Visiting Staunton Virginia

Staunton, Virginia is a beautifully preserved, historic town in the Shenandoah Valley. Buck and I found a place near the historic downtown from which we could easily walk to coffee shops, restaurants, museums, and the diverse architecture in nearby neighborhoods. We visited Staunton, Virginia for a couple of days on our way to a fall house sit in the northeastern USA.

If you have any questions, just leave comments on our YouTube video .

Staunton Virginia Slowpoke Travel Podcast – Video

Buck added a lot of photos into this version of the podcast.

Staunton Virginia Slowpoke Travel Podcast – Audio Only

For listeners with a favorite podcast player, you can be notified automatically of our new podcast episodes. One way is to subscribe to the Slowpoke Travel Podcast within your podcast player/app. Another way is by pasting the following RSS feed link into your podcast app https://anchor.fm/s/64b359ac/podcast/rss   

The correct pronunciation of the town is ‘Stan-ton’. In the video, we consistently mispronounce it. UGH!

Staunton, VA is referred to as the Queen City.  Why? Why back when, Staunton was the largest county in the world! It’s also known as the Queen of the Shenandoah Valley.

staunton virginia

What Is There To Do In Staunton, VA?

It’s the birthplace of US President Woodrow Wilson.  You can visit his childhood house in the form of his Presidential Library and Museum, which includes the home in which he was born, his personal limousine as well as plenty of historical perspective on the man and the area.  And the free Woodrow Park has one of the best views of the city.

It’s also the birthplace of some of the singers in the Statler Brothers.  Regrettably, we didn’t spot any of these marvelous and-now-retired singers while we were there.

There is a Camera Heritage Museum right on Main Street.

Sunspots glass blowing shop and studio. Check their website to visit on a day when you can also see a live demonstration.

Try wine tasting at Ox-Eye Vineyards’ in-town tasting room.  

See Shakespearean performances at the Blackfriars Playhouse.

In addition, there are a variety of antique and gift shops, art galleries and other museums as well as several historically maintained neighborhoods all within walking distance of historic downtown’s Main Street.  And nearby?  You can visit the Frontier Culture Museum, other vineyards,  beer tasting venues, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello residence is just an hour away.

staunton virginia

Where Can I Eat in Staunton, VA?

We were in Staunton for only 2 days, and one of them was rainy and a Monday, when many businesses and restaurants were closed.

Serendipity Java Bar and Eatery.  We enjoyed this place!  Good strong coffee and cold brew, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, lunch – they have a little of everything. The cafe is clean, spacious and Victorian-decorated place. They are also associated with the local ghost tour company. Ghost tours – one of the funniest ways to grasp a bit of an area’s history.

We enjoyed fresh Indian food at the downtown Taste of India.

We also enjoyed eating at the cozy Mill Street Grill, that is located in an old industrial building.  Big, varied menu – there is something for everyone!

The town maintains a website that offers additional restaurant options.

staunton virginia

Other Things To Consider When Planning Your Trip

Like many small historic towns on the US East Coast, many businesses and attractions are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and sometimes Tuesdays. And hours also vary due to covid trends.

If walking isn’t your cup of tea, there is also a trolley that can take you around.

With a bit of extra planning, you can see some beautiful fall colors as you meander through the town. Buck and I visited in September and were a bit early for much of the fall colors but we did enjoy some cool days.

Thanks for Listening to the Slowpoke Travel Podcast!

For a change of pace, check out our podcast and pics regarding Ucluelet British Columbia.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to listen and interact with our stuff! If you enjoy our videos, blogs, and podcasts you can help us out by leaving a review and sharing the podcast. You can even kick CG and me the cost of a cup of coffee every month at https://www.patreon.com/BuckAndCameraGirl. Or, you can provide a 1-time treat via our Paypal Tip Jar. Thanks!

We hope you found it useful, and we wish you health, happiness and great luck in your future travels!