Illustration by Sandra Neuditschko
Cradled in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton (pronounced stan-ton) has built much of its modern appeal on a careful stewardship of its past. Longstanding commitments to adaptive reuse programs have preserved the charm of downtown’s streetscapes. Today, travelers will encounter more than 35 architectural styles over a few walkable blocks in this city that traces its history to 1747. The Beverley Historic District—awash with celebrated restaurants, independent shops, and hospitable locals eager to share their hometown—offers one of the clearest introductions. Any season is suited for a trip, but spring brings extra incentives, when the area dedicates roadways exclusively to pedestrian traffic from April to October and BaroqueFest (April 10–12) ushers in an annual tribute to classical composers.
THE WORLD’S A STAGE
An anchor of the city’s strong cultural scene, the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse is a faithful recreation of the Bard’s original indoor theater. Alongside Shakespearean productions, the company stages contemporary works and hosts panels led by theater experts and actors on Fridays.
LEGACY LODGING
Hotel 24 South is a 102-year-old boutique stay housed in a landmark Georgian Revival–style building. Often called “Staunton’s Grande Dame” and renovated with modern amenities, the pet-friendly property features an indoor pool and a restored 1934 Wurlitzer organ on the second floor.
FROM CRADLE TO CABINET
Begin a visit to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum at his birthplace, a 17th-century manse filled with family artifacts. Then, explore the museum for a nuanced look at Wilson’s years in office, as well as an immersive World War I trench exhibit and a restored 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine, the oldest operational presidential car.
GLASS HOUSE
Shop exquisite glass items—color-splashed vases, hummingbird feeders, jewelry—from local artisans at the Sunspots Studios gallery. In the back workspace, resident craftspeople perform live demonstrations daily and welcome questions. Book ahead to blow your own globe ornament or pumpkin (consider adding a glow-in-the-dark coating).
WINE AND DINE
Though small in stature, Accordia’s wine program has a deep bench: more than 600 bottles and a well-versed staff to help you choose. The eatery’s share-style menu includes charcuterie boards and medleys of tapas, such as serrano ham with Manchego and curried South African chakalaka (a curried vegetable relish) served over a baguette.
APPLES AWAY
The locavore-approved pours at Ciders from Mars are crafted from eight varieties of Virginia-grown apples, some harvested from the crabapple trees out front. Its signature brew, the semi-sweet Hellas Dry, is a must-try. Flights come in flasks and beakers, a nod to owner Nikki West’s background in geochemistry.
ALOE THERE
Lichen or Knot is a verdant, meticulously curated boutique that sells indoor plants and homewares. Scoop up a succulent and an artful planter, or search for unexpected finds like plantable greeting cards, engraved pocketknives, and nature-inspired prints on handmade paper.
This article appears in the Spring 2026 issue of Southbound.
