Stuarts Draft Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, local culture, food and drink scene, safety tips, and transportation options in Stuarts Draft, Virginia.


Introduction to Stuarts Draft

Stuarts Draft is a small town nestled in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, in the southern United States. The town boasts a rich history and is surrounded by scenic views, making it a popular tourist destination. In this travel guide, we will take a closer look at the must-visit places, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby excursions.

List of Places to Visit in Stuarts Draft

Stuarts Draft has a diverse range of attractions that cater to tourists of all ages and interests. The following is a list of places you must visit when in town.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Stuarts Draft has a rich history, and there are various museums and historical places that showcase the town’s past. Some of the top cultural attractions to visit in Stuarts Draft include:

  • Augusta County Railroad Museum
  • Frontier Culture Museum
  • The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum
  • Augusta Military Academy Museum
  • The Wayne Theatre

Natural Attractions of Stuarts Draft: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Stuarts Draft is surrounded by stunning rolling hills, forests, and rivers, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Some of the best natural attractions in Stuarts Draft include:

  • Shenandoah National Park
  • Crabtree Falls
  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
  • Sherando Lake Recreation Area

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stuarts Draft

Stuarts Draft has several hiking and biking trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best hiking and biking trails in Stuarts Draft include:

  • Sherando Lake Trail
  • Humpback Rocks Trail
  • Crabtree Falls Trail
  • AT to Spy Rock Trail
  • Ramsey’s Draft Trail

Best Things to Do in Stuarts Draft: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of activities and tours to enjoy in Stuarts Draft. Some of the best things to do in Stuarts Draft include:

  • Attend a show at the Wayne Theatre
  • Visit the Augusta County Railroad Museum
  • Take a tour of the Frontier Culture Museum
  • Enjoy a wine tasting tour in the Shenandoah Valley
  • Go on a bike tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Week-Long Itinerary for Stuarts Draft

For those looking to spend a week in Stuarts Draft, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Visit the Augusta County Railroad Museum and the Virginia Quilt Museum

Day 2: Take a bike tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit the Sherando Lake Recreation Area

Day 3: Explore the historic downtown area and visit Staunton Antique Center & Expo

Day 4: Take a hiking trail in Shenandoah National Park and visit the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

Day 5: Visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and the Frontier Culture Museum

Day 6: Go on a wine tasting tour in the Shenandoah Valley and visit the P. Buckley Moss Gallery

Day 7: Attend a show at the Wayne Theatre and explore the Augusta Military Academy Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Stuarts Draft

Stuarts Draft is known for its diverse food and drink scene, featuring everything from traditional Southern cuisine to international delicacies. Some of the must-try dishes and drinks in Stuarts Draft include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chicken Fried Steak at Kathy’s
  • Fried Green Tomatoes at The Shack
  • Barbecue at Porkie’s Original BBQ
  • Shrimp and Grits at Zynodoa Restaurant
  • Fried Chicken at Klines Dairy Bar

Local Beverages

  • Wine from Barren Ridge Vineyards
  • Beer from Basic City Beer Co.
  • Cider from Bold Rock Hard Cider
  • Whiskey from Silverback Distillery
  • Coffee from Black Dog Coffee

Where to Stay in Stuarts Draft: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Stuarts Draft has various accommodation options, catering to all types of travelers. Some of the top places to stay in Stuarts Draft include:

  • The Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton
  • The Blackburn Inn in Staunton
  • The Iris Inn in Waynesboro
  • Cave Hill Farm Bed & Breakfast in McGaheysville
  • The Belle Hearth Bed & Breakfast in Waynesboro

What to Buy in Stuarts Draft: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for gift ideas or local products to bring home, Stuarts Draft has several options. Some of the top local products to consider buying include:

  • Handcrafted pottery from Shenandoah Pottery
  • Wine from the Shenandoah Valley
  • Custom-made quilts from Virginia Quilt Museum
  • Freshly-made baked goods from Reunion Bakery
  • Handmade chocolates from Cocoa Mill Chocolatier

Local Culture and Customs of Stuarts Draft

Stuarts Draft has a rich cultural heritage, dating back to its early history. The town’s culture is reflected in its food, art, architecture, and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Stuarts Draft

The best time to visit Stuarts Draft is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild, and the town is less crowded. The summer months can be hot and crowded, and the winter months can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stuarts Draft

Do:

  • Visit the local museums and historical places
  • Explore the outdoor attractions and natural beauty
  • Enjoy the food and drink scene
  • Learn about the town’s culture and customs
  • Be respectful of the locals and their heritage

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural attractions
  • Disrespect the local culture or customs
  • Be unnecessarily loud or disruptive
  • Overindulge in alcohol or drugs
  • Ignore safety guidelines and warnings

Safety and Health

Safety in Stuarts Draft

Stuarts Draft is a relatively safe town, but as with any destination, it is essential to take basic safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in secluded areas at night, and take care while driving on the winding roads.

Health in Stuarts Draft

Stuarts Draft has excellent healthcare facilities, including Augusta Health Hospital and Augusta Health Urgent Care. Be sure to have adequate travel insurance in case of an emergency.

Getting to Stuarts Draft: Transportation Options and Logistics

Stuarts Draft is easily accessible by car or bus. The following are some of the transportation options available:

Airports Near Stuarts Draft

  • Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO)
  • Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD)
  • Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Bus Stations Near Stuarts Draft

  • Greyhound Bus Lines in Waynesboro
  • Staunton Transit System in Staunton
  • Valley Connector Bus Service in Verona

Other Options

  • Rental cars
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services
  • Private transportation services

How to Get Around in Stuarts Draft

The best way to get around Stuarts Draft is by car. Rental cars and taxis are available at the local airports and bus stations. Bikes are also available for rent from local shops for those interested in exploring the town’s trails.

Where to Go Next from Stuarts Draft: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Stuarts Draft is located in a prime spot for day trips and excursions. Some of the nearby destinations to explore include:

  • Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Richmond, Virginia
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
  • Roanoke, Virginia

Conclusion

Stuarts Draft has a unique blend of history, nature, and culture that makes it a perfect destination for travelers. The town’s diverse range of attractions, food and drink scene, and convenient transportation options make it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Stuarts Draft!