College Send-Off Family Weekend 

Listen up, proud parents: it’s time to send those young adults off to college!  Why not turn the move-in weekend into a fun family getaway? Staunton’s charming downtown, rich history, and vibrant arts scene offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable family weekend. Whether you’re coming to the area to drop off your child or spending a last weekend in Staunton before embarking on the college journey, here are ideas to help parents and their (mostly) grown children make the most of their time together.

Celebrate with a Family Meal

Whether you’re crying in your coffee or dancing on the tabletops, mark this transition with food. Treat your student to a special send-off at one of the many local restaurants. Craving burgers? Try an upscale smash burger at Remedy Burger or a retro diner burger (and ice cream for dessert) at Wright’s Dairy Rite. There’s something for everyone on the large menus at Mill Street Grill and the Depot Grille. Brand-new Charlotte’s Kitchenette offers comfort foods like chicken cheesesteaks and loaded nachos. Sink your teeth into oozy cheesy goodness at Pizza Luca or Shenandoah Pizza. Got a 21+ kid? Toast the school year with a glass of wine from Ramulose Ridge. Save room for a loaded waffle dessert from Sweet Addie’s or gourmet gelato from The Split Banana.

Capture the Moments

College is a time of growth and change, but you’ve probably been taking first-day-of-school photos since preschool. Capture this year’s precious memories with a family photoshoot in one of Staunton’s picturesque locations. The historic downtown provides a stunning backdrop of historic architecture, green spaces, and street art like the “You Belong Here” mural and those found outside Marino’s, Black Dog Bikes, Crucible, and Pizza Luca. We also suggest the duck pond at Gypsy Hill Park, the stone footbridge at Thornrose Cemetery, and the railroad tunnels at Landes Park.

Deck Out the Dorm

Already stocked up on essentials like laundry baskets and powerstrips? Help your student personalize their dorm room with a shopping trip to Staunton’s unique boutiques and shops. You’ll find everything from stylish home decor to quirky gifts that will make their space feel like home. How about new throw pillow or a plant pet from Burrow & Vine? Made; By the People, for the People and Queen City Gifts & Games have lots of unique items to personalize your space. Does the dorm smell like old socks? Make it smell fresh with a candle from Essentially Zen or Marion’s Gifts. There’s nothing like a board game to bring new friends together. Shop the selection at Pufferbellies.

Staying in Town? Consider a Suite

If you’re planning to stay overnight, consider booking a suite that will accommodate the entire fam. The Staunton Stays properties are both charming and offer privacy for your family with grown kids. Recently renovated, the gorgeous Berkeley Place has several suites designed for four or more people. Little House offers a comfortable stay in a historic house for up to four people. The Storefront Hotel is right downtown and there’s plenty of space for the whole family to spread out. Holiday Inn Express and Suites provides the predictability and comfort of a brand hotel as well as easy access to downtown and the highway.

Explore Staunton’s Cultural Gems

Staunton is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. The college crowd will love watching a show at the historic Blackfriars Playhouse. Attend a Friday Night Lights On session and tour the theater to better understand the historical context of Shakespeare’s works. Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum to learn about the American presidency 100 years ago, and explore the exhibits at the Frontier Culture Museum to find out about the day-to-day work and lives of the area’s first residents. Challenge your brains and bond with the kids as you solve puzzles together at Crack the Code Escape Room.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Your family is probably experiencing a range of emotions like excitement, sadness, anxiety, and everything in between. Staunton is surrounded by natural beauty, and immersing yourselves in it is a great way to ground yourselves and be together in the moment. Try a hike in the nearby Shenandoah National Park, venture into the Blue Ridge Tunnel, or enjoy a picnic in Montgomery Hall Park. Breathing the fresh air with make you feel calm.

No matter how you feel about sending the kids off to college, you can create wonderful family memories in Staunton!