Guys: The Best Mancations in Virginia

Whether you’re planning a bachelor party or looking for a weekend getaway with the boys, Virginia has the perfect “mancation” destination for you and your guy friends.

A Beer Lovers Getaway

Rated as one of the top beer destinations in the world by outlets like VinePair, The Wall Street Journal and more, Richmond, Virginia is the perfect spot for a craft beer holiday. There’s over 30 craft breweries for you to enjoy, from national powerhouse Stone Brewing Company and their juicy IPAs to the classic ales of Legend Brewing.

The perfect place to get things started is in historic Scott’s Addition. This neighborhood is home to rising star Matt Tarpey of The Veil Brewing Company and six other breweries, three hard cideries, a meadery and distillery all within 0.25 square miles – making it easy to hop around responsibly. And no Richmond beer trip is complete without a visit to Mekong, which has been named the nation’s Craft Beer Bar of the Year three times.

Photo Credit: Adam Lewis, @adamtlewis

But it’s not all about the booze in the River City. For those looking to test their luck – Colonial Downs Racetrack is a half-hour drive East, complete with Rosie’s Gaming Emporium. Or if you’re looking to get a little exercise, give the Capital Trail a spin. With some incredible Southern cuisine, live music all over the city and dynamic outdoor recreation opportunities – there’s no shortage of things that’ll make you want to extend your visit.

The Great Outdoors

If you and your friends are more adventurous types, look no further than the world-class mountain biking opportunities in the Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The region is a designated Silver-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, making it America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital.

Photo Credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos

Less than 10 miles from Downtown Roanoke you can find Carvins Cove Natural Reserve and 60 miles of trails at your fingertips. It’s earned a reputation as one of the premier spots for mountain biking in the country, and is a bucket list spot for mountain biking enthusiasts of any skill level. Throw in other trails like Mill Mountain Park and the nearby “Mountain Biking Disneyland” in Douthat State Park, and you have a guy’s getaway that’s sure to please all the thrill-seekers out there.

For those looking for something a little tamer, there’s hundreds of miles of Rail Trails in the surrounding areas that offer some of the same stunning views at a more relaxed pace. Hop on the trail at New River Trail State Park and you’ll ride through cavernous tunnels, over steep dams, past the historical Shot Tower and over several trestle bridges. Journey a little further Southwest there’s the renowned Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34.3-mile trail ride that’ll take your breath away.

Photo Credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos

If you’d rather have both feet on the ground, payoff hikes abound in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the nearby Shenandoah Valley. In addition to stunning 270-degree panoramic views, the iconic McAfee Knob has premier bouldering routes off of its 8.8-mile round trip hike. Looking for something a little more challenging? Dragon’s Tooth offers a five-mile rock scramble and views atop one of the state’s most interesting rock formations. Or for a different kind of pay-off hike, explore Cascades National Recreation Trail and cool off in the 66-foot waterfall at the end.

A Fishing Expedition

Behind every great fish tale is an incredible place where it all (probably, mostly) happened, and Coastal Virginia has some of the best fishing spots on the East Coast. Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and within easy reach of offshore canyons, the prolific offshore waters of Virginia Beach are some of the most unique in the world.

Being where the northern and southern waters combine, you’ll find White and Blue Marlin, Redfish, Cobia, Striped Bass and Bluefin Tuna all in the same deep sea waters. It’s the stuff anglers dream of, and there’s no shortage of noteworthy charter tours in the area to take you and your friends out for a day in the Atlantic Ocean.

Photo credit: Chad Williams, @echadwilliams

For a more intimate fishing experience, skirt across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Virginia’s Eastern Shore for some incredible kayak fishing expeditions. Launch from Wise Point and explore the marshes of Holly Bluff Island, or check out Kiptopeke State Park and the legendary ghost fleet anchored in its water.

But don’t think all the fun is had on the water, as there’s plenty of entertainment ashore. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is full of lively bars and restaurants featuring some incredible fresh seafood. You can go skydiving indoors at iFly Virginia Beach, or take the old driver for a test run at Topgolf as you enjoy golf, friends, drinks and a good time.

The Guy’s Golf Trip

If you’re looking for a little more substantial golfing action, then Northern Virginia has got you covered. With greens nestled up against the scenic Potomac River and smattered across “D.C.’s Wine Country,” it’s an excellent destination for your next golf getaway.

The Potomac Shores Golf Club, the first public-access Jack Nicklaus Signature course in the region, is considered one of the most beautiful public courses in the country. The course winds through dramatic vistas and over 200 feet of elevation changes, while parties looking to play a quick round can take advantage of their lower afternoon rates.

The Tom Jackson-designed Stonewall Golf Club is another course that gives you the membership treatment without the fees. With a front nine that wanders alongside Lake Manassas, and a back nine that weaves its way in and out of wooded alleys and doglegs, this challenging course will put your group’s golf prowess to the test.

The 1757 Golf Club and their innovative Launchbox gives a new twist on an old classic. Through their partnership with Topgolf, they’ve introduced 10 furnished golf bays complete with ball flight tracking technology, automated scoring and range-side food and beverage service. It’s the perfect way to cap off a round on their par-70 course.

Photo credit: Kristin Summerer

Once your gang is all golfed-out, head out of the (Old) Town in Alexandria for some of the Capital Region’s best bars and restaurants. Named a Top-5 City in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler, the historic King Street has all the makings of a classic night out. Looking for something a bit more modern? The Clarendon neighborhood in Arlington is a short metro trip away and is especially known for an active nightlife scene.

An All-Inclusive Retreat

photo credit: Monarch Productions, @monarchproductions

If you’re seeking out a one-stop-shop for your guys’ getaway, look no further than VIRginia International Raceway. There’s 1,300 acres of fun around a 3.27-mile track named one of the top six road courses in the nation by Car and Driver Magazine.

Fulfill your need for speed with Formula Experiences, the racing school that set up shop on the property. Take the wheel of a high-performance sports car and fly through long straightaways into hairpin turns during one of their driving programs. Whether you’re looking to just “arrive and drive” or need a little more coaching behind the wheel, they’ve got all your bases covered.

photo credit: Monarch Productions, @monarchproductions

Had a chance to show up your friends in Mario Kart a time or two? Why not have a go at the real deal on VIR’s Kart Track. The state-of-the-art 5/8 mile course has karts that can run over 50 mph, some of the fastest speeds you’ll find for go-karts anywhere. Go head-to-head with your friends and see who the true karting king is.

While a lot of the action happens where the rubber meets the road, there’s so much more the property has to offer. The track has a wide array of shooting facilities, with seven ranges varying from 50 to 1,000 yards, a Tactical Training Complex that provides a simulated urban environment, live fire house and classroom along with two National Skeet Shooting Association-approved ranges.

Best of all, VIR offers on-site lodging with Villas, Pit Lane Rooms and The Lodge at VIR, while the noteworthy Oak Tree Tavern and Connie’s Pub offer award-winning dining and beverage options. Meaning you’ll be able to spend your entire trip at one incredible place.