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Your Guide to Dining Alfresco

‘Tis the season to be outside! Fortunately for you, fellow seeker of warmth and sunshine, Staunton has excellent places for outdoor dining. Places you’ll be able to take a deep breath, nosh a bit, and throw back an ice cold drink for lunch, dinner, or after dinner. … Continue reading Your Guide to Dining Alfresco

‘Tis the season to be outside! Fortunately for you, fellow seeker of warmth and sunshine, Staunton has excellent places for outdoor dining. Places you’ll be able to take a deep breath, nosh a bit, and throw back an ice cold drink for lunch, dinner, or after dinner.

PATIOS

Byers Street Bistro (18 Byers St) – Head to the Bistro after work or meet friends for an afternoon chill-out beneath the umbrellas on the patio. Happy Hour deals extend from the bar, so watch for those offerings while enjoying a “shareable” like the fried green tomatoes, fried dill pickles, smoked bacon and corn hushpuppies, or chorizo fondue. In fact, get a plate of each and pass it around.

Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery (7 S New St) – Shopping downtown around lunch time? Waiting for a show at Blackfriars? Cranberry’s is centrally located!

Try the New Street Burrito (also available as a salad) or a classic BLT paired with a freshly squeezed juice concoction, Mexican Coca-Cola, or even coffee. There are many cool options at Cranberry’s, and the patio is an excellent place

Table 44 (300 Church St) – The covered patio is a signature space at Table 44, where a table is waiting for you! Try the refreshing feta and watermelon salad or splurge with a decadent dessert from Paris Cake Company. It’s a great option on a warm day or evening, especially when you add a sangria or a bucket of beer.

Chicano Boy (300 Church St) – This small eatery boasts a huge patio that’s perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends. A local favorite after, Chicano Boy offers a great menu perfect for guests of all ages.

Newtown Baking (960 W Beverley St) – Having been a Staunton staple for years, Newtown Baking provides fresh, delicious breads and pastries daily in addition to lunch. Open Wednesday-Saturday, you can now enjoy dinner, ranging from gyros all the way to wood-fired pizzas from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the bakery.

DECKS

The Shack (105 S Coalter St) – Chef Ian Boden brings a fresh new menu every day of the week based on whatever is fresh from local producers. The Shack is a busy place and reservations are recommended if you can’t get there early. Having the deck enables more people to enjoy the incredible dishes Chef Boden is slingin’. Popular snacks for your five o’clock wind-down have included pimento cheese with benne biscuit crackers, and Sewansecott oysters on the half shell.

Thai Staunton* (1000 Greenville Ave) – Take your friends straight to the deck at Thai Staunton and order up the Asian sample platter to share while sipping cocktails. The deck overlooks bustling Greenville Avenue, but laughter among friends creates an entirely different atmosphere.

ROOFTOPS

The Pompei Lounge (23 E Beverley St) – The open-air rooftop terrace at The Pompei Lounge is the place to be on a hot summer night. When the sun goes down, the atmosphere becomes electric with live music, plenty of drink offerings, and bar bites that won’t disappoint.

BREWERIES

Queen City Brewing (834 Springhill Rd) – Staunton’s first brewery hosts food trucks and musicians each Friday night for an event they call Picks n Pints, and their

deck is an awesome place to hang out and sip one of their 22 tapped options of craft beer. Open Mic Night is Wednesdays, if you need a mid-week evening break.

Bedlam Brewing (2303 N Augusta St) – A neighborhood hangout, Bedlam Brewing creates the perfect pub environment offering delicious wood-fired pizza and craft brews. Their patio is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the live music that occurs at Bedlam on Fridays and Sundays.

In conclusion, there are plenty of great options for outdoor dining in Staunton. Other choices with limited outdoor seating include: The Pampered Palate, Clocktower Food & Spirits, and Farmhouse Kitchen and Wares, all serving a wonderful view of Beverley Street. Get out and enjoy!

A Perfect Picnic Made in Staunton

As the warm weather draws you out to enjoy the beauty of and around Staunton, plan a full day of explorations complete with a perfectly packed picnic. THE BASICS If you need a picnic basket, you’re in luck. Antique stores are known for them (and we have some of those), or you might find your next … Continue reading A Perfect Picnic Made in Staunton

As the warm weather draws you out to enjoy the beauty of and around Staunton, plan a full day of explorations complete with a perfectly packed picnic.

