Staunton
Your Group Travel Destination
Staunton is a bustling mountain town with an eclectic vibe. With the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop, Staunton is often named one of the most celebrated “Main Streets” in the United States. Staunton’s historic downtown delights visitors with its distinctive architecture, historic sites, and vibrant arts scene.
Just outside of historic downtown Staunton, surrounding Augusta County provides gorgeous scenery and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities with access to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park.
Offering the best of mountains to main street, Staunton and Augusta County are the perfect choice for a getaway to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Check out our guide to group tour planning with a complete listing of group-friendly restaurants, attractions and unique itinerary ideas.
let’s start planning
If you’re a group tour operator, call the Staunton Convention and Visitors Bureau today to get started.
Group Itineraries: Choose Your Adventure
Choose from these unique experiences below or let us help create one-of-a-kind group itinerary for your group.
See the sample itineraries below.
seasonal itineraries
With four distinct seasons, each offering an unparalleled experience, plan an unforgettable group trip— any time of year—to the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
ALTERNATIVE FALL FOLIAGE Tour
A Blue Ridge Christmas
Winter Escape to Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley
Spring in Bloom: A Tour of Staunton and Augusta County
Summer Music Scene Itinerary
thematic itineraries
Customization is key! You know and understand what your groups are interested in learning about and exploring. Use these thematic itinerary ideas to build an unforgettable trip to the Shenandoah Valley.
Farm Fresh: Fields of Gold Farm Tour
Elegantly English: Tea, Tour and Performance
Mountains and Scenic Drives
Satisfy Your Cravings: A Culinary Tour and Tasting
Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail Adventure
Student Tour of Staunton
Queen City Mischief & Magic
TIMED itineraries
Not sure where to start? We’ve created well-rounded experiences that showcase the best of Staunton and the Valley that will sure and please all ages and interests.
Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley: 3 Day Tour
Discover the Valley: 4 Day Itinerary with Farm Tour
Group hotels
We have loads of lodging options, several of which are located in the heart of downtown and just steps away from dining, shopping, and evening entertainment. Choose from our historic properties boasting Southern charm or our spacious, name brand properties serving up free breakfast.
Brand hotels
Comfort Inn
1302 Richmond Ave, Staunton, VA 24401
With 96 sleeping rooms, this hotel is conveniently located off I-81 and features the modern amenities your groups enjoy.
TRU by Hilton
120 Crossing Way, Staunton, VA 24401
Tru’s 90 efficiently designed rooms feature great mattresses, lots of towels, and large TVs. Tru’s community spaces really stand out, however, and guests should make sure they go down to the open-plan lobby to mix and mingle.
Quality Inn & Suites Staunton:
200 Frontier Drive, Staunton, VA 24401
Their 46-spacious guest rooms feature sleeper sofas and sitting areas for groups looking for a little extra elbow room along with modern amenities.
Best Western:
92 Rowe Rd, Staunton, VA 24401
Newly updated, this hotel is conveniently located off I-81 and features modern amenities along with 80 comfortable and spacious sleeping rooms.
Hampton Inn by Hilton:
40 Payne Ln, Staunton, VA 24401
With 76 rooms, visitors will find great amenities including Free WiFi, a mini-fridge, a microwave, a 37-inch TV and a cozy bed.
Holiday Inn Staunton:
152 Fairway Ln, Staunton, VA 24401
After a complete renovation, guests at the Holiday Inn will enjoy this full-service, modern hotel complete with 117 rooms, a restaurant, and several meeting rooms.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites:
47 Rolling Thunder Ln, Staunton, VA 24401
This brand new property has 116 large rooms, many of which are suites, a small meeting space, and a comfortable lobby.
Sleep Inn Staunton:
222 Jefferson Hwy, Staunton, VA 24401
The Sleep Inn’s stylish look boasts classic amenities and their Designed to Dream sleeping rooms with a total of 87 rooms.
unique stays
The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center:
301 Greenville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401
This 49-room luxury boutique hotel is Staunton’s newest full-service hotel featuring a restaurant, bar, and meeting rooms all on a sprawling 80-acre retreat steeped in history.
Hotel 24 South:
24 S Market St, Staunton, VA 24401
Formerly known as the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, this historic property with 124 rooms, is the only full-service hotel located in downtown Staunton and within walking distance of shopping, dining and entertainment.
Group Activities: Get Out & Explore
Staunton is overflowing with things to see and do. Enjoy a night of theater at the American Shakespeare Center, step back in time at the Frontier Culture Museum, and discover the life and legacy of Woodrow Wilson at his Presidential Library and Museum. Stroll through Staunton’s nationally recognized historic downtown; dine out at one of our farm-fresh restaurants and taste the creative plates of our notable chefs; and shop at more than 100 independently-owned retail stores.
Arts & Culture
AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CENTER
10 S. Market St.
Staunton, VA 24401
540-885-5588 ext.24
Visit Website
Shakespeare is serious fun at the Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. Take a backstage tour or perform your favorite scenes on stage with a hands-on workshop; perfect for groups! Choose from over 15 productions including Shakespearean staples, contemporary works, and world premiere musicals.
Guided Tours
35 S. New Street
Staunton, VA 24401
540-332-3865
Take a tour of downtown Staunton from the comfort of your bus with a step-on guide or do a walking tour! Learn about the history and architecture of this award-winning “Main Street” touring four of the six historic districts with stops at Trinity Episcopal Church to see the original Tiffany stained glass windows; Sunspots Studios to watch live glass blowing demonstrations; and finally the R.R. Smith Center to visit the visual art and history galleries.
