Visitors can enjoy downtown bookstores, martini bars, an elegant gaming venue and one of the country’s most popular historic sites, all at their own pace
JEFFERSON COUNTY & BERKELEY COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA–SEPTEMBER 2025–A weekday escape maximizes the enjoyment when visiting this popular West Virginia location. Whether taking in the downtown shops, enjoying a day of gaming and the thrill of horse racing, going on a river rafting challenge or exploring the historic streets of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, visiting during the week is a secret advantage discovered by many who love to come back again and again.
A three-day, week-day trip is perfect for couples and friends who want to enjoy Jefferson County and Berkeley County, West Virginia at their own pace. Just over an hour’s drive northwest of Washington, D.C., located between Interstates 81 and 70, this favorite escape from the city is easily accessible by car via U.S. 340 and West Virginian Route 9 or by rail from Washington or Baltimore.
The wide range of lodging options throughout Jefferson and Berkeley counties offer accommodations to make everyone feel at home. The list includes an array of familiar national and regional hotel brands. There are also special places for those looking for unique accommodations, including historic inns, unique downtown rentals and even a European-inspired boutique resort.
Downtown diversity
Once settled in the destination, the historic downtowns here offer an enjoyable mix of old and new to explore. Preserved historic buildings are home to the offerings of creative entrepreneurs and makers. And the variety ensures delightful finds for most any visitor. West Virginia Glass Outlet (148 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia, 25401; 304-263-1224) features an unmatched collection of hand-blown glass, a West Virginia art form that has been practiced in West Virginia for many generations. Creations include works from Fenton Art Glass, Blenko Glass, Appalachian Glass and more. For a broader selection of specialty items, Jordan & Hess (202 South Queen Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401; 304-260-5770) is a favorite retailer. The shop features home décor, floral arrangements, clothing and gifts. The work of local artisans and entrepreneurs is featured throughout the store. The findings at The Vintage Lady (196 High Street #229.39, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-535-1313) have been described as local and lovely. There is a large selection of the work of local artists, including photography, jewelry, books, hand blown glass and pottery along with West Virginia food, wine and beer.
Book lovers will be in heaven here. Four Seasons Books (114 West German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443) aims to create an immersive literary experience that includes prominent displays of the works of local authors. At Bank Books (145 South Queen Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia, 25401; 304-579-7280) patrons find many stories to enjoy, including the history of the bank-turned-bookstore itself. This shop is filled with character and a massive collection of used books, including a vault of rare finds. The Fuzzy Dog Books & Music (201 East Washington Street, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414; 304-867-9321) brings a contemporary vibe to its historic building. The shop buys and sells vintage books and music and has thousands of books and records to choose from amid its three-story shop in a restored historic home. Miss Willa’s (201 North George Street, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414), owned by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, is an independent bookstore focused on happily-ever-after. The shelves are filled with romance-only novels written by both well-known and new authors.
The most popular way to experience the area’s history is exploring the streets of Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-535-6029). At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, Harpers Ferry is the site of John Brown’s Raid against slavery. The historic site brings struggles for freedom, education and civil rights to life. From the preserved fort buildings to the downtown shops and restaurants, Harpers Ferry offers a wealth of opportunities to explore and enjoy.
Trails and rivers, treetops and snow slopes
This is also a favorite site for those who want to get out and enjoy the more than 20 miles of trail that traverse this beautiful and diverse region. The Appalachian Trail crosses over the Potomac River into West Virginia at Harpers Ferry and this spot is the sentimental halfway point of the AT. There are a number of other trails here, offering relaxing and challenging options for day hikes and exceptional views. Many enjoy walking the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath or, just a short drive away, exploring the trails of the 22,000-acre Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area (Martinsburg, West Virginia 25411; 304-822-3551).
There are outfitters to serve those who prefer cycling, too. And, of course, adventure on the water is always a popular activity. Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle (115 West German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-3000) provides bicycle rentals and cycling trips to Harpers Ferry and along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Warm-weather visitors love their kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals and the paddling trips offered on the Potomac River. River Riders Family Adventure Resort (408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-535-2663) has both white water and flat-water opportunities for tubing, rafting and kayaking excitement on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. As the seasons change, fall canopy tours offer excitement and outstanding views from a network of seven ziplines. The Aerial Adventure Park has dozens of challenge course elements of varying difficulty and as winter approaches, adventure seekers can experience Snow Riders’ nearly 900 feet snow tubing hill, one of the longest tubing slopes on the East Coast.
