Edible Blue Ridge Fall 2022

and offer a natural place for healing. Some patients even worked in the orchards as part of their treatment. The historic building has many of its original features, from the circular drive that was designed in the 1830s to the magnificent moldings and perhaps, the crowning achievement, the handcrafted spiral staircase leading up to the cupola. Climb up the dizzying steps and you will be rewarded with an unparalleled view of downtown Staunton and the inn’s grounds. The veranda surrounding the cupola is also a rather romantic spot to watch the sunset. The rooms themselves celebrate the history of the building while providing the comforts of the modern day. This extends to their spa, where you can enjoy a hot stone massage or facial before dinner. Whether you are looking for a casual din ner or a special night out, the food and service at BLU Point can meet your every need. Veteran restaurateurs Jeff and Susan Goode (owners of much-beloved Zynodoa) saw a niche for a seafood restaurant in the Staunton food scene. With the pair hailing from Long Island and Connecticut, respec tively, BLU Point is named for the Goodes’ treasured childhood memories of enjoying Blue Point oysters with family. Everything is sourced as locally as possible, so expect to see in-season Atlantic fish and many familiar farms on the menu. Staples such as seafood DINNER & DRINKS BLU Point Seafood Co.

Beverly Street is where the main action is, with shops galore from Ware House Min iatures (handcrafted doll houses) to Beverly Cigar Store (complete with a plush smoking area) to Latitudes Fair Trade (sustainable handmade gifts) and a surprising number of book shops (both used and new). If you’re in need of a libation, take a slight detour down Lewis Street to the Wharf District. The Wharf District used to house Staunton’s saloons, distilleries and brothels, and now is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city. A trifecta of beverage options await you there. Redbeard Brewing is a Staunton mainstay for those wanting something on the malty side, while Ciders From Mars of fers an exciting cider cocktail program, and the staff at Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room will pour you a selection of their very best vintages. LODGING By this time, we were ready to check into our hotel and freshen up before dinner. While there are many historic places to stay in Staunton, perhaps the most stunning is the Blackburn Inn and Conference Center. The building was originally the administra tion office of Western State Hospital (circa 1828), one of the first psychiatric hospitals in the country; it was also one of the first of its kind to practice “moral treatment” — fo cusing on the well-being of its patients. This treatment included the purchase of a parcel of land to develop gardens and orchards to both feed patients (farm-to-table style)

Above: An array of dishes from BLU Point Seafood Co. Oyster tray. Drinks at the green room. Top right: Beverly Street, Staunton.

28 | edible blue ridge fall 2022