DOWNTOWN!

Are you planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park? Start your trip in Historic Downtown Waynesboro. Are you a Waynesboro local that hasn’t been downtown in ages? Come to Historic Downtown Waynesboro and you might just be surprised about what we have to offer. Read all about the restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, live theater, and events that make downtown worth the visit.

Shopping

Downtown Waynesboro has lots of shopping for those looking for something particular or just browsing for their new treasure. Take a stroll through Historic Downtown, explore all the boutiques and specialty stores, and enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that makes shopping in Downtown fun! Check out our guide to all the shops.

South River Fly Shop 323 W Main Street

The South River Fly Shop is one of the OG stores downtown. Owners Tommy and Kevin opened the full-service guide and fly fishing shop in 2011 and carry an extensive line of fly fishing products from the best brands in the business. If you’re just thinking about thinking about learning to fly fish or are a seasoned pro, be sure to stop by South River Fly Shop and say ‘Hey’!

Luke’s Hobbies 400 W Main Street

Admittedly, I had no idea what kind of shop Luke’s was when they opened, but it’s clear A LOT of people do. One of the only R/C, scale model, and slot car hobby shops in the area with an on-site slot car dragstrip, people come from all over the place to check out Luke’s. If you’re new to the hobby come on in and owners Luke and Sally will be happy to help you get started. Or you can show off your car during the slot car races which usually start up around October.

Initial Inspiration 412 W Main Street

Initial Inspiration, originally called Kids & Sew On and occupying the shop where adorn. is now, is another OG and has been in business downtown since 2007. Owner Jennifer describes her shop as an ‘idea factory’ where customers come in with an idea and Initial Inspiration makes it happen. For example: I had an idea to give my mom a Girl Scout sash with personalized badges of all her accomplishments for her 75th Birthday. Jennifer and her team made that happen and it was a hit! With a minimum order of one, this is the perfect spot to get something customized for yourself or your business. Plus, their shop has all kinds of cute and useful products that she’ll monogram for you!

Pyramid: Appalachian Magick + Remedy 139 N Wayne Avenue

Pyramid is a one-of-a-kind shop and is fast becoming destination with customers coming from all over the valley and beyond to shop. Are you looking for some animal skulls? Home décor? Spell herbs? Loose tea? Pyramid has all that and much more in their beautiful, eclectic shop. They also offer workshops on topics like incense making and smoke cleanses. If you’re browsing Downtown Waynesboro, this is one shop you don’t want to miss. You’ll definitely find something you must have or learn a new skill or hobby!

Boutique in the Boro 108 S Wayne Avenue

Step into Boutique in the Boro for an awesome mix of country and trendy. Owner Peggy has TikTok trends, women’s clothing and accessories, plus Judy Blues and other viral brands (which means you can try them on before you buy, which is a huge plus!) all in her Downtown Boutique. Boutique in the Boro is a passion project for Peggy and you can tell she loves what she does! Stop by and chat with her while you browse!

adorn. 141 N Wayne Avenue

This cute-as-a-button shop in Downtown Waynesboro carries women’s fashion and wardrobe staples along with shoes, bags, diffusers, and other must-haves. Owner Katie carefully curates each item she has in her shop through personal trial and error and by listening to her loyal customers. She carries brands like Kleen (my fave) and eleven stitch (actually, also my fave) and loves to host pop-ups for services that we don’t have locally like bra fittings and head shots.

Rusticae Country Manor Home 326 W Main Avenue

Rusticae is a super cool and eclectic store with a little bit of everything from Waynesboro merch to vintage clothes and home décor, bags, prints, artwork, accessories… (and I know I’m missing some things). This is owner Jackie’s second shop in the area, and we are pumped she chose downtown Waynesboro. Along with Jackie and Overton, who works at Rusticae part time, they also have an alterations specialist and designer that works out of the shop on an appointment basis.

