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!
What a beautiful little place! I love staying in Inns and Boutique hotels – usually such a unique experience.
xx, Danielle
What a charming inn! I love that each bedroom is different and love the fun pops of color!
Love how all these pictures turned out. Such an awesome job.
What a cute little spot! I love the clean atheistic!
What a beautiful little place! I love staying in Inns and Boutique hotels – usually such a unique experience.
xx, Danielle
It looks so beautiful here!! Definitely putting this on my list!
What a charming inn! I love that each bedroom is different and love the fun pops of color!
These pictures are gorgeous! Looks like an awesome stay, very eclectic and cool.
What a cute little spot! I love the clean atheistic!
Oohh! I would definitely not be brave enough to stay at this inn, but you have me practically convinced!
Looks like charming little property. Love all the details and pop of color. Love your PJs too.
❥ tanvii.com
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!
This place looks so fun!!! I love the property and the colors so much!!
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!
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
What a quaint and charming little inn! I love staying in places like this.
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
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!
I love this place! It looks so spacious, clean and bright! I’m so glad you had such a good time here!
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!
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!
I love this place! It looks so spacious, clean and bright! I’m so glad you had such a good time here!
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!
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. 🙂
What a fun way to have a staycation! It’s so cute and I love all the decor.
What a charming hotel! I love finding boutique places to stay!
What a fun getaway! The property looks absolutely stunning!
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. 🙂
What a fun way to have a staycation! It’s so cute and I love all the decor.
What a charming hotel! I love finding boutique places to stay!
It’s completely gorgeous!!! What a fabulous boutique style hotel. I love new places like this.
It’s completely gorgeous!!! What a fabulous boutique style hotel. I love new places like this.
This looks so nice! It must have been a very relaxing weekend.
This looks so nice! It must have been a very relaxing weekend.
What a cute Inn! It sounds like it was a great place to stay!
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
What a cute Inn! It sounds like it was a great place to stay!
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
I live so close by to Staunton and I can’t believe I’ve never been here before! What a charming place!
I live so close by to Staunton and I can’t believe I’ve never been here before! What a charming place!
This place looks super cute- love the bathroom! Looks like y’all had a great time 🙂
This place looks super cute- love the bathroom! Looks like y’all had a great time 🙂
What a fun opportunity! Looks charming!
Xo, Deanie
Deanie Michelle
a) you two are the cutest! b) the hotel is so charming! i love the unique rooms!
a) you two are the cutest! b) the hotel is so charming! i love the unique rooms!
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
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!
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!
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
What a fun getaway! The property looks absolutely stunning!