Step Into History: Augusta County Driving Tour Showcases Hidden Gems of the Shenandoah Valley

Discover the enduring legacy of Augusta County, founded in 1738, through a scenic and immersive driving tour just north of Staunton. This special experience invites visitors to explore the rolling hills, vineyards, and historic landmarks nestled within the picturesque Shenandoah Valley.

The Augusta Garden Club’s 2025 Historic Garden Tour tour highlights four privately owned homes, two of which hold deep ties to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Visitors will experience architecture spanning from the 18th to the 20th centuries and learn about the vital role these homes played as safe havens, hospitals, and command centers during wartime. Among them is Belvidere Farm, a 65-acre-working farm located on the original site of the 1864 Battle of Piedmont. During the conflict, the property served both as a Confederate field hospital and Union commander headquarters, with hundreds of Union soldiers bivouacked on its grounds. Other stops in the quaint hamlets of Fort Defiance and Mount Sidney include gorgeous homes and views of the valley.

Only 15 minutes north of downtown Staunton, this self-guided driving tour offers a unique way to engage with Virginia’s living history in a setting of natural beauty and cultural richness.

See https://gcvirginia.org/historic-garden-week/tours/staunton/ for more information.