Staunton is a historically preserved small city located in Shenandoah Valley that boasts a lively arts culture. Tourists enjoy finding out about its peculiar downtown area with numerous popular shops, good cafes, and tourist attractions.
Moreover, it is the home of the 28th President of the USA, namely Woodrow Wilson. With a great many beautiful parks together with the adjacent farms, Staunton can be considered a great combination of culture and countryside.
Here are some exclusive things to do in Staunton:
1. Enjoy A Walk Around Frontier Culture Museum
There is potential for amazing living history here. It is a fantastic jaunt through the Virginia frontier history comprising of original structures moved from abroad and locally, along with knowledgeable interpreters.
It informs the visitor of the influence of the cultures that shaped history. The museum is spread across a beautiful landscape that is a joy to walk.
Skip the golf cart, take your time, and stroll through the grounds to enjoy the views. There are animals to look at and care for. This is among the Staunton VA attractions must for any history aficionado.
Address: 1290 Richmond Rd
2. Visit The Gypsy Hill Park
Gypsy Hill Park has a long history and a beautiful creek running through it. The hills, baseball fields, playgrounds, ponds, and waterfalls make it a pleasant park to visit.
The wonderful little pond has fish, ducks, and swans. There is a store almost in front of the park where you can buy bags of food for $1. For the fish, there are dispensing machines for $0.25.
Over the years, the place has become an area for outdoor concerts or recreation space. It has some nice additions for families which include a train, tennis courts, and a recreation center. For locals, the park is the center of the town for family activities and relaxation.
Address: 600 Churchville Ave
3. Watch A Play At American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse
The center holds a unique way of presenting its plays and defers from following the original form; but stays true to the Shakespearean experience.
Everyone in the cast does such a great and funny job and they take you into the show right away. It is a great experience from the time you enter the building to the time when the performance reaches its last applause.
The theatre can be cold, so if you are sensitive to that, dress appropriately. They do, however, have some crocheted wraps to borrow if you don't. Check upcoming shows at the American Shakespeare Center website.
Address: 10 S Market St
4. Stop By The St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
It is the only Catholic Church within miles, and a very music-oriented one. Your visit might allow you to interact with fellow members of a lazy apostolate called the Legion of Mary.
You might also get a chance to meet the priests who are inspiring in their spiritual talks at meetings. Upon entering the church, you will be surrounded by the transcendental beauty of a peaceful atmosphere and serenity.
Also, there is a side Chapel devoted to private prayer and a visit with Jesus truly present in the Holy Sacrament of the Alta. If in the area, a visit paid, will be a visit full of blessings.
Address: 118 N New St
5. Sit and Relax At Thornrose Cemetery
Thornrose Cemetery has a parklike quality with historic headstones that are quite amazing. A scenic, interesting, and beautiful cemetery that you will ever come across.
Drive through it at least if you can't walk far. All the areas are accessible by vehicle and paved road all the way through.
Great place for walks to clear your head, lovely to see family members and stop for a quick chat. This is one of the things to do in Staunton, which can be done without any time restriction and at your pace.
Address: 1041 W Beverley St
6. Watch Art Happen At Sunspots Studios Glassblowing
Visitors can watch the glass-blowing process in the studio at the back for free. With knowledgeable instructors, you will love the live demonstration and learning how the whole process works.
Watching the glass being blown is one thing but participating is something exciting. However, there is a cost to it but fun comes along. Take a tour of the place and look for items you would like to take home.
You can also sign up to create an ornament, which you can pick up the next day. The studio is located in an old historical building, so a little caution is necessary when negotiating the steps up through the front door.
Address: 202 S Lewis St
7. Take A Ride On Gypsy Express
If you happen to be Gypsy Hill Park, then let your kids take a ride over this miniature train. The tickets cost $1.00 and you go around 3 times.
There are bridges and a tunnel and an engineer in the right garb. This train has been running so long through thick and thin that second and even third generations are riding and enjoying it.
There is no wait line for your turn ensuring a smooth experience. Since the park is huge, the parking space is adequate and there is a restroom close by.
Address: 370 Constitution Dr
8. Discover The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
The museum, nestled in a small-town atmosphere, felt like a time capsule, preserving the history and legacy of Woodrow Wilson. It is well-organized and set in chronological order from his birth to death.
One of the highlights is the World War I exhibit. The walk-through trench replica in the museum's basement is particularly immersive. It offers a vivid glimpse into the experiences of soldiers during the Great War.
There is also a really old car from the period you can see. A bonus point is that the gift shop has cheap goodies and lovely postcards.
Address: 20 N Coalter St
9. Book A Ticket At Visulite Cinemas
The Visulite is a good theater that has the old town atmosphere, great popcorn, and big comfortable chairs. The theater is clean and has current movies.
Located downtown there is ample parking nearby. Moreover, tickets are less than in Harrisonburg. Check what's on and buy your tickets from the Visulite Cinema website.
The staff is great, and the drink and food item variety is wonderful. They have beer, wine, and a variety of combos. You can spend less here for a premium experience.
Address: 12 N Augusta St
10. Explore The Camera Heritage Museum
As the name suggests, this place has a lot of cameras and so much history. The volume of cameras on display is extraordinary for such a small space.
You will find one-of-a-kind cameras from history's biggest moments. It is highly recommended whether you are a camera buff or just interested in history. You can choose to do a self-guided tour and roam around the place at your own speed.
Allow yourself more time because this museum has more than fifty years of hard work and dedication. It focuses on the preservation of one of the greatest art forms ever created.
