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Jul 11, 2024 · 16 Best Things To Do In Staunton, Virginia. This historic town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley boasts world-class arts and culture, historic museums, and easy access to natural beauty.
Staunton is known for being the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. president, and as the home of Mary Baldwin University, historically a women's college. The city is also home to Stuart Hall, a private co-ed preparatory school, as well as the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind.
- Best Things to Do in Staunton, VA
- Staunton Bucket List
- Where to Stay in Staunton
- More Virginia Travel Inspiration
1. Wander the Historic Downtown
For those visiting Staunton for the first time, start downtown!Honestly, it is one of the best downtowns in the state of Virginia (I personally think it is THE best) and it offers a glimpse into the city’s past with a touch of its present (and future). Along the streets of downtown Staunton, you’ll see street art and murals, independent cafes and restaurants, and more. Depending on when you are visiting Staunton, you might also find a festival or two being held along the red brick sidewalks o...
2. Support Local Artisans at The Foundry Pop-Ups
Address: 17 W Beverley St. Website: https://thefoundrypopups.com/ My very first stop on my last trip to Staunton was The Foundry Pop-Ups, a shop that allows local artisans and craftspeople to put their masterpieces on display and for sale. The Foundry also has a sister shop in Hagerstown, MD, which I thought was pretty cool (I also think Hagerstown is severely underrated). Nevertheless, this shop gives these local artists a place to build a customer base as they are growing and developing the...
3. Stay Overnight at The Blackburn Inn
Address: 301 Greenville Ave Check hotel rates and availability There is nothing better than booking a night at a historic hotel in Virginia, and The Blackburn Innallows you to do just that in Staunton. The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center is a stone’s throw from downtown (I walked the distance, but you can also drive) and has 49 rooms available, all offering modern comfort with a ‘timeless charm’, as they call it. While the rooms were comfortable and worth staying in simply for that, the b...
There are many places to stay in Staunton.Here are some of my top hotels, inns, and Airbnbs. 1. The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center(my top pick – I discussed my stay above!) 2. Ubon Thai Victorian Inn & Restaurant 3. Berkeley House Bed & Breakfast There are so many cool things to do in Staunton VA that this guide merely touched the surface. You...
- Architectural Tour. Staunton, VA emerged from the Civil War without much structural damage to the buildings and city. Many of the ancient buildings are still found today in downtown.
- Take a Free Walking Tour. Free guided walking tours are given every Saturday from May through October by the Historic Staunton Foundation. Starting at 10 a.m., the tour is around 2 hours and highlights the area’s architecture and historical development.
- See a Performance at American Shakespeare Center. The world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor playhouse can be found in Staunton, VA. The Blackfriar’s Playhouse presents Shakespeare’s plays all year long in an intimate theater with the lights on so that the actors can see the audience, just as it would have been in Shakespeare’s days.
- Tour the Shakespeare Theater. Don’t think you can sit still long enough during a Shakespeare play? We understand. You can still enjoy the uniqueness of this historical recreation with a guided tour of the Blackfriar’s Playhouse.
- Birding on Bells Lane. Bells Lane, Staunton VA. We love exploring the outdoors. While Heather is searching the ground for Virginia wildflowers, I’m usually scanning the trees for birds.
- Blackfriars Playhouse at the American Shakespeare Center. 10 S Market Street, Staunton VA • (877) MUCH-ADO • Official Website. HOURS: Wed to Fri 1PM-5PM, Sat/Sun Noon-4PM.
- The Frontier Culture Museum. 1290 Richmond Road, Staunton VA • (540) 332-7850 • Official Website. HOURS: 9AM-5PM Daily. The Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton VA is an open-air living history museum.
- Gypsy Hill Park. 116 W Beverly Street, Staunton VA • (540) 332-3800 • Official Website. HOURS: Mon to Sunday 4AM-11PM. Located in the heart of Staunton VA, Gypsy Hill Park is a 214-acre multi-use recreational destination.
Staunton is conveniently located in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Known for its magnificently preserved architecture, Staunton is best explored by foot. Its compact downtown features over 100 unique shops, art galleries and restaurants.
Welcome to Staunton, Virginia. Staunton is more than you might expect. It’s a friendly combination of small town USA and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s the place you go to stroll red brick sidewalks, admire stunning architecture and shop locally-owned downtown boutiques.
