Staunton
As my current hometown, I'm biased towards Staunton. When we first moved here, I couldn't believe my luck: two theaters, award-winning farm-to-table restaurants, several independent bookstores, a plant shop (!) and a main street that is shut down to traffic during the summer turning it into a walking mall.
Coffee & Pastries
Eat & Drink (all in walkable downtown Staunton)
Staunton Farmers Market
During the summer, visit the Staunton Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in the Wharf. During the winter (January - March), the Staunton Farmers Market moves into Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Whether you want great coffee, fresh eggs, bread or other produce, the Staunton Farmers Market has you covered.
Shop Local (please!)
Staunton has one of the most charming downtowns you've ever seen. You start at one end of Beverly Street and just work your way to the other end. Once you've exhausted Beverly St, venture up and down some of the side streets and definitely check out the Wharf district. Here are some of my strictly subjective absolute favorites:
Coffee & Pastries
- Crucible Coffee Roasters (serving Season's Yield pastries Crucible is a bit of a cult around Staunton, and for good reason!)
- The By&By (also a great spot for light lunch)
- Cranberry's (local grocery and eatery if you're peckish)
- Reunion Bakery (Reunion is only open Friday - Sunday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m./until they sell out and once you try their breads and baked goods, you will understand why!)
- Magdalena Bake (an artisanal bakery serving sweet & savory treats, Thursday - Sunday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
Eat & Drink (all in walkable downtown Staunton)
- Zynodoa: My favorite restaurant in Staunton. I love sitting at the bar with a good book, tartare and glass of wine. If you're into farm-to-table cuisine with a seasonal menu and a higher-end experience, this is for you!
- Aioli: This is my husband's favorite. Mediterranean tapas and the occasional live music.
- Remedy Burger: If you're looking for a hearty burger (and fun kids meal), this is a great choice in the heart of Staunton!
- Chicano Boy: Great tacos and Mexican street food in a hip setting.
- Green Room: If you're looking for a craft beverages, charcuterie and cheese boards and duck-fat tater tots, this is where you want to go!
- Bluepoint Seafood: Across the street from Green Room this will feed the whole family.
- Brisket Taco: Pit master Justin moved to Staunton from Texas and brought his Texas-style brisket with him (meet him here)! Stop by Brisket Taco for a wide choice of tacos and mac'n cheese!
- Byers Street Bistro: American food - friendly and filling, and lovely outdoor seating on the Wharf!
- Mill Street Grill: Hearty American food - ideal for bigger and hungry groups.
- Gloria's Pupuseria: This is one of my go-to lunch places. If you've never had pupusas (or Salvadoran food), try them here. The menu and restaurant are simple, the staff is friendly and the food is hearty. I LOVE their friend plantains!
- If you're thirsty, try these places:
- Redbeard Brewing: From live music to trivia to a book club, Redbeard is a great spot for a drink!
- Ciders from Mars is a woman-owned cidery in downtown Staunton.
- Yelping Dog is not only a great spot for wine but the most extraordinary grilled cheese sandwiches you've ever tasted!
- Accordia serves local and imported wines paired with light meals and sweet treats.
Staunton Farmers Market
During the summer, visit the Staunton Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in the Wharf. During the winter (January - March), the Staunton Farmers Market moves into Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Whether you want great coffee, fresh eggs, bread or other produce, the Staunton Farmers Market has you covered.
Shop Local (please!)
Staunton has one of the most charming downtowns you've ever seen. You start at one end of Beverly Street and just work your way to the other end. Once you've exhausted Beverly St, venture up and down some of the side streets and definitely check out the Wharf district. Here are some of my strictly subjective absolute favorites:
- Burrow & Vine: plants and home goods
- Latitudes Fair Trade: ethical shopping with things you ACTUALLY want to wear and use
- Sparrows Nest: local pottery, candles, jewelry (I never walk out empty-handed)
- Billy Opal: a well curated boutique (for men and women) that punches way above its weight
- Baby Opal: Great kids boutique
- Queen City Gifts & Games: For all of your game and hobby needs, also featuring local art
- Pufferbellies: an independent toy store that you CAN'T MISS!
- Bookshops:
- The Dragon Bookshop
- Staunton Books (all second hand)
- Barristers Books (rare editions)
Staunton with Kids
A main reason for moving to Staunton for us was its kid-friendliness. Staunton has a lot to offer for children and I couldn't think of a better place to raise our daughter. Here are a few family-favorites:
For more family-friendly things to do in Staunton, click here!