Address: 1 W Beverley St
11. Travel By The Virginia Scenic Railway
This is a lovely way to transport yourself back to the age of grand railroad travel. You will see people's homes, farms, and the natural landscape. You will ride through towns and see everything from the back of buildings to beautiful homes and junk.
It is wonderful to be able to sit back and relax, chat, and enjoy the scenery. The interior is very clean and spacious, climate controlled, bathrooms on board, and they even have outlets for charging your phone and tables.
The food is excellent and as a bonus, includes complimentary beverage glasses as souvenirs. It is well worth the $120/person price to ride.
Address: STA, 12 Middlebrook Ave
12. Have A Lovely Ride At Star B Stables
This place in Staunton VA offers one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities in Staunton VA. It is really easy to call and book and easy to find. The horses are super friendly adding to a very calm and peaceful ride.
You will come across beautiful mellow terrain with gorgeous butterfly birds and four deer. The water crossing is fun and the scenery is stunning; you could find beauty in all four seasons on the ride.
Just remember to carry cash or check because they depend on these modes of payment only.
Address: 2926 Barterbrook Rd
13. Dine In At Zynodoa Restaurant
Zynodoa Restaurant is a very popular and busy space in Staunton Virginia. This is an excellent farm-to-table eatery offering contemporary cuisine along with catering to special diets.
They are known for comfortable seating, fabulous service, and delicious food. Their Caviar, Ribeye, and Basque cheesecake are to die for. Eating here ranges from $8 to $36.
It is located just a step away from the American Shakespeare Center so, you can stop by to eat after watching a play. Reservation is a plus so book a table today from the Zynodoa website.
Address: 115 E Beverley St
14. Sample Products At Staunton Olive Oil Company
This is a shop dedicated to flavored olive oil and white and red balsamic vinegar. It is so much fun to taste and learn about the ways to use these products.
Everything here is gluten-free and one can buy individual bottles of oil or vinegar or buy samples of each product so you could take home a variety. They also had small jars of spices made locally. The selection is not only great but so are the prices.
You can get refills on their larger bottles and a frequent buyers card is available. If you love cooking or simply want to explore the collections, stop by and explore.
Address: 126 W Beverley St
15. Order Drinks And Food At Yelping Dog Wine
This wine bar can be found in the heart of this amazing city's downtown. They offer a wide option of wines in a glass and the best-grilled cheese.
A wide selection of reasonably priced bottles are available too. Someone visiting with a group could order "The Dragon Hook."
It includes Red Dragon English cheddar (infused with mustard and ale), Deer Creek Wisconsin aged cheddar, apples, walnuts, pretzels, and sweet pickles. Throw in a couple of nice white wines and it will be the perfect late snack after a big breakfast and spending time shopping in downtown Staunton.
Address: 9 E Beverley St
16. Challenge Yourself At Crack The Code Escape Room
The first thing you experience after arriving at the venue is a welcoming and helpful staff. They make entering a completely new environment much less intimidating.
The place feels like you are on an actual subway as pictures stream past the windows and the sounds of the subway roar all around you. The clues are plentiful and the attendants are available if you need extra help.
They explain how the room's mechanics work, including why it feels like the room is shaking. The whole premise works on your brain and forces you to solve things collaboratively.
Address: 300 Church St Bldg. B
17. Indulge In Numerous Activities At The Montgomery Hall Park
It is an outstanding recreational place and can be used for several purposes. The garden is big and neat, so it can be regarded as a popular attraction for both residents as well as tourists.
The facilities include a conventional and a natural play area. There is a disc golf course, pavilions at the top with grassy areas and trees, and a few lovely hiking trails.
There is a picnic bench right by the playground to sit and eat and watch your kids playing. You will also find enough grass for those who wish to take their blanket or towel and lie on it as well as a lounge.
Address: 1000 Montgomery Ave.
18. Pay Visit To R.R. Smith Center for History & Art
Also known as the Staunton Augusta Art Center, the center is a nice visit for art lovers and art fearers alike. It's not the NY Met, overwhelming and intimidating but rather a beautiful, small, and well-located museum.
One room has displays of the rich history of Staunton and 2 rooms are devoted to local artists. The exhibition varies every three months and it has free access. There is a parking structure located right across the building.
It would only take you less than an hour to complete your business in the store. Therefore, in those saved hours look for things to do in NYC today.
Address: 20-22 New Street
19. Book A Room At Hotel 24 South
If you'd like to stay in the historical area of Staunton the Hotel 24 South is ideal for you. One of the Staunton hotels that is perfect for traveling in the town on foot.
There is complimentary coffee available in the lobby for several hours each morning, a restaurant for breakfast, and a lounge that opens in the afternoon for drinks and food. There is a great fitness room with several machines and dumbbells, and an indoor swimming pool.
It sits very close to the American Shakespeare Center, just blocks away from the Woodrow Wilson House, and close to several small cute stores and restaurants.
Address: 24 South Market St
20. Dive Into A Variety of Activities At Fields of Gold
The Fields of Gold is a wonderful example of an agritourism program that seeks to promote farming activities in the area. The public may immerse themselves in numerous occupations, including picking fresh strawberries, apples, pumpkins, and many others on farms.
You can also take a tour through some real-life farms or visit wineries and taste true farm-to-glass wines. There are also delicious farm-to-table options for meals at picturesque restaurants.
For the more adventurous, you can try llama trekking, or go to a petting farm. Also, look for other things to do in Virginia.
Address: 112 MacTanly Pl. Staunton, VA
