Let's talk about the Blue Ridge Parkway. Did you know that the parkway IS OPEN from US 220 to the Explore Park entrance? Yep! So if you are coming to the Brewpub from that side of town, come on up the BRP just like you normally would.
Now, from the Vinton side of town, things have changed. Did you know it is only 4 minutes longer to get from downtown Vinton to the Brewpub by taking Rutrough Rd? Yep!
Just take E. Virginia towards Roanoke and turn left onto 13th street then go to the traffic circle. Roll around that thing and pop out towards Food Lion on Rt 116. Take the next left past Food Lion onto Rutrough Rd and cruise about 4 1/2 miles to the Explore Park service entrance and there ya go, Bob's your uncle, you're at the park! See you soon!
Twin Creeks Brew Pub is a brewery and restaurant located in the historic Brugh Tavern within Explore Park. Amenities include a full service restaurant featuring gourmet burgers, sides and shareable appetizers, outdoor fire pits, a Virginia wine and cider bar and outdoor music events. Additionally, the brewpub can host private events, showers and parties. Spend the day enjoying the wonderful activities found in Explore Park and relaxed afterwards in this rustic and quaint brewpub.
The Brugh Tavern was built between 1792 and 1800 as a private residence in Botetourt County. The home served as a tavern for thousands of migrating settlers during the early 19th century as they traveled along the Great Wagon Road. The structure is a monument to the German speaking people who settled in the Virginia’s Blue Ridge region in the late 18th century.
*Original tavern operator Daniel Brugh served in the Revolutionary War in 1782 as a member of the 8th Company, 1st Battalion York Militia, under the command of Captain O’Blain. Sometime after his military service he married Elizabeth Dierdorff, probably about 1784, and they ultimately produced twelve children. On March 2, 1791, Daniel swapped land in York County with Anthony Deardorff in exchange for land in Botetourt County, VA. Sometime between then and October 10, 1792, when he appears as a witness to a Botetourt deed, he moved his family to Botetourt County. His land at the time totaled 550 acres, on which he established a farm and built a saw mill. On October 9, 1805 he petitioned the Court and the following year built a grist mill. On December 12, 1809, Daniel was licensed to operate a tavern, which occupied the lower, or basement level of the building. Sleeping accommodations were maintained on the second floor, and the family occupied the third floor. Daniel died on December 26, 1825. Family tradition holds that he was "bled" to relieve a wound, the "cure" and not the wound causing his death.
Brugh Tavern was relocated to Explore Park and dedicated on April 28, 1998 as an upscale, historic-ambiance restaurant. The main body of the building facing the central lawn is original construction, while the back portion of the building and industrial kitchen were added when the building was relocated. Brugh Tavern was been leased to several restaurateurs from 1998 to 2007, until the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority ceased park operations. The last vendor in the space was Bountiful Blessings Catering, which operated from July 2004 until June 2007 offering a full-service family restaurant, group dining and special occasion dining as well as on-site catering.
* Information in this paragraph is from, "The Brughs of Early Botetourt" by George E. Honts III,