Augusta County · Shenandoah Valley

Staunton, Virginia

Staunton is the most architecturally intact small city in the Valley — six historic districts, the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse, and a downtown built for slow walking.

← All towns

Beverley Street and the Wharf district survived almost intact from the 1800s, and the result is one of the most photogenic Main Streets in Virginia. The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater. Just west, the Frontier Culture Museum walks you through four living-history farms from England, Ireland, Germany, and West Africa. Staunton is also a strong food town — punch above its weight in independent restaurants per capita.

Highlights

Blackfriars Playhouse (American Shakespeare Center)
Frontier Culture Museum's living-history farms
Six National Register historic districts
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
Easy Skyline Drive access via Rockfish Gap (south entrance)

Frequently asked about Staunton

Why is Staunton, VA famous?

Staunton is known for its unusually well-preserved 19th-century architecture, the Blackfriars Playhouse (a re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater), the Frontier Culture Museum, and being the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson.

Is Staunton VA a good day trip?

Yes — downtown Staunton is one of the most walkable in the Valley, and you can pair it with a Skyline Drive afternoon via the Rockfish Gap south entrance.

How do you pronounce Staunton VA?

It's pronounced STAN-ton — the 'u' is silent.

More Valley towns

Harrisonburg

Independent restaurants, breweries, and a walkable downtown.

Lexington

Historic college town anchored by W&L and VMI.

Luray

Closest base to Shenandoah National Park's Central District.

Front Royal

Northern gateway to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah River.