Staunton is a cool mountain town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. The small town is conveniently located between Shenandoah National Park and Smokey Mountains National Park, making it the perfect starting point for scenic drives and outdoor recreation. The town will interest history buffs with the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Museum and a handful of other interesting museums in town. Its historic downtown includes almost 200 Victorian-era buildings designed by architect Thomas Jasper Collins, is easy to walk and navigate, and is full of eclectic shops, galleries, and local restaurants to enjoy during a visit.
How is Staunton Pronounced? Stan-ton (as in “ant”, not “aunt”)
Staunton- For Lovers of History
For a small town, there is an excellent variety of museums to visit during your trip. The birthplace of the 28th President, Staunton is the home of The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Museum & Library. Here, you can go for a guided, self-guided, or behind-the-scenes tour to learn about Wilson’s life and legacy.
Another unique museum is the Frontier Cultural Museum, an outdoor living history museum with live interpreters in period costumes that demonstrate life on the frontier from the 1600s through the mid-1800s. The Camera Heritage Museum and the Jumbo Antique Fire Engine Museum are other local museums worth a visit.
Staunton- For Lovers of the Arts
Performances at the American Shakespeare Center are a must-see. The Blackfriars Playhouse is an amazing building, and the theatrical productions are off the charts with extremely talented casts. The American Shakespeare Center is open year-round, and you can even take a tour of the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor playhouse.
The 2019 Summer Festival Season is from June 25 through November 30 and features Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Caesar and Cleopatra. Midsummer 90 is a production geared towards families— the comedy lasts only 1.5 hours.
The Fall Repertory Season begins on September 25 and runs through December 1 and features The Willard Suitcases by Julianne Wick Davis.
Staunton- For Lovers of the Outdoors
From Staunton you can start your adventure north on Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park or south on the Blue Ridge Parkway towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just west of Staunton are the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. All three recreation areas have dozens of scenic overlooks, hikes ranging from easy to strenuous, and local and natural attractions.
Lodging, Dining & Shopping
There is no shortage of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and inns around Staunton. We recommend staying at the historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center. The hotel is located downtown, walking distance to the Black Friars Playhouse and many of the independent shops and award-winning restaurants. Have lunch at Mill Street Grill, a great restaurant in a converted flour mill. The casual atmosphere and the Kansas City style ribs are worth the trip. Before or after the theater, walk over to the Zynadoa Restaurant for dinner. This upscale farm-to-table dining experience features a southern-style menu. During the day, stroll along Beverley and Frederick Streets of downtown Staunton. Just off the beaten path is one of our favorite shops, Sunspots Glassblowing. If you are in the studio before 4pm, watch live glass blowing as you pick out a souvenir from your Staunton experience.