Stone Soup Books 150 Race Avenue

Stone Soup and owner Mary Katherine have also been in the Downtown Waynesboro scene for a minute. MK opened the first location of Stone Soup Books (that also had a café) on Main Street in 2006. After she closed that location in 2014, she took bookselling on the road before settling into her new spot in an industrial green space next to the South River on Race Ave where she rescues and sells books and hosts lots of events and has some new partnerships in the works. Stop by this awesome spot which is right beside the Blue Ridge Children’s Museum Natural Playground, a huge plus if you’re with kiddos.

Waynesboro Music 520 W Broad Street

If you’re coming into Downtown Waynesboro from the mountain you’ll pass a store that says ‘Tim Spear’s Music City: Where the Music Never Stops’, which is a misnomer since the music indeed stopped completely in 2023 when Tim retired. A lot of people think this is Waynesboro’s music shop, but you need to go a few more blocks to find the shiny new Waynesboro Music store and owners Rob and Brandi. Specializing in guitars, Waynesboro Music also hosts Bluegrass Jams, lessons, and workshops. Such a cool shop to have downtown!

Cross Stitch Station 520 W Broad Street

I do love a good cross stitch project (though I probably haven’t completed one since I was like 12), and Cross Stitch Station is a great resource for the serious hobbyist or beginner! The cute little downtown shop is jam packed with everything you need to start your cross stitch journey or pick up supplies for your next project if you’re a pro. They carry plenty of things like floss, patterns, magazines, Stitchers Lotion, and anything else under the sun that has to do with cross stitching.

Alpha and Omega Antique Mall 232 Arch Avenue

There is one distinct difference between Alpha and Omega and other downtown shops and boutiques: they’re open every day. If you’re looking for something to do while you’re in town on a Sunday or Monday check out Alpha and Omega (or any other day for that matter). You can spend an hour strolling through their huge mall with plenty of vendors. You’ll for sure find something you can’t live without, and they have something for everyone at every price point.

Under the Roof 406 W Main Street

Remember when every small downtown used to have a furniture store? Well, Waynesboro’s still does! Under the Roof has been Downtown Waynesboro’s furniture store since 1994. They have lots of popular brands and a design team to help you achieve the look you are going for!

Galleries

For a city of 22,000 Waynesboro has an impressive number of galleries within a 4-block radius. Make it a point to check them all out while you’re here.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center 126 S Wayne Ave and 416 W Main Street

SVAC (what those in the know call the Art Center) actually has TWO downtown galleries. Their newest location on Main just opened in 2023 and is home to a beautiful gallery which hosts rotating exhibits, resident artist space, classrooms, and a gorgeous Airbnb apartment (seriously, if you’re making plans for a trip and want to stay downtown check it out). You can also rent out the space for your event. The original gallery which is around the corner on Wayne Avenue has been open in downtown Waynesboro since 1986 and also has a rotating gallery, gift shop, resident artist space, and hosts lots of events and classes for all ages and levels. SVAC also hosts the annual Fall Foliage Art Show the second weekend of October and turns the streets of Waynesboro into a gallery of its own with 150 fine artists showing off their work.

P. Buckley Moss Gallery 329 W Main Street

This gorgeous downtown gallery represents the life and work of P. Buckley Moss. She was a prolific artist and a fixture in the downtown gallery during her seasonal open houses. Browse this extensive collection of originals and prints and chat with the friendly staff that can answer any question you might have.

The Russell Museum 518 W Main Street

Technically the Russell Museum goes in both the Museum and Gallery categories, so I’ll put it in both! While the Russell Museum is essentially a museum and gallery showcasing Walter Russell’s life’s work, they also have a rotating gallery exhibit in a separate area upstairs where they host rotating artists. The Russell Museum does have limited hours, but they’re happy to set up a private appointment as well!

The Wayne Theatre and Exhibit Gallery 521 W Main Street

The historic Wayne Theatre is Waynesboro’s premier live performance venue, but they also have a gallery upstairs that hosts rotating exhibits that highlights the work of local and national artisans. And while the gallery is generally open only three days a week, if you have a ticket to a show you can come a little early and go check out the exhibit. It’s a little off the beaten path, but definitely worth checking out.

