Charlottesville's Finest - Pro Re Nata Brewpub and Music Hall

The morning’s fog still clung to my poor pup’s fur as we made our way down the mountain. Even as I write this, I know mountain is a relative term. For those in the American West, you would likely regard such a hike as nothing more as a jaunt in the forest but for those of us who don’t regularly scale the Rockies, the mountains and hills found in the Appalachian offers more than enough of a challenge, particularly for this one fellow and his dog.

Unbeknownst to the other in my company, our morning’s effort would soon be rewarded by an afternoon of relaxation in the heart of Virginia. A large Pyrenees, Lainey Girl is one driven by good food and better pets, and I promised her as we scaled down the trail that we would soon make our way to such a spot tucked away in Crozet, Virginia. Having visited there on many occasions myself, I was fully aware of the embrace that awaited us both as soon as I put the car into park.

Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge, Pro Re Nata sits along Route 250 and has long stood as a welcome oasis for the wayward spirit. Those who know, PRN is an escape; for those who do not, it is a surprise gift from the gods of yeast and hops. Simply put, PRN is a revelation.

Lainey Girl was a rescue. Since adopting her, I have long sought those spots where we both might feel at ease. While nature is the ideal cathedral for our shared escape, we both tend to run a touch testy after a 3-4 hour walk. I have learned that it is far better for everyone in the surrounding area if she has a warm place to relax and I have a cold beverage in hand.

And yet, as soon as we walk into PRN, Lainey immediately fell into a calm. It was much like the smell of the malt reminded her of a simpler time, one without wayward cats and dastardly foxes. I felt her back into my leg, roll over, and seemingly say, I like it here and thanks for coming here.

We walked around the site, stopping to take in the fresh air around us and experience every nuanced smell. For my part, I was only able to intake the rich smoke from the fire pits, the effervescence of the surrounding cedars and pines, and the hops emerging from the beer in hand (my personal choice being their Hop Drone but I was quite taken with their seasonal Diphopopotamus). Lainey? I’m quite certain she was picking up hints of an age-old mountain, the small springs running around us, the wildlife that walked the same steps just a few hours before her, and of course, her fellow canine visitors.

At this point, I should disclose that both we, two, are french fry fiends. Before I saw our basket of fries from Hops Kitchen, I knew she had caught a hint of that salty glory long before my eyes ever laid sight on the golden goodness, conveniently and neatly sliced into shareable bits. Without question, Lainey’s vet would not have been a fan…that is, until she actually had one of those fries.

Pro Re Nata is much more than the natural aroma of the surrounding wood, the peace of a calmed and relaxed pup, even the quiet of a city escape. Their beer is an admiration of refreshment and appreciation of taste. It holds the best qualities of craft beer without any of the unnecessary unapproachability. You are welcomed here at Pro Re Nata, and more to the point, you feel welcome.

You and your pup.

Learn more about Pro Re Nata!

https:prnbrewery.com
P: 4340823-4878
6135 Rockfish Gap Turnpike
Crozet, VA 22932