Last month we explored life on the Chesapeake Bay in Talbot County, Maryland – a water lover’s dream getaway east of the DMV. This month we are heading west to the northernmost part of the Shenandoah Valley in West Virginia. With beautiful scenery any time of year, it’s very popular during peak fall foliage. But summer can be a fantastic time to visit and take full advantage of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, boating, tubing, and fishing.

The southern portion of the Eastern Panhandle was defined during the Civil War when West Virginia split from Virginia. The new state followed established county lines separating western Virginia counties and their neighbors to the east. To the north, the Potomac River and the North Branch of the Potomac River were natural boundaries with Maryland. Civil War history is a major draw for visitors to the area, but the hospitality of the towns and the rugged beauty of the mountains will truly win your heart.

 

 

HARPERS FERRY, WV

First settled in 1732 at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, the town of Harpers Ferry was an important starting point for settlers moving west as early as 1761 when the ferry was established. Both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington traveled to the area, and Washington proposed the site for a United States armory and arsenal. Probably most famous as the site of abolitionist John Brown’s raid in October 1859, the town changed hands eight times during the Civil War and most buildings were destroyed. Today, the majority of the town is part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the Federal Historic District. 

In addition to the rich history of the area, Harpers Ferry is known for its stunning setting and variety of outdoor activities. The Appalachian Trail, which ranges from Maine to Georgia, traverses the area and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and Visitor Center are located in town. Although only 4 miles of the trail are in West Virginia, it’s known as the “psychological halfway point” of the trail for thru-hikers.

 

Things to Do:

• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – Walk the picturesque streets of the town, visit exhibits and museums, and hike the trails in around Harpers Ferry.
• Bolivar Heights – Civil War battle site.
• Maryland Heights Hike – Breathtaking views of Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
• C&O Canal/Weverton Cliff Hike – Harpers Ferry is a starting point for this 9-mile hike and can be seen in the distance from Weverton Cliff along the Potomac.
• River Riders – Licensed professional white water guide service offering rafting, tubing, ziplining, and an Aerial Adventure Park.

 

Local Businesses:

• The Vintage Lady – Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other unique gifts made by local craftspeople.
• The Gilded Flea – An eclectic mix of furniture, fixtures, rugs, decorations, instruments, and more from the 1800s to the 1980s.
• True Treats Historic Candy – The nation’s only research-based historic candy store. 

 

 

CHARLES TOWN, WV

The county seat of Jefferson County, Charles Town was originally founded in 1786 when Charles Washington, the youngest brother of President George Washington, donated the land at the intersection of George Street and Washington Street for public use. Jefferson County Courthouse, Charles Town City Hall, the U.S. Post Office (original site of the county jail), and Charles Washington Hall were later built and they remain the historic focal point for the community. It’s a great place to take a self-guided walking tour. During the Civil War, some buildings were destroyed and for a time the county seat was located in Shepherdstown while the courthouse was rebuilt. With a population of around 5,700 residents today, Charles Town is the largest city in Jefferson County.

 

Things to Do:

• Jefferson County Museum – Located in historic downtown, the museum’s collection includes artifacts and documents from the earliest settlement of the county into the 21st century.
• Old Opera House Theatre Company – Live theatre house presenting six main stage productions, a summer family production, a one-act play festival, and a ballet every year.
• Cool Spring Nature Preserve – 63 acres of forest, meadow, and marsh designated as a “birding hotspot” with a nature center.
• Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races – Thoroughbred horse racing including the Charles Town Classic, Race for the Ribbon, and West Virginia Breeders Classics.
• Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival – Featuring approximately 180-200 artisans and crafts people, live bluegrass music, local food and drink. September 24-26, 2021 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. 

 

Local Businesses:

• Abolitionist Ale Works – Fun, flavorful and unique for every palate.
• Art Deco Dekor – Antique store offering a variety of items from the 1900s to the 1960s such as vintage Art Deco and Mid-Century furniture, lighting, china, kitchen items, and jewelry. 
• Elle’s Niche – A boutique specializing in small-run, handcrafted items great for gift giving.
• Yarnability – Local yarn store dedicated to superior yarn, quality tools, and fiber education. Support your LYS!

