If you could only recommend one book for the rest If you could only recommend one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 📖

This one has been an easy answer for me since 2020, when I read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It completely changed my life.

Since then, I have recommended it to countless people, and have felt intense amounts of joy as I’ve seen those people recommend it to others, buy copies for friends, suggest it for their book clubs, and come back to me to tell me how it changed their life just like it changed mine 🥰

Which book would you say changed your life for the better? 🤎

—

#themidnightlibrary #magicalrealism #mentalhealthbooks #bookcommunity #bookishvibes Matt Haig, books with mental health rep, magical realism books, book recs, favorite books, escapism, book hangover, reread worthy, comfort book
Would you want to have the same occupation as the Would you want to have the same occupation as the main character(s) in your last read? 💼

I recently finished Thunderhead, and I absolutely would *NOT* want to be a Scythe! 🙅🏻‍♀️ I also definitely wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the royalty in my other previous read, A Psalm of Storms and Silence 😬

Is there a book character’s “career” that you know you would love to have? 💭

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyaesthetic #readersofinstagram current read, currently reading, cozy aesthetic, escapism, late-night chapters, what I’m reading
Is there an author who consistently writes books t Is there an author who consistently writes books that bring you to tears? 😭

I have cried while reading every single one of Amber’s books... and that’s only a small part of what keeps me coming back for more 🤎

I’m struggling with even knowing how to put in words what her books mean to me, because even thinking about it is making me tear up 🥹 So instead of trying to craft the perfect thing to say, I’m just going to urge you to read everything she’s written. You can thank me later 🙏🏼

What was the last book that made you cry? 📖

—

#theleavingroom #booklover #bookcommunity #cozyreads #bookishvibes poetry, Amber McBride, The Leaving Room, sapphic books, books that will make you cry, book hangover, book recs, reread worthy, late-night chapters
Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛ I absolutely Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛

I absolutely love when a book has animals in it—whether that’s someone’s pet, familiar, or when the animal is the main character 😻

I’m always absurdly happy when there’s a cat, and if they have a creative name it’s even better. I think the stand-out for me was a cat named The Darkling in Accidentally Amy. I’ll never forget it! 😂

Do you have a furbaby companion? Tell me all about them! 🐾

—

#cozyreads #readingescape #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic #booknerd book animals, cats of Instagram, book cats, fantasy books, romance books, cozy aesthetic
Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔 Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔

I’m always torn between excitement over seeing my favorite stories come to life and anxiety about what they might change and how it could disappoint me 😅

I fell head over heels in love with the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation 🤎 For those who don’t know, this is not only my favorite EmHen, but it’s my all-time favorite romance book. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it in 2021 and have inhaled every format of it multiple times since 🥰

I was nervous about the movie, but loved how they stayed true to the *vibe* of PWMOV 🏖️ Even with the changes they did make, Alex and Poppy were precisely as I had always imagined them, and I adored watching every second of their friends to lovers romance 🎥

This is a negativity-free zone! If you loved the PWMOV movie as much as I did, tell me your favorite part of the film! 🍿

—

#romancebooks #peoplewemeetonvacation #romancebooklover #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic romance books, romance reads, Emily Henry, popular romances, book adaptations, romance movie, Netflix
Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭 Do you w Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭

Do you want to open a bookstore? Write a novel? Become an editor? Get a bookish tattoo? Host an author panel? 

This is a place to put your hopes and dreams out there in the universe. You never know what might happen! 😉

As for me? I want to own a book bus that eventually becomes a brick and mortar bookshop with a café and apothecary. I want it to be the kind of comforting and safe atmosphere that allows people to feel like they can just *breathe* for a little while whenever they visit. That’s my dream ☕️

So, if this dream becomes reality, where should I take my book bus first? 📍

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyreads #readersofinstagram book dreams, cozy aesthetic, bookshop bookstore, book influencer, book blogger
Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025 Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025? 📖

The whole time I was away from this space, I kept having these moments of, “gosh, I wish I was active on booksta right now, if only to rave about the book that I’m currently reading!” 🙈

WHILE THE DARK REMAINS was definitely one of those books 🙌🏼 This story left me utterly speechless in the best way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel. 

