Staunton Shines Bright With Arts, Culture & Cocktails

Day 1

Staunton is one of the oldest cities west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Step back in time at the livinghistory Frontier Culture Museum to learn about the daily life of the region’s earliest settlers.

Next, discover the life and legacy of the country’s 28th president in the city where he was born at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. An exclusive ‘Behind-the-Scenes” guide tour provides a fuller picture of his complex life and legacy.

Love nostalgic rail journeys? Set aside three hours to relax and sightsee aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway, round-trip excursions depart twice daily (Thursday-Sunday).

Day 2

Shakespeare is serious fun at the American Shakespeare Center. So is the Blackfriars Playhouse Tour, where you’ll go on-stage, behind the stage, and even under the stage as guides tell the story of England’s first indoor theater and describe how the staging conditions of 17th-century London shaped the works of Shakespeare and his fellow playwrights.

Visit Staunton

Jessica B. Williams

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540-332-3865 www.visitstaunton.com

Art enthusiasts are invited to step inside GothicRevival Trinity Episcopal Church and marvel at 12 Tiffany stained glass windows, which date from 18981936. Contemporary artworks are produced daily via live glass-blowing demonstrations at Sunspots Studios. Interested in acquiring original works from regional artists? The CoArt Gallery and the R.R. Smith Center for History & Art display some of the best. The Shenandoah Valley is known for its agricultural bounty, and farm-to-table restaurants are the norm. Chef Boden of The Shack is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist. Zynodoa offers inspired Southern cuisine with a menu that emphasizes local ingredients.

Day 3

For something truly memorable, opt for a masterclass in cheese and wine in a beautifully restored tasting room. Ballerino Creamery’s head cheesemaker Louella Hill and master vintner John Kiers of Ox-Eye Vineyards join forces to help you taste your way through the Valley’s freshest flavors.

Pick up a copy of the self-guided walking tour and get acquainted with Staunton’s preservation success; six historic districts are independently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Refresh yourself at the Ciders From Mars taproom, where you can enjoy a full flight or a single glass of their flagship Hellas Dry Cider. It’s made with a blend of modern and heirloom apples, grown locally. BLU Point Seafood Co. showcases lobster rolls and seafood baskets, as well as catches straight from the Chesapeake Bay such as rockfish, blue crab, and oysters. Private dining areas can accommodate groups of up to 80 people. Gorgeous mountain scenery surrounds Staunton. Two national parks, Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are close by and make an easy destination for sunset views.