The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center
Staunton, Virginia
301 Greenville Ave, Staunton, Virginia 24401
Original Property Opened in 1828
Historic Hotels of America member since 2018
The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center resides within an erstwhile medical facility called the Western State Hospital. Founded during the early 1800s, the hospital is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The structure that currently constitutes the hotel was just one small component of this massive complex, serving as the hospital’s administrative office for many years. Thomas R. Blackburn—an accomplished architect and protégé of Thomas Jefferson’s—constructed the building as part of his greater plan to expand the entire facility in the 1830s. After an extensive renovation that took place throughout most of the 2000s, the building debuted in 2018 as the Blackburn Inn in honor of Thomas R. Blackburn.
Today guests at the Blackburn Inn and Conference Center can enjoy a sleek and elegant interior and cozy elements. The lawns, gazebos, and patios are an ideal place to enjoy the serene property which sits on a sprawling 80 acres of well-manicured grounds in the heart of the Shenendoah Valley. Original artwork adorns the walls of the hotel's art gallery, allowing guests to see works by local Virginia artists. In addition to the wonderful amenities at the Blackburn Inn and Conference Center,
Discover
- Discover the Greek Revival-style architecture of the Blackburn Inn. This terrific historic hotel was originally part of a massive hospital complex that was designed by a protégé of Thomas Jefferson's named Thomas Blackburn.
- Gaze upon the beautiful historic structures of the Beverly Historic District. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the neighborhood is composed of many unique buildings that display such architectural styles like Romanesque Revival and Italianate.
- Stroll through the Besty Bell Wilderness Park just beyond the hotel's front door. This amazing outdoor destination is among the best places in Staunton to go for a hike or bicycle ride.
Explore
- Explore the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum for guided tours of the President’s family home, personal items, and gardens.
- Visit the Camera Heritage Museum and take a self-guided tour through exhibits devoted to the history, science, and art of photography.
- Hike through Shenandoah National Park and wander over 200,000 acres of forested trails, waterfalls, and Blue Ridge mountain vistas.
Experience
- Experience the Frontier Culture Museum. This remarkable cultural institution is a series of historic farms that seek to preserve Virignia's colonial history for future generations to appreciate.
- Attend a thrilling theatrical performance at the the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse. This great venue hosts all kinds of performances that bring the works of William Shakespeare to life.
- See Booker T. Washington Community Center, a former high school built for African American students during 20th-century segregation and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
Taste
- Enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal at Blackburn Inn’s on-site bistro, Second Draft, including Virginia’s finest wines, beers, and ciders.
- Dine at the Depot Grille, an American eatery and bar with a classic tavern vibe, set in the historic Staunton, Virginia rail depot with beam ceilings.
- Have a drink at the Mill Street Grill, a traditional American fare and live music hall in the casual interior of a turn-of-the-century flour mill.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
