The Complete Guide to Visiting Staunton, Virginia

A small town with a special feel, Staunton is ready for its close-up. You might expect delicious restaurants, local shopping, and outdoor adventure – and you’ll get that, probably beyond what you’re anticipating. But there’s plenty of unexpected magic in this Shenandoah Valley town to stumble upon, from touching theater to the most unique photography museum in the country.

Here are our recommendations for where to stay, eat, and play when you visit Staunton, Virginia.  

WHERE TO STAY

The Historic Inn at Oakdene

Stay in an 1893 mansion that’ll make you feel like you’ve found a secret garden just a few blocks from downtown. Don’t forget to look up — you’ll find a distinctive turret with the inn’s sculpted owl finial, illuminated each night.  

Hotel 24 South

You’ll be just steps from the action downtown when you stay at Hotel 24 South. The historic hotel has a laid-back vibe and comfortable rooms and suites.

The Blackburn Inn

There’s a lot of history around Staunton, and The Blackburn is the place to stay if you consider yourself a history buff. The hotel was designed in 1828 by Thomas Blackburn, a protégé of Thomas Jefferson, and is located close to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library.  

Inn at Maude & the Bear

The easiest way to get to eat at James Beard-nominated Maude & the Bear? Stay at the on-site inn. The atmosphere is refined and cozy, with fable-themed suites and a detached cottage. Your reservation includes a multi-course breakfast for two.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK 

Zynodoa

Expect stylish, southern cuisine that gives true meaning to “farm to table.” Get the Basque Cheesecake for dessert to cap off a day of exploring.

Maude and the Bear

This is best-meal-of-your-life territory. Enjoy a tasting menu from Chef Ian Boden inspired by the flavors of the region and global cuisine. Reservations required.

The Shack

Small plates and handmade pasta are the specialties at this unassuming hidden gem.

Crucible Coffee Roasters

Fuel up with freshly roasted coffee, specialty drinks made with creative seasonal flavors, and pastries.

Remedy Burger

If you prefer your burgers smashed and your fries fresh, you’ll get along with Remedy Burger just fine. Vegetarians will appreciate the Broccoli Burger and Falafel Burger.

Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery

A downtown Staunton favorite, this natural foods grocery store has drinks, sandwiches, wraps, and salads to feed your whole crew.

Chicano Boy Taco

You might have to eat here two or three times to try all of the flavorful fillings for the tacos, burritos, and bowls.

Gloria’s Pupuseria

A longtime, family-operated spot, Gloria’s keeps things simple with handmade pupusas, made-to-order sides, and more Salvadoran dishes.

Thai Staunton

Dine inside, on the patio, or take your food to go, but whatever you do, make sure you try the curry puffs.  

Accordia Wine Bar

Pop in for some bites and a wine tasting or just to pick the brain of the friendly owners, who are ready to provide expert, approachable guidance on hundreds of wines from around the world.

TOP ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO

Main Street Shopping

Staunton’s too-cute downtown is made for window shopping. We recommend letting your curiosity guide you into shops, but here are a few that are old favorites.

• The Book Dragon Store – Find your next read or add to your hoard. The shop even offers frere gift wrapping, if you’re making a purchase for another book worm in your life.
• Latitudes Fair Trade Store – Clothes, jewelry, accessories, home goods, and self-care products galore.
• Made – Quirky gifts and trinkets that will be too good to give away.
• Pufferbellies Toys & Books – A toy store that’s been entertaining kids and adults alike for  20 years.
• The Dragon’s Hoard – Whether you’re a Tier 4 Dungeon Master or only faintly know the rules of Boggle, you’ll find something fun at this game shop. There’s also miniatures, rockets, models, dice, and everything else you’d need to enter a new world of gaming.

American Shakespeare Center

You’ll feel transported to Shakespeare’s England when you see a play at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse. It is the world’s first recreation of the playwright’s 16^th century indoor theatre.

Camera Heritage Museum

Tucked away downtown you’ll find this museum all about the history of photography, with over 7,000 cameras, accessories, and photos preserved for camera buffs and the curious.

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

Virginia is known as the mother of presidents, but Woodrow Wilson is often overshadowed by Virginia’s presidents of the Founding Era. Learn about his political beginnings, World War I history, and his presidential legacy. On a nice day, a walk through the gardens is an ideal way to contemplate Wilson’s story.

Gypsy Hill Park

If traveling with kids, make sure to stop by Gypsy Hill Park for the mini train, playgrounds, skate park, and all kinds of sports. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake or duck pond.

Sunspots Studios

Create your own blown glass ornament or just watch the pros at work. Make sure to save time to browse the gallery for a piece to take home.

Virginia Scenic Railway

A favorite fall tradition, the scenic railway will take you on a round-trip journey through the changing leaves of the Shenandoah Valley. Two trains leave out of Staunton; the Alleghany Special goes west through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and the Blue Ridge Flyer heads east through the Blue Ridge Tunnel.

Frontier Culture Museum
Step back in time as you discover 11 living history exhibits depicting Old World and American moments in history, from a 1700s West African Igbo Farm to a 1750s Irish Forge and an 1840s American Schoolhouse.

Natural Chimneys Park

Head to Mt. Solon to see a natural wonder in the form of towering limestone rock formations. There are around 2.5 miles of walking and biking trails to explore while you’re there.

Factory Antique Mall

In nearby Verona you’ll find the largest antique mall in the United States, spanning over 150,000 square feet. Don’t worry – if you wind up spending hours going through all the shelves, you can grab a bite to eat at the Bluebird Café, located inside the mall.  

Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival

Enchanted by the wizarding world? Make sure to visit Staunton in September, when for one weekend the small town transforms into a village inspired by Harry Potter.

JUST DOWN THE ROAD…

Waynesboro | For more small town vibes and some top-notch craft beverages, head west for around 20 minutes and you’ll reach Waynesboro.
 

Charlottesville | Charlottesville is around 45 east of Staunton and has something for everyone, from history lovers (explore Monticello and UVA) to foodies and antique shoppers (spend plenty of time on the Downtown Mall).
 

Harrisonburg | A half hour north of Staunton you’ll find Harrisonburg, another college town (this time JMU) with lots of local shopping, a standout children’s museum, and hidden gem restaurants.
 

Lexington | Go southwest for 40 minutes and you’ll reach Lexington, a must for history and arts lovers. Curated shops and galleries in the historic downtown are located in 18^th and 19^th century buildings that’ll have you admiring the architecture as well as the stores.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, a Virginia vacation’s got all that you love, all in one place. Use this guide to [city] to help you start planning your Virginia vacation today!