Welcome to Waynesboro
Welcome to Waynesboro, where small town charm meets big time adventure! Tucked in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, our city is your new happy place packed with stunning views and friendly faces. Whether you’re hitting the trails, tasting local eats, exploring our exceptional arts scene, or checking out one of our iconic events, there’s always something to discover. Wander by the river, find your next treasure at one of our quaint downtown boutiques, or just soak up the small-town vibes.
Green Leaf Grill
“At first glance, it’s like any other Virginia industrial town, but look under the hood and Waynesboro’s artsy side might surprise you, with its thriving original local arts and theater scene, its growing collection of regional street art found all over town, spots to grab some good grub, sip on drinks, and do a bit of shopping popping up all around downtown.”
– RVA Magazine
gooo....
Instaworthy shots
Coyner Springs Park
“The Lovers” by Kimchi Juice
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
#LoveWaynesboro
Discover Waynesboro’s most instaworthy spots and impress your followers! Our bold, larger-than-life Street Art will make your feed pop, and Sunset Park’s panoramic city views are perfect for stunning shots. Explore the Blue Ridge Tunnel for a glimpse of historic architecture, or hike up Humpback Rocks for a sweeping view of the entire Valley. Waynesboro is full of amazing backdrops for your posts, so tag @VISITWAYNESBORO and share your experience with everyone!
Explore Waynesboro’s artsy side! Our downtown is packed with galleries, the performing arts, and street art. Take a walk along the Street Arts Trail to see impressive murals and art installations downtown and beyond that add a pop of color to our city. Visit the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, which has two locations full of awesome exhibits, fun workshops, and resident artists. Check out the Wayne Theatre for a calendar packed with live performances and a rotating exhibit gallery. The Russell Museum focuses mostly on the art and sculpture of Walter Russell but also has a rotating gallery for local artists. You can also find a gallery downtown dedicated to the work of the great P. Buckley Moss. Whether you’re an art aficionado or an amateur enthusiast Waynesboro’s art scene is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your discoveries with @VISITWAYNESBORO!
Poochie by Nils Westergard
Make Art in Waynesboro
Get creative! Try your hand at something new with weekend classes at the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing, where you can forge your own knife, Warhammer, or other cool accessory. Check out Make Waynesboro’s schedule of classes for a fun day workshop or schedule a private event with your group. Don’t miss out on the Shenandoah Valley Art Center – they offer workshops, classes, and kid’s art programs as well as yoga and dance instruction.
Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing
Can’t get enough street art? Download our Visit Waynesboro app and unlock the interactive Street Arts Trail!
@MAKEWAYNESBORO
Attr Actions
Get ready for some family fun in Waynesboro! Race go-karts, catch the latest blockbuster, ride a mechanical bull, or enjoy a round of mini-golf –we have plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Waynesboro’s Public Library and Parks and Rec department offer a wide range of programming and events that are open to everyone – visitors included!
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Experience Waynesboro’s rich cultural attractions. Step back in time at Waynesboro’s Heritage Museum, Plumb House Museum, and Black History Museum to learn about the history of Waynesboro. Enjoy a live performance at the Wayne Theatre, originally a vaudeville house that opened in 1926. Explore the historic campus of Fishburne Military School, which was founded in 1879 and is the oldest military high school in Virginia and 13th oldest in the nation. Check the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra’s schedule and catch a concert at the historic Presbyterian Church in Downtown Waynesboro.
@CHESTNUTDOUG
Fastrax
Waynesboro Heritage Museum
Wayne Theatre
Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra
Craft Bev Scene
Welcome to the world of craft beverages in Waynesboro – it’s not just beer over here! Start your adventure at Common Wealth Crush, an urban wine incubator co-op and tasting room, the first of its kind in the Shenandoah Valley. For something even more unique, visit Blue Ridge Bucha, one of the only kombucha tasting rooms on the East Coast, to taste a variety of kombucha, fill up your growler, or grab some hard kombucha for a little extra kick. Coffee enthusiasts will love Happ Coffee Roasters, where they roast their own beans to perfection and serve delicious coffee out of their industrial-chic coffee house, a perfect place to start your day. Lightwell Survey, an indie winery with an eclectic tasting room, opens up most weekends and they really know how to party. Don’t think we forgot about the beer! Basic City Beer Co., the trailblazer of Waynesboro’s craft bev scene, has grown over the years and still rocks amazing craft brews.
