Now announcing our winter train package!
Adventure through the Shenandoah in style aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway. This unique experience includes overnight accommodations at The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center and round-trip tickets on Virginia’s only regularly scheduled sightseeing train. Guests may choose between two routes: travel west through the rolling fields of the Shenandoah Valley, on a leisurely trip bound for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests aboard the Alleghany Special or journey east on the Blue Ridge Flyer towards Shenandoah National Park, and pass through the Blue Ridge Tunnel before turning around in Albemarle County for the return trip to Staunton.
The train excursions are available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: For guests looking to book in March 2025, the Allegheny Special is not available due to track enhancements that will be taking place during that time.
*Please note if you do not see rates available, please click on the edit or calendar button on the reservation page to see all available dates.*
Your Itinerary for the Weekend:
Accommodations
Check into your cozy accommodations at the Blackburn Inn and Conference Center. Once you've unpacked, relax with some bubbly in your signature champagne flutes.
Alleghany Special - West 10:30am
Your overnight accommodations will be the day before your train excursion.
Blue Ridge Flyer - East 3:30pm
Your overnight accomodations will be the night of your train excursion.
Train Excursion
Alleghany Special - West 10:30am
Experience the charm and beauty of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley as the Alleghany Special ventures westward from historic Staunton through beautiful farmland of the Shenandoah Valley, on a destination bound for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: For guests looking to book in March 2025, the Allegheny Special is not available due to track enhancements that will be taking place during that time.
Blue Ridge Flyer - East 3:30pm
Climb aboard the Blue Ridge Flyer, and head east for an opportunity to experience the thrill of roaring through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, carved out of rock hundreds of feet below the mountain summit above. The train will turn around in Ivy for the return journey and make a second pass through the darkness of the Blue Ridge Tunnel. You may get to experience the thrill of a passing Amtrak train or freight train.
Attractions
- Learn about the life & legacy of President Woodrow Wilson at his birthplace and museum.
- Take in a show at the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s theater, the Blackfriars Playhouse.
- Explore the history and architecture of Staunton on a self-guided walking tour. Be sure to make time for some window shopping!
Nightlife & Dining
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- Dine at the southern-inspired Zynodoa or try the charming café, Cossette.
- Relax with a glass of wine or craft beer at The Junction or Yelping Dog.
- Enjoy a scoop of gelato at The Split Banana.
Package Includes
- Overnight accommodations at The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center
- Champagne arrival with souvenir champagne flutes.
- Embroidered fleece blanket—yours to keep and enjoy on the lawn of The Blackburn.
- A private dining table for two to include lunch or dinner. Choose from the Alleghany Special or the Blue Ridge Flyer. Guests will have several entrees to select from.
*ATTENTION: Please note that stays reserved on the following dates (Thursday, January 23, Thursday, January 30, Thursday, February 6, Thursday, February 20, and Thursday, February 27) will have train rides at 10:30 am the day of your departure from the hotel.
