The Shenandoah Valley is home to four of the top five agriculture counties in Virginia, so in a region that packs so much agricultural punch, it’s probably no surprise that there’s a lot of agritourism here. From local vineyards and breweries to bustling farmer’s markets and regional artisans, agritourism represents some of our favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. This is especially true when it involves things like the Staunton Farmer’s Market.
Any visit to the Staunton Farmer’s Market presents you with fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and the warm, inviting smiles of local farmers and purveyors. Beyond the cornucopia of seasonal offerings, local farmer’s markets are the perfect place to get an authentic cross-section of our local communities. The culinary journey doesn’t stop at the local Staunton Farmer’s Market, though.
The town has a fantastic array of restaurants, including some of our favorites in the entire Shendnaoah Valley. From cozy cafes offering farm-to-table menus to elegant restaurants serving gourmet dishes infused with local ingredients, Staunton is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. Moreover, there are plenty of fantastic farms and artisans in the surrounding valley, including along the North Rockbridge Trail.
Whether it’s savoring a hearty, locally sourced meal or enjoying a glass of fine Virginia wine, there’s little doubt that visiting the Shenandoah Valley is a gastronomic experience you won’t want to miss this year. Beyond the immediate pleasures of the Staunton Farmer’s Market, restaurants, and more, visitors will find many things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. Our top-rated Shenandoah Valley cabins and our elegant Virginia Bed and Breakfast serve as the perfect home base for all your adventures. Our accommodations are a fulfilling, peaceful retreat like no other. Book your stay with us today!
What to Expect at the Staunton Farmer’s Market
The Staunton Farmer’s Market opened for the season on April 6, marketing a return to a busier season filled with abundance and outdoor recreation. In addition to being a great place to pick up some delicious local produce or artisan goods, the market is a wonderful way to get back outside after the long, cold, and dark winter.
Like so many similar markets around the country, the Staunton Farmers Market is a quintessential small-town American market experience that is as enriching as it is delightful. It, too, serves as a focal point of community life and encapsulates the spirit of the Shenandoah Valley.
The Staunton Farmer’s Market has been a fixture in the community for more than three decades and is one of the most popular seasonal events in the area. The farmer’s market occurs every Saturday morning in downtown Staunton from April through November. It takes place in the parking lot of the Wharf Area Historic District in downtown Staunton.
The Staunton Farmer’s Market is a producer-only market, which means that there’s a strong emphasis on homegrown and homemade products —products you won’t find in traditional grocery stores! More importantly, to be sold at the Staunton Farmer’s Market, the product has to be grown within a 75-mile radius of downtown Staunton. That’s about as local as it gets!
In addition to offering a fantastic selection of farm-fresh food and artisan products from local farms, the Staunton FArmer’s Market also features weekly live music performances, rounding out the lively community-centric environment. The market’s vibrant atmosphere makes for a perfect weekend outing, but it represents a small fraction of the agriculturally-related activities to enjoy in the broader Shenandoah Valley.
You’ll find so many more farms, wineries, cideries, breweries, orchards, and artisans to visit across the valley. A few places to look for more agriculturally rich experiences include the Shenandoah Valley’s Fields of Gold program and this comprehensive list of related businesses. We also encourage you to stay local and visit the many farms and artisans along the North Rockbridge Trail.
You’ll Find Plenty of Great Places to Eat in Staunton
Staunton has been rated as one of the South’s best food cities, but with so much farm-fresh produce serving as the food foundation here, is there any wonder why? The Staunton Farmer’s Market is just the start of a delicious and food-forward journey through the Shenandoah Valley. When it’s time to grab a bite to eat during your stay here, we hope you’ll visit at least one of the many fantastic places to eat in downtown Staunton.
Staunton restaurants redefine the term farm-to-table. With produce that is often hyper-local, you can expect exceptional dining experiences everywhere you turn. Below are just a few of our favorite restaurants.
- One standout option in Staunton is the historic Zynodoa, known for its commitment to seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The menu at Zynodoa celebrates the Shenandoah Valley’s agricultural richness, offering modern American cuisine with a Southern twist.
- For those who enjoy a more casual dining atmosphere without sacrificing quality, The Shack is a must-visit restaurant in Staunton. This small, unassuming restaurant has received national attention, including a James Beard Award nomination for its chef, for its innovative approach to Appalachian cuisine.
- If you’re looking for a taste of Italian cuisine with a local twist, Aioli offers Mediterranean-influenced dishes made with ingredients sourced from the surrounding area.
- If you’re enjoying local agritourism in the Shenandoah Valley, don’t miss a meal at Seed to Tail. They have monthly wine dinners, a sandwich shop, a bakery, and a specialty market, and all their food is locally sourced.
- If you’re in the mood for seafood, head to Blu Point Seafood, Co.
- If you’ve yet to try Salvadorean Cuisine, we highly recommend you head to Gloria’s Pupuseria for something a little more out of the ordinary – but just as delicious as other places to eat in Staunton!
In Staunton, the connection between the land and the table is evident in every bite. For more rich adventures and exciting experiences, it’s time to plan your upcoming getaways to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Book your stay today!
