Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the City of Staunton has a vibrant visual and performing arts scene. Spend 1 day/1 night in the Queen City immersed in the arts with hands-on experiences, guided tours and live performances.
Begin your day at The R.R. Smith Center for History & Art. With juried art exhibits—on a five week rotation—as well as a gallery highlighting local history, there is always something new to see.
Embark on a “self-guided walking tour” of Staunton’s six historic districts which includes an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Along the way, visit some of these local artisans at work in their studios:
Appalachian Piecework – blending contemporary designs with traditional techniques this working textile studio features beautifully handmade quilts, baskets, rugs, scarves and other handwoven goods.
Artful Gifts – fiber artists create master works that you can wear. Using raw fibers of wool and silk, combined with accent pieces of other natural materials, artists create fun and functional wearable art.
Sunspots Studios – the magic of glassblowing comes alive at Sunspots Studios. Stop in for a free glassblowing demonstration or “Blow-Your-Own-Ornament.” Be sure to browse their retail gallery of art glass.
Insider’s Tip: Staunton Historic Foundation offers free, guided walking tours every Saturday from May through October.
Enjoy a lunch at one of our cozy cafés or coffee shops sprinkled throughout downtown.
For lovers of stained glass, Trinity Episcopal Church is a must see! Peruse their collection of magnificent stained glass windows, 12 of which were created by Tiffany Studios.
Next, head over to the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse and take a tour of the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre. There you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look as you go on, behind and under the stage. Photography—including selfies–are encouraged!
Insider’s Tip: Tours of the Blackfriars Playhouse run Monday-Friday at 2 pm and Saturdays at 11 am.
Unwind with a glass of Virginia wine and some local cuisine before taking in a performance at the Blackfriars Playhouse. Retire for the evening in one of Staunton’s historic hotels or B&B’s, where you can be pampered with a full, hot breakfast in the morning.
Amenities
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
Region
Last Updated: 05/15/2017
