Unique Hobbies to Explore in Staunton 

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More than just a charming historic town, Staunton is a hub for hobbyists of all kinds. Whether you’re seeking a new pastime or looking to connect with fellow enthusiasts, you’ll find a welcoming community here. From collecting rare finds to exploring the great outdoors, Staunton offers a range of unique hobbies to spark your interest.

Start Collecting

Collectors and gamers will love coming to Staunton. Fans of tabletop games will find miniatures, dice, rpg books and multiple weekly games to join at Dragon’s Hoard. If you’re into building models, Frontline Model Kits & Hobbies boasts thousands of plastic models, the largest collection in Virginia

Old School Sportscards & Collectibles sells action figures, sports and Pokémon cards, and retro gaming systems like Super Nintendos, Game Cubes, Nintendos, Sony PlayStation 1, Sega Dream Cast as well as the games you love to play on them. 

How about houseplants? You’ll find a wide selection at Burrow and Vine, along with gorgeous home decor to complement them.

The Tubular Toy Box has vintage and new toys, along with collectibles , comics, and other awesome, nostalgic finds!

Readers will be captivated by the curated collection of books at Staunton Books and Tea and The Book Dragon, and also the chance to impress others with their knowledge at the monthly meetings of the Redbeard Readers Book Club at Redbeard Brewing.

Hobby Outside

Whether you call yourself a train spotter or a railfan, or just a train enthusiast, you can see a number of different trains as they roll through Staunton and the surrounding area. Look for trains as they lumber through Staunton’s downtown, steps from restaurants and shopping. Would you prefer to ride the rails? Take a trip on the Virginia Scenic Railway, which departs daily from the Staunton historic train station.

Jones Garden offers Friday night workshops on garden-related topics like cultivating mushrooms, backyard foraging, homemade soda making, food as medicine, and more. If you just want to get your hands dirty, but don’t have a garden space of your own, the garden is always seeking volunteers.

Central Shenandoah Master Gardeners are “dedicated to working with the community to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices and sustainable landscape management through educational programs.” Take advantage of their programming to learn or sign up for 60 hours of coursework to become a master gardener in your own right!

Taking a field trip with the Augusta Bird Club is an excellent way to discover new bird species, learn about birding, and joining a community of like-minded people. This active club gives members and non-members opportunities to improve habitats and learn about conserving natural resources. 

Get Artsy

Staunton Clayground believes that art will improve the world. They offer a range of classes and workshops for all levels on pottery wheel, vases and carving, coiled forms, and slab work. Sign up for six-week classes, weekend workshops, or short-form paint-your-own sessions. You can also sign up for group or individual classes for adults or kids.

Not only can you shop for art glass at Sunspots Studios, but you can also watch the fascinating process in action. Slip back to the studio every day to watch artisans manipulating molten glass into globes, barware, and more. You can chat and ask questions and even buy the finished piece. Want to try your hand at glassblowing? Sunspots glassblowers will assist you as you make your own creation!

Kate’s Merchantile “workshops are designed to inspire and nurture the creativity within you.” Workshops in watercolor, cupcake decorating, crochet, sourdough starters, wood signs, and more are led by experienced and supportive instructors.

Whether you go to Art Hive to learn new skills or you just go there to enjoy the company of others in the artistic community while you work, you’ll find your people. Upcoming classes include watercolors, a sketchbook club, hand quilting, basic sewing, metal and clay jewelry, and homemade dog food and treats.

Want to be a star? Silver Line Theatre Exchange can teach you how to command the stage. The Saturday Night Improve Troupe trains together and performs “gorilla theatre” at monthly improv events. Silver Line also offers a musical theatre/jazz/improv dance class for adults who want to experience the spotlight.

Stretch Your Body

Stretching and breathwork is great for your mind, body, and spirit. Take your mat to SolArt Center for Monday evening classes or try Saturday Vinyasa Yoga at Burrow and Vine. “Enjoy a good stretch and allow your mind and body to rejuvenate as you give yourself time and space to take care of You.”

Phoenix Fitness and Yoga offers a range of fitness classes for various abilities including barre, pilates, yoga, and more.

Have you wanted to try pickleball? Staunton has courts at Montgomery Hall Park, Gypsy Hill Park, and the Staunton YMCA. Check out Pickleheads or Pickle Play to find your game.

You don’t need to be a member to play Staunton’s 18-hole Gypsy Hill Golf Club. This steep and stunning par 71 course ranges over rolling hills and fairways lined with old trees. Designed by Gene Ham and opened in 1919, the course is open year-round. Gear up for your round at the fully stocked golf shop. You can also rent carts, relax at the pavilion, and compete in one of the course’s annual tournaments. 

Stay strong as you age with Geri-Fit: Exercise for Older Adults at the Staunton Library. Work to rebuild strength from a seated position by using light weights and resistance bands. This free class meets regularly on Wednesdays.

Staunton’s vibrant community and diverse range of hobbies make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking to explore new interests. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded people and pursue your passions!