Staunton

Books

& Tea

A Haven to Explore and Savor

Upcoming Events

Wed, Mar 18
Staunton Reading Society: Women Who Made History
Staunton Books & Tea
More Details
Mar 18, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Staunton Books & Tea, 34 E Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401, USA
Not your typical book club.
Wed, Apr 08
International Book Club: Archipelago by Natalie Bakopoulos
Staunton Books & Tea
More Details
Apr 08, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Staunton Books & Tea, 34 E Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401, USA
A lyrical journey across borders, identity, and home - join our International Book Club for a rich discussion of Archipelago with special guest Johan Westenburg.
Date and time is TBD
Poetry Speakeasy
Staunton Books & Tea
More Details
Date and time is TBD
Staunton Books & Tea, 34 E Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401, USA

Recent Blog Posts

Booksellers’ Picks. Books We Love to Recommend.

Women without Men: February International Book Club's pick

Why Theater Still Matters: A Local Perspective on a National Conversation

[International Book Club]

On February 4, we were joined by American-Iranian author Ali Hosseini to discuss Women without Men by Shahrnush Parsipur.

Written in 1977, only three years before the revolution, Parsipur made a name for herself by taking a female point of view on Iranian culture.

She talks about women's situation under the dominant religious and political situation in a time when virginity, purity, and "women's topics" were not discussed in public.

It landed her in jail.

As a result of Parsipur's unflinching bravery, more Iranian women began to write changing the literary landscape in Iran.

Swipe to the end to hear co-host Ali read an original passage in Persian.

Want to join our international book club?
Date: April 8, 2026
Book: Archipelago by Natalie Bakopoulos
Tickets: Free through our website

Only 4 tickets remain!

Friends, we only have 4(!) more tickets for our inaugural Book Salon tomorrow night!

If you're looking for some cozy winter reading, exclusive previews up upcoming books and a good ol' chat with your favorite booksellers, join us Wednesday night at 34 E Beverley St!

You bring the curiosity. We bring the hot tea, chocolate and all the cozy book recs!

Grab your ticket and bring a friend!

#supportsmallbusiness #supportindiebookstores #shopindiebookstores #shoplocal #smalltownpride

Something new on our bookshelves

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton #StauntonLove #stauntonvirginia

You have a date🌹

Who is up for a cozy night at a local bookshop as your actual plan for Valentine's Day?

At our inaugural Winter Book Salon, we'll have
• booksellers from @leafandlorestore, @stonesoupbooks & @wordsmattergiftshop
• hot tea and artisanal chocolates
• book recommendations galore (from people who curate for a living!)
• a preview of 2026 titles that we can't wait to put on the shelves
• an Ask-Me-Anything Bookseller Edition
• meet-your-match: "Tell us what story you're craving, and we'llrecommend a book!" and of course:
• a bookish community of readers!

All genres welcome!

Treat yourself ($10) OR bring a bookloving friend ($18 for a double 😉)

We can't wait to see you!

#shopsmall #supportsmallbusiness #supportindiebookstores #supportsmallbusiness❤️

This week we introduce the party from @prahacrozet

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA

We hope you had a chance to meet Vicki!

Before she embarked on her next adventure, she shared with us (and now all of you!) what genres and books she most enjoys, and what books she is excited about in 2026!

Want more recommendations from our booksellers? Join our Winter Book Salon on Feb 11!

We look forward to reading with you this year!

What's on your to-read list in 2026?

#shopsmall #shoplocal #supportindiebookstores

You're invited 💌

On February 11, local booksellers from the Shenandoah Valley are hosting the Valley's inaugural Winter Book Salon in Staunton 📚

We will talk about:
• Books we can't stop recommending
• Books that moved and surprised us in 2025
• Books we're excited about in 2026

❌ This is not a panel discussion ❌

1. Ask-Me-Anything Bookseller Edition: what have you always wanted to ask your local booksellers?

2. Book matchmaking: tell us what you're in the mood for and we'll recommend a book (or 3).

3. We will have all the books that we discussed available for purchase that night (and a chance to pre-order your next great read!)

4. You'll have time to browse the shelves and chat with booksellers while sipping hot tea and enjoying some fine chocolates 🍫

5. Tickets are available on our website. We even created a "Best Friends ticket": Buy 2 tickets and save so being your bookloving friends and make it an early Valentine's Day date!

