From distilleries to ghost tours, the spirits are welcoming in this diverse destination
JEFFERSON COUNTY & BERKELEY COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA–OCTOBER 2026–Cooler temperatures and colorful leaves make fall a special time to visit West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. In Jefferson and Berkeley counties, the spirits are calling this time of year, and visitors are invited to enjoy fall variety that includes ghost tours, craft brew tastings and so much more.
Berkeley and Jefferson counties are located just over an hour’s drive northwest of Washington, D.C. Situated between Interstates 81 and 70, the area is easily accessible by car via U.S. 340 and West Virginia Route 9 or by rail from Washington or Baltimore. Here, historic downtowns are filled with unique shops and memorable dining experiences and surrounded by outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities. And fall is the perfect time to enjoy a special combination of activities that celebrate the season and show off the best of this diverse region’s local spirit.
Walking among the spirits
Shepherdstown Ghost Tours (117 East German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 301-991-0265) offers candlelit downtown walking tours. Stroll along with tour guides and learn the local history and legends and hear true ghost stories of Shepherdstown. There are stories of soldiers and nurses during the Civil War and the German and Irish settlers of the area. Each tour ends at a location to enjoy refreshing “spirits to honor the spirits” after the tour.
On Shepherdstown Mystery Walks (301-639-0351) costumed guides take participants through this historic town to visit graveyards and see haunted sights. The 90-minute tour covers approximately 10 beautiful city blocks. This is one of only 14 exclusive locations in West Virginia on the West Virginia Paranormal Trail and Shepherdstown Mystery Walks was voted the “#8 Ghost Tour in the Country” by the 2025 USA Today 10Best.
Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry (110 Church Street, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-725-8019) is the oldest Ghost Tour in America and has been around for more than 50 years. The tour is touted as a “Family and Dog Friendly spooky stories experience,” appropriate for people of all ages. The stories are based on the 1977 book, “A Ghostly Tour of Harpers Ferry.” Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry has been rated as the “#1 Ghost Tour in America” by TripAdvisor.com.
Distilled spirits
Two local businesses represent the best of the area’s local distilled spirits and visitors are invited to see how they are made and taste the delicious results. Devil’s Due Distillery (315 James Burr Boulevard, Kearneysville, West Virginia 25430; 681-252-1246) is known as one of West Virginia’s most exciting destinations for craft spirits. Whiskey and moonshine are handcrafted using a true grain-to-glass approach, working with local farmers to bring the best of Appalachia into every bottle. They say every pour tells the story of this region, from the hardworking local farmers who grow the grains to distillers who honor their crops.
Black Draft Distillery (2878 Dry Run Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403; 540-686-0100) is the first grain-to-glass craft distillery in Martinsburg since Prohibition. They produce whiskey and bourbon using all-natural, locally sourced ingredients. Visitors are invited to enjoy moonshine and bourbon tours and tastings while learning the story behind the land, the people and the Appalachian Mountains that help shape every bottle.
Beer and wine
Amani Brewing (654 Ropp Drive, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403) is a craft brewery dedicated to excellent craft beer, food, coffee and a sustainable community. Amani is known not only for beer but also for its morning brews, canned crafted cold brew coffees. Its pizza kitchen features hand-crafted crusts and local ingredients. This is also home to community events throughout the year, including the Shop-&-Sip Halloween Party, which features local vendors, thrifted treasures, handmade goods, baked treats and plenty of ways to enjoy the spirit of the season.
Bavarian Inn & Brewing Company (164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-2551) is the newest addition to the well-known Bavarian Inn, a European-inspired boutique resort. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the Brew Pub, Brew Lounge or outdoor Beer Garden while sampling seasonal beers made on site. Amazing cuisine and small bites, crafted by the resort’s executive chef, create the perfect pairing.
Andy’s Pizza & Inferno Brewery (50 Baker Place, Ranson, West Virginia 25438; 304-728-2639) is a brewery and pizza shop known for delicious locally sourced pizza as well as local and regional brews. The Rusty Nail Winery (4099 Shepherdstown Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25404; 304263-6656) is West Virginia’s newest farm winery. Popular selections include Devils Punchbowl, So Naughty and Paradise Lost.
If you go
Fall is prime time for enjoying the fun and bounty of West Virginia’s farmers markets. Any trip to Jefferson and Berkeley counties is an opportunity to visit these amazing locations:
Orr’s Farmers Market (682 Orr Drive, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403; 304-263-1168) is the perfect place to enjoy fall at the farm. Experiences include a hayride to The Barnyard, featuring animal encounters, a small corn maze, play areas and pumpkin patches. There’s also a U-Pick pumpkin patch and large retail shop onsite.
Kitchens Orchard & Farm Market (1025 Kitchens Orchard Road, Falling Waters, West Virginia 25419; 304-274-1994) offers fruits and vegetables when in season, grown on the farm and harvested from their orchards. They also have locally made butters, jellies, preserves, sauces, salsas and pickled products as well as specially sourced dairy products.
Bushel & Peck (100 West Washington Street, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414; 304-885-8133) is a retail shop offering local and regional small farms and businesses an opportunity to show and sell their products. Fresh veggies, meats and other local products are available along with other staples.