What better way to spend a weekend than wining and dining in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia? We can't think of one! This region is a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, museums, natural attractions, and more just waiting to be explored. So pack a bag, hop in the car, and let's go!

West Virginia's shape is unmistakable, thanks largely to the state's two panhandles. The Northern Panhandle juts up into the Ohio and Pennsylvania border, while the Eastern Panhandle intrudes into Maryland and Virginia.

Each panhandle adds remarkable variety, both culturally, geographically, and historically, to the Mountain State. Each are well worth taking some time to explore. Since we've outlined a trip through the Northern Panhandle before, we'll turn our attention to wining, dining, and exploring the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

The Eastern Panhandle is generally accepted to be comprised of eight counties: Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Pendleton. It had a combined population of over 260,000 in 2010, and it's the fastest growing region (in terms of population and housing) in West Virginia.

The biggest city in the Eastern Panhandle is Martinsburg. The oldest cities, which are also the oldest in the entire state, are Romney and Shepherdstown, both chartered in 1762. The most well-known, historically, is Harpers Ferry. Other big names here are Charles Town and Berkeley Springs. The highest and lowest elevations above sea level in the state are found here: Spruce Knob, at 4,863 feet, and the Potomac River in Jefferson, at 240 feet.

Begin your exploration of the Eastern Panhandle with a sunrise at Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak. Then stop for breakfast at The Gateway Restaurant in Riverton.

Next stop, Romney, West Virginia. If you plan ahead and can time it right, book a ride through The Trough on the Potomac Eagle Railroad.

Otherwise, enjoy a walk through the quaint downtown area and order up lunch and a drink at Main Street Grille.

Close the day at Cacapon Resort State Park for a delicious dinner, a relaxing stroll, and luxurious overnight accommodations.

Good morning! When you're ready, bid goodbye to beautiful Cacapon Resort and head for Berkeley Springs. If you need breakfast, try Fairfax Coffee House. If you need lunch, try Tari's Cafe. If you need a historic diversion, try a visit to the nation's oldest spa at Berkeley Springs State Park. If you're looking for a gorgeous view, hit up Prospect Peak.

Don't forget to save time for Charles Town and Harpers Ferry. Day trips in and of themselves, you'll only have time to hit the highlights - try the Charles Town Visitors Center for a glimpse into that historic city.

In Harpers Ferry, make sure to walk through Old Town up to St Peter's Church and then down to the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet.

For supper, grab dinner (and a boozy milkshake!) at White Horse Tavern.

What a whirlwind of a weekend! For a map of this exploratory journey, head to Google Maps here. Of course, you could always make a week out of the trip instead. Who knew there was so much to do just in the Eastern Panhandle? No wonder it's growing so quickly!