THE BASICS

If you need a picnic basket, you’re in luck. Antique stores are known for them (and we have some of those), or you might find your next handmade heirloom to pass down when you visit Appalachian Pieceworks on Middlebrook Avenue.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Cranberrys picnic — @cranberryseatery More healthy additions to
our grab and go fridge just in time for Spring!
Fruit and veggie cups and a kale salad with
tahini lemon dressing.

Good luck with this one, as you’ll probably wantmore than a picnic basket full of what Staunton has to offer. With a broad stroke of the pen, these are some goodies we think you’ll love to take along.

Cranberry’s Club at Cranberry Grocery features house-made cranberry mayo on Newtown sourdough bread.
Caromont Plank Road Round cheese pairs well with crusty bread and fruity red or white wine. Pick it up at Yelping Dog.
Order a small bowl (or large, if you want) of Gourmet Olives or Waldorf Salad at Lewis Creek Market.
Ask for the Hummus Plate to go at George Bowers Grocery. It includes fresh veggies, feta, and crackers. You have our permission to get a cucumber and banana milkshake to go.
Swing by The Store for fresh tomatoes or cucumbers (because you need them outside of a milkshake, too).

AND AWAY WE GO …

So where will you enjoy your picnic? Will it be one our parks? How about an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway? Take a scenic drive and look for a great place to pull over and enjoy the sunshine.

Cheers to eating, loving, and exploring locally!

7 Distinctive Staunton Wedding Venues

These beautiful summer days, and nights, is giving us wedding fever. For day-dreaming girlfriends and Pinterest-frenzied fiancées, we have seven uniquely distinct Staunton wedding venues for your consideration (and pinning!). ELEGANT :: STELLE ROSE AT STAUNTON STATION Located in the historic Staunton train station, Stelle Rose is a beautiful all-weather venue that is historically elegant … Continue reading 7 Distinctive Staunton Wedding Venues

These beautiful summer days, and nights, is giving us wedding fever. For day-dreaming girlfriends and Pinterest-frenzied fiancées, we have seven uniquely distinct Staunton wedding venues for your consideration (and pinning!).

ELEGANT :: STELLE ROSE AT STAUNTON STATION

Located in the historic Staunton train station, Stelle Rose is a beautiful all-weather venue that is historically elegant but also provides all the modern amenities you could wish for on your special day. Stelle Rose offers an open, flexible 6,000 square-foot floor plan with both indoor and covered outdoor spaces as well as a luxurious, private bridal suite, a full kitchen, multiple photo locations, and seating for 160 guests.
You’ll be able to have the wedding of your dreams by choosing to use your own wedding professionals or from the venue’s network of highly recommended local resources.

HISTORIC :: WOODROW WILSON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
If you’ve never seen the historic gardens at Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace, you’re missing a ready-made, gorgeous, historic ceremony setting. The gardens are one of 13 maintained by the Garden Club of Virginia, and feature two gazebos in a quiet, private spot easily accessed from Staunton’s busy downtown.

Accommodating up to 150 people, the historic gardens are available for four hours and $1,200. Many brides choose to host the reception between the gardens and terrace, an expansion that can be realized for only $400 more.

The caveat with any use of the Woodrow Wilson historic site is membership. The League of Friends is the donor backbone to support the privately funded site, and membership in The League allows for facility rental. Fortunately, “a complimentary Family membership is included in the rental fee for non-members,” according to the Facility Rental guidelines, which is valued at $100 and provides free unlimited admission, discounts, and more.

ROMANTIC :: GAIE LEA
Multiple ceremony and reception options make Gaie Lea (Old English for “Happy Meadows”) quite the contender when it comes to all-in-one wedding venues. Two hundred acres ensures privacy at any of the sites, which include a pavilion overlooking a pond, a hilltop pool for cocktail hour or reception, a formal English boxwood garden, a stone patio and fire pit near the pond for cigars and bourbon or a s’mores snack, the estate home itself, and whatever else your imagination leads you to on the expansive property.

Treat your wedding party or immediate family to an overnight at the estate. Fifteen guests can be accommodated in the six large guest rooms.

COLLEGIATE :: MARY BALDWIN UNIVERSITY
Whether you’re an alumnae or simply appreciate the beauty of a meticulously manicured college lawn, you’re in luck. The views from Mary Baldwin may be some of the best Staunton has to offer.