Basic City Beer Co. named “Best Brewery “
—Virginia Living (2024)
@LIGHTWELLSURVEY
CRAFT BEVERAGES
Common Wealth Crush
Food
Waynesboro is a small city with a big appetite and with over 30 local restaurants, we’re sure to have whatever you’re craving. Start your day at one of our local coffee shops or a classic diner like Weasie’s Kitchen. Grab gourmet brunch at Stella, Bella, and Lucy’s Find southern comfort food at Green Leaf Grill, a fresh cut deli sandwich at Delly Up, or a gourmet burger at The River Burger Bar—that just covers a few of our downtown restaurants.
Venture outside of downtown for delicious international cuisine like La Sabrosita, an ultra-authentic Mexican restaurant, or homemade pizza from one of a handful of local pizza joints.
Green Leaf Grill
Waynesboro’s Farmers Market, voted one of the Best of the Blue Ridge in 2023, is open every Saturday from May to October with lots of local farmers, vendors, live music, and food trucks.
DINING GUIDE
Weasie’s Kitchen
Stella, Bella, and Lucy’s
French Press
Visiting for the day?
Here are two spots you don’t want to miss.
Downtown
Explore Downtown Waynesboro, where you’ll find a variety of galleries and museums, a dozen local restaurants and tons of unique boutiques and shops. Enjoy a stroll through Constitution Park, try your hand at fly-fishing on the South River, or take in the beauty of the 2-mile South River Greenway, all in Downtown Waynesboro!
Virginia MetalcraF ters Marketplace
Located in the Rockfish Gateway
Once a booming brass foundry, Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace is humming with activity and new purpose. Enjoy craft brews, a beercade, and elevated bar food at Basic City Beer Co., taste local wines at Common Wealth Crush, take in a concert at The Foundry, and get your caffeine fix at Happ Coffee Roasters. You can definitely make a day of it at Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace!
VIRGINIA METALCRAFTERS
Mountain Bike Trail at Sunset Park
‘After’ by Nils Westergard
t rails
This city loves trails of all kinds! Explore the one-of-a-kind Street Arts Trail. With about two dozen stops, you can follow along on our app and complete the ‘challenge’ for a prize. Try the Waynesboro Water Trail which covers 4 miles of scenic river perfect for all levels of paddlers. The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is just over 2.23 miles one way and offers explorers a chance to travel back in time through an abandoned train tunnel built in the 1850s (don’t forget your flashlight!).
Drink in the Shenandoah Valley by tasting your way through the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail , a collection of breweries all within an hour’s drive. Fill up your passport with eight stamps to earn a free t-shirt! BeerwerksTrail.com
walking tours
Stop by the Downtown Visitor Center at 301 W. Main Street to pick up brochures for the self-guided Downtown Historic District and Tree Streets Historic Neighborhood walking tours and learn the history of Waynesboro.
@AMYPARSONSMEADOWS
Isabelle by Nils Westergard
The GREAT Outdoors
Waynesboro is your gateway to the great outdoors! Just over a mile away from city limits is the unique junction of the Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway (the most visited National Park serviced property in the country), and the famous Appalachian Trail, which makes Waynesboro the perfect destination for outdoor lovers with hiking, camping, and biking for every skill level. The George Washington National Forest, home to Sherando Lake, is the perfect spot for lounging by the beach or taking a dip. Scan the QR code for our list of recommended hikes.
OutdOors
“Whether you are trail running the countless miles of Blue Ridge wilderness, hiking across the country, skiing the slopes or paddling the South River, Waynesboro is Divinely Placed Among the Adventure.”