- Parks & playgrounds:
- Gypsy Hill has two playgrounds and a pond which giant carp and ducks you can feed. Head over to the gas station on Churchville Ave to buy a bag of duck food (and the occasional candy). On Summer weekends, a kids train runs during the day. Hop on for $1/person. During the Christmas time, Gypsy Hill is illuminated with Christmas lights - drive through for free. Gypsy Hill also has an affordable pool during the summer break.
- Montgomery Hall Park is home to two playgrounds (conventional and a nature playground) and a pool during the summer. Come here if you're looking for nature walks or simple, kid-friendly hikes.
- These restaurants offer kids-meals:
- Chicano Boy
- Gloria's Pupuseria
- Remedy Burger
- Bluepoint Seafood
- For the occasional sweet tooth: Klines and Split Banana
- Shopping
- Pufferbellies and Queen City Gifts and Games are great for toys.
- The Book Dragon as well as Staunton Books have great sections for kids!
- Baby Opal is fun for kids clothing.
- Indoor entertainment
- Staunton Lanes for kids bowling.
- The Staunton Library has a great kids section.
For more family-friendly things to do in Staunton, click here!
Waynesboro
At the time of writing this entry (early 2024), Waynesboro is up and coming! The Virginia Metal Crafters Building is a hotspot of independent local businesses and walking up and down Main & Wayne Street is a real treat - whether you're looking for hospitality, arts or shopping! Here are my personal highlights:
Virginia Metal Crafters Building
Other fun things in/near Waynesboro:
Waynesboro offers a lot of events throughout the year - click here for more!
Virginia Metal Crafters Building
- HAPP Coffee: Locally roasted and poured. HAPP is a great spot all-around. If you like coffee, this is for you!
- Commonwealth Crush: An incubator for independent wine makers and - more importantly - a great local tasting room!
- The Foundry for live music
- Basic City for local craft beer
- Shenandoah Valley Art Center
- Stone Soup Books (open Thur - Sat)
- River Burger Bar
- Heritage on Main
- Stella Bella & Lucy's
Other fun things in/near Waynesboro:
- The Blue Ridge Tunnel is a fun walk through the mountain. Bring a flashlight!
- Hike the Appalachian Trail
- Skyline Drive for a scenic drive (fees per car)
Waynesboro offers a lot of events throughout the year - click here for more!
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University (JMU) and Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). College life has an impact of Harrisonburg downtown which is small but lively (especially while students are here). Here's are a few of my favorite places in Harrisonburg:
Eat & Drink
Get your caffeine fix here:
Shop local
Harrisonburg has some great independent businesses that I hope you'll enjoy!
Eat & Drink
- Magpie Diner: A modern diner serving diner staples as well as fresh and healthy meals. A plus in my book: Instead of typical American drip, you can order Espresso-based coffees. And the swag is sweet!
- Magnolia's: Tacos and margaritas in downtown Harrisonburg and one of the few rooftop bars in Harrisonburg.
- Jack Browns and Jimmy Madison's: I haven't eaten at either but they're local staples and I hear good things - think burgers and fries.
- Mashita: Modern Korean food. I've eaten there with groups and loved ordering a lot of stuff I'd never had before and sharing it across the table. Great service and the right place if you're looking for something that isn't fast food.
- Bella Luna: I haven't had a chance to enjoy their pizza, pasta and cocktails yet but my friends rave about this place!
- Sage Bird Cider (across the street from Magpie Diner): Local cider and a food truck. Unpretentious.
- Pale Fire Brewing: Local craft beer and eats.
Get your caffeine fix here:
- Black Sheep Coffee: Great coffee and tasty treats.
- Coffee Hound: Grab some coffee and get some work done while you're there.
- Heritage Bakery: Great spot downtown for coffee, tea and a little snack.
- Broad Porch Coffee (inside Shops at Agora): Great coffee. Period.
- Merge Coffee has three locations in Harrisonburg (see here) and take their coffee craft seriously. Their latest endeavor, Nightcap, also serves cocktails.
- Chestnut Ridge: Right next to Magpie Diner, Chestnut Ridge has a great selection of delightful treats, pastries and breads and also serves coffee (drip only).
Shop local
Harrisonburg has some great independent businesses that I hope you'll enjoy!
- Shops at Agora is home to several local businesses: Lineage (for the modern explorer), Alakazam toys, vintage, apparel, sustainable goods.
- with simplicity: clean beauty in a sleek setting
- The Yellow Button: Upscale women's boutique.
- Liberty Street Mercantile: Across the street from Magpie Diner, you get some of Harrisonburg's best small businesses in one storefront: home goods, books, beauty, flowers, wine and coffee.