Real Mary Baldwin College Weddings:

Ceremony and Reception: Logan + Chris

DRAMATIC :: AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CENTER
You’ve never seen a venue like the Blackfriars Playhouse, and you likely never will. The world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, this is the place for any romantic, Shakespeare aficionado, or one who is into old English architecture. The details at Blackfriars are impressive. Floral arrangements (unless very large) would be a waste in this space.

Real Blackfriars Wedding and The American Hotel Reception: Janice + Brian

CLASSIC :: STONEWALL JACKSON HOTEL

For those seeking an all-inclusive approach to their wedding day, the Stonewall Jackson Hotel may be the perfect Staunton fit. This historic hotel has recently been refreshed with new (almost) everything. Your facility rental includes tables, linens, place settings, dance floor, candle centerpiece … the works. Toss in a few rooms for your bridal party and out of town guests (yours is free, by the way!), plus the Hotel catering and that doesn’t leave you with a great deal to worry about. Classically beautiful and worry free!

Real Stonewall Jackson Hotel Weddings:

Brittany + Jason

> Wedding Brochure

UNFORGETTABLE :: FRONTIER CULTURE MUSEUM
Indoors or out, with a barn or under the sun … you have many choices at the Frontier Culture Museum, and your guests (up to 400) are in for a real treat, should you spring for a group rate admission for them to explore the grounds.

The Lee S. Cochran Pavilion is open air for warm months and tented for cooler months. A catering kitchen makes prep and delivery super easy while museum staff takes care of setting up and taking down the tables and chairs. The Lawn is a great place for the ceremony itself.

The Octagonal Barn is two levels (you may access both or one) and boasts a small amphitheater for your use as well. This space also includes a catering kitchen.

The Lecture Hall is a sleek, converted dairy barn with soaring ceilings and dinner seating for up to 100. Or, clear it out and dance the night away! Caterer’s staging area with sink is available.

MORE STAUNTON WEDDING VENUE OPTIONS:

Swirling and Sipping Wine in Staunton

Let’s be honest. Wine is intimidating. Sniffing, swirling, tannins, red versus white, where are Norton grapes grown again, and what do you mean I’m not holding the glass correctly? Fortunately, there are wine experts right under your novice nose all over Virginia, but quite possibly, Staunton has more opportunities for a quick wine 101 than any other city in the … Continue reading Swirling and Sipping Wine in Staunton

Let’s be honest. Wine is intimidating. Sniffing, swirling, tannins, red versus white, where are Norton grapes grown again, and what do you mean I’m not holding the glass correctly? Fortunately, there are wine experts right under your novice nose all over Virginia, but quite possibly, Staunton has more opportunities for a quick wine 101 than any other city in the Shenandoah Valley.

LEWIS CREEK MARKET | 300 CHURCH STREET

This old-is-new-again establishment is sweetly situated in an old livery stable with a gated patio for your enjoyment. More than 20 wines from around the world are available by the glass each day and hundreds more are in stock. The day you want to find yourself at Lewis Creek is Monday, for it is then between 4:30 and 6:30 (most Mondays) that a FREE educational tasting is offered. Monday doesn’t suit? No problem. For just $5 you can sample four wines another day.
Hours: Monday 10:30-6:30; Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10:30-5:30

OX-EYE VINEYARDS TASTING ROOM | 44 MIDDLEBROOK AVENUE

The renovated 1904 coal office in the Wharf District is where you’ll find Ox-Eye’s tasting room. Fresh and airy, it’s a great place to learn the ins and outs of wine, and how to taste it. The selection at Ox-Eye features their very own estate-grown wine. Tastings are offered in two tiers at $5 or $7 per person.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 12-6; Friday 12-7; Saturday 10-7

YELPING DOG | 9 EAST BEVERLY STREET

More than 1500 bottles of wine are available at Yelping Dog and a weekly wine-by-the-glass menu introduces you to something new often. Wine tastings are available from time to time. There is no fee, but a donation to the local SPCA is suggested and hoped for. Monitor theirFacebook page for tasting announcements.
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 11-9; Friday through Saturday 11-10; Sunday 12-6

