A Walking Tour of Waynesboro
While staying at the Iris Inn resort, take time to discover our town. Exploring Waynesboro is like unlocking a cultural vibe of art, history, and local charm. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just looking for a weekend escape, downtown Waynesboro has plenty of galleries, museums, restaurants, and cute shops.
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Waynesboro, Virginia, stands as a haven for outdoor adventurers seeking natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping experiences. Check out Waynesboro’s rankings in the Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine’s ‘Best of the Blue Ridge’ awards, earning a top honor and notable recognition across various categories.
Waynesboro’s success in the Best of the Blue Ridge awards highlights the city’s diverse offerings, catering to both outdoor thrill-seekers and those with a penchant for culinary exploration. Whether it’s exploring historic tunnels, participating in races amidst stunning landscapes, savoring locally sourced produce, or casting lines in pristine waters, Waynesboro invites visitors and residents alike to immerse themselves in its natural wonders and community spirit. With its rich tapestry of outdoor adventures and culinary delights, Waynesboro, VA, continues to shine as a gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, beckoning all to explore its bounty.
Start your tour: The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is a hub for local artists to showcase their talents. Offering a kaleidoscope of colors and textures from contemporary paintings to avant-garde sculptures, SVAC has two galleries downtown that offer a rich visual experience that appeals to a wide range of artistic tastes. The Wayne Avenue Gallery is also home to artists in residence where you can observe the creative process in action.
The Wayne Theatre Exhibit Gallery is where the worlds of performing arts and visual splendor collide. This dynamic space hosts a rotating collection of exhibits that complement the theater’s vibrant performances. It’s a testament to the Wayne’s commitment to fostering a community-wide arts experience. Art lovers will want to check out their calendar for a complete schedule of live performances and information about the featured exhibit.
Next, take the time to visit the Waynesboro Heritage Museum. This museum preserves and celebrates Waynesboro’s history through exhibitions, educational programs, and active relationships with local citizens and historical organizations. During your free, self-guided tour you will learn about the city’s founding, industries, educational institutions, and much more.
The Plumb House should also be on your list to visit as it is the oldest frame structure in Waynesboro. It was built during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency and later found itself in the Battle of Waynesboro, the last significant Civil War battle of 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. Visitors can learn about the Plumb family who built and lived in the home for five generations as well as see the summer kitchen which houses the family’s impressive collection of butterfly and bird specimens.
Before returning to your comfy home away from home at the Iris Inn, enjoy shopping and dining with the locals at eclectic and charming shops and eateries.
As you conclude your artistic and historic trek through downtown Waynesboro, it becomes clear that this quaint city is more than just a run-of-the-mill small town. Unique art, shopping, and dining that invite all to discover the richness of all it has to offer.