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Independent city in Virginia
Photo: henristosch, CC BY-SA 2.0 de via Wikimedia Commons
Staunton is a city in the Shenandoah Valley in the US state of Virginia. Although small, it is very distinct from neighboring cities such as Harrisonburg, Roanoke, and Waynesboro, in part due to the city government's emphasis on tourism and the very distinct downtown district.
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It has a unique character and unique shops and restaurants.
An exact replica of Shakespeare's Blackfriars Theatre with performances of several of Shakespeare's plays every season. Tickets start at $38 with fees (2026), but W & Th shows offer half-price day-of tickets if space is available - ask at the box office.
Featuring an annual Jazz in the Park festival.
Has a floor on trench warfare in World War I, and biographical information, family possessions, and historical background on Wilson's presidency.
The museum has 4 historic farms and costumed interpreters that tell stories and answer questions along with showing skills of that time.
The current church was built in 1855. In addition to its striking architecture, it is noteworthy for an impressive collection of stained glass windows, including 12 by Tiffany Studios.
Billing itself as "The largest camera museum open to the public in the USA", the museum collection contains over 7000 cameras, many of them antiques. Cameras are the focus here, but some of the photos on display also convey a sense of Staunton's history.
This small park (approx. 1 acre) nestled between roads, train tracks, and the creek is easy to miss. It's noteworthy, however, for the photogenic stone arches that form part of the railway bridge over the southern half of the park.
Housed inside a functioning fire station, this museum's highlight is Jumbo, a 1911 Robinson fire engine. (Note that museum hours may change on short notice, depending on the fire station's call volume.)
Watch the glassblowers at work for free, or pay to make your own ornament with them. There's also an attached gallery with a wide range of blown glass objects for sale.
Take a three-hour scenic tour on a restored historic train. Departures from Staunton head west in the morning, east in the afternoon. You can also catch themed train rides: murder mystery, sip&savor, etc. Prices vary. Reserve your tickets in advance - there are no walkup sales.
This bridge over the train tracks by the Amtrak Station was built to link the Sears Hill neighborhood with downtown. Today it provides a great view of downtown's architecture and geography. Enjoy the view right from the bridge, or head just a short distance up the hill for an overlook complete with information boards explaining which buildings are which.
Ask at the Staunton Visitor Center (35 S New St). Most days there are free general tours or architecture tours, typically leaving mid-morning. Sometimes there are also special themed tours (fees vary). If you miss the guided tours, the visitor center also has maps of self-guided tours through several of the historic downtown neighborhoods, with detailed information on the notable homes and architecture.
Christian concert series.
Counter-serve options in Staunton Mall supplying familiar Chinese entrees, plus daily specials.
A classic 1950s-era drive-in diner. Eat inside at one of the retro tables, or go for the classic drive-in experience to order from and get food delivered to your car.
Fine contemporary dining from locally sourced ingredients. Interesting cocktails and a wide range of food.
They offer burgers, hot dogs, and barbeque, but really... the frozen custard is where it's at! Classic flavors like Chocolate and Vanilla line up on the menu with rotating specialties like Cotton Candy or Strawberry Shortcake. Scoops, sundaes, and shakes are on offer, and the portions are both generous and delicious.
A unique storefront which carries on a fine Southern tradition: making your own alcohol. Patrons can use the facility to create their own beer or wine, which are aged at the facility until ready to be picked up. For those not so DIY-inclined, Queen City Brewery also offers their own specialty beers and lagers, fruit wines, and non-alcoholic soda pops. Friday nights are "Brewgrass Fridays", and local bluegrass bands play while the storefront offers free samples. No cover.
Grab a glass, a flight, or a take-home bottle of craft-brewed alcoholic cider. Usually 6+ flavors on tap, specializing in dry and off-dry ciders fermented from local VA apples. In summertime, the cider slushie is a great treat! (Note: Address correct as of July 2026, but they're hoping to relocate their taproom elsewhere in Staunton by the end of the year.)
A bed-and-breakfast.
Quaint inn.
A grand old hotel, restored in 2005.
An impressive range of handcrafted fused and infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Taste samples, and get bottles filled on-the-spot with your favorites. They also offer gluten-free snacks and baked goods.
By train
By plane
Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) in Weyers Cave and the Charlottesville Airport (CHO) are both within an hour's drive.
The town is small enough that if you stay downtown, you can walk anywhere you would like to go. There is also a trolley/bus service provided by the city for $0.25 per ride.
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Weyers Cave · Regional · SHD
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