THE WINE CELLAR | 8 BYERS STREET

Fridays are Wine Cellar days with a different sommelier each week to roll out something new and tasty from 5 to 8 p.m. The Cellar is full of countless bottles of wine from all over the world: Virginia, West Coast, European, Argentinian … you ask and chances are, you can receive.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10-6

THE STAUNTON ABBEY TAPHOUSE | 2217 NORTH AUGUSTA STREET

The Abbey is a restaurant, but don’t be fooled. More than 200 bottles of wine are in the house and tastings are offered every Friday and Saturday, alternating with the extensive craft beer selection, of course. Need help pairing a wine with a menu item? The staff knows just what to offer.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 11-9

Up for a quick drive from downtown? Barren Ridge Vineyards is the closest winery to Staunton, less than 10 miles away in Fishersville. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the view from their patio. Tastings rotate weekly. Reserve tasting (eight wines) are $8 per person. If you know you like red or white, try a flight of four red or white for $5 per person. Traveling in a group of 8 or more? You win the group tasting with special seating at a rate of $10 per person (please call ahead).
Address: 984 Barren Ridge Road, Fishersville, VA 22939
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 11-6; Thursday through Saturday 11-9; Sunday 1-6

Much ‘Ado About Brew in Staunton

As the central hub of the brand new Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, Staunton offers great craft beer with a heaping side of culture and a dash of history. Toss in a sprinkle of outdoor recreation and you’ll find that we’re an awesome getaway destination in the Shenandoah Valley. “Blessings of your heart, you brew good ale,” … Continue reading Much ‘Ado About Brew in Staunton

As the central hub of the brand new Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, Staunton offers great craft beer with a heaping side of culture and a dash of history. Toss in a sprinkle of outdoor recreation and you’ll find that we’re an awesome getaway destination in the Shenandoah Valley.

“Blessings of your heart, you brew good ale,” wrote William Shakespeare in Two Gentlemen of Verona, and we’d like to think our brewmasters whip up some mighty fine elixirs as well. Queen City is our oldest brewery, Redbeard is our small batch delight, and Shenandoah Valley is our go-to for home brewing supplies and advice. No visit to Staunton is complete without a trip to each of them and a night at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, where beer is also served.

In addition to the breweries of Staunton, beer gardens and tap rooms serve up a variety of craft beer. Sample around and then enjoy a fresh-from-the-farm meal at one of our notable restaurants where you’re likely to find even more brews to choose from.

When you’re ready for some outdoor rec, you’ll find our parks to be pretty and well equipped, but just a few miles away are more challenging opportunities in Shenandoah National Park. For every speed of adventure, there’s an outlet nearby.

Finally, raise a glass to the nation’s 28^th president, Woodrow Wilson, whose home and presidential library is located in Staunton. You can’t be this close to presidential history and not give a nod with a visit. The 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine is a must-see for any car enthusiast.

After you’ve enjoyed a few flights in Staunton, continue on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail to discover more unique tastes in Virginia craft beer. There are 12 breweries along the way, plus more cool places to discover and adventure to be had. Spend the weekend with us and visit four breweries to the north, three to the east, and two the south. There’s no better place to be than Staunton, Virginia.

See you on the trail!

Learn more about the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail by following along socially!

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Summertime on the Frontier

Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum is one of the most underrated destinations in Virginia. There are 11 living history sites on about 150 acres that are representative of more than 200 years of immigration and settlement. It’s high time the world knows about this significant opportunity in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and one sure way to draw a crowd is … Continue reading Summertime on the Frontier

Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum is one of the most underrated destinations in Virginia. There are 11 living history sites on about 150 acres that are representative of more than 200 years of immigration and settlement. It’s high time the world knows about this significant opportunity in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and one sure way to draw a crowd is to throw a party. So let’s go!

Summertime is the best time to be at the Frontier Culture Museum. Concerts and special events are added bonuses to exploring the outdoor museum itself. Spend an afternoon learning something new and then settle in with a good bite to eat from a food vendor while enjoying great entertainment.

Put these on your calendar and we’ll see you on the Frontier.

August 5 :: Lammas First Fruits Fair
Bring the entire family to the annual Lammas “First Fruits” Fair, a traditional celebration of the first fruits & grains ready for harvest. This day is “pay what you will” and is an excellent opportunity for first-time guests to explore the Museum, as well as witness craftsmen demonstrating woodworking and ironworking techniques and food preparation like grain threshing and flax processing. And don’t miss the square dancing and food and craft vendors!

