Staunton (Virginia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (2024)

Staunton is a city in the Shenandoah Valley in the US state of Virginia. Although small, it is very distinct from neighboring cities such as Harrisonburg, Roanoke, and Waynesboro, in part due to the city government's emphasis on tourism and the very distinct downtown district.

Get in

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By car

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Staunton sits at the intersection of I-81 and I-64 in the Shenandoah Valley. The downtown section can be intimidating to tourist drivers, but is quite easy to walk. There are several public parking lots near the main attractions.

By train

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See also: Rail travel in the United States
  • 1 Staunton station, 1 Middlebrook Ave (In downtown). (updated Mar 2021)
    • Amtrak, +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates trains throughout the United States of America. (updated Dec 2020) Route stopping in Staunton:
      • Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville, Cincinnati, Ashland, Huntington, Charleston, Hinton, White Sulphur Springs, Staunton, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark.

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHDIATA) in Weyers Cave and the Charlottesville Airport (CHOIATA) are both within an hour's drive.

Get around

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38°8′24″N 79°4′12″W

Map of Staunton (Virginia)

The town is small enough that if you stay downtown, you can walk anywhere you would like to go. There is also a free trolley service provided by the city.

See

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  • Downtown. It has a unique character and unique shops and restaurants. (updated Jul 2016)
  • American Shakespeare Center Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 South Market Street. An exact replica of Shakespeare's Blackfriars Theatre with performances of several of Shakespeare's plays every season.
  • Gypsy Hill Park. Featuring an annual Jazz in the Park festival.
  • 1 Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, 20 N Coalter St, +1 540-885-0897. Has a floor on trench warfare in World War I, and biographical information, family possessions, and historical background on Wilson's presidency.
  • 2 Frontier Culture Museum, 1290 Richmond Ave, +1 540-332-7850, visitor.center@frontiermuseum.org. The museum has 4 historic farms and costumed interpreters that tell stories and answer questions along with showing skills of that time. (updated Dec 2021)
  • DeJarnette Sanitarium Formerly a sanitarium for the wealthy, then a center for mentally disturbed minors, this now-abandoned building is prominently visible from Richmond Avenue and Frontier Drive.

Do

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Annual events

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  • Praise in the Park, Gypsy Hill Park (at the Gazebo). July 10-August 28: Tu 7-9PM. Christian concert series.
  • Victorian Festival, a celebration of Victorian history in the downtown. Takes place in the last full weekend of April.

Buy

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Eat

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  • 1 Depot Grille, 42 Middlebrook Ave, +1 540-885-7332, depotgrille@verizon.net. 11AM-10PM. $10. (updated Aug 2017)
  • 2 Hot Wok, 90 Lee Jackson highway (Inside the Staunton Mall), +1 540-887-2020. Counter-serve options in Staunton Mall supplying familiar Chinese entrees, plus daily specials. (updated Aug 2020)
  • L'Italia.
  • Mrs. Rowe's.
  • [dead link] Mulligan's Pub & Eatery, 152 Fairway Lane, +1 540-248-6020. The pub’s menu features platters, sandwiches and finger foods. Wednesdays through Saturday, Mulligan’s features nightlife for those 21 or older.
  • Pampered Palate.
  • Shenandoah Pizza.
  • [formerly dead link] Sorrel's, 24 S. Market St, +1 540 885-4848. Sorrels, named after Jackson’s trusty horse, specializes in delicious appetizers, tasty grilled paninis, seasonal specialties and comfort foods from our new menu including the House Lasagna.
  • Staunton Grocery.
  • Texas Steakhouse.
  • 3 Wright's Dairy Rite, 346 Greenville Ave, +1 540-886-0435. A classic 1950s-era diner. (updated Aug 2017)
  • 4 Zynodoa, 115 E Beverly St, +1 540-885-7775. Fine contemporary dining from locally sourced ingredients. Interesting cocktails and a wide range of food. (updated Aug 2017)

Drink

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  • 1 Queen City Brewing, 834 Springhill Rd, +1 540-213-8014. A unique storefront which carries on a fine Southern tradition: making your own alcohol. Patrons can use the facility to create their own beer or wine, which are aged at the facility until ready to be picked up. For those not so DIY-inclined, Queen City Brewery also offers their own specialty beers and lagers, fruit wines, and non-alcoholic soda pops. Friday nights are "Brewgrass Fridays", and local bluegrass bands play while the storefront offers free samples. No cover. (updated Aug 2017)

Sleep

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Go next

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  • "Monticello", home of Thomas Jefferson, is in Charlottesville a 45-minute drive away.
  • "Grand Caverns" is a large show cave with spectacular shield formations and reflecting pools. 20-25 minutes to the northeast of downtown.

The Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah Valley National Park's Skyline Drive are nearby. The park costs $30 per car in 2021. The Blue Ridge Parkway is free. Great scenic overlooks and stopping points for small historical recreations or hikes.

Routes through Staunton

Charleston White Sulphur Springs WStaunton (Virginia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (11)E Charlottesville Washington, D.C.
Charleston White Sulphur Springs WStaunton (Virginia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (12)E Waynesboro Charlottesville
Hagerstown New Market NStaunton (Virginia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (13)S Roanoke Wytheville
Fairmont Elkins WStaunton (Virginia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (14)E Waynesboro Charlottesville
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Staunton (Virginia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (2024)

FAQs

What is a fun fact about Staunton Virginia? ›

Staunton is the birthplace of 28th president Woodrow Wilson. Wilson was born on December 28, 1856 at 20 N. Coalter Street, the current site of Wilson's Presidential Library and Museum.

Why is Staunton, VA called the Queen City? ›

At various times, Staunton has been called “the best small town in Virginia,” one of “the 20 Best Small Towns in America,” and “one of the country's best-kept foodie secrets.” These and other accolades contribute to the city's informal title of “Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley.”

Why visit Staunton VA? ›

Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton's historic downtown delights visitors with its vibrant arts scene and great restaurants. And the amazing architecture and compact downtown make for great walking and exploring opportunities.

Is Staunton in Virginia or West Virginia? ›

Staunton is conveniently located in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Named “One of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations in the United States” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Staunton was also the first Virginia community to receive a “Great American Main Street Award.”

What is the ethnicity of people in Staunton Virginia? ›

Race and Ethnicity

In 2022, there were 7.89 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (20.4k people) in Staunton, VA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 2.59k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 1.03k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is it expensive to live in Staunton VA? ›

Staunton's housing expenses are 8% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 8% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 22% lower than the national average.

What president was born in Staunton, VA? ›

Sitting atop the crest of a hill in downtown Staunton's Gospel Hill historic district is the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson.

Why is Staunton, VA pronounced Stanton? ›

Lady Rebecca Staunton

Gooch encouraged colonists to settle in the Shenandoah Valley. Interestingly, Staunton's name was actually pronounced “STAWN-ton,” and there's no clear consensus as to why the sounds shifted.

Was there a civil war in Staunton Virginia? ›

Staunton played a pivotal role during the Civil War years when the Shenandoah Valley served as the "Breadbasket of the Confederacy." While most battles were being fought north or west of the town, it was the presence of the Virginia Central Railroad that provided a vital link between the Valley and eastern Virginia, ...

Does Staunton, VA have a downtown? ›

This historic town has it all— a vibrant arts scene, delectable restaurants, locally-owned boutiques, and picture-perfect architecture and scenery. Keep reading to learn about our favorite stops to make in downtown Staunton, VA.

What does the name Staunton mean? ›

Meaning:stone settlement. Staunton as a boy's name is related to the Old English name Stanton. The meaning of Staunton is "stone settlement".

What is the closest city to Staunton VA? ›

With a relatively low cost of living and close proximity to the Virginia cities of Waynesboro (15 mi), Harrisonburg (29 mi), Charlottesville (40 mi), Richmond (108 mi) and even Washington, D.C. (157 mi), Staunton is the ideal place to visit or call home.

What is the crime rate in Staunton VA? ›

Staunton Annual Crimes
ViolentProperty
Number of Crimes36478
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)1.3918.45

Is Staunton, Virginia a good place to live? ›

Staunton is a town in Virginia with a population of 25,581. Staunton is in Staunton City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in Staunton offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Staunton there are a lot of parks.

What is the quality of life in Staunton Virginia? ›

Staunton, Virginia is a truly exceptional place to live, work and play. The city offers residents a quality of life that is second to none. With its breathtaking natural beauty, thriving cultural scene, and abundance of recreational opportunities, Staunton is a town that is truly alive with excitement and energy.

What are 5 interesting facts about Virginia? ›

Some important facts about Virginia are highlighted in the lists below.
  • Capital: Richmond.
  • Nicknames: Mother of Presidents, The Old Dominion.
  • Motto: “Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always to Tyrants)”
  • Date Virginia became a state: June 25, 1788.
  • Population: (2020) 8,631,393.
  • Area: 42,775 square miles (110,787 square kilometers)

What is a fun fact about Virginia City? ›

HAUNTED: Virginia City boasts its notoriety of being one of three of the most haunted towns in the United States, along with Savannah and Charleston. Other worldly “haunts” exist during Halloween as Virginia City celebrates its history and offers safe trick-or-treating for kids at local shops.

What is the slogan for Staunton Virginia? ›

"You belong here" is an invitation to all visitors to discover the city of Staunton and our iconic downtown full of arts, culture, local food and stunning architecture.

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