Do you have any sequels that you’re anticipating in 2026? 📚

—

#fantasyreads #fantasybooklover #bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookishvibes escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, reread worthy
How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
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Travel · April 1, 2019

Our Stay at The Blackburn Inn

This post is in partnership with The Blackburn Inn, who so kindly comped our overnight stay. This, in no way, alters my opinions and review of the location. Huge thank-you to the companies who allow The Espresso Edition to branch out with new endeavors, and to my readers for supporting me and these companies.

What better way to kickstart spring than with a trip to The Blackburn Inn in Staunton, Virginia? It’s the perfect escape from reality!

Last weekend, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to road-trip up to Staunton, VA (a little less than two hours northwest of Richmond) for an over-night stay at The Blackburn Inn. We weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Neither of us had ever visited the city of Staunton, and all we knew of the hotel was that in its past life it had been not only an asylum, but also a prison. There’s certainly some interesting history surrounding the place! However, it completely won us with its charm, from the moment we entered the giant, circular driveway for check-in on Sunday, to the last time we walked down the grand double-staircase on Monday.

Some folks asked us if we were uncomfortable staying there, knowing the more challenging history of the building. My response? Certainly not. If you didn’t know … you’d never know! The inn feels like a combination of The Notebook and Gone With the Wind. It’s romantic and spacious, modern and relaxing. I would suggest a trip here if you’re looking for a place to take your significant other for an anniversary. I would also highly recommend it if you’re an entrepreneur, author, or partake in any other kind of business and you need a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I absolutely say you need a trip here if you enjoy history, culture, and feeling at peace. So, basically, no matter your situation, this is an excellent place to stay.

The Blackburn Inn is unlike any other hotel I’ve visited.

Each and every bedroom is unique, so you can expect a different experience with each stay. The queen beds are plush and comfortable, the rain-style showers are sizable (you can also book a room with deluxe tubs to soak in), and our particular spot on the third floor included a foyer with the perfect amount of space to store our luggage and get ready in the morning without bumping into each other.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that they offered a complimentary breakfast bar in the morning. Most of the foods were from local artisans and bakeries (they even included croissants from our new favorite café). This is hosted in their bistro on the first floor, which also offers happy hour and dinner later in the day. If you have any desire whatsoever to depart from the inn, you can find suggestions of nearby eateries on their website.

. Honestly, once we were there, we really didn’t want to – it’s glorious. It’s only half a mile from downtown Staunton, but far enough removed from all the hustle and bustle of “normal life” that it feels like such a luxurious escape from reality.

If I were to truly express every pleasant thought that occurred to me on this trip, I’m pretty sure I could write a book. The Blackburn Inn was definitely somewhere I will be visiting again. Staunton hosts so many hidden gems, and I can’t wait to share more about them in my city guide, coming soon!


Related Posts
A Review of Graduate Richmond // Why We Always Go Back to Graduate Hotels // The Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in RVA

Would you visit The Blackburn Inn?

In: Travel · Tagged: boutique hotel, historic inn, hotel review, Staunton Virginia, The Blackburn Inn, travel, Virginia is for lovers, visit Staunton, visit Virginia

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48 Comments
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Danielle
6 years ago

What a beautiful little place! I love staying in Inns and Boutique hotels – usually such a unique experience.

xx, Danielle

Reply
Liz
6 years ago

What a charming inn! I love that each bedroom is different and love the fun pops of color!

Reply
Brandon
6 years ago

Love how all these pictures turned out. Such an awesome job.

Reply
Anna English
6 years ago

What a cute little spot! I love the clean atheistic!

Reply
Danielle
6 years ago

What a beautiful little place! I love staying in Inns and Boutique hotels – usually such a unique experience.

xx, Danielle

Reply
Hillary Conheady
6 years ago

It looks so beautiful here!! Definitely putting this on my list!

Reply
Liz
6 years ago

What a charming inn! I love that each bedroom is different and love the fun pops of color!