American Roots Music Concert Series

The American Roots Music Concert Series brings traditional Appalachian, old time, and bluegrass music to the Frontier Culture Museum. Every Sunday evening in August, celebrate the influence of music on our frontier culture with four entertaining concerts. Concerts are held in the Lee S. Cochran Pavilion from 5 to 7 pm and includes food and beverage vendors.

August 6: Whitetop Mountain Band
Steeped in the musical heritage and tradition of Whitetop, Virginia, this family-based band carries on the tradition of old fiddling and banjo picking.

August 13: Bud’s Collective
A driving group of West Virginia pickers, Bud’s Collective delights audiences with original bluegrass and old country songs too—you’ll likely hear something you know and love.

August 20: Commonwealth Bluegrass Band
If you love a “high lonesome sound,” you won’t want to miss Commonwealth Bluegrass Band, a harmonizing quintet pickin’ traditional and new ‘grass.

August 27: Amber Collins & Branch House Pavilion
Hailing for Floyd, Virginia, this versatile and entertaining band performs a wide range of music from original pieces and bluegrass, to gospel, Americana, and even rock.

September 3 :: Virginia Food Truck Battle
Whose food (and beer) will reign supreme? Food trucks—and craft breweries—go head-to-head in the 4th annual food truck battle hosted by the Frontier Culture Museum. Fans taste, sip, and vote for their favorites during this festive event. Eighteen Food Trucks and 6 Virginia breweries from all over the state will battle it out for “Fan Favorite!” Pick your VIP ticket zone (blue, red, or green) and enjoy tastings from 11:30 -12:30 PM from six food trucks in your zone. Or purchase a general admission ticket and join us at 12:30 PM for a fun-filled afternoon with great food and drinks, live music, and free children’s activities. Bring your chairs and blankets and spend the afternoon enjoying the best food and beer from across the state. For foodie and craft beer lovers this event is a MUST, so get your ticket early!

See you soon in Staunton!

Five Favorite Ways to Experience Staunton

The architecture is beautiful, the history is bountiful, and the dining is the best around. Staunton is one incredible city. Even Cosmopolitan has noticed, calling us one of “30 Small Towns You Should Visit this Summer.” So what are the best ways to experience all that Staunton has to offer? We have five suggestions. Take … Continue reading Five Favorite Ways to Experience Staunton

The architecture is beautiful, the history is bountiful, and the dining is the best around. Staunton is one incredible city. Even Cosmopolitan has noticed, calling us one of “30 Small Towns You Should Visit this Summer.” So what are the best ways to experience all that Staunton has to offer? We have five suggestions.

Take the Trolley

The Staunton Trolley costs a mere 25 cents per ride. Take the Green Route to sight-see through the Wharf District, downtown, and to Gypsy Hill Park, one of our fine community parks.

If you’d care to experience a narrated version, that’s available, too, at 11 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays from our Visitor Center on New Street.

Green Trolley - Jean Boyd

Hunt Ghosts

If you’re into the paranormal or simply appreciate a good historic ghost story, Ghosts of Staunton is a Saturday night walking tour you must take. The tour starts at the corner of New and Johnston Streets at 8 p.m. and costs $12 per adult and $6 per child age 6 to 12. Rain or shine.

Traipse About

Do you traipse? If you’re a visitor casually roaming and experiencing without a set destination, you certainly do. However, there’s an app called Traipse that serves up puzzles and quizzes about our destination as you’re exploring. Unlock discounts along the way and increase your knowledge about your surroundings. It’s a fun way to get to know Staunton.

Get it on the App Store or Google Play.

Follow the Experts

For more than 25 years the Historic Staunton Foundation has offered free Saturday walking toursto show off four of the six historic districts. Two hours in length, the tour begins promptly at 10 a.m. at 24 N. Coalter Street adjacent to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. Wear comfortable shoes. No reservations required.

How do you love to experience a new place? Do you have a favorite destination in Staunton you’d love to shout about? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.

