Travel Guide: A Weekend in Staunton, VA
I’ve been a Virginia girl all my life. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always be a Virginia girl, no matter where I travel or where I transplant, if I ever do. Why? Besides family and friends, it’s because of the landscape. Here, a couple hours in the car can connect you from the ocean to the mountains, from the lake to the river, from the city to the woods. You can get a taste of another world, another culture without trying too hard. A recent weekend getaway to Staunton was yet another in the travel log that had me falling in love with my favorite state in the South all over again.
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Where to Stay
If you like a bit of magic and mystery, the Blackburn Inn is your only choice for lodging. The drive into this newly renovated historic hotel will light up the explorer in you. Once you make it inside, there’s even more to see. Formerly the Western State Hospital, the Inn has signs of its past hidden all over–a signature on the wall in the stairwell, patient numbers on the doors, a graveyard in the back. The rooms are comfortable and chic. A winding staircase on the top floor will lead you to a balcony with 360 degree views of Staunton. After check-in, indulge gourmet apps at Second Draft in the hotel. When you wake, enjoy complimentary breakfast with locally made pastries.
The Blackburn Inn is a quick drive or long walk to town which is full of adorable boutiques, foodie spots, and live music.
Where to Shop
Staunton Olive Oil Company – I just got done making chicken with a Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette I brought home from this culinary haven. We made our way through dozens of infused olive oils and balsamic to find a few favorites to take home. I plan to purchase more online, as well. The staff here is helpful if you have any questions about how to use and cook with your new finds.
17 E. Beverly Antiques and Retro & Me – This was a favorite for me. Downstairs (17 E. Beverly Antiques), you’ll find a more traditional collection of a variety of antique household goods, posters, purses, pins, earrings and more. Upstairs (Retro & Me), a dense, yet curated collection of vintage and found fashions will keep you digging. My friend and I both went home with new jewelry, silk scarves, vintage handbags (my favorite thing to shop vintage), berets, iron wall decor, and more.
Redwood & Co – Stepping into Redwood felt like I was stepping in to a boutique in Logan Circle of DC. The fresh, clean and modern space displayed hand-crafted candles and room sprays with names like “Drifter.” We tried essential oil roll-ons and lotions, my favorite being “Bliss.” You’ll also find a collection of other high quality household goods and gifts to take home. We easily filled up a bag and got information to become a monthly candle subscriber.
Cocoa Mill – Chocolates are another favorite item of mine to take home as as souvenir. The Cocoa Mill did not disappoint. A few friends at home reaped the benefits of handmade truffles and dark-chocolate covered candied ginger.
Other recommendations: Design @ Nine and Made By the People, For the People.
Where to Eat
The Depot Grille – Before we made it to the American Shakespeare Center, we had a relaxed, straight-forward meal at the Depot. We pulled up seat the Victorian bar and enjoyed calamari, asian chopped salad, and crab bisque. Outside you’ll find old train cars, ready for photos!
Yelping Dog Wine – We had such a warm and welcoming time at Yelping Dog, which was recommended by just about everyone we met and interacted with in Staunton. We indulged in a charcuterie of brie, olives, spicy salami, and red wine, made for Yelping Dog at a Virginia winery. It was the perfect stepping stone between a day of shopping and the evening.
Zynodoa – Set aside a couple hours to eat here. The farm-to-table restaurant serves up thoughtful, rich, southern-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Some of the flavors we enjoyed included a ginger sweet potato soup, fried Rappahannock oysters, cast-iron corn bread, pork belly, strip steak, and seared scallops. The cocktail menu is fun and full of creative renditions of your favorites.
Other recommendations: The Shack, Aioli Mediterranean Cuisine, and Table 44 at the Paris Cake Company.
Where to Jam
The American Shakespeare Center – What a treat. I knew as soon as I planned this trip that I wanted to see a play in the Blackfriars Playhouse replica. Here, we enjoy a two-hour experience watching the Merry Wives of Windsor in a comfortable and interactive theater. You can find a full calendar of plays and events here. Next time, I’d like to take a full tour of the playhouse. I’m already anxious to see the summer schedule.
Downtown 27 at The Clocktower – The Clocktower is known for its dinner and cocktails. Follow a stairwell to Downtown 27, though, and you’ll find a big stage, a big dance floor, and a big bar waiting for a good time. I was totally surprised to find all the fun here. The cover band on stage for the night covered everything from hip hop to classic rock. We enjoyed one of my favorite hobbies: taking a shot at the bar, hitting the dance floor and letting loose.
Pompeii – The first night we ventured out, we couldn’t quite find this one. I’m glad we made it our mission the second evening after we finished up dinner. The multi-room, multi-floor venue has been transformed into a lounge and music venue. It felt like an upscale house party with a full bar and full band set up inside on the top floor. The balcony leading out from the top floor opens up to beautiful views of the city. we met some really nice people and bounced around to covers of Nirvana and more.
Note: You can smoke inside here and at Downtown 27.
Thank you
Thank you the staff at the Blackburn Inn for having me and my friends. You have created a portal to the past and present with your creative hotel. Thank you, Staunton, for welcome me and my curious mind with open arms.
