Historic Staunton, Virginia

Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Staunton's Downtown Historic District is a wonderfully preserved 19th-century "Main Street" showcasing a wealth of Victorian architecture from Staunton's boom years between 1860 and 1920. Unlike most other historic towns in the area, Staunton managed to survive the Civil War intact, retaining it's turn-of-the-century charm.

Recently Staunton has experienced a renaissance, transforming itself from a sleepy historic bedroom community into a thriving center for visual and performing arts. Along the way the residents have worked to keep the cultural identity of downtown Staunton intact by crafting a town based around owner operated businesses that stress uniqueness rather than the chain store ideology reflected in most cities. This driving philosophy presents a unique opportunity to visit a contemporary town rooted in a vivid historical past.

One of the principal charms of downtown Staunton is that everything's within walking distance. Visitors will enjoy more than 60 shops, galleries and B&B.

Among the highlights are:

The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse, an internationally recognized theatrical troupe that has constructed the world's first historically accurate indoor Shakespearean theater.

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library is one of the few original Presidential birthplaces open to the public. Woodrow Wilson's first home offers an authentic picture of family life in the pre-Civil War Shenandoah Valley.

The Staunton Augusta Art Center located at the entrance to Gypsy Hill Park. Exhibits, children's programs, art lectures, theater trips, Arts for Gifts - exhibit and sale, Summer Studio.

The Beverley Street Studio School located at 24 W. Beverley Street in Downtown Staunton. Art classes, gallery exhibits, workshops, and discussions.

The Staunton-Augusta Farmers' Market, now in its 8th year, is one of the most successful farmers' markets in Virginia, averaging 31 vendors per week.

Staunton became the first Virginia community to ever receive a Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In addition, the trust designated the city as one of "America's Distinctive Dozen Communities." On top of this national recognition, the Preservation Alliance of Virginia voted to give the city a President's Citation for continuing preservation and renewal of downtown.