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North America : United States of America : South : Virginia : Shenandoah Valley : Staunton

Staunton (Virginia)

Staunton [1] is a city within the Shenandoah Valley in the US state of Virginia. Although small, it is very distinct from neighbouring cities such Harrisonburg, Roanoke, and Waynesboro, in part due to the city government's emphasis on tourism and the very distinct downtown district.

Get in

By car

Staunton is located 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.

By train

Amtrak station (STA), 1 Middlebrook Avenue downtown, which is serviced by the Cardinal/Hoosier State line.

By plane

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

Get around

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

  • Downtown [2], which has a very unique character and equally unique shops and restaurants.
  • The Blackfriars Playhouse [3], 10 South Market Street, an exact replica of Shakespeare's Blackfriars Theatre that performs plays by the Shenandoah Shakespeare troupe.
  • Gypsy Hill Park [4], featuring an annual Jazz in the Park festival.
  • Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library [5], 18-24 North Coalter Street.
  • Frontier Culture Museum [6], the museum has 4 historic farms and costumed interpreters that tell stories and answer questions along with showing skills of that time.
  • 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

Annual Events

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

Buy

  • Walmart
  • Stauton Mall

Eat

  • Wright's Dairy Rite. a classic 1950's-era diner 
  • Depot Grille.  
  • Burger King
  • Cracker Barrel
  • Five Guys
  • McDonalds
  • Mrs. Rowe's
  • Red Lobster
  • Shoney's
  • Shenandoah Pizza
  • Texas Steakhouse
  • Waffle House
  • L'Italia
  • Pampered Palate
  • Staunton Grocery
  • The Beverly
  • Sorrel's, 24 S. Market Street, ☎ 540) 885-4848, [8]. 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. 

Drink

Queen City Breweryis 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 while the storefront offers free samples. No cover.

Sleep

  • Econo Lodge East, 1031 Richmond Ave. I-81 exit 222, ☎ (540) 885-5158, [9]. Within 10 miles of area attractions and businesses, including the Frontier Culture Museum, Mary Baldwin College, the P. Buckley Moss Museum, Artisans Center of Virginia and the Augusta County Courthouse.  
  • Comfort Inn, 1302 Richmond Ave., ☎ (540) 886-5000, [10]. Centrally located in the Shenandoah Valley on Interstate 81, surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.  
  • Sleep Inn, 222 Jefferson Highway, ☎ (540) 887-6500, [11]. Located off Interstate 81 in the Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains 
  • Quality Inn, 96 Baker Ln, ☎ (540) 248-5111, [12]. Located off Interstate 81 in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley 
  • Microtel Inn and Suites Staunton, 200 Frontier Drive, Tel: (540) 887-0200, [13].
  • Frederick House is a sweet bed-and-breakfast in the center of it all. 28 North New Street, Tel: (540) 885-4220 Reservations: 1-800-334-5575

  • Stonewall Jackson Hotel was a grand old hotel which was restored in 2005. A historic hotel great for that weekend getatway or special occasion. 24 S. Market Street, Tel: (540) 885-4848 or (866) 880-0024 [2]
  • Inn at Old Virginia [14], is a quaint inn near downtown Staunton. Tel (877) 809-1146

Get out

  • Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, is located in Charlottesville and only a 45 minute drive away.

This page was last edited at 23:41, on 11 February 2009 by Peter Fitzgerald. Based on work by Joseph DeJarnette, David, Stacy Hall and eric, Wikitravel user(s) Jaimecoca and Jelse, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.