Welcome Back, Warm Weather!

It seems as if Old Man Winter has finally gone into hibernation, making way for the warm days of spring and summer. Staunton is a great place to enjoy the sun and mild weather, and we have lots of ways to do it. Why not dine outside or attend free concerts, historical tours, and spring festivals? Or just explore and admire all the trees that have earned us 29 years of recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Here’s a roundup of all our favorite ways to enjoy the warm weather in Staunton. 

Outdoor Patios and Seating 

Feed your friendships and your well-being as you dine al fresco. 

• Each weekend, Shop & Dine Out in Downtown and Beyond closes Beverley Street to vehicular traffic and opens up space for dining, shopping, and community fun. 

Outdoor Spaces Off Beverley

In addition to those restaurants setting up tables on Beverley Street, many other Staunton spots have open-air spaces for seasonal dining.

• Queen City Brewing
• Redbeard Brewing
• Ciders from Mars
• Chicano Boy Taco
• Gloria’s Pupusaria
• Marino’s Lunch
• Byers Street Bistro
• Latin Soul
• Crucible Coffee Roasters
• Pizza Luca
• The Shack
• Wright’s Dairy Rite
• Mi Rancho
• Seed to Tail Kitchen & Market
• Ramulose Ridge Vineyards
• Cranberry’s Grocery and Eatery

• North Ridge Cafe and Coffee
• Nu-Beginning Farm Store
• Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room
• PRO RE NATA+
• Second Draft Bistro
• Thai Staunton
• Kline’s Dairy Bar

How About a Picnic?

Staunton has a number of tucked-away spots where you can sit at a table or spread your blanket for a quiet lunch.

• Gypsy Hill Park
• Montgomery Hall Park
• Woodrow Park
• Mevluda Tahirovic Memorial Garden
• Cannon Hill at Mary Baldwin
• Brenda L. Papke Memorial Sensory Garden at the Staunton Library
• Frontier Culture Museum

Farmer’s Market

Staunton’s producers only Staunton Farmers’ Market is a wonderful way to pick up a coffee and morning treat like a maple donut or a cupcake, as well as some fresh flowers, cheese, meat, and some of the season’s first fresh produce. Plus, there’s live music, community fun, and the producers love about their farming practices and give tips on how best to enjoy your purchases.

Staunton Jams

Staunton Jams (May 2-4) is back, bigger and better than ever with three days of fun and 27 performances by local and regional musical acts. This “celebration of live music, community partnership, and dancing in the street” promises to be an amazing time for the entire family. Along with the tunes in a variety of musical styles, visitors can enjoy yoga, a vendor market, a wellness hub, and lots of chances to eat and drink. 

Historic Staunton Tours 

Connect with the past as you join The Historic Staunton Foundation for a two-hour Saturday-morning walking tour that winds through four of the city’s historic districts. Your guide will teach you about the town’s rich history, answer your questions, and point out the significant buildings and their structural details. (10 am, May – October)

Gypsy Hill Express

The Gypsy Hill Express mini-train has been making young children and their families smile for more than 60 years! Each weekend from May to October, the popular attraction loops a track in Gypsy Hill Park crossing bridges, and chugging through tunnels. The train is wheelchair accessible and rides cost $1. The surrounding park has playgrounds, a duck pond, a skate park, a dog park, and a swimming pool, all excellent spots to have fun in the sun.

Looking Ahead:

• You can fish for trout or catfish on Lake Tams. The Youth Fishing Derby is May 3.
• Wildflower Weekend at Shenandoah National Park (May 10-11)
• Head to Waynesboro for the Virginia Street Arts Festival (May 17-18) to show your appreciation for the arts and watch three muralists in action
• Community pools open Memorial Day Weekend (May 24)
• The 4th annual Art on the Town is scheduled for May 24-25
• The Staunton Braves start their season with a game on May 31 at Moxie Stadium. 
• The Stonewall Brigade Band’s free outdoor concert series starts on June 2 with a performance of Disney songs. Praise in the Park, Bluegrass in the Park and Jazz in the Park all start their series in July.

Breathe in the fresh air, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy Staunton’s warm weather!