Staunton’s Green Spaces are Fun Places

‘Tweens and teens average six to nine hours of entertainment media consumption per day according to a recent study by CommonSenseMedia.org1. Break away from the screen time (yours and theirs) and enjoy the great outdoors. Staunton’s parks are a fantastic place to start! Go blow off steam and relax in a natural environment for a change. GYPSY HILL … Continue reading Staunton’s Green Spaces are Fun Places

‘Tweens and teens average six to nine hours of entertainment media consumption per day according to a recent study by CommonSenseMedia.org¹. Break away from the screen time (yours and theirs) and enjoy the great outdoors. Staunton’s parks are a fantastic place to start! Go blow off steam and relax in a natural environment for a change.

GYPSY HILL PARK | MAP

Within the 214-acre Gypsy Hill Park are ball fields, a duck pond, a fishing pond, the Action Skate Park, a swimming pool, multiple playgrounds, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, bandstand, mini train, picnic tables, and an 18-hole golf course. It’s a beautiful backdrop for capturing video and Instagram shots of your kids at play, as long as you promise to be “in the moment” after you capture a few moments.

Instagram pic 3 for blog 3-24-16 — Gypsy Hill Duck Pond Instagram photo by: @davidpogojetski https://www.instagram.com/p/BCOwo0Ugxiy/?taken-by=davidpogojetski

The Action Skate Park features a half-pipe and several other launches and rails to polish your skills. BMX bikes, skateboards, and inline skates are permitted.

The train lovers of your bunch will likely enjoy the Gypsy Express, the mini train knocking on 60 years of family fun. The train runs from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October. Tickets are only $1 and FREE on Independence Day and Labor Day. Do note that the train does not run in the rain.

Do you have a little explorer on your hands? Feed the sense of adventure and mystery when you geocache in our parks. Learn more about the process and fun of geocaching, then locate our area caches to get started.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, plan to enjoy Family Night Flix at the Bandstand on Friday nights at dusk. The outdoor movie series kicks off June 10 with Minions!

MONTGOMERY HALL PARK | MAP

Montgomery Hall Park is 148 acres and a go-to for hiking or mountain biking along the trails. Multiple ball fields make this park a bustling spring and summer destination for local youth. Come throw horseshoes or a round of disc golf before cooling off in the pool (which will open in mid-June following renovations ). Afterward, you’ll find the pavilions to be a nice shady place to picnic.

If you’re looking for a pickleball court, you can find a few at Montgomery Hall Park. “What’s pickleball?” you ask? It’s kind of like badminton or tennis but with a plastic ball (like a whiffle ball) volleyed over a lower net by players with wooden paddles (like ping pong). A larger version of ping pong, faster version of badminton, and slower pace of tennis, perhaps? You play and decide.

Before summer, development on the Natural Play Area will begin behind Lancaster softball field. This will be a special place for children to explore the environment without the typical playground equipment. Imaginations will run wild!

Learn more about these two parks as well as a few more at Staunton Parks & Recreation.

¹ Tweens, Teens, and Screens: What Our New Research Uncovers. CommonSenseMedia.org.

Great Food & Craft Beer. Oh Yea, We’ve Got That

Some days just call for naughty splurge, don’t they? Sink your teeth into these filling options and ask for a frosty mug of something local.

Some days just call for naughty splurge, don’t they? (Diet? What diet?) Fortunately, Staunton has several places dedicated to delivering just that. Sink your teeth into these filling options and ask for a frosty mug of something local.

BAJA BEAN CO. | 9 West Beverley

“Southern California-style Mexican” is the menu at Baja, but locals know, it is also the go-to place in Staunton for craft beer. Their 12 taps are carefully curated on a weekly basis. Want help pairing your Big Burrito with a beer? The staff at Baja Bean Co. dedicates quite a bit of time choosing the worthy, and will gladly assist you in making a wise choice.

SHENANDOAH PIZZA & TAP HOUSE | 19 East Beverley

Get comfortable and order The Statler (fennel sausage, smoked bacon, red onions, and fresh mozzarella) with a Devils Backbone “Eight Point IPA” or a Blue Mountain “Full Nelson.” There’s just not much that beats pizza and beer, am I right?

GEORGE BOWERS GROCERY | 219 W. Beverley

Choose from a wide range of “well cultivated” bottled and canned craft beer at this legit craft shop loaded with local, artisanal wares and made-to-order delights. Try the Classic Reuben, their signature sandwich featuring Farmstead Ferments sauerkraut from Charlottesville and handmade Russian dressing. It pairs well with Brothers Craft Brewing’s “Drift” session ale, according to Matthew Miller of Craft Beer Nation.

