Tucked in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Staunton blends outdoor adventure with vibrant culture and dining. Historic streets, mountain views, local flavors, and world-class arts make it the perfect basecamp for travelers craving both natural beauty and small-town character.
Morning
Start with coffee and a croissant at Réunion Bakery before exploring Montgomery Hall Park’s wooded hiking and biking trails. Feeling ambitious? Drive just minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park for sweeping mountain vistas and invigorating hikes. Back downtown, browse indie shops and galleries on Beverley Street.
Afternoon
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Byers Street Bistro, a local favorite with riverside views. Then, step into history at the Frontier Culture Museum, where outdoor exhibits and costumed interpreters share the stories of early Valley settlers. Later, unwind in Gypsy Hill Park, where shaded trails, a duck pond, and gardens offer a peaceful close to the afternoon.
Evening
Experience live theatre at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s first recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor stage. After the show, toast with a locally brewed pint at Redbeard Brewing before retreating to Hotel 24 South, a historic downtown hotel offering comfort just steps from Staunton’s cultural scene.
Hidden Gem
Walk across the Sears Hill pedestrian bridge for sweeping views of downtown Staunton framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
