If you are like me, you probably first heard about Waynesboro, Virginia when researching day trips from DC (a 2 hour and 30 minute drive) or Richmond (1.5 hours). Once you start exploring this area in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, you will want to keep coming back. I've already written about Staunton which is another favorite spot of mine.
But lets dive it.
If you are flying, the closest airport is Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO), about 40 minutes away.
If you are traveling by car, Waynesboro is located at the intersection of I-64 and US-250. It's about 30 minutes from Charlottesville and 1 hour from Harrisonburg or Staunton.
I like staying at Best Western Plus Waynesboro Inn & Suites because it has a pool. Two romantic options, if you are planning a romantic getaway, are Iris Inn & Cabins or Heritage Hill Bed & Breakfast.
Best Things to Do in Waynesboro, VA
Explore local artwork at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center
I began my day at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, a bright, welcoming space tucked into downtown. Local artists filled the rooms with texture—pottery, pastels, mixed media. One piece, a swirling abstract in blues and ochres, reminded me of the valley’s hills in motion. “You don’t need to be loud to be powerful,” I thought, sipping complimentary coffee and chatting with a volunteer who felt more like a host than a docent.
P. Buckley Moss Gallery
From there I wandered over to the P. Buckley Moss Gallery. Her work caught me off guard—soothing landscapes, peaceful Amish imagery, all rendered in a style that felt almost like memory. The gallery was quiet, with soft lighting and that distinct art-paper scent. It didn’t just show you Moss’s work—it invited you into her calm world. And I didn’t want to leave it.
Waynesboro Heritage Foundation Museum
Just a block or so away, I ducked into the Waynesboro Heritage Foundation Museum, housed in a historic brick building. It was full of photographs and tools from the town’s rail and manufacturing days—like paging through someone’s family album. There’s a warmth to places like this, where everything is preserved not for profit, but for pride.
Walk along riverside trails in Ridgeview Park
Before lunch, I stopped at Ridgeview Park for a walk. The South River ambled beside me as kids biked ahead and a jogger waved good morning. I followed the gardens and wound up at a small wooden bridge surrounded by sycamore trees and birdsong. I stood there for a while. "This would make a great painting too," I smiled to myself, still thinking of P. Buckley Moss.
Lunch at New Ming Garden Buffet and Grill
Hunger led me to New Ming Garden Buffet and Grill, and I couldn’t have timed it better. I filled a plate with sesame chicken, fried rice, and steamed dumplings. The sesame glaze was warm and tangy, the dumplings pillowy, the egg rolls crisp and bursting with flavor. The scent of ginger and garlic wrapped around the dining room like a welcome hug. It was casual, filling, and exactly what I didn’t know I was craving.
Wayne Theatre
In the afternoon, I took in a matinee at the Wayne Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s-era venue with red velvet seats and gold trim. The performance—a community play—was charming and surprisingly emotional.
Watch animal rehab in action at the Wildlife Center of Virginia
My last stop was the Wildlife Center of Virginia, where injured animals are treated and sometimes returned to the wild. While the public doesn’t tour the entire facility, I joined an educational program and met an owl who’d become a permanent resident. I learned about wildlife rescue, conservation, and the delicate balance we live in. “This town really takes care of its own,” I thought as the owl blinked slowly at me.
Evening at Stable Craft Brewing
As the sun dipped behind the Shenandoah hills, I ended my day with a beer at Stable Craft Brewing. I tried their Britchin Brown Ale and a house-made soft pretzel with spicy mustard. The barn lights glowed golden, kids ran barefoot on the grass, and I sat by a fire pit feeling full in every way that mattered.
Waynesboro At a Glance
- Drive Time from Charlottesville, VA: ~40 minutes west
- Vibe: Artistic, reflective, gently rural
- Highlights: Local art, riverside parks, heartfelt museums, family-friendly brewery
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for wildflowers and foliage
- Cost: Most attractions are free or low-cost; brewery and buffet are moderate
- Hours: Most galleries and museums open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; brewery open late
- Address Base: Start at 122 S Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA and explore from there
Final Thoughts
Waynesboro surprised me. It didn’t need grand attractions or flashy gimmicks. What it offered was quieter: connection, care, craft. The kind of town where art lives not just in galleries, but in gardens, in wildlife sanctuaries, in the meals shared by strangers. I left feeling calmer, clearer—like I had been gently reminded of the things that matter.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Explore local artwork at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center
- • See live performances at the Wayne Theatre
- • Walk along riverside trails in Ridgeview Park
- • Watch animal rehab in action at the Wildlife Center of Virginia
- • Discover town history at the Waynesboro Heritage Foundation Museum
- • Evening at Stable Craft Brewing
- • Stopping for lunch at New Ming Garden Buffet and Grill
- • Admire folk-style paintings at P. Buckley Moss Gallery