 

 

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV

Originally chartered by the Virginia Assembly in 1762 as Mecklenburg, Shepherdstown was a thriving town on the Potomac River prior to the American Revolution. Strategically located along a major wagon road with reliable sources of water for industry, the town grew throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The development of the C&O Canal, and later the railroads, connected the area to the west. As a border town during the Civil War, Shepherdstown was deeply divided. Close proximity to the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862 was followed by the Battle of Shepherdstown, September 19-20. After the war, Shepherd University was established in 1871. Today Shepherdstown offers the charm of a small college town set in the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.

 

Things to Do:

• Historic Shepherdstown & Museum – The museum was founded in 1983 to promote the historical assets of the town through exhibitions, speakers, and their popular walking tour.
• Contemporary American Theater Festival – The 2021 will be a mix of street parties, podcast series, and playacts.
• Boating, Tubing & Fishing – with the Potomac River and its tributaries in and around town, there are large and small bodies of water for a variety of water craft.
• Biking & Hiking – With state and national parks and trails, the area offers beautiful landscapes at different levels of difficulty.
• Art Galleries – Studio tours, workshops, retail stores are just a portion of the thriving art and craft scene in the area.

 

Local Businesses:

• Admiral Analog’s Audio Assortment – Specializing in used and new vinyl records, turntables & stereo equipment, cassettes, CDs, video games, and music-related shirts, stickers, patches, and buttons.
• Four Seasons Books – A family owned and operated bookstore offering a unique selection of quality new, used, and discount books.
• Christian Caine Design – Locally owned, award-winning design team specializing in original and custom fine jewelry.
• O’Hurley’s General Store – A delightful collection of old-fashioned trinkets including everything from toys, to glass cookware and vinyl records.

 

 

BOONSBORO, MD

Yes, we know that Boonsboro is not in West Virginia, but it is such a charming town we couldn’t resist mentioning it. Located between Hagerstown and Frederick at the foot of South Mountain, the town was founded in 1792 by brothers George and William Boone, cousins of Daniel Boone. Boonsboro is known for a couple of “firsts” in history. In 1827, the citizens of the town erected the first monument to honor President George Washington atop South Mountain, and on September 14, 1862, the first battle of the Civil War to be fought on northern soil began. Known as the Battle of South Mountain, it was followed just a couple days later by the Battle of Antietam nearby. Today, Boonsboro is known as the home of bestselling author Nora Roberts and her husband, photographer Bruce Wilder. She set one popular trilogy in her beloved town. 

 

Things to do:

• Walking Tour of Boonsboro – Sponsored by the Boonsboro Historical Society, you can download the app or print the PDF for this insightful tour of 38 locations around town.
• Boonsborough Museum of History – A respected private museum with an extensive Civil War collection.
• South Mountain State Park – A 40-mile long, multi-use state park on the ridge of South Mountain which separates the Hagerstown and Cumberland valleys from the Piedmont regions of MD and PA.
• Washington Monument State Park – Located atop South Mountain, the park is named for the first completed monument to George Washington erected by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827.
• Crystal Grottoes Caverns – The only show cave in the state of Maryland, Crystal Grottoes says it is the most naturally kept cave in the world. 
• Antietam Creek – Cool off in this spring-fed waterway, down in a hollow and under a canopy of trees.

 

Local Businesses:

• Stone Werks Coffee + Sweets – fresh baked breakfast goods, cupcakes, pies, and cakes, as well as delicious coffee and specialty drinks.
• Turn the Page Bookstore – Owned by Bruce Wilder, husband of local resident and best-selling author Nora Roberts.
• Gifts Inn Boonsboro – A showcase of regional arts & crafts.
• Dan’s Restaurant and Tap House – Offering delicious food in a friendly atmosphere.

 

 

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