Exploring Staunton on Your Own

---

Whether you’re in town for business or you just love traveling by yourself, Staunton’s vibrant downtown scene, welcoming atmosphere, and easily navigable footprint make it a perfect destination for the solo traveler. If you want to relax, learn, enjoy the great outdoors, shop, or savor food and drink, make plans to do it in Staunton. Here’s a mix-and-match list of activities we picked with the party of one in mind.

Learn

• Don’t leave Staunton without seeing a show at Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only faithful reproduction of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. Many shows offer chances to engage with scholars and actors to learn more about Shakespearian history and the production.
• Like to read? Get a personalized recommendation from the Book Dragon. Staunton Books carries a curated collection of used books at excellent prices. 

• Upcoming workshops at the Art Hive include beginning quilting and sewing, how to prepare homemade dog food and treats. And bring your old journals: there’s also a chance to share your cringey middle school writing and art. You can also stop in during open studio time for a more organic creative experience!
• Learn about the different estate-grown wines created by Ox-Eye Vineyards in their downtown tasting room. Another way to enjoy the wine experience is to take a guided tasting at Accordia, an artisanal wine, chocolate, and cheese shop. 
• You can purchase cut flowers or pick your own at Harmony Harvest Farm. You can also take a guided tour of its 20 acres of blooms or sign up for floral design workshops.

Relax

• Burrow & Vine sells wonderful things for the home like plants, plant supplies, decor and gifts. You can also sign up for yoga on four days each week. Pheonix Fitness & Yoga offers in-person and online classes in barre, pilates, yoga, and more.
• Treat yourself to a relaxing session at the Spa at the Blackburn. They offer massages, reflexology services, facials, manicures, and more, all in an elegant, historic setting. Why not book a whole day of services? Mill Street Body and Soul Day Spa and Salon and Breezy Hill Day Spa also have big selections of services.
• Practice walking meditation as you follow the labyrinth at Trinity Episcopal Church. Before you leave, explore the historic cemetery and check out the incredible series of Tiffany windows inside the church.

• Grab a take-out lunch from your favorite restaurant, and eat it in the award-winning Brenda Papke Memorial Sensory Garden at the Staunton Library. This small garden is designed to stimulate all your senses.

Explore

• Have a blast safely challenging yourself in the outdoors with an experienced guide at Vivid Earth Adventures. Learn canoeing, caving, rock climbing, rappelling, outdoor skills, and more. All trips are tailored for your personal experience level.

• Stretch your legs and take some deep, soothing breaths of fresh air. Miles of quiet, well-maintained trails await at Montgomery Hall Park. Betsy Bell Wilderness Park’s 1-mile loop is perfect for solo travelers who want a quiet hike with views of the mountains and Staunton from above.
• Book a tee time at beautiful and challenging Gypsy Hill Golf Club. If your handicap needs some help, the club offers private lessons with the pro.

• Shenandoah National Park offers hundreds of miles of hiking as well as the Skyline Drive. You can see incredible views from both inside and outside the car, especially as the leaves begin to change this autumn.

Tour

• Orient yourself to Staunton’s walkable downtown by downloading a walking tour map of notable architecture. Historic Staunton Foundation conducts free Saturday walking tours.

• Staunton Guided Tours provides personal tours to see Staunton’s important historical sites or take in the views by vintage rail car on the Virginia Scenic Railway. 
• Brave Staunton’s most haunted spaces and learn history on a 90-minute Ghosts of Staunton Lantern Tour.

Connect

• Grab a fresh-roasted coffee or latte at Crucible Coffee Roasters. The shop has a variety of indoor and outdoor seating areas where you can chill on your own or chat with your neighbor. If it’s Saturday, spend the rest of the morning strolling through the Staunton Farmers Market for fresh food, live music, and community spirit.

• Is Fido your travel companion? Walk him in Gypsy Hill Park, a popular spot for both human and canine walkers. There’s also a fenced dog park where pups and humans can socialize.

• Try the craft beer at Redbeard Brewing. Meet locals and learn how the beer is made. Plus, there’s usually something going on like trivia, karaoke, or live music!
• If you enjoy a fine cigar, you’ll appreciate the selection and company at The Beverley Cigar Store.

Eat

• If you like to sit at the bar when you’re traveling solo, the Depot Grille has one of the best. Imported from New York and about a mile long, you can have any beverage you want and choose from a full menu of American comfort foods. Zynodoa’s upscale and cosmopolitan vibe will make you feel like you’re dining in the big city, but the food is all fresh from the farm.

• Marino’s Lunch has reopened and all Staunton locals know it’s the place for casual dining and live music. Look for happy-hour drinks and blue-plate specials!
• Grab a beer and some Mexican at Baja Bean, and you’ll almost surely run into someone worth talking to! The food is delicious and you can choose a seat in the cantina or the dining room.
• You can’t go wrong at the Byers Street Bistro. Whether you dine at the bar, in a booth, or on the patio, you’ll enjoy a menu of burgers, handhelds, and personal pizzas as well as creative seasonal cocktails.

Shop

• Pamper yourself with a new wardrobe at one of Staunton’s boutiques like Billy Opal, Design@Nine, or CFO Trading Company.
• Find some unique local art at Sanaa Design Studios, CoArt Gallery, and The Artisan’s Loft. Sunspots Studios sells beautiful blown glassware and jewelry, and you can watch the artists at work.

• Level up your home spa with artisan soaps, candles, and body frostings from Essentially Zen. You’ll also find wonderful scents at Marion’s Candles, Scents & Seasons.
• Find quirky and delightful Staunton souvenirs to brighten your home and office at charming Staunton gift shops like Foxtails, Frontline Model Kits and Hobbies, Harmony Moon, Made; By the People, for the People, and Latitudes Fair Trade. 

Stay

• Indulge yourself with a stay in one of the elegant rooms or suites in the Historic Berkeley Place. The inn has undergone a recent renovation and retains its historic character combined with modern luxury.
• Hotel 24 South and the Blackburn Inn are two popular options that feature luxurious amenities and comfortable accommodations. Both are located in historic buildings that have been updated but retain their historic charm.

• Gibson’s Warehouse is a loft lodging in a 1905 TJ Collins-designed warehouse in Staunton’s Wharf District. Its location is steps from dining, shopping, entertainment, the farmers’ market, and exploring downtown Staunton on foot. 

Staunton has lots to keep the solo traveler engaged and happy. Start planning your trip today!