Things to Do at MBU
There is no shortage of exciting experiences in our beloved hometown of Staunton, Va. Explore historic landmarks, enjoy local eateries, attend arts events, and so much more!
Downtown Staunton
Staunton, Virginia, is a hidden gem of the Shenandoah Valley, with small town charm and a thriving cultural scene.
Follow the vibrant, red brick sidewalks to visit unique local artisans and boutiques.
Marvel at the soaring steeples and beautiful houses that bring Staunton’s rich history to life.
Unwind and socialize at coffee shops and farmer’s markets, enjoying tacos, sandwiches, pastries, gelato, and more offered by local chefs cooking with fresh ingredients.
Living History
Staunton is one of the oldest cities west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it rich with history. You can experience American frontier life firsthand at the open-air Frontier Culture Museum, explore Civil War battlefields, and tour beautiful and historic architectural feats.
Staunton is also home to the 28th president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson. Learn more about his life and legacy by visiting the official Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum.
Natural Wonders
Located between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, the Shenandoah Valley is known for its natural beauty, rolling hills, open vistas, and outdoor recreation.
Whether you visit some of the city’s parks or explore the national parks and resorts nearby, opportunities abound for camping, running, picnicking, backpacking, hiking, whitewater kayaking, and biking.
Mary Baldwin University is:
- 30 minutes from Shenandoah National Park
- 30 minutes from George Washington National Forest
- 45 minutes from Wintergreen and Massanutten resorts
Arts and Culture
The Blackfriars Playhouse
Just steps from the MBU campus stands the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, the Blackfriars Playhouse, home of the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) — the Shakespeare and Performance program’s partner. The painstakingly crafted, oak-paneled theatre serves as a second home and a shared laboratory for Shakespeare and Performance (S&P) students. The many resources of ASC provide ample opportunity for collaboration and invention.
ASC preserves Shakespearean staging conditions, without sets and with the lights up, highlighting this sense of community. Both ASC and S&P are dedicated to invigorating the language and theatre of Shakespeare and his contemporaries for modern audiences.
Mary Baldwin Concert Series
Take advantage of concerts featuring professionals, faculty, staff, and students in genres ranging from folk to classical, jazz to liturgical. The Carl Broman Concert Series has brought professional musicians to the Mary Baldwin campus since 1979. Visiting musicians and faculty also showcase their talent in the Sunday Recital Series. MBU is also home to the Heifetz International Music Institute, which brings some of the world’s most talented young string musicians to Staunton each summer.
Mary Baldwin Hunt Gallery
Hunt Gallery is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary work by professional artists of emerging or established, of regional, national, or international esteem, and to the exhibition of work by Mary Baldwin University students and faculty. The gallery exhibits work that reflects a wide variety of media and artistic intentions.
Queen City Mischief & Magic
Queen City Mischief & Magic is a homegrown fan event created for our local community to celebrate and grow our appreciation for the Harry Potter books and film series. (Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling are not responsible for or affiliated with this event.)
