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American Shakespeare Center

Staunton is home to the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) and the Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. Take a virtual tour of the Blackfriars Playhouse and learn about Shakespeare’s staging conditions. 

Coming to see a show or do you experience Shakes-fear? The ASC makes Shakespeare accessible and fun. Introduce your kiddos to the Bard with these free and fun, downloadable resources:

• ASC Coloring Pages
• Stage Blood Recipes and Flow Chart

This fall, don’t miss the family-friendly production of  Twelfth Night. This 90-minute comedy of mis-identity is a a great introduction to Shakespeare. Prepare for your visit with this comprehensive guide that breaks down what happens in the play, provides historical context surrounding Shakespeare and his time, along with activities. 

Frontier Culture Museum

The Frontier Culture Museum has several virtual tours that will take you to each of the Museum’s major exhibits and will give you a taste of what life was like in the Old World with tours of England, West Africa, Ireland, and Germany and the American frontier during the 17th through 19th centuries. Take a tour now.

Complete your trip with Frontier Fun, a comprehensive activity guide that includes games, crafts, songs, and much more. Download the guide and learn more about the thousands of people who migrated to colonial America, and of the life they created here for themselves and their descendants. 

Your epic trip to Disney might be off the table this year, but you can still have a fulfilling adventure close to home. Queue the playlists and pack the crew and snacks into the minivan and road trip to Staunton. Staunton’s appeal lies in many areas: historic downtown, mountains, hiking, views, shopping, food, and entertainment. Check out the following reasons to head to Staunton.

It’s So Easy to Walk Around

Staunton has a very walkable downtown packed with picturesque Victorian architecture. Several luxury accommodations like Hotel 24 South, The Blackburn Inn, and the Frederick House are in the downtown footprint as well as many boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and the Blackfriars Playhouse.

Stroll down Beverley Street to see what’s new, then take a walking tour through the historic districts. Check out the views of downtown from Wilson Park on Sears Hill and drop in on some live glassblowing at nearby Sunspots Studios.

It’s also easy to extend your route and walk to Gypsy Hill Park and nearby Thornrose Cemetery. 

Getting Here and Parking is Easy

In today’s world, close to home is a safe bet. Even if you can’t find time to plan a long trip, the trip to Staunton is a great spur-of-the-moment adventure. D.C. and Norfolk are just about three hours away, and Richmond and Roanoke are both well under two. Situated just off I-64 and I-81, we’re easy to access. Street parking is readily available as well as parking lots and garages. Though easy to get to now, Staunton was once at the edge of the frontier, and a good stop for people and trade moving west through the mountains.

Gateway to Outdoor Adventure

Staunton is nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley between Shenandoah National Park and George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. You can’t beat the nearby camping and miles of hiking trails. Proximity to several lazy rivers means you can slip your canoe into the water for a peaceful float. Good bets include the Waynesboro Water Trail and the canoe ride from Mountain View Park in Grottoes to Port Republic. Mountain bikers will enjoy Staunton’s Montgomery Hall Park’s rugged trails or the serious climbs and dives of the single track in the national forest. Road bikers can take peaceful rides through rolling farm country just outside of town.

Staunton Is a Town for Foodies

The food scene in Staunton with its locally owned restaurants and southern hospitality rivals that of much larger cities. We have fine dining, global experiences, quick bites, and even Shenandoah Pizza‘s gourmet pizza on the menu. During the Covid crisis, many downtown restaurants were able to expand outdoor seating through the Dine Out in Downtown initiative, which closes a portion of Beverley Street on the weekends. Participating restaurants include BLU Point Seafood, the Clocktower, Zynodoa, Baja Bean, The Green Room and more. If you fancy a pre-dinner drink, visit Redbeard Brewing Company or Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company for craft beer, or Yelping Dog Wine or Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room for wine.

Shopping

Downtown Staunton is packed with more than 100 independent shops, galleries, and restaurants. Shops range from gift shops, clothing boutiques, specialty shops, antiques, and more. People who like to get outside and move can find their gear hookups at Wilderness Adventure, Sole Focus Running, or Black Dog Bikes. Shopping for a special gift? Look to The Sparrow’s Nest for jewelry, candles, and other decor, or surprise a friend with a gift of flavored olive oil and vinegar from Staunton Olive Oil. Have kids? Take them to Pufferbellies Toys and Books for something magical.

“An architectural gem in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.” – Washingtonian

There are six historic districts located in downtown Staunton, all filled with exceptional architecture – Beverley Historic District, Wharf Historic District, Newtown Historic District, Stuart Addition Historic District, Gospel Hill Historic District, and The Villages Historic District.

