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Staunton: Virginia Scenic Railway featured on cover of 2025 Virginia Travel Guide

Rebecca Barnabi
The Blue Ridge Flyer of the Virginia Scenic Railway pulls into Staunton Station on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Photo by Rebecca J. Barnabi.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation announced today that the Virginia Scenic Railway will be featured on the cover of the 2025 Virginia Travel Guide.

Published annually, the guide is produced by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Roanoke-based Leisure Media 360. The publication is available for free on virginia.org and at Virginia State Welcome Centers.

“We are honored that the Virginia Scenic Railway has been chosen as a cover feature of the Virginia Travel Guide,” said Staunton’s Director of Tourism Samantha Johnson. “This recognition highlights not only the breathtaking beauty of Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley, but also the unique experiences that await travelers here. The Virginia Scenic Railway captures the essence of adventure, relaxation, and discovery that makes our region a must-visit destination. We extend our gratitude to Virginia Tourism Corporation for this spotlight and invite visitors from near and far to explore the charm and wonder of Staunton.”

The 2025 Virginia Travel Guide features a curated collection of personal recommendations and heartfelt narratives from talented writers, local enthusiasts and passionate travelers. Readers will get the insider’s perspective on the best ways to experience Virginia, from lesser-known road trips and dining destinations, to sustainable travel tips and new perspectives of Virginia.

The Virginia Scenic Railway will be one of three different covers for the 2025 Travel Guide.

VSR is the state’s only scenic railway and offers a unique and relaxing journey through the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Departing from Staunton, the passenger rail experience combines breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains with the charm of train travel. Guests enjoy comfortable seating, delicious onboard dining, and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of the region.

Courtesy of city of Staunton.

Staunton is positioned beautifully between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a friendly combination of small-town America and a vibrant cultural scene. Downtown Staunton is the place you go to stroll red brick sidewalks, admire stunning architecture and shop locally-owned boutiques. Staunton is also the place you go to experience world-class music festivals and intimate theatre performances, where visitors and locals can unwind side by side at trendy breweries, dig into fresh culinary creations, take-in a dose of nature in the nearby Shenandoah National Park, or observe with awe while aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway.

“We are thrilled and delighted to feature these destinations as the covers of this year’s Virginia Travel Guide,” said Virginia Tourism President and CEO Rita McClenny. “Showcasing everything Virginia has to offer with personal insights and breathtaking photography, this guide will highlight for travelers just how special the Commonwealth is as a destination and attraction.”

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Virginia’s only scenic railway carries passengers through view of Shenandoah Valley

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca J. Barnabi is the national editor of Augusta Free Press. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she began her journalism career at The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. In 2013, she was awarded first place for feature writing in the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Awards Program, and was honored by the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2019 Media Honor Roll Program for her coverage of Waynesboro Schools. Her background in newspapers includes writing about features, local government, education and the arts.