What’s New in Downtown Staunton?

(Published 04/27/2023)

The weather sure is nice this time of year and there’s no better way to enjoy it than exploring downtown Staunton. If you haven’t visited in a while, you’ll be excited to meet our newest businesses. Plan your next weekend getaway, find a special gift, score a really good meal, or even locate the wedding dress of your dreams. Here’s what you need to know about Staunton’s newest spaces.

The Historic Berkeley Place

Worried that B&Bs are fussy and old-fashioned? You’ll feel like you’re living in your favorite aspirational interior design Instagram account when you book a room at the Historic Berkeley Place. Under new ownership, the boutique inn boasts seven roomy and comfortable suites. They have king-sized beds, modern and elegant bathrooms, high-speed internet, and free parking. The Shenandoah suite includes two bedrooms, one with a king and one with a pair of queens that’s perfect for a family. Parties of up to eight will love the privacy and convenience of the Baldwin Penthouse suite. It boasts three bedrooms, a living room, and a full kitchen. While there’s no on-site breakfast, the inn has a coffee, tea, and snack bar. It’s just steps away from downtown Staunton’s restaurant scene.

Slyde at 23

Before Slyde at 23 slid into the old Emilio’s site, new owners Nicole Bowman and Channun Madden remodeled the space. The first thing you see is the large and welcoming live-edge bar made from Augusta County maple. Grab a glass of wine, beer, or a mixed drink to start before checking out the menu. Slyde has an eclectic menu with dishes from all around the world, but the specialty is sliders. Look for weekly specials like panko and parmesan-encrusted red drum with asparagus or shrimp and scallop scampi. Stop in for brunch on the weekends. Since it’s located on Beverley Street, Slyde at 23 is a nice place to dine outside during Shop and Dine Out in Downtown. Looking for a place to host your next fancy dinner? The restaurant also offers private event space.

Mrs. Liptrap’s Family Restaurant

Staunton has a new comfort food destination but the delicious southern comfort food might be familiar! Patricia Liptrap has been a popular caterer for 30 years, and her new restaurant serves the same southern comfort food her fans rave about. Look for foods like fried sides, deli salads, lasagna, burgers, sandwiches, jambalaya, pork barbeque, scrumptious desserts. There’s also a kids’ menu for the younger set. The restaurant is located at 300 Church Street (formerly Table 44).

Queen City Gifts and Games

Queen City Gifts and Games is the brainchild of sisters Natasha McCurdy and Felicia Neil. The idea behind the new store is to provide a free, safe spot for teens to relax and hang out. The business also provides local artists, authors, and makers a place to showcase and sell their work. The gift shop, snack sales, and birthday party rentals will fund the hangout space. Young people can enjoy TV and reading nooks, a Pokemon gym, a Nintendo Switch area, board games, and special events.

Local Collective

A visit to Local Collective at 101 E. Beverley Street is a shopping experience. You’ll find a pleasing variety of vintage and new items from a range of decades. Better yet, the store provides a sense of how it all fits together. The Local Collective, owned by Holly and Kalem Hillman, is also good for vendors, who rent just as much space as they need. Visitors will encounter affordable prices on decor, art, and clothing, including consciously sourced and classic baby clothes from Lillybit Cottage and Staunton Baby Shop.

Juniper Lane Vintage

Wearing vintage clothing saves energy and reduces waste. It’s also fun, funky, and unique. Update your wardrobe with some new-to-you styles from decades past at Juniper Lane Vintage. The store carries styles from the 1950-2000s, with an emphasis on the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Juniper Lane also carries wedding dresses from different eras, which are one-of-a-kind, beautiful, and reasonably priced.

Get acquainted with these new Staunton businesses the next time you stroll through downtown, and check out this list of places to eat in Staunton!