Tucked away in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton, Virginia, is a small town that often flies under the radar amongst Southern mountain destinations. People think of Charlottesville, Asheville, Cashiers, and Chattanooga, but Staunton? It’s enjoyed a hidden status that makes it all the more appealing if you’re looking for a getaway where it isn’t hard to book a reservation or stroll along sidewalks without crowds of tourists.
Settled in 1732 and founded in 1761, this historic Virginia town is as rich in history as it is in culture, food, and local shopping. In the 1850s, Staunton established itself as a railroad center, which brought commerce and trade into the area, turning it into a bustling town. Today, red brick sidewalks showcase a vibrant downtown lined with shops and restaurants, and hilly side streets are filled with homes dating back to the 1800s β it’s an architectural historian’s dream.
It’s also the perfect place to spend a weekend, whether it’s a cozy wintertime getaway, an autumn trip filled with fall foliage, or a warm weather escape away from the heat of the big city. We visited on a particularly chilly January weekend but found plenty of places to warm up. Today, we’re breaking down the “musts” for a visit to Staunton!
Grab Lunch at Chicano Boy Taco
Tacos may not be at the top of your list when you’re thinking about food in a Virginia mountain town, but Chicano Boy Taco cannot be missed. Located just outside the historic downtown, this taquerΓa serves handmade tacos with fresh, vibrant fillings. When they have the seasonal macha salsa with infused oil and chili, immediately add it to your order.
Tour the Blackfriars Playhouse
If you’re in town for a show by the American Shakespeare Center, you’re in luck. But, even if you’re not, it’s still worth taking a tour of the Blackfriars Playhouse, the only reproduction worldwide of the original Blackfriars Playhouse, which was constructed in 1596. Staunton’s reproduction was erected in 2001, yet built to mimic the experience of being in the original Shakespeare theatre.
With universal lighting, U-shaped seating surrounding (and even on) the stage, and cozy intimacy, this is a truly unique experience. Visitors come from all over the country β and the world β for the shows put on in this unlikely playhouse in rural Virginia. Our tour guide was a passionate student of Shakespeare at nearby Mary Baldwin University who truly brought the magic of this space to life.
Refuel at Reunion Bakery
It’s never a good idea to go too long between snacks when exploring a new town, right? Stop by Reunion Bakery, a charming and tiny spot where a chocolate almond croissant is beckoning. Grab a chocolate chunk cookie to keep in your bag for later. You won’t regret it.
Stroll and Shop Around Downtown
Staunton’s downtown is easy to navigate, with just a few blocks packed with shops and restaurants. Start at the Wharf area to visit Redwood & Co, an incredibly cool small-batch candle shop and home goods store with a section of vintage clothing curated by Heard. Then, make your way to the main drag, where you can shop local goods at The Foundry Pop-Ups, look for creative items at Kate’s Mercantile, pick up luxurious home items at Heirloom Home, or find fair trade clothing and more at Latitudes.
Stop for a Pre-Dinner Drink at Redbeard Brewing Company
We’re big fans of planning a later dinner when traveling so we can make time for a pre-dinner drink. Redbeard Brewing Company is in downtown Staunton, and the lively (but not too loud) atmosphere is ideal for grabbing a quick flight. If you’re a dark beer fan, the DrΓ€gΓΆn WΓ€gΓΆn bills itself as a Mexican Hot Chocolate Baltic Porter, and the kick is there.
Indulge in Dinner at The Shack
Make a reservation ahead of time for dinner at The Shack, and expect a fine dining experience in a casual setting. Aptly named, The Shack is a sliver of a building β just one story and one room. The ambiance inside is warm, simple, and welcoming, the perfect juxtaposition for the beautifully plated dishes that will arrive on your plate. The seasonal menu changes weekly, with a choice of two dishes for each of the five courses. Expect local ingredients sourced throughout the Shenandoah region and inventive combinations. A dish made of root vegetables, peanuts, and chili was a standout on this January night.
Wake Up for Breakfast at The By & By
Staunton is not short on spots for breakfast, but The By & By is a favorite of locals and newcomers alike. Their seasonal latte flavors don’t disappoint, and a raspberry mocha latte was on the menu on this particular cold January morning. Pair a breakfast sandwich on an egg-based everything bagel with a cozy spot to sit and watch the flurries fall outside; there’s no better way to start a day.
Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
Whether you’re a history buff or simply love visiting historic homes, it’s worth planning a stop by the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library. The library encompasses the circa 1846 home where President Wilson was born and lived the first two years of his life along with a modern museum that houses his archives.
Hit a Few Antique Shops
Whenever we’re in a small town, we like to see what the antique shops have to offer. Staunton came through in a big way! From the large Staunton Antiques Center, where we ended up with a darling milk glass set, to O’Brien’s Antiques and Art (specializing in pieces from the 1700s and 1800s) to 17 E. Beverly Antiques, where we fell in love with a midcentury chandelier, there’s a wide variety of secondhand finds waiting for their next home. For a more curated spot with midcentury design, stop by Eclectic Retro on the edge of downtown.
Grab a Coffee for the Ride Home at Crucible Coffee
Crucible Coffee Roasters came as a recommendation from one of our favorite Staunton bloggers, @juliacurated, and this bright, industrial space is a striking juxtaposition to the cozy spots downtown. Started by two high school friends, Crucible opened just before 2020, and they’ve gained a steady following of coffee lovers who swear by their blends, which are roasted on-site. Grab a latte and settle in for a minute to relax and caffeinate before hitting the road home to begin planning your next trip back.
Where to Stay in Staunton
Thanks to the mountainside architecture of Staunton, which lends itself to ground-level apartments, you’ll find numerous short-term rentals right in residents’ homes. Queen City Hideaway is particularly darling, decorated with antiques and thrifted items sourced in Staunton.
If you prefer a bed and breakfast experience, Historic Berkeley Place is an 1896 mansion turned inn with light, bright, modern suites. Montclair Bed and Breakfast is another historic downtown option, and if you’re looking for a more rural stay, Batten Green is close to the city but set on twelve pastoral acres.
All photography by Heather Bien.
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