VISITING STAUNTON?

Make a weekend out of it!

Coming from out of town? Staunton and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley have plenty to explore while you’re here. For a few places to stay and some of my favorite places to eat, drink, and visit, click Explore Staunton, or go to Visit Staunton for even more ideas.

• Explore Staunton

Where to Stay

Hotel 24 South — Historic downtown hotel; easy to walk to restaurants, shops and the theater.The Blackburn Inn & Conference Center — Historic inn just outside of downtown.The Frederick House — Downtown B&B with breakfast included.Maude & the Bear — Small inn with an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant; definitely a splurge.

Where to Eat

Accordia Wine Bar & Bistro — A personal fav! Recently named one of USA TODAY'S best wine bars in the U.S.Remedy Burger — Great burgers, fries, and cocktails.Marino's Lunch — Known for casual food, local character, and longtime bluegrass jam sessions.Redbeard Brewing — Local craft brewery downtown.The Depot Grille — Casual restaurant and bar in Staunton's old train depot in the Wharf District.

things to do

Blackfriars Playhouse — Shakespeare and other live theater downtown.Virginia Scenic Railway — Train rides through the Valley. October should be especially pretty.Frontier Culture Museum — An outdoor living-history museum with historic farms and buildings.Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum — His birthplace and presidential museum.

Explore the Valley

Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive — Mountain views, hiking, and fall color.Blue Ridge Parkway — Scenic drive with overlooks and trails.Charlottesville — About an hour away with wineries and downtown Charlottesville.Lexington & Natural Bridge — About an hour south if you're making a weekend of it.

A LITTLE SOMETHING

Potluck & good company

Timing — This is more of an open house, so come by whenever it suits your schedule—and feel free to make other plans before, after, or in between.Food — I’ll provide a foundational spread, along with a little wine and beer, and everyone can add to it potluck-style. Please bring a snack, side, or favorite beverage to share. For those who want to flex their cooking skills, something heartier is always great, too!If you have an idea of what you might bring, feel free to mention it when you RSVP.Gifts — Having you here is gift enough.