“Why Staunton?” It’s the question most asked by friends and pretty much everyone we’ve come in contact with since arriving here in April.
We weren’t without a plan when we left Ashland, Oregon, our home of nearly twelve years. The East Coast stretches across miles of unexplored (by us) territory filled with potential new adventures. We envisioned the numerous trailer trips that awaited, an abundance of hiking within a short drive and charming small towns filled with our country’s history. Western Virginia seemed to offer what we were looking for in terms of culture, access to outdoor activities and a relatively mild climate compared to other eastern areas.
Reg got out his famous yellow pad and we researched a handful of possible Virginia towns to explore. Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Williamsburg, Winchester and finally, Staunton all made the list. Requirements included a vibrant downtown that enjoyed the influence of a college community. We hoped for a progressive area – one that valued the arts and was accessible to hiking and parks. We felt like we struck gold when we found Staunton.
Staunton (pronounced Stan-ton), is filled with the kind of history that just doesn’t exist in the western half of the United States. Now that we are feeling more settled, I’ve tried to fit some walking into my mornings again. Here are some more of the discoveries I’ve made around town.
A state-funded school for students (birth -21), free for eligible students. 
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Established 1845. 
Completed in 1901, the Staunton County Courthouse moved to a new facility in June of this year. 
The former African American School opened in 1915. 
In 1995, Staunton Public Library moved into former Staunton Grammar School built in 1916.
But it hasn’t been all fun and games for us. We’ve spent two weeks cleaning, organizing and trying to figure out what we no longer have that we desperately need. And of course now that we are homeowners again, the home maintenance projects begin.
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