Packed with historical museums, live-venue theatres, and the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson – if you’re looking for an engaging family vacation away, you must visit Staunton, Virginia. As the jewel in the crown of the Shenandoah Valley, there are lots of incredible attractions and things to do in Staunton when you’re in town.
Straight away, you’ll be immediately struck by the striking red brick sidewalks and stunning local downtown architecture as you enter the city of Staunton. Whether you’re traveling with friends or escaping with the whole family, with so many things to do in Staunton, Virginia, pack your bags and join us for a tour, as there’s something here for everyone.
As if being the birthplace of one of the nation’s presidents wasn’t enough, the city is crammed with a mix of historical landmarks and museums. From its native American roots to its pivotal role during the frontier days, visitors to Staunton can’t help but become immersed in its historical past.
We start our tour of the best things to do in Staunton at the city’s most famous previous residence and the home of Woodrow Wilson, 28th president of the United States. Today, the former president’s home is known as the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, where you and the family can learn about his life and his pivotal achievements, witness where he grew up, and even see his Pierce–Arrow Presidential Limousine – the oldest presidential limousine still operating today.
Heading next to the largest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley, the Frontier Culture Museum is a hit for guests of all ages. Spread out over 200 acres, you can begin to explore the homes and buildings of traditional native Americans, pioneering frontiers, Europeans, and African former residents and interact with historical interpreters of the museum dressed in authentic costumes of the day.
If you’ve not visited here before, but the name Staunton, Virginia, rings a bell, it’s likely due to its renowned and vibrant arts and culture scene. Bursting with music festivals and a fantastic indoor Shakespearian theatre dedicated to his creative genius, there are plenty of cultural attractions and things to do in Staunton.
Staunton’s love of music is legendary, and nothing highlights this better than the Staunton Jams festival, a celebration of music, art, and excellent cuisine. Typically held in May and October each year, Staunton Jams is a free-to-attend community-funded music festival held at venues across the city. For the classical music fans among you, Staunton also hosts the Staunton Music Festival, which attracts over 90 world-class musicians from around the world and is celebrated for playing symphony, opera, and chamber music.
To add to Staunton’s amazing collection of cultural attractions, festivals, and events, the city is also home to the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse. This superb theatre happens to be the world’s only replica of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre in London and features performances of his epic classic plays.
Exploring the historical and cultural things to do in Staunton is one thing; experimenting with the local’s love of food, wine, and craft beer is another. With a selection of remarkable restaurants in Staunton to eat at and a stunning variety of first-class regionally grown wines and craft beer breweries, we encourage you to try all of Staunton’s wares.
A trip to the Shenandoah Valley wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t highlight the marvelous vineyards, wineries, and craft breweries in Staunton, Virginia. Our first stop has to be the exceptional Barren Ridge Vineyards, which pair their award-winning fine wines with a range of live music events and evening entertainments.
However, if you love your craft beers brewed to perfection, you must also visit the Queen City Brewing Company in Staunton. With over 30 beers on tap, a fantastic indoor and outdoor taproom, and a live music venue, it’s a great place to share a drink with the Staunton locals.
We conclude our tour of the best things to do in Staunton with a trip to two mouth-watering local restaurants. Located in the iconic turn-of-the-century flour mill, the team at Mill Street Grill will spoil you for choice with exciting pasta, steaks, and their signature dish, barbecue baby back ribs. However, a trip to Staunton wouldn’t be complete without savoring the regionally sourced delights at Zynodoa Restaurant, which skilfully transforms its locally grown ingredients into a world-class dining experience for its guests.
Whether you’re visiting with friends or discovering the true beauty of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, a vacation to Staunton will keep you entertained. With a magnificent range of outdoor activities, from hiking the Shenandoah National Park to golfing at the 18-hole championship golf course at The Club at Ironwood, there’s something here in Staunton for everybody.
Enjoy a trip to Staunton at any time of year to meet the friendly locals, and experience this culture capital in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, and further enhance your trip by booking your stay at the fabulous Best Western Staunton Inn in Staunton, Virginia.