Location: Staunton
Top Things to do in Staunton
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10 Things to Do in Staunton That You Shouldn't Miss
The city planners in Staunton, Virginia, were very careful to preserve the town's heritage, keeping power lines and cell towers out of view in the historic districts, allowing nothing to interrupt the charm of local restaurants and shops operating out of original Victorian storefronts. Staunton is also the home to the Frontier Culture Museum, The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and the American Shakespeare Center, staging plays at the world's only replica of the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Restaurants in Staunton
1. American Shakespeare Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 777 reviews
The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre. "Stunning", says Frommer's. Located in historic downtown Staunton, VA, this 300-seat Renaissance theatre offers productions of Shakespeare and classic plays year round that the Washington Post says are "shamelessly entertaining" and the Boston Globe says are "phenomenal...bursting with energy”.
Reviewed By VASAFARI - Williamsburg, VA
While visiting Charlottesville, we saw that the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton wasn't too far a drive, so we ordered tickets ahead for a Saturday evening play. After reading about the playhouse, we decided to arrive early to take the 11:00 tour of the theater & make a day of it. This unique theater rocks with everything amazing! Madison, an intern with the ASC, gave us an incredible tour of the theater - an opportunity to go behind the stage, downstairs, upstairs, everywhere, all the while learning about this incredible Shakespeare company & building. The play (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead) was even more fabulous - hilarious & fun & intellectually provocative.
We will never forget the performance & the opportunity to visit the Blackfriars Playhouse. A five-star experience!
2. Trinity Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Taryn B
I was filled with awe at the beauty of the stained glass windows in this church! I had read a book about Louis Comfort Tiffany and his glass masterpieces but had never seen them up close. The church is open in the afternoons and it is free to go inside and wander around and take in the beautiful architecture and especially the windows. Such a treat.
3. Frontier Culture Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
The Frontier Culture Museum is an outdoor living history museum that tells the story of the thousands of people who migrated to colonial America and of the life they created here for themselves and their descendants. The Museum shows how a new and unique culture evolved in early America from its roots in the Old World. Living History interpreters work in original and reconstructed buildings from Europe, Africa, and America to illustrate how diverse people and cultures blended together into a new American way of life. The Museum operates on about 200 acres with 11 major exhibits divided into 2 sections: The Old World, and America. The Old World exhibits show rural life and culture in four homelands of early migrants to the American colonies. The American exhibits show the life these colonists, slaves, and their descendants created in the colonial back-country, how this life changed over more than a century, and how life in the United States today is shaped by its frontier past.
Reviewed By cfuller603 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We've been to many reenactment sites on colonial America, so weren't expecting much. We were wrong! This I a great place. What's unique about it is that they have two sections: pre-America sites from which immigrants came and the immigrant settlements in America. In the first section, you start with an Igbo village from Africa, then move on to Irish, German, and British farms. It gives you a good idea where they came from and what their life was before they arrived--not to mention, how they lived after they got to America. The "new" section ranged from the 18th to 19th century with actual buildings from the period.
There is a lot of walking here since the exhibits cover a lot of ground. But there are golf carts that you can rent to get around. Since I was recovering from a broken leg, this was the only thing than enabled me to see everything.
The one negative is that there is no food there, other than fudge or junk food. So be sure to time it right to see everything in 2-3 hours and not go hungry.
4. Gypsy Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By chiefburch - Waynesboro, Virginia
This beautiful park in the middle of the city has so much to offer year round. It is a great place to walk and admire the beautiful scenery and all the activities from swimming pool to miniature train ride. The golf course is a challenging course with nothing but hills. Golf cart a must. Summer time has the Staunton braves summer baseball league which is a lot of fun and the food their is just great. One of my favorite time to visit is from mid November to January when you drive trough in your car and enjoy all of the bright Christmas lights and scenery. This time of year is beautiful as well with all the leaves in color. This is a must see when in Staunton
5. Woodrow Wilson Birthplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By Prawet J - Washington DC, District of Columbia
The house is where President Wilson was born and lived there during is first couple years childhood before moving to Georgia. A few original things still in the house. The compound, the garden is free but the museum and the house has entrance fee. Interesting place worth stopping by when visiting Staunton. It is a few minute walk up the hill from historic downtown. Plenty of parking for visitors.
6. Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By VASAFARI - Williamsburg, VA
During a trip to Charlottesville, we visited Staunton on a Saturday to see an evening play at the Blackfriars Playhouse. With time to fill, we took the tour of Woodrow Wilson's birthplace and meandered around the museum. Alice, our guide through Woodrow Wilson's birthplace, made history come alive for us during the informative tour. So interesting how this president led the U.S. through WWI - and he had lived through the Civil War. So much history! I was particularly moved & inspired by the WWI trenches exhibit downstairs in the museum. The upstairs Presidential library is well curated & an interesting snapshot of the times. Highly recommend if you're passing through Staunton to check it out!
7. Camera Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By RachelJoy82 - Traverse City, Michigan
This museum is absolutely amazing. We had a tour from the owner, showing us the highlights of his thousands of cameras. As a photographer, this was an incredible find - but if you love history, there are some tremendous pieces of history housed here! Definitely...MoreThank you for coming in and I am glade you liked it.
8. Staunton Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Prawet J - Washington DC, District of Columbia
A small but supply with plenty of information about Staunton and surrounding area. The place is located in a new building in historic downtown. It is situated a few steps from many tourist attraction. The staff is very friendly with lots of information. The Center is surrounded by many attractions and good restaurants. Stop by for information if you just get in town. It helps to navigate your trip around town and in the area. It helps me tremendously to plan my short trip in town.
9. Star B Stables
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Tina P - NC
We visit the area every year and this is a MUST for us. Carl is very friendly and makes you feel comfortable. The trail takes you through open fields, up hills, through a creek, into the woods, and back. We highly recommend this to anyone who visits this area!!
10. R.R. Smith Center for History & Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Putbrese - Staunton, Virginia
The center always has wonderful items for sale. However, what I enjoy are the display they put on. Currently their is a display of 17th and 18th century maps with descriptions that is worth while for anyone who likes history or antiques.
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