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Staunton is a beautiful old town full of history, quaint shops, unique restaurants, wine tasting rooms, art galleries, museums, and a theater. All of these are within walking district from several hotels. Mary Baldwin College, The School for the Deaf and Blind, and Stuart Hall are all located in Staunton.
We took the trolley tour which provided us with a guided tour and a quick history of the town and its architecture. At $10.00 a person, this can be pricey for a large family. A good map and walking shoes is the best way to discover Staunton. These old buildings have been repurposed and there is something new to discover around every corner.
A convenient and lovely place to stay is The Stonewall Jackson Hotel. This hotel has an impressive lobby and dining area. There is an indoor pool, hot tub and exercise facility. It is right next door to the American Shakespeare Center which is a recreation of the Blackfriars Theater.
Cranberry’s Grocery and Eatery is located in one of the oldest buildings in Staunton. They are open 7 days a week and have a breakfast and lunch menu. There are interesting items for sale from organic soaps to kitchen knives. This is one of only many places to stop in for a cup of coffee or a meal.
The Pampered Palate Café is another cute place to visit for lunch. Their lunch menu included, salads, soups, sandwiches, and stuffed baked potatoes. I never thought about putting roast beef or turkey on a baked potato before I went to The Pampered Palate.
Being in Staunton on a weekend also means large crowds for dinner. We tried several restaurants all having an hour wait time. We finally settled on Depot Grille located in The Wharf District. The manager told us that the restaurant was built on an old train depot used for luggage and freight.
Most restaurants in Staunton use foods from local farms such as Polyface and Wade’s Mill.
If you are interested in visiting a winery, you can drive to Barren Ridge Vineyards in Fisherville, Virginia only a few minutes away. This winery is located in a renovated barn with exposed wood beans and a large fireplace. They offer a tasting at this beautiful vineyard or you can purchase a bottle of wine and relax and enjoy the view of the mountains and the peaceful surroundings.
Staunton is definitely worth a visit on your way to The Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive.
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