—Virginia Craft Brews Publication
Local Parks and Fishing
It’s not just national treasures that make Waynesboro an outdoor lover’s paradise! Waynesboro has seven city parks offering trails, playgrounds, a dog park, disc golf, and the best view of the city at Sunset Park . Enjoy a 50-meter public pool, a 2-mile Greenway, fishing piers, tennis and pickleball courts, and picnic pavilions. Participate in the Run the Valley race series or explore urban trout fishing in the South River, with gear and guides available at the South River Fly Shop just steps away in Downtown Waynesboro. Dive into Waynesboro’s exciting outdoors and reel in the fun!
GET OUTDOORS
Sunset Park
liVe Music
Waynesboro’s live music scene is booming and we think you’ll want to check it out! Rock out to nationally known and local acts at our 800-person venue, The Foundry, every weekend and make some unforgettable memories. The Wayne Theatre in Downtown Waynesboro has a packed calendar full of live music acts and locally produced musicals you won’t want to miss. For open-air vibes, head to Plaza Antigua and the Fishin’ Pig, both featuring awesome outdoor stages along with great food. All those venues don’t even scratch the surface – every weekend you can find lots of live music, karaoke, and dance parties at various spots in the city.
suMmer liVe Music series
Groovin’ on the Greenway: Head to Constitution Park’s amphitheater and listen to a free concert every Thursday during the summer.
Wayne on Main: On the last Wednesday of the month in the summer you can jam on Main Street in front of the Wayne Theatre’s historic marquee.
MUSIC GUIDE
Groovin’ on the Greenway
The Fishin’ Pig
There always seems to be some kind of event going on in Waynesboro! The famous Fall Foliage Art Show transforms downtown into a fine arts destination on a beautiful fall weekend each October. Riverfest, held on the banks of the South River, promotes environmental conservation in a fun festival atmosphere, and is the official kickoff to festival season. Hiker Fest celebrates all things outdoor and the AT thru hiker community with a day of live music and downtown fun as hikers reach Waynesboro from Georgia in early June. You literally can’t miss the Sunset Spectacular in July when fireworks fill the sky from the highest point in Waynesboro. We have everything from a Reggae Fest to our old-fashioned downtown Christmas Parade happening every single weekend to keep you entertained!
ADAM SCOTT
History
Learn the BASICs (that’ll make sense in a minute) of Waynesboro’s history:
• Although he never set foot here, Waynesboro was named after Revolutionary War General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, possibly by settlers from Pennsylvania where Wayne was quite popular.
• Waynesboro became established as a town in 1801, was incorporated in 1834, reincorporated in 1874, attained first-class independent city status in 1948, and, in 1986, annexations gave the city room to expand to the 15-square mile footprint it covers today.
• Basic City was a boomtown between 1890 and 1893 as two railroads crossed here, forming The Iron Cross. After the economic depression and fall of many businesses, Basic City consolidated with the adjacent Town of Waynesboro in 1923, and while Waynesboro went on to become an independent city, Basic City became one of Virginia’s “Lost Towns.”
The Plumb House, now a museum, is the oldest frame structure in Waynesboro. It was built during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and later found itself in the Battle of Waynesboro, the last significant Civil War Battle in the Shenandoah Valley, in 1865. The historic museum currently houses Civil War and Native American artifacts as well as everyday household items from the era.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Battle of Waynesboro, which only lasted 20 minutes, was the final blow for the Confederate Army in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War.
Waynesboro pays homage to it’s namesake with the annual Mad Anthony DID YOU KNOW?
Visit the Waynesboro Heritage Museum to learn about the entire history of Waynesboro including everything from education to industry and tons more. Admission is always free.
Learn more about nearby Swannanoa Castle during guided tours and at the Russell Museum in Downtown Waynesboro.
• Waynesboro has three historic districts: Historic Downtown, the Tree Streets Neighborhood, and Port Republic Road.
