RVA Travels : Staunton, VA

annestuartteter
Oct 27, 2015
2 min read

This past weekend a group of us descended upon the little town of Staunton, VA. Ever been there? You gotta keep your eyes peeled, it’s a teeny town right off 64/81.

We were there to celebrate a wedding, but before that, of course I wanted to explore. I forced Blaine to wake up early so we could head up and see what this little place was all about. We arrived right at lunch time. I wanted an authentic experience, so we headed into the “historic” downtown district. This little bitty thing was about three blocks long, and man was it historic. Historic in a way that the present hasn’t quite reached this little mountain town. We wandered a bit, peeking in places, figuring out where to eat. (It takes all of 15 minutes to walk the whole thing.)

A quaint little town

We stumbled upon The By & By, an adorable little deli cafe that said - sandwiches, coffee, beer and wine on their window. Yep sold. A cold beverage was in order after the two hour drive. We walked in, were greeted with the friendliest faces and ordered our meals. Practically before we sat down we were served. (And they apologize it took so long.) I got a hot italian with a Dogfish Head 90 minute. Delicious! Blaine got a bacon and egg sandwich, which we claimed was great (I was too busy devouring mine to pay attention).

Delicious Italian Hot Sandwich

Our time in downtown Staunton was short lived, we had a wedding to get to! We met up with everyone at the hotel, enjoyed a pre-wedding beverage, makeup, outfit change, fix my messy hair and on we go. The wedding was being held at the Frontier Culture Museum. Sounds strange? Maybe it was, but it was also beautiful and totally unique. We arrived by shuttle and once there walked through the live working farm, past the Oktoberfest celebrations, the sheep and overly large pigs. We arrived in what I’m assuming can be called a gorge (I didn't bother to look this definition up, so sue me).

The wedding was short and totally sweet. Fred and Cait were glowing. The decor was perfectly simple for the rustic outdoor setting. Once the wedding ceremony was over, we trekked back up the hill to the octagonal barn (I wore stilettos...smart). Again, picture perfect for the setting. The “barn” was intimate and decorated with wood, flowers and glimmering lights. Outside, there was a bar and cornhole. Ideal to pass the time while we waited on the bride and groom.

The ceremony

Once they arrived, there were speeches, toasts, dinner was served, then the first dance. The band, Jackass Flats, was a phenomenal bluegrass band from right here in RVA. We danced the night away and had a beautiful time.

The couple enjoying their first dance

The next morning was a scramble to get everyone out. We met at the local Cracker Barrel for the world's longest wait for the saltiest meal. (Sorry Cracker Barrel lovers, I am not sold.) We journeyed home with fun memories and empty stomachs, so chinese food was ordered. All in all a lovely wedding weekend!