Participating bookshops:
@stonesoupbooks
@leafandlorestore
@wordsmattergiftshop

#ItTakesAValley #supportindiebookshops #shoplocal

What happens when your dreamy small town gets shut down by a snow storm?

And what do booksellers actually do when they're waiting for it to re-open?

Welcome behind the scenes of our bookshop!

Please remember that every day we're closed we lose revenue making winter a tough season for Indie bookshops and other small businesses.

There are at least 4 ways to help us keep the doors open 👉 see last slide 💡

#supportsmallbusiness #supportindiebookstores #Shoplocal #shopsmall

This month’s International Book Club is not a typical book discussion.

We’ll be gathering around Women Without Men, a short, powerful novel that reshaped Iranian literature and continues to resonate across borders.

We're co-hosting this conversation with Ali Hosseini, who will guide us through:

the literary and political context in which the book was written

why it was banned, censored, and seen as threatening

the symbolism, mysticism, and poetic language that make this novel so singular

Ali will also read a short passage in Persian so we can hear the texture and rhythm of the original language.

This won’t be a plot recap.

It will be a layered, thoughtful conversation about women’s inner lives, cultural constraint, imagination against the backdrop of magical realism in Tehran, CA. 1950s.

If you’ve read the book and want to go deeper, this evening is for you.

If the book unsettled or puzzled you, you’re especially welcome!

If you haven't read it yet, no sweat. It's only 122 pages😉

📖 February International Book Club
🗓️ Feb 4, 2026 | ⏰ Doors & tea service at 6.30 | Discussion at 7 p.m.
🔗 Register via link in bio

Have you ever fantasized about all the books you would read if you were snowed in and had nowhere to go?

That week is upon us!

And these new arrivals are looking for a new home on your to-read list 📚

From memoir to poetry, international fiction to current affairs - we have something for everyone.

Travel around the world without leaving your sofa.

Experience other cultures and epochs.

Explore foreign cuisines and American folklore.

We open at 10 and will stay open as long as it's safe to do so. Our first priority is the health and safety of our staff; if the snow starts early, we'll close in time for everyone to get home safe.

⚠️ We will be closed tomorrow, Sunday, Jan 25. ⚠️

What are you waiting for? Come and grab your extended weekend reading while we're here!

#shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #supportindiebookstores

On Tuesday night, we made a little magic.

Staunton Backstage sold out. Standing room only. And for 90 minutes, the room was alive.

We gathered leaders from @off_center_staunton, @shenanarts, @silverlinetheatre and @americanshakespearecenter for an honest conversation about what local theaters are up against, and what becomes possible when collaboration replaces competition.

The generosity in the room was the very essence of what makes our town so special ✨

So go out to see a show. Or five. Bring your friends and neighbors!

Sign your kids up for drama and musical classes and camps at @silverlinetheatre

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a candlelight concert at @americanshakespearecenter

See one of many shows at @shenanarts

Explore American Myths at @off_center_staunton

Staunton's theater companies have something for EVERYONE.

New tea tasting event prior to our tea menu expanding. We selected an interesting list of green and oolong for you to taste. We have just 6 seats for each event and they are usually gone very quickly - reserve your spot. See events link in the bio.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

New arrivals just hit the shelves!

With a super cold weekend ahead, grab a warm drink and hunker down with a book you can’t put down.

These titles travel across continents and centuries. They wrestle with belonging, grief, power, love, faith, and the stories we inherit and choose to carry forward. Some are sweeping and historical, others intimate and quietly devastating.

If you’re craving something thoughtful, global, and emotionally rich, we have just what you need!.

Stop by this weekend (see our Winter Hours on the last slide) to shop new arrivals or grab a classic.

#supportindiebookstores
#shoplocal #indiebookshops

Staunton’s theater scene punches far above its weight.

But that work doesn’t happen by accident.

On January 20, join us for Staunton Backstage, an open conversation with leaders from Off Center, ShenanArts, Silver Line Theatre Exchange, and the American Shakespeare Centre.

We’ll talk about why theater matters in a small city, how national challenges are showing up locally, and the work audiences don’t always see: from funding realities to education, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.

If you love live performance, are curious about how it all works, or want a better understanding of what it takes to keep these stages alive, this night is for you.

Bonus: Get an exclusive preview of the 2026 season at all four companies.

