Things To Do In Staunton

Ranked 12th in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Family Hotels and Cruises, The Homestead has been pampering guests—including 22 U.S. presidents—with an assortment of leisurely activities since its pre-Revolutionary War construction in 1766. This Groupon includes one night of well-appointed slumber for up to two guests in one of the historic resort's luxurious classic rooms, featuring down pillows, featherbeds, and midnight golf tips from the ghosts of former boarders. The sun porches and authentic fireplaces in some rooms reflect influences of quieter times, whereas WiFi and flat-screen TVs keep guests technologically apprised of happenings in the outside world. Honk your golf cart's horn in triumph after launching a dimply ball off the nation's oldest first tee in continuous use at the Old Course (an extra round of golf may be purchased for $35). The hilly, par 72 course was originally completed in 1892 but has received fairway contouring and silicone calf implants to keep golfers on their toes. Patrons allergic to grass or 9 irons can partake in a slew of indoor excursions, such as complimentary afternoon tea in the Great Hall, free film showings in the historic theater, and spirited rounds of sphere hurling at the on-site bowling center.

As the promoter of antique shows across the East Coast, Dordy Fontinel's career is almost as storied as the pieces of vintage Americana she vends. A collector since her teenage years, Dordy first started in the antiques business in 1978, eventually moving into promotion in 1992. She was joined in her new venture by her husband, Stillie Mason, an auctioneer with 18 years of experience. Together, the pair helps dealers display their wares to new crowds of collectors, filling their events with vintage home decor, jewelry, and accessories—many of which date from the 1760s to the 1960s.

The Shenandoah River is a churning, ever-moving playground. Its waters take kayaks, canoes, and tubes passed tree-lined banks, allowing passengers to relax or maybe pause for some fishing. Shenandoah River Adventures continuously launches watercraft for these types of adventures. Back on shore, the company's grounds also encompass a 2-acre campsite filled with trees and vegetation. Aquablazing combines the best of land and water activities by letting people hike and kayak through portions of the Appalachian Trail.

Racks of free weights, rows of treadmills, and a forest of fitness machines help exercisers shed fat and get shredded inside Gold's Gym. Over 50 fitness classes offered weekly give visitors options ranging from aqua aerobics to kettlebells and fitness boxing.

The eight-wheeled warriors of the Rocktown Rollers skate back onto the track at Funky's Skate Center, rousing fans of all ages with 60 minutes of bone-rattling checks, pileups, and passes. Following its acceptance as a full member of the internationally recognized Women's Flat Track Derby Association in 2011, the skater-owned-and-operated squad has continued to flourish as one of Shenandoah Valley's prime sources of supersonic action and bruises that cast shadows over less impressive bruises.

In an intimate space with soothing hues and wood floors, Momentum Pilates Studio reinforces cores and liberates locked-up muscles with mat- and machine-based movements. Experienced instructors lead student groups through a bundle of 55-minute, classical Pilates mat classes, from beginner to advanced and multi-level, capitalizing on bodyweight resistance. Pilates boot camp ensures physiques are armed with toned, sleek strength before big events, and Pilates classes with equipment harness the power of reformers and ped-o-pulls, enhancing limb limberness and strength built from the innermost musculature to the outermost candy-coated shell. Pilates-on-the-ball classes are a pleasant alternative to neurotic paramours for adding challenging instability to routines, and students can mix it up yet further with a yoga-fusion class for body awareness, breath work, and mind-body confluence.