Thomas Jasper (“T.J.”) Collins moved to Staunton in 1891, and during the next 20 years, he designed or remodeled over 200 buildings in the Staunton area. Collins worked within a wide range of styles. T.J. Collins retired in 1911. The legacy of his work, and that of his sons Will and Sam who followed him, continued with T.J. Collins’s grandson Joseph
Johnson. Their architectural designs left a distinct impression on Staunton’s landscape.  

“The 30 Most Beautiful Main Streets Across America.”  – Architectural Digest

Beverley Historic District

Downtown Staunton contains many examples of Virginia’s finest Victorian architecture. Some of the most notable can be seen in the Beverley Historic District, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Most of the buildings in this area date from the 1870s to the 1920s. This historic district is small, and therefore perfect for exploring on foot.

Wharf Historic District

In the 1840s, Staunton grew from a sleepy town to a thriving center of commerce with the construction of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. The town’s growth accelerated again when the Virginia Central Railroad arrived in 1854. The Wharf Historic District grew up around the train depot to handle merchandise and house passengers. Along with warehouses and hotels, this district also featured saloons, distilleries, liveries, and brothels. Despite a history fraught with the perils of fire, flood, war, and abandonment, significant historic architecture survives. The Historic Staunton Foundation has focused on the area’s restoration since 1989.

Newtown Historic District

Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, Newtown Historic District is Staunton’s oldest distinctly residential neighborhood. The name Newtown set it apart from the area once known as Oldtown. This district is Staunton’s largest and consists of over 400 buildings. Many of the homes in Newtown emerged between the 1870s and 1920s, but some older structures date to the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Stuart Addition Historic District

This diverse, older neighborhood adjoins the campus of Mary Baldwin University and the former Staunton Military Academy. Rich in historical associations, it boasts numerous buildings listed in the National Register and some of the steepest hills in town. Deeded to the City in 1803 by Judge Archibald Stuart, Stuart Addition Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Gospel Hill Historic District

The corner of Beverley and Coalter Streets was called Gospel Hill in the late 1790s when religious meetings were held here at Sampson Eagon’s blacksmith shop. Today, the intersection marks the heart of this gracious neighborhood of shady streets and elegant homes that represent a century of domestic architectural styles. The district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The Villages Historic District

The five antebellum structures at Western State are recognized as one of the best-preserved and original assemblages of early institutional architecture in the United States. First known as Western Lunatic Asylum, this institution was founded in 1825 to serve Virginia’s western region.

Architect Thomas Blackburn, master builder William B. Phillips, masons, and carpenters executed finely detailed work on this campus. They also worked on the early construction (1817-1826) of the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson in nearby Charlottesville. The original architectural fabric of the campus remains remarkably unaltered. Architectural elements such as rooftop railings, masonry techniques, door and window surrounds, interior archways, stairs, and specific molding details clearly indicate the involvement of fine craftsmen deeply influenced by their work with Jefferson. The buildings are a testament to Virginia’s early effort to provide enlightened care to the mentally ill. Surrounding the building is a landscape of healing, where patients enjoyed the therapeutic pleasure of fresh air in a lush, verdant setting. Of note is the decorative wrought iron enclosure with pineapple finials. The hospital relocated in the 1970s. The complex was then converted into a state prison, which closed in the 1990s. Today, the 80-acre campus is undergoing re-development into a mix of uses.

Download a Walking Tour Map here.

How do you shop for a hotel? Within walking distance of restaurants, attractions, and shopping? Near the interstate? Or do you shop by brand? Staunton has a hotel brand to fit any preference or price point.

Staunton’s Newest Brands

Tru By Hilton Staunton / 120 Crossing Way, Staunton, Virginia

Tru is Hilton’s newest hotel chain. Tru focuses on building community. You’ll experience that when the friendly staff makes recommendations for taking advantage of the local culture and dining scene. A mural in the lobby features Staunton landmarks, and the 24/7 convenience kiosk stocks local products.

Tru’s 90 efficiently designed rooms feature great mattresses, lots of towels, and large TVs. Tru’s community spaces really stand out, however,  and guests should make sure they go down to the open-plan lobby to mix and mingle.

Included in your stay is a complimentary breakfast, which features bagels, plain donuts, yogurt, eggs, or oatmeal. BOOK NOW. 

Fairfield Inn and Suites, by Marriot / 114 Crossing Way, Staunton, VA

Visitors to Marriott’s 98-room Fairfield Inn and Suites will enjoy an “easy, positive, and productive travel experience.” The hotel chain’s newly updated modern design aesthetic features plenty of flexible space for guests to lounge, work, and gather. Choose an individual space or pull up to the large farmhouse table to socialize while enjoying your complimentary hot breakfast. The breakfast features omelets, bacon, mini waffles, fruit yogurt, and pastries.

The lobby’s Corner Market stocks goodies 24 hours a day. There is also a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool. BOOK NOW.