Entertainment

We know how to have fun around here!

The Wayne Theatre 521 W Main Street

The Wayne Theatre has had quite the history since it first opened its doors as a vaudeville house in 1926. Read the history of fires, closures, restorations, updates, expansion, and plans for the future here. It’s interesting stuff! Currently, The Wayne Theatre Alliance promotes the arts, culture, and education in our community and region. They produce several musicals a year, host classic movie nights on Mondays, and have dozens of famous acts perform every year. The Wayne recently opened the Studio Wayne where they host workshops, improv classes, and more. They are an amazing addition to the downtown!

Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra 249 S Wayne Avenue

The Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra started out in 1996 as a labor of love and has expanded over the years to the award-winning orchestra that it is today. They perform several concerts every year at the beautiful Classical Revival Presbyterian church in downtown Waynesboro. They’re most famous for their Holiday Pops concert, which always sells out (get your tickets early!), but they have about half a dozen other concerts every year as well.

Museums

Once again, for a city of 22,000 we have a decent number of museums downtown. Be sure and check them all out!

The Waynesboro Heritage Museum 420 W Main Street

The most museum-y of all our museums. The Heritage Museum opened at their current location in 2007 at what was once First National Bank. There are seven galleries to stroll through (one in the bank vault!) and rotating exhibits that tell the story of Waynesboro. The museum preserves and houses a collection of thousands of artifacts that represent the history of Waynesboro’s industry, education, residents, and more. Admission is always free, and it’s definitely worth a visit!

The Plumb House Museum 1012 W Main Street

Just a short walk from downtown (don’t worry, they also have parking), The Plumb House Museum is the oldest frame structure in Waynesboro. It was built during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and later found itself in the middle of the Battle of Waynesboro, the last significant Civil War Battle in the Shenandoah Valley, in 1865. This neat little museum, which is also ran by the Waynesboro Heritage Foundation, houses Civil War and Native American artifacts as well as everyday household items from the era.

The Russell Museum 518 W Main Street

Along with a rotating exhibit gallery, the Russell Museum is also home to an extensive collection of the life’s work and history of Walter and Lao Russell. Walter and Lao lived in Swannanoa Palace from 1948-1963 and established a workplace and museum, which was moved to downtown Waynesboro in 2019. Learn the history of Walter’s occupation as a multi-media artist and take a look at some of his work. It’s a super interesting museum and self-guided tours are free. The museum also has event space that can be rented out for private functions.

Augusta County Railroad Museum 413 W Main Street

The Augusta County Railroad Museum has a new permanent home in Downtown Waynesboro. They will have several layouts running and some displays ready during their early stages of moving in their new home, and throughout the holiday season. They will begin building toward a full Museum in the New Year.

Restaurants

Downtown Waynesboro has a dozen Downtown restaurants, and, honestly, I love them all. To save myself a little time, I pulled these downtown restaurant listings from my blog about local dining.

Stella, Bella, and Lucy’s 327 W Main Street

Walking into Stella, Bella, and Lucy’s, named after the owners three dogs, is almost like walking into a well-appointed antique store. It is filled with beautiful furniture, wall hangings, and tea sets (some you can purchase) among the tables which stay full Tuesday Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. They have weekly quiche specials, build your own omelet, French toast, croissants and lots more to choose from. Be sure a get a reservation so you’ll be able to enjoy their fabulous breakfast and tasty lunch. It’s right downtown on Main Street, but you’ll know you’re there when you see the crowd waiting outside.

Crack O’ Dawn 908 W Main Street

The newest addition to Waynesboro’s breakfast club, Crack O’ Dawn already had an established and thriving Farmers Market following when they decided to give their dedicated gluten free bakery a permanent home (don’t worry, they still do the Farmers Market in Waynesboro and Charlottesville on Saturdays). Serving up delicious, and I mean DELICIOUS even if you’re not gluten free, breakfast and lunch out of a cute-as-a-button farmhouse, Crack O’ Dawn also takes custom orders for breads, cakes, and anything else you might fancy for a special occasion or just because.

