The charming town of Staunton, Virginia is nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and is the perfect combination of small-town-feel with big-city-amenities. The city boasts a lively downtown area, bustling streets with plenty of food and drink options, and lovely city parks and trails. With its close proximity to the mountains, Skyline Drive, and Shenandoah National Park, this city is a nature lover’s paradise while also appealing to those who prefer a city experience. Not only is it a great place to live, but also a great place to spend a weekend. Here are my tips for what you should do on a weekend trip to Staunton, Virginia.
Things to do in Staunton:
With its close proximity to the mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and Skyline Drive, there are endless activities and hikes for nature lovers. Additionally, Staunton has several local parks to explore. Here are some of my favorite spots.
Gypsy Hill Park
Located in the heart of Staunton, this 214-acre park has a little bit of everything. There are pools, playgrounds, roads and trails for walking or running, golf course, and much more!
Woodrow Park
Located in the Sears Hill District, this small, charming park houses a viewpoint that looks down over the city of Staunton.
Sear Hill Bridge
This pedestrian bridge connects the Sears Hill District to the Wharf District and offers stunning views of the city.
Sherando Lake Recreation Area
About 45 minutes outside of the city lies this lake locally known as the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not only is the lake itself a stunning attraction, there are also miles of trails, several picnic and amphitheater spots, lots of beach space and spots to swim, as well as 65 campsites!
Natural Chimneys
These natural wonders are not exactly located in Staunton but are only a short drive in the neighboring Augusta County. See these seven 120-foot rock formations that tower over the surrounding land! This area was submerged in water millions of years ago and still holds fossils from those prehistoric times. Several trails to hike connect in a loop to allow you to see the chimneys from every angle – you can get to the very top and explore at the bottom. The area also has campsites and a visitor’s center.
Where to eat and grab A drink in Staunton:
One of the best ways to get to know a new city is by sampling their food options. Staunton has started an initiative called Shop & Dine Out Downtown where every weekend Beverly Street is closed to vehicle traffic so food spots can spill out onto the sidewalk and streets to provide outdoor dining experiences for their patrons. This seasonal experience runs from 4PM on Fridays to 7:30AM on Mondays from the first weekend in April to the last weekend in October.
Here are a variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drink spots you can check out on your weekend trip to Staunton!
The By&By
- Address: 140 E. Beverley St. Staunton, VA 24401
This cafe started as a coffee and dessert shop in 2002 and has since added bagels, sandwiches, craft beer, espresso drinks, and wine to their menu. The location has a lovely indoor space as well as a dog-friendly beer garden.
Reunion Bakery
- Address: 26 S New St. Staunton, VA 24401
This small-town bakery’s european-inspired pastries provide “quality comparable to the very best.” Their menu includes pastries, quiches, and breads as well as espresso drinks.
Vic’s
- Address: 101 W Beverly St, Staunton, VA 24401
This place “took a DNA and turns out it’s 100% that biscuit!” This lovely breakfast spot offers coffees, teas, pancakes, biscuits, salads, and more!
The Green Room
- Address: 130 W Beverley St Staunton, VA, 22401
This fun “wine, beer, and cider bar with a restaurant problem” offers a plethora of alcoholic drinks as well as sandwiches, boards, snacks, ice creams and more!
Remedy Burger
- Address: 12 E Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401
If you’ve worked up an appetite after a day of hiking, this is the place for you! Grab a delicious, hardy, juicy burger from the many unique options this establishment has to offer. They also provide sodas, wines, and beers.
Shenandoah Pizza & Taphouse
- Address: 19 E Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401
This spot specializes in gourmet pizzas which are incredibly delicious, and also offer appetizers, subs, salads, and wraps!
Blu Point Seafood Co
- Address: 123 W. Beverley St. Staunton, VA 24401
This location will bring you “the freshest seafood available to the Shenandoah Valley”. They have a raw seafood bar and also offer a variety of cooked starters and main dishes.
The Split Banana
- Address: 7 W Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401
Stop by this spot for dessert and enjoy delicious gelato from the 24 homemade flavors they offer rotationally.
Farmers market in and around Staunton:
Just a short drive from Staunton, the county of Augusta is a must-see while you’re in the area! Here are a few cool spots to check out.
Valley Pike Farm Market
- Address: 3494 Lee Highway, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
- This market is deeply connected to the surrounding community and offers a variety of locally sourced goods. They offer craft beers, wines, cheeses, pastries, coffees, and have a lovely back deck where you can enjoy your purchases.
Harmony Harvest Farm
- Address: 201 Little Run Rd, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
- Visit this 20-acre cut-flower farm to join the “pursuit of living a better life through flowers!” Not only does this farm have a shop where you can purchase handmade flower frogs and cut flowers, you can also make a reservation to pick your own flowers!
Downtown Lodging in Staunton (Dog-friendly)
There are a plethora of hotels, Airbnbs, and stays located around Staunton. Here is where I stayed on my weekend trip to Staunton.
Staunton Underground
- This renovated 2-bedroom unit in the downtown area provides a lovely stay! There are original exposed brick walls, chic decor, and the space is dog friendly.
The city of Staunton is a hidden gem nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and has so much to offer! This guide should help you plan out your weekend trip to the area and have the best time! While you’re in the area, take a day trip to the neighboring city of Waynesboro and check out my blog post to see what things I recommend doing there!
