Our Staunton, VA Adventure
Late fall trees, stone bridge, and the sound of the Virginia Scenic Railway overhead.
A charming historic town, cozy coffee shops, bluegrass at a vineyard, and miles of pup-friendly parks.
Old stone railroad structure over the creek in Staunton, part of the town’s 1800s rail era
We arrived in Staunton and headed straight to Crucible Coffee. We found a perfect outdoor spot by the creek, where I enjoyed the seasonal Oh My Yam Latte topped with marshmallow whipped cream. A train passed overhead as we sat there — the sound and setting felt like stepping back in time.
Coffee stop in Staunton
Afterward, we took a walk through downtown Staunton. The sidewalks are narrow, which makes dog-walking a bit of a shuffle, but the charm is undeniable. Cute boutiques, historic storefronts, and Staunton’s overwhelming architecture give the town an old-soul feel.
Where we stayed in Staunton — old walls, quiet night
A Historic Stay at The Blackburn Inn
There were many great places to stay in Staunton, but using BringFido made it easier to narrow down dog-friendly options, and we ultimately chose The Blackburn Inn. After our walk through downtown, we climbed the hill to the inn, and from the moment you arrive, you can feel the history. The long red-brick buildings, columns, tall windows, and elegant symmetry reflect a rich past—it’s a place that makes you pause and take it all in.
Inside, the space has been beautifully updated. My room felt airy and relaxing, and the bathroom was a treat—especially the rain shower after a long day of exploring. Archie and Saydie sniffed around and explored their new space, taking it all in.
Quiet evening inside the Blackburn Inn, with history underfoot.
Long hallways, soft light, and a slower pace as we retire for the evening.
Staying at The Blackburn Inn means stepping directly into Staunton’s layered history.
“A Little History of The Blackburn Inn
The Blackburn Inn sits on the grounds of the original Western State Hospital, one of Virginia’s earliest mental health asylums. Designed in the early 1800s by Thomas Blackburn, a protégé of Thomas Jefferson, the campus features 22 red‑brick buildings with classic symmetry, tall windows, and elegant proportions.
Over the years, the property evolved from an asylum to a prison, before being carefully restored into the boutique hotel it is today. The renovation preserved many architectural features — original staircases, high ceilings, and decorative fountains — allowing guests to experience a stay that blends modern comfort with a rich sense of history.”
For dinner, we grabbed takeout from Zynodoa. While waiting, we wandered over to Redbeard Brewery to pick up an IPA. Their courtyard caught my eye: dog-friendly, relaxed, and complete with a food truck. Definitely a spot I’d return to.
Coffee, Parks & Bluegrass
We started Sunday morning with pastries and coffee at Magdalena Bake, then took a short stroll around town before grabbing a second coffee at Reunion. It was bustling, and every outdoor table was taken, but the energy was great.
Morning light, coffee in hand, and a pastry to start the day. We lingered and let the morning unfold.
The rest of the morning was dedicated to parks — perfect for the pups:
Montgomery Hall Park – wooded trails and open meadows
Archie and Saydie loved Gypsy Hill Dog Park, making new friends while I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. The dog park is part of Gypsy Hill Park, a beautiful city park with walking paths, open fields, and a scenic lake — plenty of space for both pups and humans to enjoy.
After the parks, we made a quick stop at The Frenchman, a cozy café and wine bar with a small but thoughtful menu. I ordered the salade niçoise and a side of collards — both very tasty and exactly what I needed after a morning of walking trails with the pups.
Takeout in hand, we paused long enough to admire the dining room — a space shaped by the railroad that still runs just outside.
Our final stop was Barren Ridge Vineyards, which was honestly a highlight. Beautiful sweeping views, live bluegrass music, and a cozy fireplace inside. They were wonderfully welcoming to dogs, bringing out a bowl of water and they offer wine flights — a perfect slow afternoon. We were lucky to catch some local bluegrass music while the pups slept at my feet.
Rows of vines at Barren Ridge Vineyards, resting for winter, with the mountains stretched out beyond
The dogs lingered with the view while we stood still a moment longer.
Before calling it a day, we stopped at Latin Soul for takeout. Thanks to their dog-friendly patio, I could enjoy some delicious pupusas while the pups stretched out nearby.
Slow Morning & Hidden Gems
On our last morning, we discovered By & By Café & Beer Garden. Great coffee, and I picked up a sandwich to bring along for later. It had that relaxed, artsy vibe that suits Staunton so well.
Early light on the street, shops just opening, one more coffee stop before leaving.
We wandered over to find the covered bridge behind The Frenchman — Sears Hill Bridge, part of the Wharf Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a fun little find and a great photo spot.
Crossing the Sears Hill Bridge, the historic link between the train station and downtown.
Before heading out, we visited The Well Balanced Paw, a charming pet wellness shop and barkery in the historic Wharf district. They focus on high-quality, whole-food nutrition and even offer small-animal massage. A perfect final stop before hitting the road.
The spiral stair at the Blackburn Inn — an original 1832 feature of the old seminary, rising in light and form as it has for nearly two centuries.
Right before checking out, we couldn’t resist one last little adventure: climbing up to the cupola of the inn. Archie wasn’t a fan of the height and needed to be carried, while Saydie, ever curious, bounded up the steps on her own. From the top, the view was incredible — you could see the grounds stretching out in all directions. Historically, this cupola was open to patients of the old Western State Hospital, giving them a place to enjoy fresh air and a sweeping view of the campus and surrounding valley. It felt special to follow in those footsteps, taking a quiet moment to appreciate both the history and the scenery.
Staunton is one of the Virginia towns we include in Quiet Walks & Slow Travel with Dogs, where exploring on foot and moving at an easy pace matters most.
“Key Places We Visited in Staunton, VA
🟤 Crucible Coffee – Creekside outdoor seating, seasonal lattes
🟤 Downtown Staunton – Boutique shops, historic architecture
🟤 The Blackburn Inn – Historic inn with modern updates, pet-friendly
🟤 Redbeard Brewery – Courtyard, food truck, dog-friendly
🟤 Magdalena Bake – Pastries and coffee
🟤 Montgomery Hall Park – Trails and meadows for walks
🟤 Gypsy Hill Dog Park – Open space for pups
🟤 The Frenchman – Delicious lunch options, dog-friendly outdoor seating
🟤 Barren Ridge Vineyards – Wine flights, live bluegrass, fireplace, dog-friendly
🟤 Latin Soul – Takeout, pupusas, dog-friendly patio
🟤 By & By Café & Beer Garden – Relaxed vibe, great sandwiches
🟤 Sears Hill Bridge – Covered bridge, historic photo spot
🟤 The Well Balanced Paw – Pet wellness and barkery”
