It’s true what they say, Virginia really is for lovers! Staunton pronounced “Stan-ton” is considered to be one of the oldest towns in the Shenandoah Valley region.
With Staunton’s wide selection of things to do & historic highlights you can’t help but fall in love with Virginia’s beautiful “Queen City”.
Discover the best things to do, see & eat with my weekend guide to Staunton Virginia.
Come & explore “America’s Favorite Mountain Town”! Don’t Miss My Weekend Guide To Staunton Virginia
Whether your a nature lover, foodie fan, or big time history buff you’ll be instantly smitten by Staunton’s small town vibes and array of culture.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Staunton is quite beautiful to visit any time of year however, I do enjoy the weather in Staunton more so in the late summer, early fall (late August to mid-October) temperatures are still quite warm but not super hot like in the summer months.
If your plan to visit Staunton in the fall which I totally recommend you do then you won’t want to miss taking a drive on the Skyline Drive.
Driving through the beautiful fall leaves truly feels like you’re driving through tunnels of gold. See below for things to do in Staunton, Virginia during the fall.
Staunton’s Top Fall Highlights:
1. Apple & pumpkin picking at Chilies Peach Orchard
2. Embrace your inner witch or wizard at Staunton’s “Harry Potter” inspired Queen City Mischief & Magic Event.
3. Take a spooky afternoon stroll through Staunton’s historic Thornrose Cemetery.
4. Wander the streets and listen to real scary stories on the Ghost’s of Staunton Tour
5. Go on a drive/hike and admire the fall foliage
WHERE TO STAY
Many of the hotels & small inns in downtown Staunton are well established and tell a unique back story.
Stunning architectural designs mixed with Victorian charm Staunton offers quite the range of lodging for every vacation & budget.
Check out below my top recommendations on where to stay.
HOTELS IN STAUNTON VA
Blackburn Inn & Conference Center $$ – Has a rich historic past, as it was once a part of the Western State Hospital (My top-rated)
Hotel 24 South $$ – Originally built in 1924, Hotel 24 South (originally known as the Stonewall Jackson) boasts real beauty & charm, located in the heart of downtown Staunton.
Gibson’s Warehouse $$ – Formally owned by Right Reverend R. A. Gibson, this beautiful historic warehouse was built in the early 1900s (Would love to try)
Fredrick House $$ – Small boutique bed & breakfast located in the midst of Staunton, dating far back as the early 1800s.
What I love most about the Blackburn Inn is its history. It was built in 1825 and operated as an insane asylum until late 1976, it then operated as a prison facility until 2002.
As of today, many of its surrounding buildings have been remodeled into apartment complexes called the Villages at Staunton. You can read more about its historic past here.
THINGS TO DO
Staunton is well known for its thriving arts and culture scene. Whether you’re interested in history, music, food, or outdoor recreation Staunton has it all. Check out the many things to do in Staunton Va that makes this town such a joy to visit.
Browse the shops on Main Street
Explore the many unique shops and restaurants that line Staunton’s Main Street. A few of my faves are Judes Fine Emporium, Made; by the people for the people, Lattitudes Fair Trade Store, Nana Junes Vintage Clothing and Staunton’s Antiques Center.
Experience a play at the Blackfriars Playhouse
The world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. Hosting classic Shakespeare plays and other contemporary performances.
Enjoy wine tastings at the Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room
Sit back & relax with a glass of your favorite wine at the Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room. Tastings start at $7 and include varieties of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and more.
Enjoy afternoon drinks at the Blackburn Inn
After a long day of exploring, why not grab a drink and enjoy the afternoon views from the patio. (My top-rated)
Experience live glass blowing at Sunspots Studios
Watch art come to life with live, free glass-blowing demonstrations & outdoor performances.
Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidental Libary & Museum
Explore the history & life of former president Woodrow Wilson. Tour the birthplace and gallery that exhibits his early life & presidency.
PLACES TO EAT
Get to know Staunton’s incredible food scene. Here, you will find local organic cafes and a wide variety of authentic cuisines such as Italian, Southern, Indian, New American, Salvadorian, and more. Check out below some of my favorite local restaurants and coffee shops, all located within the heart of Staunton.
RESTAURANTS IN STAUNTON VA
Reunion Bakery & Expresso
Right across from the Staunton Visitors Center is this super quaint bakery that offers quite the selection of french pastries and expresso. Definitely worth checking out. You can never go wrong with a traditional French croissant.
Laughing Bird Pho
Best eaten any time of day is traditional Vietnamese beef & noodle soup. Laughing Bird Pho is a locally owned restaurant specializing in made-to-order Vietnamese pho. By the way, this place also does great banh mi and fresh spring rolls if hot soup isn’t your thing.
Taste of India
My go-to restaurant in Staunton. I love this place, they offer such a good selection of traditional Indian dishes. Just be sure to save room for dessert, as you won’t want to pass up trying their traditional Indian sweets, such as their ras malai cheese balls, so delicious. (My top-rated)
Chicano Boy Tacos
Best tacos in town, hands down! Chicano Boy Tacos is a Mexican- American taqueria serving up delicious handmade tacos & burritos. My must-try tacos fillings are the sweet potato & black bean, chicken & Americana. (My top-rated)
Table 44 / Paris Cake Company
Located within the Paris Cake Company is a southern-style bistro called Table 44. This place has amazing food and does a killer Sunday brunch. Also, the Paris Cake Company inside serves up some of the best cakes & pies you can get your hands on.
Crucible Coffee Roasters
My favorite coffee spot in all of Staunton. Crucible has such a good selection of daily roasts. My current favorite at the moment is the El Ragalito. By the way, this place also sells their daily roasts by the bag, so now you can take your favorite blend home with you.
Wright’s Dairy-Rite
Locally owned since 1952, this retro old-school drive-in & diner serves up some of the best burgers and shakes in town. The grilled cheese sandwiches are a fan fave, I personally love the club sandwich with a side of onion rings and a Wright’s flurry. So good!
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The old railroad bridge in downtown Staunton
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Staunton is located in the midst of the Shenandoah Valley, just below the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s home to some of Virginia’s best hiking trails, breweries, and national parks. Discover the many outdoor activities & natural wonders that will leave you wanting more.
Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail
Check out the many crafty breweries along Shanendoah’s Beerwerks Trail. Some of my favorites include Devil’s Backbone Brewery, Bold Rock Hard Cider, and Blue Mountian Brewery.
Blue Ridge Parkway Skyline
Take the scenic route along the Blue Ridge Parkway and soak up some of the incredible mountain views. Only 21mins from Staunton and accessible via Asheville. (My top-rated)
Appalachian Trail
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a lifelong dream for many outdoor enthusiasts. This famous hiking trail expands across 14 states, starting at Springer Mountian in Georgia and ending as far as Maine.
Tackle sections of its trails, which are easily accessible via Staunton, and close hiking paths within the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Monticello
Tour the house and grounds that once belonged to former president Thomas Jefferson.
Admire the architectural designs that took him more than 40 years to build including his great wall clock which still functions today. Only a 45 minutes drive from Staunton.
Laury Caverns
Hidden beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find eerie sounds of the world’s only stalacpipe organ.
Laury Caverns is America’s largest and most popular underground cavern featuring large stalagmite & stalactite formations and crystal clear rock pools.
In addition, you can also experience the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village & Toy Town Junction. Only 1hr drive from Staunton. (My top-rated)
Natural Bridge
Formally owned by Thomas Jefferson, Virginia’s Natural Bridge is a 215-foot tall limestone gorge carved out by Ceder Creek.
This stunning national landmark is only a 47 minute drive from Staunton. (My top-rated)
Day hikes & waterfall trails from Staunton, Va
Explore Staunton’s surrounding mountains and waterfall trails. Spend the morning or afternoon hiking through lush, dense forests and soaking up those blue mountain views.
Check out below my favorite trails that are perfect for day hikes located just outside Staunton.
Crabtree Falls
11581 Crabtree falls Hwy, Montebello, VA 24464
Located in the George Washington National Forest, Crabtree Falls features a 60-foot rock cliff with cascading waters.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 2.5hrs there and back
Level: Moderate
St. Mary’s Falls Trail
Saint Mary’s Wilderness, Raphine, VA 24472
St. Mary’s Trail is located in Saint Mary’s Wilderness, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is relatively moderate, featuring a beautiful waterfall.
Distance: 4.3 miles
Time: 3hrs there and back
Level: Moderate
Humpback Rocks
Humpback Rock, Rockfish, VA 22920
Located just off I64 near Afton, Humpback Rock is a popular hiking trail featuring a large greenstone rock formation with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. (My top-rated)
Distance: 3.8 miles
Time: 2.5hrs there and back
Level: Easy
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I hope you enjoyed this weekend’s guide to Staunton, Virginia.
This cute little town is so beautiful and full of charm. With so many things to do and see, you could easily turn it into a long weekend getaway. It’s definitely one of my favorite weekend destinations.
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You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
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