Reply
Laura Adney
6 years ago

These pictures are gorgeous! Looks like an awesome stay, very eclectic and cool.

Reply
Anna English
6 years ago

What a cute little spot! I love the clean atheistic!

Reply
Alyssa
6 years ago

Oohh! I would definitely not be brave enough to stay at this inn, but you have me practically convinced!

Reply
Tanvi Rastogi
6 years ago

Looks like charming little property. Love all the details and pop of color. Love your PJs too.

❥ tanvii.com

Reply
Carolyn
6 years ago

Yes, I would totally visit! I think the history behind this place is really interesting, but it doesn’t give off any creepy vibes at all. Love how charming this looks!

Reply
Ruthie Ridley
6 years ago

This place looks so fun!!! I love the property and the colors so much!!

Reply
Carolyn
6 years ago

Yes, I would totally visit! I think the history behind this place is really interesting, but it doesn’t give off any creepy vibes at all. Love how charming this looks!

Reply
Kileen
6 years ago

Looks like an amazing place to stay and looks so homey!! & That bathroom looks so dreamy. Definitely need to stay here if I’m ever in the area!

Kileen
cute & little

Reply
Greta
6 years ago

What a quaint and charming little inn! I love staying in places like this.

Reply
Kileen
6 years ago

Looks like an amazing place to stay and looks so homey!! & That bathroom looks so dreamy. Definitely need to stay here if I’m ever in the area!

Kileen
cute & little

Reply
Sara Kelley
6 years ago

The first thing I thought when I saw this was that it was once a college. Being an asylum/prison, I can see why people asked how you’d feel. I think a lot of people would be nervous if it was haunted! I’m nowhere near VA however I’d love to travel down the East Coast. I love visiting restored buildings, and they did such a great job here. Thank you for sharing Stephanie!

Reply
Laura
6 years ago

I love this place! It looks so spacious, clean and bright! I’m so glad you had such a good time here!

Reply
Sara Kelley
6 years ago

The first thing I thought when I saw this was that it was once a college. Being an asylum/prison, I can see why people asked how you’d feel. I think a lot of people would be nervous if it was haunted! I’m nowhere near VA however I’d love to travel down the East Coast. I love visiting restored buildings, and they did such a great job here. Thank you for sharing Stephanie!

Reply
Deborah
6 years ago

Wow, this place seems like such a cute place to stay! In fact, I think I’ve been there before when my friend was getting married!

Reply
Laura
6 years ago

I love this place! It looks so spacious, clean and bright! I’m so glad you had such a good time here!

Reply
Deborah
6 years ago

Wow, this place seems like such a cute place to stay! In fact, I think I’ve been there before when my friend was getting married!

Reply
Lecy | A Simpler Grace
6 years ago

This is such a pretty place! I love the historic look of the structure but all the modern touches they’ve added to the decor. 🙂

Reply
Kenzi || Life of a Sister
6 years ago

What a fun way to have a staycation! It’s so cute and I love all the decor.

Reply
Rachel
6 years ago

What a charming hotel! I love finding boutique places to stay!

Reply
Jordyn
6 years ago

What a fun getaway! The property looks absolutely stunning!

Reply
Lecy | A Simpler Grace
6 years ago

This is such a pretty place! I love the historic look of the structure but all the modern touches they’ve added to the decor. 🙂

Reply
Kenzi || Life of a Sister
6 years ago

What a fun way to have a staycation! It’s so cute and I love all the decor.

Reply
Rachel
6 years ago

What a charming hotel! I love finding boutique places to stay!

Reply
Taylor Mobley
6 years ago

It’s completely gorgeous!!! What a fabulous boutique style hotel. I love new places like this.

Reply
Taylor Mobley
6 years ago

It’s completely gorgeous!!! What a fabulous boutique style hotel. I love new places like this.

Reply
Becky @ Disney in your Day
6 years ago

This looks so nice! It must have been a very relaxing weekend.

Reply
Becky @ Disney in your Day
6 years ago

This looks so nice! It must have been a very relaxing weekend.

