Reunion Bakery (Staunton): Ok, we mentioned this spot in the breakfast category too… and that shows how much we love it. Their coffee is bold and strong and their cappuccinos are perfectly foamy. Coffee lovers, make Reunion at the top of your list! (@reunionbakery)
Blue Mountain Coffees (Staunton): Another solid choice for coffee in Staunton, this cozy little coffee shop is a favorite among locals. Try their coconut crunch flavored coffee for something fun and different! (@bluemountaincoffees)
Breakfast
Reunion Bakery (Staunton): Inspired by the high-quality bakeries in France, reunion Bakery’s owner and head baker, Bryan, has worked hard to perfect his baked goods… and it shows. Their pastries are melt-in-your-mouth, especially the croissants! (@reunionbakery)
Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery (Staunton): At first glance you might think this is just your typical health food store - but think again! Cranberry’s has an awesome little cafe in the back, with tons of juices and smoothies and healthy and hearty breakfast (and lunch) options! (@cranberryseatery)
Bobby’s Pick: Breakfast Burrito
Alli’s Pick: Findells’ Square Deal
Gathering Grounds Cafe (Luray): This quaint and friendly patisserie and cafe is a must-visit if you’re passing through Luray - especially if it’s breakfast time (or if you’re craving a slice of pie)! Their breakfast menu is small, but it’s all delicious! (@gatheringgroundscafe11)
Bobby’s Pick: Croissant and Egg Sandwich
Alli’s Pick: Fried Eggs, Toast, and Coffee
Lunch/Dinner
Zynodoa Restaurant (Staunton): If you have one meal in Staunton, have it here. This chic southern restaurant serves the finest (and freshest) seasonal ingredients from local Virginia farmers and producers… and the plates are as pretty as they are tasty! Don’t leave without trying their Peanut Butter Pie! (@zynodoa)
Bobby’s Pick: Blackened Wild Blue Catfish
Alli’s Pick: Phantom Hill Farm Pea Tendril & Mint Pesto Fettuccine
Table 44 (Staunton): If you’re looking for the ultimate dog-friendly dining experience, head to Staunton and go straight to Table 44! This friendly bakery and restaurant just opened their new dog-friendly patio, cleverly referred to as the “Doggio” - they even have a special menu just for pups! (And their “human food” is real good too!) (@table44staunton)
Bobby’s Pick: Jazz St. Chicken Sandwich
Alli’s Pick: Smoked Turkey Club
Sally’s Pick: Grilled Chicken Breast
The Yelping Dog (Staunton): A family-run wine, cheese, and gourmet shop that has just about everything we love in life! Delicious wine, mouth-watering charcuterie boards, fancy grilled cheeses, and a love for dogs. The owner, Nancy, is as warm and kind as they come - you instantly feel like family! (@yelpingdog)
Bobby’s Pick: The Triple M
Alli’s Pick: #9
Moonshadows Restaurant (Luray): Centrally located on Main Street in Downtown Luray, this upscale and intimate restaurant is (in our opinion) one of the best in the Shenandoah Valley! Their menu is fresh and seasonal, and is sure to have something for everyone - they even have vegan options! (@moonshadowsrestaurant)
Bobby’s Pick: Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Alli’s Pick: Pan Seared Valarosso Sustainable Salmon
Stable Craft Brewing: We can’t think of a more picturesque setting than Stable Craft Brewing. Set on a working farm, guests can enjoy their many incredible ales in a modern tasting room or exploring the expansive grounds… you might even get to pet a horse or two! (Come hungry - their on-site restaurant is awesome!) (@stable_craft)
Ox Eye Vineyards Tasting Room (Staunton): We love this little tasting room for several reasons - the wine is great (especially the rosé), the team is friendly and knowledgeable, and the setting is charming! But be forewarned: you’ll be tempted to buy all the wine. ;) (@oxeyevineyards)
Crosskeys Vineyards: This family owned and operated winery is set on 125 stunning acres in the Shenandoah Valley. Chances are that when you come for a tasting, you’ll be greeted by one of the Bakhtiar family members, who will graciously welcome and invite you to try some of their 12 delicious varietals! (@crosskeysvineyards)
White Oak Lavender Farm: If you’re planning your trip to the Shenandoah Valley in June, you’re in luck. June is peak lavender season, and there’s no better place to be then White Oak Lavender Farm! You can wine taste, take a tour of their picturesque property, try their famous lavender ice cream, and more! (@whiteoaklavender)
The Valley Cork (Luray): Stylish and chic, this neighborhood wine bar and bottle shoppe is not to be missed… and their light gourmet fare is great, too! Order a flatbread and charcuterie board, paired with a glass (or two) of wine that the bartender recommends, and you’ve got the makings for a perfect night! (@thevalleycork)
Stonewall Jackson Hotel (Staunton): Dating back to 1924, this Colonial Revivalist style hotel is still as enchanting and grand as it was when it first opened. It’s steps away from Staunton’s main street, Woodrow Wilson’s Presidential Library, the American Shakespeare Center, and so much more. (@stonewalljacksonhotel)
Hotel Laurance (Luray): This inviting and historic boutique hotel dates back to the 1800’s - and it’s absolutely charming! All 12 rooms have a full kitchen, luxurious amenities, and perfectly fluffy beds. It’s located right on the Main Street of Luray, and they’re incredibly dog friendly! (@hotellaurance)
Skyland Resort (Shenandoah National Park): Located in the Shenandoah National Park, this resort is an oasis for nature lovers. With sweeping mountain views, snug cabins, and spacious suites, it’s a destination that will leave you breathless! (And it’s surprisingly affordable!) (Skyland Resort on Instagram)
American Shakespeare Center (Staunton): The world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s famous indoor theater is in Staunton, and whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or not, their rotating, nightly performances are absolutely spellbinding! It’s a MUST! (@americanshakespearecenter)
Wilson Presidential Library (Staunton): Staunton also happens to be the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson, and his Presidential Library is beautifully maintained! (@wilsonpreslib)
Frontier Culture Museum (Staunton): This living history museum tells the story of thousands of people that migrated to colonial America, and the life they built for themselves. From West Africa to Ireland, it’s a trip back in time that will captivate all ages! (@frontierculturemuseum)
Shenandoah National Park: Lush, green, and breathtakingly beautiful… There are over 500 miles of trails to explore, complete with waterfalls, scenic vistas, and enchanting forests!
Luray Caverns: Visitors from all over the world flock to Luray to see the largest (and most popular) caverns in Eastern America! Guided tours lead guests through towering stone formations and rooms that are over ten feet high. It’s truly incredible. There’s even the world’s only “Stalacpipe Organ”, which produces varying tones by tapping stalacpipes! (@luraycaverns)
The Shenandoah Valley is extremely dog friendly - some of our favorite “Sally Approved” places are: Shenandoah National Park (leashed pups are allowed on the trails!), The Shenandoah Valley Brewing (a brewery that welcomes dogs on the patio), and Table 44 (their dog menu was a hit with Sally)! See more dog friendly spots HERE.
