As the weather starts to warm and the days are longer, it is time to get out and explore on the weekends. Jefferson County is the perfect destination for a variety of options of weekend adventures for all sorts of tastes and passions.
If you need a weekend to relax and enjoy fabulous food and incredible service, you should check out the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown. Located on a bluff overlooking the Potomac River, this european-inspired boutique resort is famous for its award-winning International cuisine. Multiple dining options from the main dining room to its new brew pub, enjoy a different dining experience at every meal.
Located in historic Shepherdstown for over 45 years, the inn has been undergoing a renaissance with the addition of the stunning Infinity 101 Pool and Bar and the new Bavarian Brothers Brewery featuring a brewpub, lounge, and outdoor beer garden.
All 72 luxury rooms have been recently updated, many with stunning views of the Potomac River. The Bavarian Inn is the perfect place to forget about your worries and enjoy the finer things in life.
Downtown Shepherdstown has an array of dining options, all just a short walk apart along historic sidewalks filled with unique shops and specialty stores. At The Press Room you’ll find an extensive offering of seafood dishes like calamari, scallops, soft shell crab, and oysters on the half shell. The steaks and lamb are equally divine. If you are looking for a new spin on burritos and tacos made with the freshest ingredients, Maria’s Taqueria is the place to eat. Try the out-of-this-world Maria’s Chimi. The fish tacos are also a local favorite. For a variety of vegetarian options, Blue Moon Café is your go-to place for sandwiches, soups, and salads made from locally sourced produce. Bistro 112 re-opened in January 2023 and has been receiving rave reviews. This neighborhood favorite offers French cuisine from locally sourced ingredients. The outside garden seating space is magical. Just down the street, the dog-friendly Lilah Restaurant is a local gathering spot for great food, cocktails, and live music.
If you are more interested in experiencing the outdoors, River Riders Family Adventure Resort in Harpers Ferry can create a weekend package for you filled with whitewater rafting, zip lining, tubing, biking and more. Just minutes from Harpers Ferry National Park, River Riders is the premier outdoor adventure outfitter in the region.
Lodging is available on-property at the Clarion Inn or rent one of four vacation rental homes on the River Riders campus. If you prefer to camp, a riverside campground with tent sites, electrical RV sites and cozy cabins is beautifully located along the banks of the Potomac River.
After you have worked up an appetite exploring the outdoors, enjoy a cold beer and a delicious burger at the White Horse Tavern located beside the Clarion Inn. The sports bar is the hub for reliving the days activities and enjoying a huge selection of beers and delicious pub foods.
Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry is home to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. This town of less than 100 residents is one of the most popular destinations in West Virginia. Thousands of visitors walk the historic streets and scenic trails in Harpers Ferry each year to catch a glimpse of our nations past.
Bordering Harpers Ferry is the town of Bolivar. Stop in the Country Café for good old-fashioned homemade meals and hospitality. Nothing fancy, just delicious food like your grandmother used to make. Visitors will find a range of fresh goods, including cinnamon rolls, biscuits, scones, and pepperoni rolls at Bolivar Bread Bakery, which also carries a unique pickle rye bread.
If you love to place a bet or take a chance, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is the place for you. Home to West Virginia’s oldest horse racing venue, the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a renowned Mountain State destination that offers a Vegas-themed gaming atmosphere with 1930s art deco flair.
In addition to racing and games, Hollywood Casino has several restaurants, including a buffet, sports bar, the Wine Spectator Award-winning Final Cut Steakhouse, and 9 Dragons, which offers Hong Kong cuisine and sushi.
Hollywood Casino also has a 1,200-seat music and comedy venue that has been headlined by artists like Trace Adkins, Sinbad, and Chicago’s Peter Cetera. So if you love action and entertainment, check out what’s happening here.
For more information on creating your own Jefferson County getaway, visit WhereAlmostHeavenBegins.com.
