Staunton, Virginia is known for its historic downtown area, fine museums, thriving arts scene, and commitment to regional food, wine, and music. Staunton (pronounced ‘Stanton’, not ‘Stawnton’) is much more than just a stop on Interstate 81. This charming little town is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway and is a good ‘home base’ to explore. quietly the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Get there
Staunton is less than a three-hour drive from Washington, DC, four and a half hours from Charlotte, North Carolina, and five hours from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Staunton is just a short distance from Interstate 81. To get there, take Exit 222 (Virginia Route 250) on I-81. Travel along Route 250 for approximately 2.5 miles, and you will find yourself in the historic district of downtown Staunton. Staunton is served by the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave, Va. Amtrak Cardinal Line trains stop at the Staunton Unmanned Railroad Station.
Where to stay in Staunton
Staunton’s lodging options include budget chain hotels, guesthouses, and historic hotels. The historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel’s central location, elegant public spaces, and southern hospitality make it the perfect place to start exploring Staunton and the Valley. Budget-minded travelers have several options to choose from, including the clean and comfortable Sleep Inn right off the interstate. Bed and breakfast inns range from Victorian mansions to a replica of Anne Hathaway’s cottage.
Dining options
Staunton’s thriving restaurant scene draws visitors from across the Shenandoah Valley. Mill Street Grill’s Sunday brunch is popular with visitors and locals. Baja Bean Co. Restaurant and Cantina serves delicious Mexican food at very reasonable prices. Emilio’s Italian Restaurant on Berkeley Street is a reliable and exclusive option for theater lovers.
Move
Staunton’s downtown pedestrian area is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but other transportation options are available. The Staunton Free Trolley offers three routes and will not cost you a penny. The Green Route, which connects the city center with Gypsy Hill Park, is very useful for visitors; it works every day except Sunday. The Augusta County Public Bus Service, CATS, serves Staunton, Waynesboro, and other nearby communities.
Staunton Senior Attractions
You’ll find plenty to do in Staunton, particularly in the historic downtown area. The Red Brick District has art galleries, restaurants, and performance venues. The Blackfriars Playhouse at the American Shakespeare Center, the only life-size reproduction of William Shakespeare’s indoor theater in London, offers shows and tours throughout the year and is well worth a visit. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library is just a few blocks away on Coalter Street. If you like spending time outdoors, head to Gypsy Hill Park for a walk by the duck pond or a summer concert.
Just outside the city, the Border Culture Museum gives you the opportunity to ‘travel back in time’ to the early days of European settlement in the Shenandoah Valley and learn about the cultures that contributed to the history and the heritage of the area. The wine trip is also popular; Staunton’s Ox Eye Vineyards is one of 21 wineries on the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. The famous gardens and nurseries of local gardening expert Andre Viette are well worth a visit. You can stroll through the gardens, take a lecture, and enjoy the best of the natural beauty of each season.
Shenandoah National Park and the Natural Bridge are a short drive from Staunton, and Monticello and Charlottesville attractions are less than an hour’s drive away.
Events and festivals
There is always something going on at Staunton. Monday night’s summer concert series at Gypsy Hill Park features the Stonewall Brigade Band. The park’s free Summer Jazz Series hosts musicians from around the world. Every June, the Border Culture Museum hosts the Shenandoah Valley Wine Route Festival, featuring wines from around the Valley and performances by local musicians. Festivals that celebrate everything from African-American heritage to biking and fall foliage take place throughout the year.
