At The Hermitage Inn & Taphouse, it’s all about rich history and modern comforts.
At the heart of Petersburg stands a building stately in appearance and grand in character. It’s older than West Virginia’s statehood, older than Grant County, older than most other structures in town. It used to provide a place for weary travelers to rest their heads while crossing the Potomac Highlands, from traders and salesmen to Confederate soldiers. Today, The Hermitage Inn & Taphouse reigns as a symbol of a mountain village’s vibrant history and warm hospitality.
Built as a private home in the early 1840s, the building’s life as an inn didn’t begin until after the Civil War. When Confederate forces occupied Petersburg, the structure was overrun with soldiers from nearby Fort Mulligan. Then, in 1881, the house was converted into Cunningham Hotel, setting into motion its nearly 150-year history as a hostelry.
Much has changed during that time, although the building’s Greek revival– influenced architecture has been carefully preserved—a contributing factor to its placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. In its early days, some rooms featured wall-to-wall beds reminiscent of a hostel—accomodations that contrast sharply with the stylish guest rooms of today. A motor lodge was added in the 1960s.
Spotlighting the inn’s history while centering guests’ comfort has been the goal of owners Carla and Jason Kaposy since they purchased the property in 2021. During her first visit to the property, Carla Kaposy knew it would pose an exciting challenge. With the support of Mills Group, a preservation-focused architectural firm, elevating this historic pillar of Petersburg was a breeze.
“Petersburg has a lot of buildings with great character and history, and it’s interesting to kind of go back in time and see what it was before,” Kaposy says. “Historic spaces are important to tourism, since people love to learn about the culture and history of an area when they visit.”
The Hermitage welcomes visitors of all kinds, but Kaposy says the area is especially appealing to anglers, hikers, and art aficionados. As a Petersburg resident of more than 20 years and director of the Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau, she knows all the best spots in town for dining, shopping, and old-fashioned fun. Once you’ve dropped your luggage in your room, head over to the visitors center at South Side Depot and find out what Petersburg has to offer.
Kaposy says outdoor recreation is a common pastime for guests of The Hermitage, and it’s no surprise. The inn is barely a hop, skip, and a jump from some of the Mountain State’s most beautiful destinations. Day trip options are endless: visit Blackwater Falls, climb Seneca Rocks, fish or bike in the Monongahela National Forest, or hit the slopes at Timberline Mountain or Canaan Valley Ski Resort. Once you’ve worn yourself out in the great outdoors, head back to The Hermitage for some muchneeded relaxation—after you grab a bite to eat at the inn’s very own taphouse.
The Hermitage 1841 Restaurant opened in March 2025 with a full bar and food menu featuring iconic comfort foods. Wings, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood are all a convenient stroll from your room—no need to get back in the car and search elsewhere for great dining. On Thursday nights, join in on karaoke, or kick back for live entertainment most Saturday nights.
Like all things at The Hermitage, it comes down to guest satisfaction—and what could be more satisfying than historic elegance with modern conveniences? According to guests of The Hermitage, nothing compares. 203 Virginia Avenue, Petersburg, hermitageinnwv.com, @hermitageinnwv on FB
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S WINTER 2025 ISSUE
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