The French Press 134 N Wayne Avenue

The French Press has been a coffee staple in downtown Waynesboro since 2015. They have a super cozy storefront where most of the time there are several people enjoying their cup of joe and pastries in the huge front window, just like a movie. Head inside to get your coffee or tea just the way you like it. They have biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast and lots of yummy paninis and salads for a light lunch. The French Press is the perfect spot to settle in and work or meet with some friends over coffee.

The River Burger Bar 137 N Wayne Avenue

Mandi Smack took a chance and opened The River Burger Bar in downtown Waynesboro in 2020, right in the middle of Covid. And that chance, thankfully, paid off. The River is one of the most popular hang outs in Waynesboro for locals, Appalachian Trail thru hikers, and tourists from all over the world. Have a seat at the bar, you never know who you might strike up a conversation with. Aside from their super popular burgers, The River also has giant pretzels that are soft and perfectly salted, sandwiches, salads, and more. And the best part? You can sub any burger for chicken breast, a turkey burger, a vegan Beyond Burger, or a garden burger.

Delly Up 421 W Main Street

Delly Up is as unique a restaurant as its name suggests. Belly up to the huge, stainless-steel bar with comfy old school bar stools and get a drink from the bartender or wander over to the cooler for a look at dozens of craft beer options from all over the world. After you have the beverage situation all squared away, move on to the menu for lots of delicious sandwich options. Curried Chicken Salad, Pastrami Rueben, and the Phantom are just a few that come to mind (and make my mouth water). Delly Up also has fun events like karaoke every Thursday and Shakedown Saturdays (IYKYK).

Sam’s Hot Dog Stand 416 W Main Street

Located in what has to be the smallest restaurant east of the Mississippi, Sam’s Hot Dog Stand is a tiny but mighty institution tucked right in between Shenandoah Valley Art Center and the Waynesboro Heritage Museum. With just a counter and a couple of stools, Sam’s churns out tons of good food including their famous hotdogs, every day. Stop in and grab a sack full of hotdogs with chili sauce or a pulled pork sandwich with fries at a really great price.

Royal India Palace 309 W Main Street

If you’re looking for a place to spice up (literally and figuratively) your dining experience, Royal India Palace is the spot in Waynesboro. As the city’s first Indian restaurant, they’re bringing authentic flavors and top-notch drinks to the table. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food? Pure magic—every dish is crafted with care, from creamy curries to perfectly spiced tandoori. If you’re trying Indian food for the first time or a lifelong fan, Royal India Palace is the kind of place where you leave already planning your next visit.

Green Leaf Grill 415 W Main Street

A flagship restaurant in the burgeoning downtown, Green Leaf Grill offers comfort food with a twist. Chef/owner Chris Hollinger trained at the famed Commanders Palace Restaurant and brings some New Orleans flair to Waynesboro with menu items like Fried Alligator and Po Boys. The atmosphere is cozy and makes you feel like you’re dining in a much bigger city. Green Leaf Grill also has fresh seafood and a great selection of gluten free and vegetarian food and is the perfect spot to grab dinner before or after a night of theater at The Wayne.

The Gumbo Hut 403 W Main Street

The Gumbo Hut is another pretty unique spot on the list. Michelle, the chef and owner, makes some mean gumbo, etouffee, creole, and sides. The small restaurant, decorated with a Mardi Gras flair, is on Waynesboro’s busy Main Street and has a full bar but limited dine-in seating. They do a great business, but the hours vary so it’s always a good idea to give Michelle a call at 434-260-1511 before you head over.

Kline’s Dairy Bar 1235 W Main Street

Klines’ iconic bright purple building with a huge, red neon sign makes it a ridiculously insta-worthy spot to grab a cone. Since 1943, this family-owned enterprise has taken their handmade ice cream production and ingredients seriously to make one heck of a smooth, delicious ice cream. Pick up a flavor calendar to make sure you always get your favorite, although they do have chocolate and vanilla all the time. They also have milkshakes, flurries, floats, and other favorites.

