Breakfast time calls for Reunion Bakery & Espresso. Located in downtown Staunton, this French-inspired, local-product loving hotspot serves the most amazing pastries! Afterwards, take time to stroll down historic Beverley Street. You’ll find antiques, independent shops and galleries along the brick sidewalks. Hit up North Ridge Cafe & Coffee on your way out of town to get lunch-to-go as you travel north on Rt. 11 to the Factory Antique Mall. Now that you’ve whet your appetite on smaller antique shops, here’s your chance to visit America’s largest antique mall. With over 200 vendors, the Factory Antique Mall will give you plenty of time to “window-shop.”

By the time you’re done exploring antiques, it’s time to head back to downtown Staunton, grab dinner at James Beard award-nominated The Shack and catch a show at the famous American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse – the world’s only authentic replica of William Shakespeare’s indoor theatre. If you’re a night owl, grab a craft brew at Redbeard Brewing and recap your day!

Next up, start your day off at the Frontier Culture Museum. Plan to spend all morning at this one-of-a-kind outdoor museum focused on the settlers of colonial America. With 11 realistic exhibits on the 300-acre property, history buffs and families can feel as if they are taking a journey back in time.

Take advantage of the rest of your day and embrace a scenic drive through the County. From downtown Staunton, Route 252 leads south to the historic village of Middlebrook where a stop at the 1800s Middlebrook General Store is an absolute must. It’s a great place to get a snack or quick lunch. Travel east on Route 670 and follow the road right as it turns into Route 662. From that point, look for Route 673 to visit Springdale Water Gardens, a water garden nursery offering demonstrations, water features and more.

Continue on to Greenville to pick up Route 11 north, also referred to as The Great Wagon Road on The Wilderness Road, Virginia’s Heritage Migration Route. Route 340 will then lead you to Edelweiss German Restaurant waiting to serve you a delicious meal honoring the German heritage that also helped to inspire the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. Feel free to continue on to Waynesboro and enjoy some craft beer to end your day at Basic City Beer.

Let’s get back outside! Augusta County is home to Mossy Creek – a fly-fishing, bucket-list stream featured in Blood Knot, winner of several film awards in the fishing industry. Take a morning or your whole day to cast a line. Other options include the South River near Waynesboro and close to South River Fly Shop. If fishing is not for you, rent a kayak or canoe from Rockfish Gap Outfitters for your day on the water.

If you’re not spending all day on the river, grab a quick lunch at Green Leaf Grill and head to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 469-mile scenic Parkway starts in Augusta County right off of I-64 and offers numerous outdoor rec opportunities. We recommend the famous Humpback Rocks hike – a strenuous but short 2-miles. The Shenandoah Valley views from the top are true vistas. If you’re up for different Parkway hikes, check out a list here.

After an active week, take time to relax at Sherando Lake in Lyndhurst. Go for a walk, enjoy the public beach access, kayak in the two lakes, or hike one of the trails. You’ll have ample opportunities to stretch your legs before getting back in the car for the ride home.

Being the base camp of the Shenandoah Valley, Augusta County allows easy access to other Valley counties and cities. On your way out of Augusta, feel free to stop and visit our neighbors, and keep in mind that these suggestions only begin to cover all the exciting options Augusta County has to offer. After seven days spent in and around Augusta County we hope that the gorgeous landscapes, exciting outdoor recreation, and farm fresh dining options have you crawling back for more.