What is one to do on a rainy day in the Shenandoah Valley? Two of our Iris Inn guests, Dave and Margie, took the opportunity to explore Staunton, and they were kind enough to offer us a picture of their adventure itinerary.
The fun began at the Staunton/Augusta Farmer’s Market at the Wharf in Historic Downtown Staunton, Virginia. The Farmer’s Market offers locally homegrown and homemade produce and wares and “operates on a “not-for-profit” basis.” (Sometimes there are even live bands playing to provide entertainment for shoppers.)
Dave and Margie’s second stop was Sunspots Studios, which they describe as a “beautiful shop” with “nice people, jewelry, cards, and live glassblowing demos.” For more information about Sunspots, check out one of our past blogs.
Stop number three was Wilderness Adventure with its “great shoe selection” and “upstairs sale room.”
The fourth stop was the Ox-Eye Tasting Room, where Dave and Margie enjoyed a $5.00 tasting, a chat with the proprietors, and a tour of the artwork: “I can’t say enough good things about this place. You can find antique quilts, home spun yarns, and artwork, scarves. Owner Laurie Gurderson and daughter Nellie Rose work together.”
Next was Nu-Beginning Farm Store, or simply “The Store” to many of the locals. “Part cafe, part vegetable market, part coffeehouse, part grocery–all delicious. Chef is British. Amazing scones. Great soup and salads and sandwiches. Very affordable.”
Dave and Margie’s next stop was the Staunton National Cemetery: “The Staunton National Cemetery is interesting, especially for Civil War buffs. Many unknowns buried there.”
Lastly, Dave and Margie recommend Newtown Baking for its “amazing bread & cookies.” Newtown is “Staunton’s place to go for artisan breads and pastries…European style breads, Danish, croissant, bagels, and muffins all prepared fresh every day” (Newtown Baking).
Scones at Newtown Baking