Strasburg, Virginia 2024

While on our Thanksgiving getaway, we spent an afternoon in Strasburg, Virginia. The town was settled by German immigrants who moved south from Pennsylvania. The original town hall was a bit of an eyesore (it was nicknamed the "Sheep Shed" by locals). The new civic center is much more respectable looking.

Town Hall in Strasburg

We had lunch at Box Office Brewery, a small brewery that occupies what was the town's movie theater. It was converted to a brewery, though they still have a stage for live performances, usually on weekend nights.

Box Office Brewery

The brewing area

I started with the Curtain-Call Coconut Porter, which was delightful enough that I bought a four-pack on the way out. We had a variety of typical pub fare like Bavarian pretzels, pizza, burgers, and a chicken quesadilla. My second beer was Irish Red Dawn, a typical red ale that was nice, though not as spectacular as the porter.

Coconut Porter

Smash burger and fries

Pretzel and pepperoni pizza

The town's visitor center is a short drive from downtown, situated on Hupps Hill, the site of a minor American Civil War battle. An interpretive trail leads by some of the earthen works that are still sort of visible. A cave is fenced off so visitors don't stay longer than intended.

Info sign about local battles

A small hollow that provided cover for an artillery piece

The cave

A picture into the cave

The cave from further up the hill

The visitor center has a classic log-cabin look. It includes a gift shop, some exhibits from the Civil War era, and a video about the local battles, including the scorched-earth campaign of the Union in 1864 called The Burning.

Visitor center

Cedar Creek Battle display

A typical Civil War encampment

Work at the homefront

We went back into town to Bretzels at the Strasburg Emporium. The guide at the visitor center recommended it for dessert. It's a typical coffee and sandwich counter with a lot of good choices. I had a gingerbread scone that was very nice.

The local history museum was closed for the season, so we didn't get to go there. My children were happy about that. It was a nice visit to the town.