🎭 January 20
📍 Staunton Books & Tea
🎟 Limited seating, ticketed event

We are so honored to be featured in the 2026 Staunton calendar 🎉

@littlemisspinkerbell is a Staunton-based artist who not only celebrates the beauty and small businesses in our town but also supports local nonprofits:

The proceeds of the 2026 calendar directly support @newdirectionscenter, a nonprofit that works to reduce the impact of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.here in the Shenandoah Valley.

We have 2(!) calendars left in the shop. Come buy a piece of Staunton, support a local artist AND the nlgeeat work of New Directions!

Shipping's never felt this good 😊

📸 by @c_lassiter & @littlemisspinkerbell

Updated tea flight selection today - try all spiced from our tea list!

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

Here are our fiction and nonfiction bestsellers!
 Since our shop is a boutique space with a carefully rotating selection (often just one copy per title), bestsellers here are wonderfully fleeting.
 A good reason to stop by regularly - you never know what treasure you’ll catch next.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

Announcing the books and tea subscription!

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

Our first full year of business 🎉

We learned a lot this year:
- What our community reads
- What teas they like and how (hot, cold, loose - we're here for it all😉) and
- What events make you want to leave your sofas and porches to talk about literature, the arts and current affairs.

Thank you to everyone who showed up for us this year! Independent bookshops like ours can't survive without customers like you who show up, rain or shine, and become part of our bookish community 📚

📸 @kate_simon_photo

We see you, last-minute shopper!

Whether you need that little something or a full-on Santa haul, we got you covered!

Stop by and tell us about the book lovers on your Christmas list, we're happy to play elves and help you fill those stockings 🎁

#Shoplocal #supportsmall #supportsmallbusiness❤️

Holiday schedule.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

We are sorry to share that this event is postponed. We will keep you updated.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

First snow!

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea #snow

Marble coasters!

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

We started tea flights! Serving Friday through Sunday.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

Could not argue with that!

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

Join us for an interesting discussion this Sunday.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA #RoanokeVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

Join us this Thursday, October 16, at 5:30 for the interesting and informative discussion.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

On Wednesday, October 1st, join us for a conversation on the Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen with Clifford Garstang.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

Staunton’s royalty.

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA
#stauntonbooksandtea #qcmm #qcmm2025 #queencitymischiefandmagic #queencitymischiefandmagic2025

Stop by to tell hi to our magicians! They will tell you everything about books, tea, and chocolate!

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA
#stauntonbooksandtea #qcmm2025 #queencitymischiefandmagic #queencitymischiefandmagic2025

Tomorrow! @queencitymagicsva #queencitymischiefandmagic #qcmm2025 #queencitymischiefandmagic2025 #Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

Tomorrow, 7–8:30pm! 🎭 Join us at Staunton Books & Tea for a lively evening with Aidan O’Reilly (American Shakespeare Center) as he brings the playfulness of The Two Gentlemen of Verona to life. Limited seating—RSVP now: https://www.stauntonbooks.com/event-details/an-evening-with-aidan-oreilly-breathing-life-into-shakespeare

#Staunton #StauntonVA #DowntownStaunton ##StauntonLove #VisitStaunton #VisitStauntonVA #HistoricStaunton #VA #Virginia #VirginiaIsForLovers #LoveVA
#Shenandoah #ShenandoahValley #AugustaCounty #WaynesboroVA #HarrisonburgVA #CharlottesvilleVA #LexingtonVA
#stauntonbooksandtea

We are ready to talk about forest bathing#staunton #stauntonva #visitstaunton #downtownstaunton

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Experiences

Our range of products will provide you with a cozy reading, tasting, or gifting experience.

Reading

Our small space allows us to highlight what is truly important: a community-curated book selection focusing on nonfiction genres and thought-provoking fiction. Generally, we do not carry children’s or young adult books, ensuring our selection remains dedicated to mature readers.

Tasting

Treat yourself to the ultimate tea and desserts experience. We offer a wide variety of premium loose-leaf teas, each carefully selected for its unique flavor profile, and delicious international desserts to ensure you have an unforgettable cultural experience.

Gifting

In addition to our wide selection of books, teas, and sweets, we offer a variety of gifts for every taste. Whether you are looking for a card, puzzle, candle, or literary gift, we have something unique that will delight everyone on your list. Come in and explore our collection of fun and unique gifts today!