Staunton, Waynesboro & Augusta County

About Staunton, Waynesboro & Augusta County

Located within the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Augusta County’s eastern boundary skirts the northernmost point of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here visitors can expect to see the everyday highlighted against the backdrop of the region’s colonial past.

Regional outdoor offerings include Natural Chimney Regional Park, home to rock formations 120 feet above the pastoral terrain of the Shenandoah Valley, and Sherando Lake in Lyndhurst, VA – one of Virginia’s most popular camping grounds. Nearby Fisherville is home to popular horticulturist and NPR personality Andre Viette’s gardens and the annual Daylily & Wine Festival, held on the grounds of Viette Gardens each July. The South River provides excellent fishing and recreational opportunities via the South River Greenway which runs right through Downtown Waynesboro.

Theater lovers shouldn’t miss Staunton‘s one-of-a-kind Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theatre. Further east, the city of Waynesboro is anchored by cultural destinations such as the P. Buckley Moss Museum, Shenandoah Valley Art Center, Waynesboro Heritage Museum, and Historic Plumb House. Waynesboro, a community of 21,000, is located along I-64 at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

Area Visitor Centers

Visitor Information

Lodging, Dining, & Things to Do

Stories from Staunton, Waynesboro & Augusta County

Multicolored fireworks light up the night sky in Gatlinburg, TN.

Ring in a Blue Ridge New Year

December 28, 2021

Seasonal, Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Local Food, Luxury, Arts & Culture

Visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway for the holidays (or lucky enough to be a local) and looking for unique ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve? We’ve got your guide for seeing in the New Year at one of these celebrations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Winter lights in the shape of quilt squares are brightly lit at night at the North Carolina Arboretum.

Celebrate Winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains

November 18, 2021

Family-friendly, Seasonal, Skiing, Arts & Culture

Spending the holidays in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings to mind cozy fireside nights under homespun quilts, a brisk family outing to find the perfect Christmas tree on a local farm, and the very the best slopes for skiing and sledding. We've rounded up all this and more in our guide to festive winter fun in the communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A retriever lies in front of the LOVEwork in Wytheville which highlights trains, hot air balloons and the town's location at the crossroads of I-77 and I-81.

Virginia is for Photograph Lovers

September 16, 2021

Driving Tour, Family-friendly, Budget-Friendly, Motorcycle-Friendly, Road Trip

Virginia's creative and sometimes whimsical LOVEworks are a wonderful photo opportunity. Why not start a new tradition and make some family memories finding and photographing a few LOVE signs while enjoying the out of doors this year?

Two volunteers clean a sign at Rocky Knob along the Parkway.

13 Free Things to Do on (or near) the Blue Ridge Parkway

June 17, 2021

History & Heritage, Education & Classes, Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, Sunset Views, Sunrise Views, Get Involved, Stargazing, Live Music

Many activities in the regions surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway are available year-round for free. Special events, hiking, live music, volunteering and lots more are included in this article.

A breakfast cookbook sits behind a plate of fruit, waffles, omelet and bacon with a glass of orange juice and a pitcher of syrup.

Romantic Getaways Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Beyond

November 16, 2020

Romantic Getaway, Nature & Outdoors, In Town, Road Trip, Complimentary Breakfast

Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.

411-foot Whitewater Falls drops over the rocks into multiple streams surrounded by fall-colored leaves.

Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

September 9, 2020

Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Hiking Trails

Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.

Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.

Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge

August 26, 2020

Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm

The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?

Dogwoods show white petals near the Parkway while cars drive under a curved stone overpass.

Nature & the Outdoors Along the Blue Ridge Parkway Regions in Virginia

April 17, 2020

Biking, Hiking Trails, Nature & Outdoors, Skiing, Swimming, Water Sports, Winter Sports, Family-friendly, Budget-Friendly, Horseback Riding, Pet-Friendly

The Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding areas in Virginia provide a mecca of outdoor opportunities -- places to relax and enjoy nature from underneath a forest canopy, along a mountain stream or on a rocking chair on a covered front porch.

Bicyclists ride on a paved Virginia trail.

What to Do in Spring Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

March 22, 2019

AAA Approved & Discounted, Classic Cars, Arts & Culture, BBQ & Appalachian Soul Food, Craft Beer, History & Heritage, Home & Garden, Live Music, Biking, Wine Lovers, Wildlife, Gems & Minerals, Farms & Agriculture, Train Enthusiasts, Motorcycle-Friendly

As the weather warms, spring fever leads many of us outside and to planning some trips. Whether an impromptu weekend getaway or looking ahead to what's happening later this season, there's no shortage of fun activities in the regions near the Parkway in spring. Read on for our breakdown of what's going on this season in each region of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Recommended Itineraries

Waynesboro Group Itinerary photo of patrons gathered around a bar by Cappy Phalen.

Group Friendly Mountain Town Itinerary

Region: Virginia

Duration:2 - 3 days

Hiking Trails, History & Heritage, Train Enthusiasts, Arts & Culture, Local Food, Craft Beer, Wine Lovers, Nature & Outdoors

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the divinely placed mountain town of Waynesboro, Virginia, connecting ridge top vistas with the most flavorful local brews and downtown destinations. Round up your friends - this group-friendly itinerary will leave you cheering for more. You'll find Waynesboro a perfect starting point for exploring both Skyline Drive and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Golden foliage lines a two-lane road perfect for motorcycle travel.

Motorcycle Tour: Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway