Staunton, VA
Shakespeare, frontier culture & Shenandoah gateway
🚗 ~3 hours from Johnson City · ~160 miles from Bristol · Tri-Cities via I-81 N to Staunton
Best season: Year-round theater season
Getting there
Get driving directions from Johnson City ↗ · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map shows Staunton, VA. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.
Staunton punches above its weight for live theater — the Blackfriars replica playhouse runs Shakespeare year-round with candlelit performances.
Frontier Culture Museum adds living-history farms if you want a daytime anchor before an evening show.
Highlights
- American Shakespeare Center Blackfriars Playhouse
- Frontier Culture Museum
- Downtown Staunton — Beverly Street
- Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
Sample one-day itinerary
Leave Tri-Cities early; Staunton by late morning.
2–3 hours outdoor farms — wear walking shoes.
Book tickets ahead; dinner on Beverly Street.
Know before you go
- Long drive — strongly consider overnight for evening show.
- Natural Bridge/Lexington are 30–45 min south if stacking (very long day).
- Winter candlelight shows sell out.
Links & resources
More day trips
25–35 min 📖 Jonesborough, TN
25–35 min 🌊 Erwin & the Nolichucky Gorge
30–45 min 🛥️ South Holston Lake
30–45 min
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