BYERS STREET BISTRO | 18 Byers Street

Southern comfort food rises to the top at Byers Street Bistro. Start with fried green tomatoes, then move on to shrimp and grits or meatloaf. Skip dessert in favor of something tasty like the latest release from Pale Fire or Starr Hill.

CLOCKTOWER RESTAURANT & BAR | 27 W. Beverley

When you know that quality is the cornerstone priority of a restaurant, you can trust great food and great service await. Clocktower embraces that responsibility, delivering scratch-made entrees to each guest. With that in mind, savor the wait with a choice of several Virginia craft beers like State Street, Champion, and Port City found among the 16 taps.

Which Staunton establishment boasts the best selection of Virginia craft beer AND serves your favorite dish? Tell us all about by leaving a comment!

Fair Trade, Handmade and US-Made Fashion in Staunton

One of the best parts of a stroll down a funky, historic main street — like our Beverley Street — is the thrill of ducking into a little boutique and scoring unique clothing not to be found in the larger, national stores. Love scoring cool, unusual fashions and looking to double down on that thrill … Continue reading Fair Trade, Handmade and US-Made Fashion in Staunton

One of the best parts of a stroll down a funky, historic main street — like our Beverley Street — is the thrill of ducking into a little boutique and scoring unique clothing not to be found in the larger, national stores.

Love scoring cool, unusual fashions and looking to double down on that thrill of the find? Then come check out Staunton’s ethical fashion scene.

Not familiar with ethical fashion? This is a loose term used to describe clothing options that are focused on fair trade, local sourcing and handcrafted design and production. From local artists to international buying trips, Staunton offers an amazing breadth and depth of ethical fashion options for all.

Made in the USA

Made; By the People, For the People offers reasonably priced American made new and vintage clothing. The boutique offers a wide array of styles from flirty dresses to locally printed T’s for both men and women.

We stopped by Made to talk with owner, Corrie Park “Our shop’s mission is not born of divisive politics or extreme nationalism, instead we aim to shed light on exactly why one can’t help but to feel great when making a purchase at our boutique: satisfaction in knowing your purchase directly helps to sustain the local economy; acknowledgement of the fellow citizens who have created a product that adds comfort and beauty to the day; an appreciation of the regulations that protect American workers from so many of the labor atrocities that occur abroad; and immense pleasure in realizing that the very nature of domestically produced goods results in a lower carbon footprint, and represents adherence to more stringent environmental laws than can be found in most exporting countries.”

In addition to American made clothing and locally handcrafted products, Made; is excited to be expanding their line up of monthly classes where locals can get in touch with their own creative sides. Check Facebook and Instagram for more information.

15 East Beverley Street | Facebook

Local Artisan-Made Fashion

When we stopped by Artful Gifts, tucked in one end of the wharf, we found Lisa and Jim Jacenich working on a custom felting commission (a camouflage vest) in their divine studio and showroom. The couple have been active in textile arts for 20 years, having started in Highland County before moving to their current location in Staunton.

Artful gifts specializes in using natural fibers, like wool and silk, to create the amazing felted fabrics they are known for. In addition to creating unique felts (available for purchase by the yard,) the couple creates unique embellished fashions using their custom fabrics as well as upcycled garments.

While Lisa focuses on the felt and design, Jim works in kumihimo, or Japanese braiding, to create belts and necklaces integrated with beads and hand-blown glass and jewelry.

Be sure to stop by Artful Gifts whenever you are looking for completely unique, one of a kind handcrafted fashion made right here in Staunton.

6 Byers Street | Facebook

Fair Trade, Boutique Style

Latitudes Fair Trade takes the search for ethical fashion across our borders. Latitudes is a fair trade store that specializes in hand-made, artisanal goods from around the world. Owner, Anna Schoenduby, worked in international travel and education before trading in her corporate gig to focus on her passion – working to create positive economic relationships between American consumers and marginalized artisans from developing nations.

The fashions on display at Latitudes bring a modern flair to the fair trade scene, with vintage style fit’n’flare dresses in classic, feminine prints and classic geometric wrap dresses. We stopped by Latitudes to visit with Anna, where we learned about her upcoming trip to India where she’ll meet with the artisans who create some of the amazing clothing and accessories you’ll find at Latitudes.

Stop by and find the perfect party dress for you or as a gift!

16 East Beverley Street | Facebook