Blackburn Inn and Conference Center

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, guests can enjoy the close proximity to the quaint downtown Staunton, historic sites, and delightful wineries and hiking trails. The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center has been named to these Historic Hotels of America Top 25 Lists The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Best of Adaptive Reuse List