Comfortable & Affordable Brands

You’ve visited Staunton and watched a play at the Blackfriars Theatre, luxuriated at the Blackburn Inn, eaten fresh at Staunton Farmers’ Market, and explored the past at the Frontier Culture Museum. You’ve relished pastries at Réunion and savored dinner at The Shack. You can repeat all those things during visit #2, but Staunton has much, much more to offer. Read on for more opportunities to enjoy even more of Staunton’s bounty!

Stay in Style

Staunton offers no end to historic lodgings. Consider bedding down for a few nights at the Berkeley House Bed and Breakfast where you’ll enjoy rooms outfitted with both fine antiques and modern amenities. Enjoy your delicious farm-to-table breakfast and read the paper on the wide front porch before strolling downtown to enjoy the rest of your day. Another lodging with some interesting history is Gibson’s Warehouse, which includes newly renovated efficiency apartments in a 1905 structure in the Wharf that used to be a working railroad warehouse!

Cross the street to explore the train station (including the historic footbridge) and Woodrow Park on Sears Hill, that’s high enough to see much of downtown. 

Eat Like Royalty in the Queen City

Under its new outdoor dining initiative, Staunton has closed sections of Beverley Street to car traffic on the weekends for foot traffic and outside dining. You should definitely take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy so many of Staunton’s flavors and dine under the stars. For a list of participating restaurants, see Dine Out in Staunton and Beyond.

Try “inspired Southern cuisine” like grilled jumbo North Carolina shrimp with spring onion risotto at Zynodoa. Craving Tex-Mex? Enjoy the Baja Bean’s menu of tacos, burritos, burgers and more. You’ll want to take advantage of their extensive tap list and bottle selection of craft beer. And if you’ve never tried Salvadoran food, Gloria’s Pupuseria is a fantastic place to start. Try the signature pupusas, which are stuffed handmade tortillas, and a side of fried plantains.

Fill Your Days

If you’ve already taken the Historic Staunton Foundation’s Saturday Walking Tour and treated yourself to a self-guided tour with a map from the visitor’s center, take a Traipse tour. Part guided tour, part scavenger hunt, part history lesson, your brain will be fully engaged as you explore landmarks and businesses in downtown Staunton and beyond. Another way to get out and walk is by hitting the links for a round at Ingleside Golf Resort or Gypsy Hill Golf Club. It’s difficult to navigate Staunton without encountering its hills, but our golf courses incorporate the challenging terrain and spectacular views. 

Staunton’s dining scene emphasizes the local and sustainable food supply, and there’s no better place to learn about the movement than by taking a self-guided tour at Polyface Farms in Swoope. Polyface pledges to “develop environmentally, economically, and emotionally enhancing agricultural prototypes and facilitate their duplication throughout the world.”

If you enjoy presidential history, you shouldn’t miss the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Presidential Library, where you can schedule a private tour and learn about Wilson’s life as well as WWI and the history of the enslaved people who worked there.

Light up the Night

A great way to spend the evening in the Staunton area is to visit a brewery or vineyard. Both Skipping Rock Beer Company and Barren Ridge Vineyards offer generous outdoor seating areas, regular live music, and, of course, delicious beverages. For a fresh take on the bard, reserve your space for the American Shakespeare Center’s Twelfth Night or Othello at Shakespeare Under the Stars at the Blackburn, a perfect way to get your fix of classic entertainment as well as safely social distance. If you’re looking for a movie, both the Visulite and Lexington’s Hull’s Drive-In are showing a schedule of favorite and classic films.

So what are you waiting for? Staunton can keep you busy for two, five, even twenty visits! Make plans for your next trip today!

Every January, Virginia Living Magazine asks its readers to name their favorite businesses and attractions in a write-in poll. The magazine features them in its Best of the Valley issue, which is designed to guide readers to all the best places in five different Virginia regions. Locals and visitors voted for favorites, and Staunton really shines as a place to visit and do business. A whopping 66 of our local favorites are award winners in various categories! Read on to find out who they are. If you haven’t yet visited, what are you waiting for?

Shopping 

Staunton’s historic downtown, a winner in the category of Historic Site/Downtown Shopping, is walkable and low-key. It offers plenty of parking and an opportunity to shop for a variety of unique items. Find a special gift for someone at Crown Jewelers, a downtown staple since 1960, that sells new, custom, and estate jewelry. A few steps down the sidewalk is 17 E. Beverley Antiques, a well-curated treasure trove of vintage furniture, jewelry, textiles, collectibles, music, and more. Black Dog Bikes has been serving the Valley’s serious bike enthusiasts since 2005 and carries bikes from Specialized and Rocky Mountain. Round out your shopping trip with a stop at LTD 7, which sells women’s clothing, gifts, and home accessories. 

