Staunton.
- WHAT TO DO
- WHAT TO SEE
- WHAT TO EAT
Staunton sits in the Shenandoah Valley, two hours west of Richmond and forty minutes from Charlottesville via Interstate 64. The town is known for its compact stock of late-nineteenth-century architecture and the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor Blackfriars theatre. Staunton is worth visiting if you want serious regional repertory theatre paired with classic Virginia baking and walkable historic hills. Look elsewhere if you want fast-paced nightlife, major museums, or public transit.
Last updated 19 Sept 2026
Field notes
Photographs · Wikimedia Commons
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What to do in Staunton Virginia United States
Staunton is a hill town of five distinct historic districts grouped tightly around West Beverley Street. Days here revolve around walking the compact brick centre, browsing independent hardware stores and bookshops, and gathering for evening performances at the playhouse. It suits couples and solo travellers who appreciate regional food, quiet architectural preservation, and unhurried walking with minimal driving once parked.
24 hours in Staunton Virginia United States
Start with espresso and pastries at Reunion Bakery, then spend two hours tracing the brick sidewalks of Gospel Hill. Walk down to Byers Street for lunch in the Wharf district. Reserve an evening seat at the Blackfriars Playhouse, followed by a late bowl of Shenandoah pasta or local trout on North Augusta Street. Everything is walkable in under fifteen minutes. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Staunton Virginia United States
Devote your second morning to the Woodrow Wilson Library gardens before exploring the antique dealers of Verona. Head up into Augusta County in the afternoon for a crisp cider tasting on an orchard ridge, then return into town for dinner at The Shack, where local ingredients are treated with serious kitchen technique. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Staunton Virginia United States
A third day allows an easy morning drive onto the Blue Ridge Parkway at Rockfish Gap for ridge hiking and sweeping valley overlooks. Return through the farm roads of Augusta County to stop at family cider mills and small vineyard tasting rooms, finishing back on Beverley Street for craft beer and conversation.
Staunton Virginia United States itineraries by interest
Live Theatre in Staunton Virginia United States
Take in classic text under universal lighting at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse, built on 1599 indoor playhouse plans.
Historic Architecture in Staunton Virginia United States
Walk the Beverly Historic District and the steep brick residential ridges of Gospel Hill to examine intact Queen Anne and Italianate structures.
Regional Baking in Staunton Virginia United States
Pick up sourdough boules and pain au chocolat at The Split Banana or morning brioche and cardamom buns at Reunion Bakery on Byers Street.
Shenandoah Dining in Staunton Virginia United States
Sit down for pan-roasted valley trout and heritage pork chops served alongside local farm produce at The Shack on Coalter Street.
Craft Beer & Cider in Staunton Virginia United States
Sample tart heritage apple pours at Ciders from Mars or order unfiltered cellar ales at Redbeard Brewing Company on East Johnson Street.
Antique Shopping in Staunton Virginia United States
Browse three floors of regional stoneware, mid-century furniture, and old tools at the 1908 Factory Antique Mall ten minutes south in Verona.
Presidential History in Staunton Virginia United States
Tour the Greek Revival manse and archival museum at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum on North Coalter Street.
Scenic Drives in Staunton Virginia United States
Join Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway twenty minutes east at Rockfish Gap for mountain overlooks across the valley floor.
Optics & Glass in Staunton Virginia United States
Watch master blowers shape hot silica at Sunspots Studios before stepping up the street to explore early optical history at the Camera Heritage Museum.
Farmers Markets in Staunton Virginia United States
Buy Shenandoah apples, heirloom tomatoes, raw honey, and goat cheese on Saturday mornings at the Wharf parking lot on Johnson Street.
Rail History in Staunton Virginia United States
Examine the 1902 C&O train station in the historic Wharf district where freight lines and passenger rail historically shaped local commerce.
Wine & Vineyards in Staunton Virginia United States
Taste Viognier and Cabernet Franc at valley estates like Barren Ridge Vineyards, set on a former apple orchard on the edge of Augusta County.