Sunspots Studios
202 S. Lewis St.
Staunton, VA 24401
540-885-0678
Visit Website
Feel the heat of the furnaces as you watch artists create original art glass during live glass blowing demonstrations. Join the fun and make your own keepsake as you “Blow Your Own Ornament.”
Tiffany Windows at Trinity Episcopal Church
214 W Beverley St,
Staunton, VA 24401
540-886-9132
Visit Website
Led by a docent, tour the sanctuary of Staunton’s oldest church which includes twelve stained glass windows, including the triptych that is installed over the altar, all created by the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany in New York.
Fun for Everyone
Crack the Code Escape Room
300 Church St Bldg. B,
Staunton, VA 24401
540-688-2085
Visit Website
Add exciting interactive play to your group’s itinerary with a stop at Staunton’s Crack the Code Escape Room. Escape rooms are interactive games where you have 60 minutes to find clues, solve puzzles, and make your way to freedom. Crack the Code offers four in-house games and private packages (up to 31 people) that include access to all the rooms, complimentary beverages, and game hosts. Or they can bring the game to your group with their portable escape game that accommodates 12 – 48 players.
Historic Sites & Museums
Frontier Culture Museum
1290 Richmond Rd.
Staunton, VA 24401
540-332-7850 ext. 149
Visit Website
Be immersed in the daily life of the Shenandoah Valley’s earliest settlers as you explore this living history museum visiting farmsteads from Africa, America, England, Germany and Ireland.
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
18 N. Coalter St.
Staunton, VA 24401
540-885-0897 ext. 106
Visit Website
Discover the life and legacy of the country’s 28th President in the city where he was born. Led by an interpreter, get a behind the scenes look at Wilson’s birthplace, historic gardens, and interactive exhibits.
The Great Outdoors
Adventure Bound: Scenic Drive & Nature Walk
540-332-3865
Take in the sights and scenes of the Shenandoah Valley on a guided excursion through the mountains. Start with a driving tour, stopping along the way to explore the many scenic overlooks, spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking mountain views. Then stretch your legs with a nature walk discovering the area flora and fauna culminating in a catered picnic lunch.
Farm Fresh: Fields of Gold Farm Trail
540-332-3865
Visit Website
Discover the home-grown side of the Shenandoah Valley as you spend the day learning about sustainable farming, pick your own lavender, wild flowers or seasonal fruit, tour a fish hatchery, snuggle goats or enjoy the many wineries or breweries the region has to offer. End the day with a specially prepared farm to table meal.
Grand Caverns
5 Grand Cavern Rd,
Grottoes, VA 24441
Visit Website
Experience the U.S.’s oldest continually-operating show cave. A Natural National Landmark, Grand Caverns contains magical rock formations along with historic treasures such as Civil War-era signatures.
Group Dining: Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
Staunton boasts award-winning chefs serving up fresh ingredients highlighting the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Try some of these local flavors ideal for group dining.
Group-Friendly Dining
Staunton boasts award-winning chefs serving up fresh ingredients highlighting the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Try some of these local flavors ideal for group dining:
Baja Bean Co. – Southern California-Style Mexican
BLU Point Seafood – Seafood
Emilio’s – Upscale Italian Restaurant
Kathy’s Restaurant – Homestyle Cooking
Mrs. Rowe’s – Homestyle Cooking
The Depot Grille – Casual Eatery
The Inn at MeadowCroft – Southern Style Cooking
Cracker Barrel – Homestyle Cooking
Craft Beverages
Sip and Savor Craft Beer and Local Wine:
Hop on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail and try over 19 breweries three of which are located in downtown Staunton:
Queen City Brewing
Redbeard Brewing
Skipping Rock Beer Co. (Augusta County)
Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company
Sample the fine selection of wines served up at wine bars and tasting rooms around town:
Barren Ridge Vineyards
Ox-Eye Tasting Room
The Green Room
Yelping Dog
Foodie Experiences
Cheese Making 101
540-332-3865
Wind down your tour with a cheese making class paired with wine. Join cheesemaker Louella Hill with master vintner and owner of Ox-Eye Vineyards, John Kiers with a 101 on the basics of home cheesemaking. Taste your way from fresh to aged cheeses and learn why cheeses are so different from one another. Next work on pairing a final cheese tasting fleet with the award-winning wines of Ox-Eye.
Elegantly English Tea
Visit Website
540-332-3865
Spend the afternoon at the Inn at MeadowCroft, a beautifully renovated 1795 log home surrounded by pastoral views of Augusta County. There you’ll enjoy a southern take on a traditional English tea. Your first course will start with a seasonal soup served with rosemary scone and clotted cream. Next, try an assortment of finger sandwiches using the MeadowCroft Farm’s scratch-made pickles, jams and relishes. Then indulge in their signature cookies like their lemon bars or thumbprint cookies. Served with your choice of tea.
Taste of the Town
540-332-3865
Foodies will love this tour of Staunton and Augusta County. Start your day at the Staunton Olive Oil Company learning about the health benefits of olive oil, watching a cooking demo, and tasting over 30 different oils. Next tour MeadowCroft Farm’s pickle factory where they produce all-natural pickles, relishes, and spreads. After your tour, head to The Cheese Shop where foodies will delight in the unique snack selection, old-fashioned candies, hard-to-find baking ingredients and much more. Then, ice and decorate like a pro with helpful hints and techniques by Pastry Chef Erinn Paris of Paris Cake Company. Take home your tasty treat—cookies or cupcakes—to enjoy later!