West Virginia
Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

The Charming Town Of Shepherdstown, West Virginia Is Picture-Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

Shepherdstown, West Virginia, offers a blend of historic charm, dog-friendly spots, and a vibrant art scene.

Published Dec 10, 2021

Written by 

Meghan Byers

So much of West Virginia offers a balance of natural beauty and small-town charm, and Shepherdstown, West Virginia is no exception. This historic little town overlooks the Potomac River, and is home to an eclectic array of shops and restaurants – along with Shepherd University, a liberal arts college established in 1871.

Founded in 1734, Shepherdstown is the oldest community in West Virginia. Examples of architecture from the 1800s onward still stand in the town’s historic district, like this bank built in 1906.

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EyeJoy/iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

European-style architecture and accommodations can be found at the Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company, which has greeted guests in Shepherdstown for over forty years.

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Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company/Facebook

If you prefer to bring your dog along on your travels, Shepherdstown is an excellent choice of destination. Sundogs Bed and Breakfast features dog-friendly rooms, and many restaurants in Shepherdstown are dog-friendly, like Lost Dog Coffee, The Green Pineapple, and Town Run Taphouse.

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Sundogs Bed and Breakfast/Facebook

Shepherdstown has an active art and craft community, as evidenced by its multiple art galleries. You’ll find sculptures, jewelry, furniture, and more at Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery, and exhibits by local artists at The Bridge Gallery. The Gallery at 105 exhibits and sells local artwork as well.

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The Bridge Gallery/Facebook

If all that art perusal is making you hungry, stop by The Press Room on West German Street for some contemporary cuisine. This New American restaurant is housed in an old newspaper building, providing for a unique and charming atmosphere.

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The Press Room/Facebook

For dessert, you can’t go wrong at Shepherdstown Sweet Shop, also on West German Street. From cupcakes and cookies to tiramisu and baklava, you’re sure to find something sweet to suit your tastebuds.

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Shepherdstown Sweet Shop Bakery/Facebook

Four Seasons Books and Admiral Analog’s Audio Assortment are both worth a visit while you’re in the area. You’ll find a stunning selection of new and used books for sale at Four Seasons Books, and a huge variety of vinyl records to peruse at Admiral Analog’s.

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Four Seasons Books/Facebook

There’s so much to explore in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from one-of-a-kind shops to galleries and restaurants. What are you most looking forward to doing on your visit?

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

This Scenic 55-Mile Drive Just May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In West Virginia

Updated Jun 25, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Webster County, West Virginia is home to the scenic Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway. This underrated West Virginia scenic drive takes travelers through the mountains, valleys, and small towns of Webster County, offering stunning views of the landscape and a fascinating glimpse into mountain life, both past and present. The byway is also home to a number of different attractions, including Holly River State Park. If you love scenic drives in West Virginia, the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway should definitely be on your list!

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What is the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway? The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is an underrated, 45-mile scenic loop through Northern Webster County, West Virginia, with several additional "spurs" that either shorten or lengthen the adventure along this scenic route.

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Brian Powell/Flickr

The byway starts and ends in either Webster Springs, which is the county seat, (traveling north), or at the Randolph County line (traveling south). It winds its way through the scenic mountains and valleys of the region.

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Webster County Tourism

The byway (the easier drive) mostly follows WV Route 20, while the backway (a more difficult route) forms the drive's loop along County Road 3.

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Doug Kerr/Flickr

As you cruise this scenic route, you'll see along the way many hidden historical sites and attractions, including but definitely not limited to Hacker Valley, McCray Rocks, Mount Zion Church, and Mollohan Mill.

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jamiev_03/Flickr

The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is a great way to explore the beauty of Webster County and get a taste of West Virginia's history.

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Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

This WV byway offers drivers stunning views of the rolling green hills of West Virginia, as well as connecting several area attractions, including overlooks, historical sites, parks, and trails that offer drivers the chance to explore the area.

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Apartment Showcase/Flickr

For the best experience on the Mountain Parkway, plan ahead, take your time, and expect to make multiple stops to explore the attractions found along the way.

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With its beautiful views and historic attractions, this underrated scenic drive through Webster County, West Virginia is not one to miss!

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

And you might discover an unexpected surprise or two along the way.

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Along the Mountain Parkway route, you will encounter many scenic and historic attractions, including the enchanting Holly River State Park and the uniquely historic Mollohan Mill. What are your other favorite pretty drives? Please let us know in the comments section! We would love to hear your recommendations. While preparing for your road trip, be sure to take a look at The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState so you will have everything you need! Get ready for a fun and one-of-a-kind vacation.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

The Scenic Train Ride In West Virginia That Runs Year-Round

Amtrak's Cardinal train offers a scenic year-round journey through West Virginia, showcasing the state's beauty across all seasons.

Updated Apr 29, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Our state is a train lover's paradise. We've got scenic train rides in West Virginia galore, from the Greenbrier and Durbin trains to the Potomac Eagle to the Ridge Runner and more. And while several of these trains operate almost all year round, they seem to shut down for at least a few months in late winter. All, that is, except for the Amtrak Cardinal Amtrak, the only truly year-round Amtrak train in West Virginia.

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Amtrak's Cardinal train runs all the way from Chicago to New York City three days per week.

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Amtrak

The West Virginia portion of the route is considered one of the most scenic areas along the entire 26.5-hour trip.

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Steve5863 / Tripadvisor

You will definitely need to fit in some sleep, so we recommend packing this tiny, portable white noise machine to make getting some z's much easier.

The train's first stop in West Virginia from the east is White Sulphur Springs, with additional stops at historic depots in Alderson, Hinton, Prince, Thurmond, Montgomery, Charleston, and Huntington before exiting West Virginia bound toward Chicago.

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Amtrak / Facebook

If you're at all familiar with West Virginia's geography, you've already realized that this train ride passes right through the New River Gorge National Park. It goes through West Virginia's capital city. It follows the curves of the Ohio River over the Big Sandy into Kentucky.

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Amtrak / Facebook

What a way to explore the Mountain State!

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Wikipedia/Coyote Reyne

It's a trip worth taking more than once, as each season brings its own take on the beauty and grandeur of the age-old Appalachian Mountains.

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Amtrak / Facebook

A winter trip highlights the rugged spine of these mountains, quiet and slumbering. A spring or summer trip sees them awake and full of life and vigor. A fall trip finds them robed in a splendor of vibrant hues.

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AdamIsovitsch / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

To learn more about this scenic train ride in West Virginia, check prices, and scheduling, and book a trip, visit the Amtrak Cardinal Train website. Have you ever ridden the Amtrak train in West Virginia? What time of year did you make the trip?

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