Reply
Nailil
6 years ago

What a cute Inn! It sounds like it was a great place to stay!

Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com

Reply
Nailil
6 years ago

What a cute Inn! It sounds like it was a great place to stay!

Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com

Reply
Tonya Morris
6 years ago

I live so close by to Staunton and I can’t believe I’ve never been here before! What a charming place!

Reply
Tonya Morris
6 years ago

I live so close by to Staunton and I can’t believe I’ve never been here before! What a charming place!

Reply
Kristina
6 years ago

This place looks super cute- love the bathroom! Looks like y’all had a great time 🙂

Reply
Kristina
6 years ago

This place looks super cute- love the bathroom! Looks like y’all had a great time 🙂

Reply
Deanie
6 years ago

What a fun opportunity! Looks charming!
Xo, Deanie
Deanie Michelle

Reply
Tara Fuller
6 years ago

a) you two are the cutest! b) the hotel is so charming! i love the unique rooms!

Reply
Tara Fuller
6 years ago

a) you two are the cutest! b) the hotel is so charming! i love the unique rooms!

Reply
Denise Kokinis
6 years ago

This is such a charming and quaint place and the perfect way to kick off spring! Looks like such a cozy stay and the colorful accents are my favorite!

Denise | Fashion Love Letters

Reply
Paul Cooper
6 years ago

Soooooo, I am completely biased (my company manages The Blackburn Inn) but I so agree. Staunton is such a beautiful place and we love all of our local partners. This hotel took over 12 years to develop and open. (Who knew converting a building constructed in 1823 into a boutique inn would be such a challenge 🤣. Joking….we have done this historic adaptive reuse hotel projects before! It’s been a labor of love and we are honored to have had you stay with us! Thank you so much for the review and kind words. Glad you had a memorable visit!

Reply
Paul Cooper
6 years ago

Soooooo, I am completely biased (my company manages The Blackburn Inn) but I so agree. Staunton is such a beautiful place and we love all of our local partners. This hotel took over 12 years to develop and open. (Who knew converting a building constructed in 1823 into a boutique inn would be such a challenge 🤣. Joking….we have done this historic adaptive reuse hotel projects before! It’s been a labor of love and we are honored to have had you stay with us! Thank you so much for the review and kind words. Glad you had a memorable visit!

Reply
Denise Kokinis
6 years ago

This is such a charming and quaint place and the perfect way to kick off spring! Looks like such a cozy stay and the colorful accents are my favorite!

Denise | Fashion Love Letters

Reply
Jordyn
6 years ago

What a fun getaway! The property looks absolutely stunning!

Reply
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Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy bookish blog (with just a pinch of lifestyle goodness). I'm Stephanie, and I'm overjoyed to welcome you to this safe space designed for book lovers old and new who are seeking everything from book recommendations to reading tips to reviews and so much more.

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If you could only recommend one book for the rest If you could only recommend one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 📖

This one has been an easy answer for me since 2020, when I read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It completely changed my life.

Since then, I have recommended it to countless people, and have felt intense amounts of joy as I’ve seen those people recommend it to others, buy copies for friends, suggest it for their book clubs, and come back to me to tell me how it changed their life just like it changed mine 🥰

Which book would you say changed your life for the better? 🤎

—

#themidnightlibrary #magicalrealism #mentalhealthbooks #bookcommunity #bookishvibes Matt Haig, books with mental health rep, magical realism books, book recs, favorite books, escapism, book hangover, reread worthy, comfort book
Would you want to have the same occupation as the Would you want to have the same occupation as the main character(s) in your last read? 💼

I recently finished Thunderhead, and I absolutely would *NOT* want to be a Scythe! 🙅🏻‍♀️ I also definitely wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the royalty in my other previous read, A Psalm of Storms and Silence 😬

Is there a book character’s “career” that you know you would love to have? 💭

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyaesthetic #readersofinstagram current read, currently reading, cozy aesthetic, escapism, late-night chapters, what I’m reading
Is there an author who consistently writes books t Is there an author who consistently writes books that bring you to tears? 😭