Antiques – 3rd Place: 17 E. Beverley Antiques
Bicycle Shop – 1st Place: Black Dog Bikes
Downtown Shopping – 1st Place: Downtown Staunton
Fine Jewelry Store – 3rd Place: Crown Jewelers

Arts and Entertainment

Staunton’s American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse received recognition as a Professional/Regional Performing Arts Company as well as a tourist attraction. This recreation of Shakespeare’s theater offers year-round performances, behind-the-scenes tours, and scholarly talks. You should also try to catch a play at ShenanArts, where since 1981, locals have pooled their substantial talents. Every August, the Staunton Music Festival brings the best of 600 years of chamber music to various venues around town. And if your tastes run to the visual arts, stop by the CoArt Gallery. Here over 40 area artists display and sell works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, printmaking, photography, collage, and assemblage art. The yearly Staunton Augusta Art Center’s Art in the Park at Gypsy Hill Art Event is a family friendly, juried festival where visitors can browse and purchase art.

Art Event – 3rd Place: Staunton Augusta Art Center’s Art in the Park at Gypsy Hill
Art Gallery – 3rd Place: CoArt Gallery
Museum – 1st Place: Frontier Culture Museum
Historic Site – 1st Place: Downtown Staunton and 2nd Place: Frontier Culture Museum
Tourist Attraction – 2nd Place: American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse
Non-Food Festival – 3rd Place: Staunton Music Festival
Professional Performing Arts Company – 1st Place: American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse

Best Food & Drink

Though a small city, Staunton has much to offer the culinary scene. A full 15 of our restaurants earned recognition in categories ranging from Steakhouse (Mill Street Grill and The Depot Grille) to Mexican Restaurant (Chicano Boy Taco) to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant (Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery). Shenandoah Pizza, Peck’s Barbecue, Cocoa Mill Chocolate, and Emilio’s Italian Restaurant were feted for what they do best. We stood out for wine at Yelping Dog Wine and cocktails at Zynodoa. And of course, if you come to Staunton, you can’t skip dessert at The Split Banana or Kline’s Dairy Bar. Other winners included Byers Street Bistro, Kathy’s Restaurant, Massaki Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, and Wright’s Dairy-Rite.

Asian – 2nd Place: Massaki Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Barbecue Restaurant – 2nd Place: Peck’s Barbecue
Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant – 1st Place: Kathy’s Restaurant
Burger Joint – 2nd Place: Wright’s Dairy-Rite
Italian Restaurant – 3rd Place: Emilio’s Italian Restaurant
Mexican Restaurant – 2nd Place: Chicano Boy Taco
Pizzeria – 2nd Place: Shenandoah Pizza
Seafood Restaurant – 1st Place: Mill Street Grill and 3rd Place: The Depot Grille
Steakhouse – 2nd Place: Mill Street Grill and 3rd Place: The Depot Grille
Restaurant – 1st Place: Mill Street Grill and 3rd Place: The Depot Grille
Restaurant for Vegans or Vegetarians – 2nd Place: Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery
Dessert – 2nd Place: The Split Banana
Ice Cream Shop – 1st Place: Kline’s Dairy Bar and 2nd Place: The Split Banana
Outdoor Dining – 1st Place: Byers Street Bistro
Chocolatier – 1st Place: Cocoa Mill Chocolate
Farmers’ Market – 2nd Place: Staunton Farmers’ Market
Wine Shop – 1st Place: Yelping Dog Wine
Cocktails – 1st Place: Zynodoa
Winery – 3rd Place: Barren Ridge Vineyards

Lodging

You won’t have enough time to explore Staunton in a single day, so you should book a place to stay. We have a number of fine lodging choices ranging from boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts to brand hotels. The historic Frederick House won top honors in the Bed & Breakfast category. This 23-room hotel in downtown Staunton “offers the amenities and privacy of a luxury hotel with the personal service of a bed and breakfast.” The Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center topped the list for hotels. Located under an iconic neon sign, the Stonewall Jackson received a recent stylish renovation.

Bed & Breakfast – 3rd Place: Frederick House
Hotel – 2nd Place: Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center

Outdoor Spaces

The Shenandoah Valley is practically overrun with beautiful views, and according to voters, none are better than the sweeping vistas of the Valley when viewed from nearby sections of the Appalachian Trail and the Skyline Drive. The Staunton Farmers’ Market’s award was certainly earned as much for its atmosphere and lovely setting as for its emphasis on freshness and farm-to-table fare. Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum offers history and education in a pastoral setting, and even Gypsy Hill Park won an award for amenities like the dog park, playgrounds, and golf course.

Golf Course – 2nd Place: Gypsy Hill Park
Hiking or Biking – 1st Place: Appalachian Trail
Park – 1st Place: Shenandoah National Park

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who voted. Get out there and support Staunton’s favorite businesses and attractions.