For a different kind of excitement, Hollywood Casino (750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414; 800-795-7001) offers a Vegas-style casino experience that features 74 exciting table games, a live poker room and hundreds of the most popular slots. This is also the home of live thoroughbred racing, where the Charles Town Classic, Race for the Ribbon and West Virginia Breeders Classics are run. There is also simulcast horse and dog racing onsite. Adding to the variety of sports betting opportunities is ESPN BET, which offers a 50-yard-line ticket to odds and point spreads and features 30 TVs and a three-sided jumbotron.
Distinctive drinks
Distilling spirits is a long-held West Virginia tradition that is alive and well here. Devils Due Distillery (315 James Burr Boulevard, Kearneysville, West Virginia 25430; 681-252-1246) uses locally sourced grains from area farmers and does its mashing, fermenting, distilling and bottling in-house. The result is a menu of finely crafted spirits. The owners of Black Draft Distillery (2878 Dry Run Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403; 540-686-0100) have expanded from creating moonshine from their own crops to producing and serving a variety of distinctive brands at its location, which includes a retail shop and entertainment venue. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours at both distilleries. Beer lovers will find their place here, too. Abolitionist Ale Works (129 West Washington Street, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414: 681-252-1548) is determined to rebel against the status quo and their offerings do just that. Their menu of unique, flavorful beers is served in a fun-filled atmosphere. Amani Brewing (654 Ropp Drive, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403) is dedicated to sustainability in its operations and quality in its products. A creative selection of both beers and craft cocktails is available to enjoy. Bavarian Brothers Brewing at the Bavarian Inn (163 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-2551) brings classic as well as innovative flavors to its German-style beer hall. The inn’s beautiful setting and European style combine for a unique atmosphere for enjoying traditional Dunkel Weiss and stouts as well as creative brews paying tribute to family and homeland.
Where to eat
From Mountaineer Popcorn Company’s (102 East German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 681-283-7900) wide range of sweet and savory flavors to the truffles, caramels and nut clusters of DeFluri’s Fine Chocolates (130 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401; 304-264-3698), there are plenty of unique tastes to enjoy here. For dinner options, these spots are known for flavorful menus and welcoming atmosphere:
Thai Martinsburg (200 West Burke Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401; 304-901-5779) offers an outstanding menu filled with flavors, textures and variety to please the palate. The diverse menu features authentic Thai dishes with enchanting aromas and exceptional flavor from spices, both bold and delicate.
Stoney’s Whiskey, Wine & Raw Bar (119 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia, 25401; 304-901-5989) is known for its craft cocktails and specially prepared seafood options that include an extensive new Lobster Roll menu. There is also outdoor seating with fire pits and the relaxing cigar alley.
The Young American Martini Bar (147 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25404; 681-247-1018) is a premier martini bar featuring handcrafted martinis, premium spirits and an upscale small plate menu. Its ambiance is one of modern sophistication and the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable.
Brix 27 (131 North Queen Street, Martinsburg West Virginia 25401; 304-616-1628) features a menu of small plates based on the seasonal offerings of local farmers and a penchant for culinary creativity. The extensive wine collection features more than 130 selections.
Alma Bea (202 East Washington Street, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414; 304-870-2153) is the vision of French-trained Chef Mary Ellen Diaz. She uses local ingredients to develop a creative menu that is based on the flavors and heritage of Appalachia.
At Bistro 112 (112 West German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-8477), classically French entrees are joined by those with Italian and Japanese influences, all served in a cottage atmosphere. Diners will also find a creative cocktail menu and a lovely courtyard dining area.
The Press Room (129 West German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-8777) is a small spot with a big reputation for creative cuisine and exceptional service. The menu changes seasonally and features regional fare with Mediterranean influences.
The Bavarian Inn (163 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-2551) has been serving its German specialties for more than 40 years and is a well-known favorite for diners. Today, the fine-dining Potomac Room offers a Four-Diamond experience that features an extensive menu of German and American fare.