I have cried while reading every single one of Amber’s books... and that’s only a small part of what keeps me coming back for more 🤎

I’m struggling with even knowing how to put in words what her books mean to me, because even thinking about it is making me tear up 🥹 So instead of trying to craft the perfect thing to say, I’m just going to urge you to read everything she’s written. You can thank me later 🙏🏼

What was the last book that made you cry? 📖

—

#theleavingroom #booklover #bookcommunity #cozyreads #bookishvibes poetry, Amber McBride, The Leaving Room, sapphic books, books that will make you cry, book hangover, book recs, reread worthy, late-night chapters
Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛ I absolutely Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛

I absolutely love when a book has animals in it—whether that’s someone’s pet, familiar, or when the animal is the main character 😻

I’m always absurdly happy when there’s a cat, and if they have a creative name it’s even better. I think the stand-out for me was a cat named The Darkling in Accidentally Amy. I’ll never forget it! 😂

Do you have a furbaby companion? Tell me all about them! 🐾

—

#cozyreads #readingescape #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic #booknerd book animals, cats of Instagram, book cats, fantasy books, romance books, cozy aesthetic
Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔 Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔

I’m always torn between excitement over seeing my favorite stories come to life and anxiety about what they might change and how it could disappoint me 😅

I fell head over heels in love with the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation 🤎 For those who don’t know, this is not only my favorite EmHen, but it’s my all-time favorite romance book. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it in 2021 and have inhaled every format of it multiple times since 🥰

I was nervous about the movie, but loved how they stayed true to the *vibe* of PWMOV 🏖️ Even with the changes they did make, Alex and Poppy were precisely as I had always imagined them, and I adored watching every second of their friends to lovers romance 🎥

This is a negativity-free zone! If you loved the PWMOV movie as much as I did, tell me your favorite part of the film! 🍿

—

#romancebooks #peoplewemeetonvacation #romancebooklover #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic romance books, romance reads, Emily Henry, popular romances, book adaptations, romance movie, Netflix
Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭 Do you w Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭

Do you want to open a bookstore? Write a novel? Become an editor? Get a bookish tattoo? Host an author panel? 

This is a place to put your hopes and dreams out there in the universe. You never know what might happen! 😉

As for me? I want to own a book bus that eventually becomes a brick and mortar bookshop with a café and apothecary. I want it to be the kind of comforting and safe atmosphere that allows people to feel like they can just *breathe* for a little while whenever they visit. That’s my dream ☕️

So, if this dream becomes reality, where should I take my book bus first? 📍

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyreads #readersofinstagram book dreams, cozy aesthetic, bookshop bookstore, book influencer, book blogger
Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025 Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025? 📖

The whole time I was away from this space, I kept having these moments of, “gosh, I wish I was active on booksta right now, if only to rave about the book that I’m currently reading!” 🙈

WHILE THE DARK REMAINS was definitely one of those books 🙌🏼 This story left me utterly speechless in the best way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel. 

Do you have any sequels that you’re anticipating in 2026? 📚

—

#fantasyreads #fantasybooklover #bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookishvibes escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, reread worthy
How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Are there any book small towns you’d like to live Are there any book small towns you’d like to live in? 📍

I think I’d sell a kidney to live in Inglewild 😂 Small towns give me such happiness and this one seems especially cozy and filled with so many entertaining people 🙈

I kinda wish this series would last forever, but simultaneously, I just live for ANYTHING BK Borison writes 😍 I adored First Time Caller as well and can’t wait for more of that story to unfold! 📖

Have you read any of this author’s books? 🤎 

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover #booksmalltowns #smalltownbooks cozy read, romance books, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Have you already read any of your most anticipated Have you already read any of your most anticipated books this year? 😍

I felt like I was counting down the days to Oathbound and Sunrise on the Reaping—and both of them definitely lived up to my expectations (best feeling ever)! 🙌🏼

Now to fully immerse myself in some of my fantasy ARCs and continue listening to EmHen’s latest! 🤎

Were any of these on your 2025 TBR? 📚

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read

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