Nestled in the heart of scenic Shenandoah Valley, Staunton, Virginia, is alive with history, culture—and a little steam. Vibrant fall foliage paints the landscape in hues of red, orange, and gold, promising an unforgettable blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. Join Washington, D.C., area guide Lynn O’Connell for a weekend getaway that offers a sampling of Staunton’s best sights plus a train excursion.
Upon arriving in Staunton, visit Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only replica of Shakespeare’s indoor theater, where the magic of the bard’s works comes alive. Delve into the world of theater with a backstage tour, during which guides take you around the playhouse, share secrets and anecdotes, and offer insights into the playhouse’s inner workings. After lunch, embark on a delightful journey of mischief, pranks, and folly with a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Following the performance, hit the streets for a leisurely walking tour of Staunton led by local guides. A three-course dinner at Mill Street Grill follows before checking into the Holiday Inn, Staunton, for your overnight stay.
On Sunday, board the Virginia Scenic Railway for a breathtaking 3-hour train journey, bound for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Wind through rural landscapes, passing by working farms with cattle, horses, and sheep. Picture-worthy views of the Allegheny Mountains unfold as you venture west. The train turns around in the hamlet of Goshen in Rockbridge County. Lunch on-board is included.
The day concludes back in Staunton with a visit to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, where the legacy of the 28th president comes to life. A guided tour through the historic home offers insights into President Wilson's life, leadership, and impact on American history.
Know Before You Go
- Cost includes bus transportation, lodging, all activities, and the following meals: one breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner
- Overnight accommodations are at the Holiday Inn, Staunton.
- Tour departs by bus from the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St., NW, with a pick-up stop at the Vienna Metro south-side Kiss & Ride along Saintsbury Drive at about 7:55 a.m.
- Single-room supplement $105 (factored into the Single Room Member and Single Room Non-Member pricing).
- Singles registering at the double-room rate are paired (on a nonsmoking basis) if possible, but must pay the single-room supplement otherwise.
- Detailed information is emailed to registrants about four weeks prior to departure.
- Participants are advised to purchase travel insurance for overnight and multi-day tours from a provider of your choice. Travel insurance provides additional coverage against unforeseen incidents that require last-minute cancellations.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Friday, October 18, 2024.
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
