So, you’re planning a trip to Waynesboro, a charming little spot right in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley (we’re sure you’ve heard good things). But what if I told you there’s more happening here than just snapping scenic pics, grabbing a bite to eat, watching live music, and drinking craft bevs? (Although that actually sounds pretty great.) Yep, you can take some seriously cool hands-on classes and workshops that’ll have you going home with more than just a souvenir mug, unless it’s one you’ve made yourself. If you want to pick up a new hobby, or just show off to your friends back home, Waynesboro’s got options!
Get Hammered at the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing – 724 N Augusta Avenue
Ever felt like forging your own sword or knife? Forged in Fire lit the blacksmithing world on fire (pun intended) and convinced everyone they could be a professional blacksmith. And they’re not wrong. Sign up for a weekend class at the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing with options like Build a Warhammer; Build a Hatchet; or Fall Leaves, where students will be challenged to bring actual examples of leaves they’ve found that will then be rendered in steel, and you’ll be hammering away like a pro in no time. Imagine going home and showing off your homemade Warhammer to scores of jealous friends?
If you’re interested in actually becoming a professional blacksmith, the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing is the only Artistic Blacksmithing school certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia for those who want to pursue a career in artistic blacksmithing.
Get Your Potter On at Make Waynesboro Clay Studio – 200 W 12th Street
Ready to channel your inner pottery pro (or at least level up from your 3rd grade ashtray disaster)? Make Waynesboro Clay Studio, one of the best equipped ceramics studios in Virginia, is the go-to spot for all things pottery. They have great options for visitors – single day workshops like Square Pitcher Handbuilding (best for those with some experience), two day workshops like Building a Creature (this looks actually awesome), or a schedule private event with your party. How fun would it be to make some pottery on your bachelorette weekend?
If you’re lucky enough to live in Waynesboro, first of all, congratulations! Second of all, that means you can take Make Waynesboro’s longform workshops and learn some really cool stuff. Sign up for wheel-throwing and handbuilding classes, or learn more serious skills like surface treatment and glaze theory. I took a wheel-throwing class and left with a few bowls that actually looked like bowls. If I can make decent pottery, you can too. They also do other cool things like raku firing, IYKYK (which I didn’t, but Carly at Make Waynesboro explained it to me and IT. IS. COOL). You can also become a member and have unfettered access to the members’ studios along with other perks. And don’t forget to check out their Winter Market at Shenandoah Valley Art Center where you can purchase some awesome pottery.
Catch Some Reel Big Fish with South River Fly Shop – 323 W Main Street
A cool thing about Waynesboro is that we’re a dedicated Urban Trout Fishery with stocked waters in the South River, which runs right through downtown. Another cool thing is we have a full-service fly fishing guide service and store at South River Fly Shop, also right downtown, just steps away from the river. Whether you’re just looking for a good pic or a good story to tell, or are seriously serious about fishing, owners Kevin and Tommy will take you on a guided trip and teach you all the tips and tricks for making you a bona fide fly fisher. They also carry a full line of rods, fly reels, fly fishing gear, and fly tying tools and materials from top brands in the industry. Be sure to take a half or full-day while you’re in Waynesboro to soak up some nature and catch the big one!
Create Your Masterpiece at Shenandoah Valley Art Center – 126 S Wayne Ave & 416 W Main Street
While there’s not much on the calendar for the visitor right this moment, be sure and check SVAC’s website when you’re planning your trip because they add single day watercolor and other medium workshops often! Also, stop by each of Shenandoah Valley Art Center’s two downtown galleries to check out exhibits, resident artist space, and the gift shop on your next visit. Pro-tip: plan your trip to Waynesboro on the second weekend in October so you can see the pretty leaves, but more importantly, dazzle at over 150 fine artists that line the streets of downtown for Waynesboro’s largest event, the Fall Foliage Art Show. Trust me on this one.
Once again, if you’re one of the lucky ones that get to call the magical City of Waynesboro home, you can sign up for Shenandoah Valley Art Center’s social dancing series, workshops like Sketching with Ink and Watercolor, winter yoga classes, and more!
Learn How to Write the Next Great American Novel with The Writer’s Well at Stone Soup Books
If putting a pen to paper and keeping your hands relatively clean is more your thing, you’ll love the writing workshops at Stone Soup Books. Hosted by The Writer’s Well, these single day workshops are perfect for everything from learning how to put your thoughts on paper with classes like The Art of Observation: Writing Everyday Life to strategies for publishing your work. Bonus: you get to take the workshop in a cute-as-a-button bookshop, what’s not to love?
So, there you have it – Waynesboro is more than just a pretty face; it’s a place where you can roll up your sleeves, learn something new, and have a blast doing it. Craft metal, spin clay, cast a line, paint a masterpiece, or pen your next great work and make your trip memorable. Go ahead, get your hands dirty, and take home something way cooler than a postcard!
