It is literally freezing with no end in sight according to Apple Weather. Plus, there is 6″ of ice or gigantic ice piles everywhere. This could be the recipe for some towns to close up shop and start hibernating, but, here in Waynesboro, we know you’re ready to get out of the house and do something (I sure as heck was). Here’s how we do winter right:
Indoor Fun That Will Burn Some Energy (You Know Who We’re Talking About)
The new Blue Ridge Children’s Museum is a lifesaver right now. Kids can play and explore in environments designed just for them. Translation: They stay busy and warm while also getting the wiggles out.
The Waynesboro Public Library is another kid-friendly space that offers story times, activities, a dedicated children’s library, and plenty of room to settle in for a while.
Movies are the classic cold weather move and Waynesboro has an eight-screen, all digital, local theater with all the new releases. Visit Zeus Digital Theaters for comfy seats, snacks, AND an arcade for some fun before or after the movie.
For pure energy release, Fastrax is the right answer. They have tons of indoor fun like laser tag, batting cages, and an arcade. It’s really a win-win for kids who need to move and parents who need them to burn off that energy somewhere that isn’t the living room. This is perfect for winter days.
Winter Night Life, Done Right
The Foundry always has something happening on the weekends. Latin dance social, country line dancing, bingo, trivia, and, of course, live music that ranges from our local favorites to big bands like Finger Eleven, who is coming to the Boro March 21.
After 9:00 pm, Bottles brings in a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights for 18+ fun. During the week they offer other events like Wings & Wits Wednesdays and Bottles Idol, but they also have tons of indoor games, karaoke on demand, and fire pits and heaters for those who really, really, want to be outside. They are also family friendly until 9:00 pm if you want to bring the kids for a bite and some games.
Waynesboro also has tons of options for live music like Plaza Antigua and 3rd Generations Grill. Plaza offers contemporary Mexican cuisine, jumbo margs, and live music almost every Thursday – Sunday. They also have a sweet outdoor music venue, if you can look ahead to April when the last of this ice might be melted. 3rd Generations has live music every Friday and Saturday from 7-10:00 pm and excellent food and drinks to go with it. You can find a line up of all of Waynesboro’s live music for the week and other events here.
Eat and Drink Like It’s Cold Outside
Lunch at Crack O’ Dawn is more than just gluten-free baked goods. They have delicious sandwiches, salads, and on Fridays and Saturdays, a full potato bar with all the fixings and homemade soup that will definitely warm you up.
For pizza and smash burgers, arcade games, and beer all under one roof, Basic City Beer Co. checks every box. Kids can play, adults can relax, and every one wins.
Common Wealth Crush is Waynesboro’s very own urban winery co-op. You can taste Virginia wines made right in the Metalcrafters complex in their beautiful tasting room. It’s the perfect spot for freezing winter afternoons and evenings.
Wander Around Downtown
Start with the museums. Waynesboro Heritage Museum offers a deep dive into local history without requiring a coat (plus it’s donation based and self guided). The Augusta County Railroad Museum is perfect for railfans or casual fans of trains (also donation based). For something more visual, the Shenandoah Valley Art Center delivers rotating exhibitions and gallery browsing that pairs well with cold weather wandering and The Russell Museum features the art and life of Walter Russell.
Shopping downtown is tailor-made for winter. Stone Soup Books is the kind of place where you go in for five minutes and leave forty-five minutes later with a stack of books and a gift you didn’t plan on buying. That’s just one stop. Downtown Waynesboro is packed with locally owned shops like Boutique in the Boro, adorn., Rusticae, Initial Inspiration, Waynesboro Music, Blue Ridge Aquatics, Luke’s Hobbies, Pyramid, and the list goes on.
When the hunger hits, you’re definitely in the right place. Downtown features tons of restaurants for all ages and palates. If the kids are in tow and you need something quick hit Delly Up, Benny Stivale’s Pizza, or Sam’s Hot Dog Stand. If you’re looking for a sit down lunch or dinner with lots of ambiance head to Royal India Palace, Green Leaf Grill (dinner only), or The River Burger Bar.
Feeling Brave?
If you absolutely need fresh air, there’s exactly one winter outdoor recreational activity I feel like I can recommend without feeling like I’m trying to punish you: The Blue Ridge Tunnel. Bundle up, make the walk, and once you hit the tunnel, it’s about 50 degrees inside. Practically tropical in this frozen hellscape. You’ll feel probably a little smug, and immediately ready to go back indoors.
There you have it, ya’ll. Waynesboro is absolutely freezing right now, but if you know where to look you can find just where all the fun (and wine) is waiting for you. Stay warm everyone!