Benny Stivale’s 328 W Main Street

With a distinct hipster/cool/90s vibe, Benny’s offers only one thing on their menu: gigantic pizza. You can choose cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or the special by the slice or get an entire pizza and hope it will fit in your car. Pro-tip: eat in and sit in front of the window to watch unsuspecting customers struggle to fit the pizza in their compact car. Aside from being affordable, filling, and tasty pizza, Benny’s also has a large selection of craft brews and a secret beer garden in the back. Definitely worth a visit if you find yourself downtown and need a quick bite and brew.

Mission Coffee 222 S Wayne Avenue

Tucked in downtown Waynesboro’s newest building is Mission Coffee. On the first floor of the Bookkeeping & Managements Systems building, Mission Coffee features thoughtfully sourced beans, monthly specials like lavender cold brew, light fare, and other drinks and they’ll bring your order out to you if you’re in a hurry or having trouble finding parking! Mission is open at 6 am Monday – Saturday.

Trails

This city loves trails! Check out the one-of-a-kind Street Arts Trail with over a dozen eye-catching murals right Downtown. The Waynesboro Water Trail runs right through the center of town and is 4 miles of scenic river perfect for all levels of paddlers. The South River Greenway also follows along the river for 2 miles of paved, mostly flat path through town.
Walking Tours: Stop by the Visitors Information Center at 301 W Main or the Heritage Museum to pick up brochures for the Waynesboro Downtown Historic District, Tree Streets Historic Neighborhood, and Street Arts Trail for self-guided tours of our great City. Learn while you’re strolling Downtown!

Green Space

Waynesboro’s naturally beautiful surroundings are even more welcoming because the city loves to share the outdoor experience. With seven city parks (including the new Sunset Park, which provides a GREAT view of Downtown), a 2-mile greenway, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, a seasonal outdoor pool, and playgrounds there are plenty of outdoor activities in Waynesboro to keep you busy. You can also visit The Blue Ridge Children’s Museum Natural Playground to let the kids play and enjoy nature simultaneously.

Events

Downtown Waynesboro knows how to party! Did you know Downtown has a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) license? During DORA events you can take your drink from one of our seven restaurants with you while you shop and stroll! Keep an eye out on the Destination Downtown Waynesboro’s website for the next event! Downtown is the setting for lots of events. Tour the Town is a fun event where you can shop and nibble your way through Downtown. Hiker Fest is a music festival that celebrates everything Appalachian Trail and outdoors. Taste homemade chili while listening to live Blues at Chili, Blues, and Brews.  And there are many more!

Services

It’s not all fun and games in Downtown Waynesboro (but mostly it is), we also have all kinds of services from getting your hair done to buying a house! Check out all of the services that Downtown has to offer:

Freda’s Skin Studio 405 W Main Street
Revive Beauty Bar 401 W Main Street
Nails on Main 407 W Main Street
Avenue Realty 413 W Main Street
Services offered in the Edmunds Building 421 W Main Street
Waynesboro City Hall 503 W Main Street
Augusta Cleaners 534 W Main Street
Edward Jones 500 W Main Street
AmeriCare Plus 116 S Wayne Avenue
The Kings Lounge Barber Shop 112 S Wayne Avenue
Bookkeeping and Management 222 S Wayne Avenue
Post Office 200 S Wayne Avenue
Bohemian Flair Designs 415 Federal Street
Franklin, Denny, Ward & Strosnider Law Firm 129 N Wayne Avenue
Graham’s Shoe Service 202 Arch Avenue
Fishburne Military School 225 S Wayne Avenue
Make Waynesboro Clay Studio 200 W 12th Street

And there you have it! There is A LOT going on in downtown Waynesboro (eight pages worth in my Word doc). It’s definitely worth a trip to check it all out!