• The Port Republic Road Historic District is the oldest intact neighborhood in the city, formed in 1870 by formerly enslaved people who moved here to work on the railroad. It has a historical Rosenwald School, now serving as a community center and home to Waynesboro’s Parks and Rec department. You can learn more at Waynesboro’s Black History Museum
loDging
Enjoy the charm and personal touch of a cozy bed and breakfast, a cabin with stunning views, an artsy apartment in the heart of downtown, or a tried-and-true brand hotel. Feeling the outdoors? There are plenty of nearby camping options to choose from as well. Whatever your style, budget, accessibility needs, or pet requirements, Waynesboro has you covered!
KIM FROST
Bowman House
The Atelier
Marriott Residence Inn
weDdings and eVents
Waynesboro is the perfect place for your next wedding, event, or conference, offering plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to suit any occasion. Host your gathering at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center or the Best Western Plus Inn & Suites Conference Center, among many other versatile venues.
Heritage Hill
Red August Farm
the ‘Best oF’ waynesBoro
1. MOST UNEXPECTED OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Fox Disc Golf Course at Ridgeview Park
This 9-hole course is perfect for beginners or seasoned disc golf players to enjoy a fun, laid-back game in one of Waynesboro’s most popular city parks.
2. BEST KEPT SECRET WITH THE LOCALS: Benny Stivale’s secret beer garden and game room
Go for the gigantic pizza, head to the back for some classic Skee-Ball and table top shuffle board, then keep going outside for a shaded beer garden and kid’s play area.
3. YOUR PUP’S FAVORITE SPOT IN WAYNESBORO: Klines Dairy Bar
Trust us, your pups will love Klines famous pup cups and you’ll love their homemade ice cream.
4. BEST PLACE TO TAKE IN A SUNSET: Sunset Park
Sunset Park is obviously the place to catch a sunset, but it’s also a great spot for a picnic while looking over the Shenandoah Valley.
5. COOLEST HIKE
Waynesboro’s Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
Take the ‘coolest’ hike in Virginia through the historic Blue Ridge train tunnel. Bring a jacket and a flashlight, it’s always 50 degrees and completely dark in the middle!
6. WHERE YOU’RE MOST LIKELY TO CATCH AN IMPRESSIVE COLOR GUARD PRACTICE: Fishburne
Fishburne Military School is the oldest military high school in Virginia still in operation. They have a beautiful campus right in Downtown Waynesboro and you can often see all kinds of things, like color guard practice, on the grounds.
7. MOST ADRENALINE PUMPING ADVENTURE: Mountain biking at Sunset Park
The mountain biking scene at Sunset Park is perfect for beginners or advanced riders and is quickly growing. Come shred the trails in Waynesboro!
8. WHERE YOU’RE MOST LIKELY TO FIND AN APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU-HIKER:
Downtown
Each year hundreds of hikers stop in Waynesboro on their 2190+ mile hike from Georgia to Maine. You can find them through the summer enjoying Waynesboro’s hiker amenities in downtown Waynesboro and beyond.
9. BEST PLACE FOR VIEWING SOME LOCAL WILDLIFE:
A walk on the 2-mile South River Greenway Waynesboro’s Greenway is a paved and mostly flat shared-use path that runs 2 miles along the South River. Keep your eyes peeled for heron, turtles, deer, fish, and other wildlife. Look and take pics, but don’t disturb! Check out Waynesboro’s award-winning fly fishing themed LOVEworks installation while you’re strolling the Greenway!
10. THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE THE SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, SKYLINE DRIVE, BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, AND APPALACHIAN TRAIL MEET:
waynesBoro, Va
What else is there to say? Come see for yourself!
FISHBURNE MILITARY SCHOOL
Fish Deck at Constitution Park
Getting to Waynesboro is a breeze! Hop on the interstate for an easy drive – Waynesboro is right off Interstates 64 and 81. We’re just 20 miles from the Shenandoah Valley Airport, and we’ve got two Amtrak stations nearby for additional travel options. However you get here, we can’t wait to see you!
