With the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop, Staunton, Virginia, is often named one of the most celebrated “Main Streets” in the United States. Staunton’s historic downtown delights visitors with its distinctive architecture, historic sites and vibrant arts scene. Its compact and walkable downtown make it ideal for exploring with a wide array of independent shops, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. You won’t find any big box stores or chain restaurants here!
Just outside of historic downtown Staunton, surrounding Augusta County provides gorgeous scenery and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Located just miles from the entrance to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive. These scenic routes make for a great driving tour offering scenic overlooks with breathtaking mountain views ideal for photo ops and picnics.
Offering the best of mountains to main street, Staunton and Augusta County are the perfect choice for a getaway to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Visit Staunton
Katie Campbell, sales and marketing manager
540-332-3865
campbellks@ci.staunton.va.us
VisitStaunton.com
EXPLORE
Take a tour of downtown Staunton with a step-on guide or do a walking tour! Learn about the history and architecture of this award-winning “Main Street” touring four of six neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places with stops at Trinity Episcopal Church to see the original Tiffany stained glass windows; Sunspots Studios to watch live glass blowing demonstrations; and finally, the R.R. Smith Center to visit the visual art and history galleries.
TOUR
Credit: Tommy Thompson
Shakespeare is serious fun at the Blackfriars Playhouse where you can tour the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s first indoor theatre. Get a behind-the-scenes look as you go on-stage, behind the stage, and even under the stage! Tour guides tell the story of England’s first indoor theater and describe how the staging conditions of 16th and 17th century London shaped the works of Shakespeare and his fellow playwrights. Performing Shakespeare, contemporary works and new plays year-round.
SEE
Step back in time at the Frontier Culture Museum. Be immersed in the daily life of the Shenandoah Valley’s earliest settlers as you explore this living history museum visiting farmsteads from Africa, America, England, Germany and Ireland. Next, discover the life and legacy of the country’s 28th president in the city where he was born. Get a behind the scenes look at Wilson’ birthplace, historic gardens and interactive exhibits at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum.
SAVOR
Wind down your tour with a cheese making class paired with wine. Join cheesemaker Louella Hill with master vinter and owner of Ox-Eye Vineyards, John Kiers with a 101 on the basics of home cheesemaking. Taste your way from fresh to aged cheeses and learn why cheeses are so different from one another. Next work on pairing a final cheese tasting fleet with the award-winning wines of Ox-Eye.
