Things to Do at Mary Baldwin
Downtown Staunton
Staunton, VA, is a hidden gem with the charm of a small town and a thriving cultural scene. Stroll along the inviting red brick sidewalks, soaking in the friendly atmosphere that permeates the city. Marvel at the stunning architecture that graces every corner, a testament to Staunton’s rich history. Explore the locally-owned downtown boutiques, where you can find unique treasures and support the community.
Unwind and socialize at coffee shops and farmer’s markets. Delight in tacos, sandwiches, pastries, gelato, and more offered by local chefs, who infuse fresh ingredients into each dish.
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.
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.
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.)
History
Staunton is an area rich with history. Take a trolley tour or go visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. Staunton features beautiful historical architecture and Civil War era legends.
City Parks
Staunton is home to multiple city parks where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, get in a run between classes, or meet up with friends for a picnic. Each park has multiple trails and amenities. Explore Staunton parks.
National Parks
Escape to the great outdoors and reconnect with nature along our picturesque hiking trails.
Located between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains in western Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley is known for its natural beauty, rolling green hills, open vistas, and outdoor recreation. Opportunities abound for camping, backpacking, hiking (with trails ranging from easy to challenging), whitewater kayaking, and biking (both on- and off-road). It’s also a perfect setting for studying birds, wildflowers, stream biology, and ecology.
Mary Baldwin is:
- 30 minutes from Shenandoah National Park
- 30 minutes from George Washington National Forest
- 45 minutes from Wintergreen and Massanutten resorts
See some of our local hiking trails.