What Staunton, VA Offers
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You wouldn't think a small town like Staunton, VA or its counterpart, Augusta County, would have much to offer residents and tourists.
Still a mostly rural area, Staunton has grown into a gem of a small town named by The Smithsonian Magazine as one of the best small towns in America to live in.
And, Only In Your State named Staunton as one the 15 best places to live in Virginia.
Well, that's no small praise!
But what is it about our town of roughly 25,000 that makes it so appealing?
Staunton has managed to retain much of its rural landscape and values, while growing a rich, cultural environment. Careful planning has kept Staunton and Augusta County from growing too fast without regard for environmental aesthetics.
A beautiful town set in the Shenandoah Valley, Stauntonians value quality of life and a slower pace.
You'll see those values reflected everywhere. And perhaps because of it, Staunton has attracted some top venues to our area.
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The American Shakespeare Center built the beautiful Blackfriar Theater right here in this small town. Known internationally for its superb Shakespeare performances, ASC attracts people from around the globe to its performances.
If you have not yet been to an ASC performance, do it!
With a sparse stage that comes to life with top-notch actors, the audience is always involved in the performances.
It's unlike anything you've ever seen.
Staunton also has the Heifetz Institute, dedicated to tutoring talented young classical musicians. Summer is the time to see these extraordinary performances.
Really, the performances are incredible. Throughout the rest of the year, faculty and staff also perform. Again, these are musicians that have a talent so big, it simply washes over you.
Summer also includes musical opportunities like the Red Wing Roots Festival, and around Labor Day, the Fortune-Williams Music Festival.
Breweries in and Around Staunton
Then there are the breweries!
In the city proper, you can find Bedlam Brewing, Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company , Queen City Brewing LTD, and Redbeard Brewing Company.
Each one is a Virginia small business dedicated to craft beer and passionate about creating the best beer possible.
But it's not just Staunton that has mighty fine beer. Augusta County also boasts some excellent breweries.
The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail has a list of all of the Virginia craft beer breweries. Check it out!
If good beer and ale is your thing, make a day of it. Map out a route and go! You won't be sorry.
Staunton Offers Excellent Restaurants
Where do we even begin?
When Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms burst on the scene with his book, "This Ain't Natural, Folks!", Staunton got national attention. (The Salatins live in Augusta County.)
But farmers and restaurant owners were already hip to the clean food scene.
There are numerous restaurants in the area that are dedicated to buying locally sourced ingredients, vegetables, and meats.
And that includes sweet treats! Split Banana, Staunton's beloved gelato shop, is your source for melt-in-your-mouth gelato.
Their gelato is so good, the shop is busy year round. Yes, even in the winter!
But before you grab dessert, go to The Shack, Zynodoa , Gloria's Pupuseria , Chicano Boy , Mill Street Grill, or Nu-Beginnings.
Any of these restaurants offer heavenly cuisine. And they aren't the only ones!
Are you getting the picture?
Whether you're passing through or planning to stay for a bit, stop in at Jake's Convenience and grab a gourmet coffee and comfort food.
Then go see all that this area has to offer! We'll gladly give you tips on great places to enjoy.