Let’s rediscover Staunton, Augusta,  and Waynesboro this summer.

From ways to touch base with nature to shopping to free family finds, here are some safe staycation ideas perfect for all. Adventure awaits, right in SAW’s backyard, as we reconnect with family and friends in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.

GET OUTDOORS

With more nature than people, SAW is a great place to escape the everyday with the almost endless options of outdoor activities that range in skill level from novice to experienced. So whether you’re an outdoor junkie looking for an adrenaline rush or a beginner looking to start a new hobby, we’ve got you covered.

HIKING

Some of the most renowned hikes in Virginia are at our doorstep in Shenandoah National Park. To the west, hiking trails loop around Shenandoah Mountain and the highest peak in George Washington National Forest and Augusta County, Elliot Knob. Lace up your boots and get going!

Hiking Trails for Beginners
• SAW Area Trails for Beginners
• Family-Friendly Hiking in Shenandoah National Park
• Hikes with Bucket List Views in SAW – Easy and Moderate Trails

Hiking Trails for Experienced
• SAW Area Trails
• Additional Hiking Trails in Augusta County

Camping

If stargazing by streams and unwinding in fresh air sounds like your idea of a grand time in the great outdoors, Augusta County has fantastic options. Settle into your choice of campground – those offering full hook-ups to those more primitive, like dispersed camping in George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Check out these camping options in Augusta County.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Horseback riding through the Augusta County countryside is rewarding. The slower pace allows for deep breaths of fresh air and views from Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountain vantage points. Saddle up with one of our outfitters or venture onto our multi-use trails or the trails within Shenandoah National Park with a trusty steed of your own.

North Mountain Outfitter
Star B Stables

ENJOY CRAFT BREWERIES

Your hub for craft beer, SAW is at the center of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail with seven breweries, within minutes of each other, offering a range of unique experiences beyond their signature taps. Pick-up your passport, at any of our breweries and start collecting stamps to secure your limited edition Beerwerks Trail tshirt.

BASIC CITY BEER COMPANY

Basic City Beer Company makes its home in a vast industrial complex that once housed celebrated brass foundry, Virginia Metalcrafters. The brewery crafts its award-winning beers from artesian spring water and offers ample outdoor space complete with hammocks.

QUEEN CITY BREWING

Queen City Brewing is the first post-prohibition brewery in Staunton. Choose from nearly two dozen beers on tap that can be sipped on their spacious patio.

REDBEARD BREWING COMPANY

A true microbrewery in downtown Staunton, Redbeard Brewing Company brews small batches of big beer, all handcrafted by one brewer from beginning to end using traditional methods.

Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company

Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company is a brewery and tap house serving as many as 12 varieties of beer in a relaxed, tavern-style atmosphere. Limited outdoor seating is available.

Seven Arrows Brewing Company

Seven Arrows Brewing Company is a lager-forward brewery featuring a large taproom and deck with outdoor seating. Known for their sessionable beers with 12 true-to-style beers to choose from. Nobos Restaurant offers dining plus takeout with a fun menu.

Skipping Rock Beer Company

With pastoral views of Augusta County, Skipping Rock Beer Company is focused on bringing family and friends together to enjoy quality beer and conversation.

Stable Craft Brewing

Offering an expansive farm setting with plenty of outdoor seating, Stable Craft Brewing features 16 farm-fresh beers on draft, an Agri-pub style menu, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge mountains.

Shop, Dine, and Explore

Shopportunities and Dining

With two unique cities in Augusta County (as well as sprawling options in the county), our charming downtowns are made for exploring and shopping. Staunton and Waynesboro are brimming with boutiques, art galleries, and delectable eats. Our main streets are now open on the weekends for locals looking for some retail therapy or to grab a drink with friends. See how our communities, downtown and beyond, are opening up on the weekends.

Shopping and Dining in Waynesboro
Shopping and Dining in Staunton
Shopping and Dining in Augusta County

Walking Tours: Architecture and Art

Take to the streets and discover why SAW continues to make headlines like “Southern Living’s Best Mountain Towns of 2020.” Blame it on the amazing architecture, murals and streets lined with art galleries and cultural opportunities. Award-winning artists like P. Buckley Moss, live and work right here! You can see these artisans in their creative studios honing their skills and crafting beautiful things or order online.

On foot, explore our nationally celebrated historic districts and rich history by picking up a walking tour map from the kiosk outside the Staunton Visitor Center or download the walking tour map here.

Treasure Hunting

From funky finds to recycled riches and everything in between, spend the day (or weekend) seeking out treasures of your own. Antique lovers will rejoice with the number of quality antique shops within our borders. And let’s not forget we are home to the largest antique mall in the country with more than 121,000 square feet of vendor space housing over 200 dealers at the Factory Antique Mall. Check out these other must-visit antique shops.

savor farm Experiences

Wineries and Tasting Rooms

Craft beverages are just what we need right now. Visit and stay (or take it home!) at tasting rooms like Ox-Eye Vineyards, The Green Room or Yelping Dog. Mister Jamison’s features global wines, monthly discounts on four “Wines of the Month,” plus additional deals on Wine Wednesdays.

Come for the wine but stay for the wide-open views! Barren Ridge Vineyards’ expansive patio boasts incredible pastoral and mountain landscapes. Try a flight, then ask about their sausages, cheeses, crackers, and jams that pair beautifully with your new favorite wine.

Fields of Gold

Discover the home-grown side of your neighborhood along the Fields of Gold Farm Trail. Pick your own lavender, wild flowers or seasonal fruit, and shop a farmer’s market.

Farmers’ Markets

The bounty of the valley is showcased at area farmers’ markets. Taste, smell, see, and touch what’s fresh and locally sourced when you visit our producer-only markets featuring seasonal produce and herbs as well as freshly-butchered and packaged meats and cheese, homemade breads and sweets, honey, jams, jellies, plants and even cut flowers. Check them out:

North Augusta Farmer’s Market
Staunton Farmers’ Market
Stuarts Draft Farm Market
Waynesboro Farmers’ Market

TREAT YOURSELF

Don’t forget, any staycation requires a fresh haircut and nails so get back in touch with those that take care of you. Treat yourself and that favorite local business.