Airports
IAD
Washington Dulles
~48 miles
We highly recommend IAD. It’s a major airport with plenty of all‑domestic and international flights. It’s reliably the quickest drive to Shepherdstown.
BWI
Baltimore/Washington
~72 miles
BWI is another solid choice with good flight options (and often some great deals). If you're coming from the northeast, you might find this the most convenient. Bonus: it’s near crab cakes.
DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
~75 miles
Located right near downtown D.C., this is a great pick if you're spending time in the city before or after the wedding. Slightly longer drive, but very scenic.
Hotels
Bavarian Inn
Shepherdstown, WV
Scenic boutique resort with luxurious rooms, river views, seasonal pool, and brewpub.
Quality Inn
Shepherdstown, WV
Located 1 mile from downtown Shepherdstown; offers free Wi‑Fi, hot breakfast, pet‑friendly.
The Inn at Charles Town Races
Charles Town, WV
Connected to Hollywood Casino; free shuttle service, basic Continental breakfast; clean and well-rated
Tru by Hilton
Martinsburg, WV
Modern property, very clean, open lobby with amenities like laundry and games.
Hampton Inn & Suites
Charles Town, WV
Standard mid-range hotel with free hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, pet-friendly
Home2 Suites by Hilton
Martinsburg, WV
Suite-style rooms with more space, refrigerators, and kitchens.
Where to eat
Bavarian Inn
Shepherdstown, WV
Elegant, old-world charm with German-inspired dishes and gorgeous river views. Ideal if you're looking for a more traditional or scenic dinner experience.
Alma Bea
Shepherdstown, WV
Modern Appalachian-inspired food in a cozy, welcoming setting. Creative dishes made with local ingredients. A hidden gem for foodies.
Maria’s Taqueria
Shepherdstown, WV
If you’re looking for fast, flavorful tacos and burritos in a friendly, no-fuss atmosphere, Maria’s Taqueria is a Shepherdstown staple that’s well worth checking out.
Betty’s Restaurant
Shepherdstown, WV
A beloved local breakfast and lunch spot located right on German Street. Known for its homestyle country cooking.
The Press Room
Shepherdstown, WV
A cozy, upscale spot for a nice dinner out. Great for steak, seafood, and cocktails in a warm, brick-walled atmosphere. Perfect for date night or a dressier meal.
Where to drink
Bavarian Brothers Brewing
Shepherdstown, WV
Located inside the Bavarian Inn, this elegant brewpub & lounge serves European‑inspired cuisine and seasonal house‑made beers in a comfortable, resort-style setting. A cozy spot to relax after exploring Shepherdstown.
Potomac Ridge Brewing
Sharpsburg, MD
Set on eight pastoral acres just steps from Antietam National Battlefield and the C&O Canal, Potomac Ridge offers outdoor seating, dog‑friendly grounds, brick‑oven pizza, and a rotating tap of locally brewed beers. A scenic destination brewpub blending history and hospitality.
Abolitionist Ale Works
Charles Town, WV
This microbrewery & pub takes inspiration from historic insurrections with creative, bold beers and artisan naan pizzas. With 12+ house beers plus guest taps, it’s Charles Town’s go‑to for fun, flavorful brews that “abolish the predictable.”
Harpers Ferry Brewing
Purcellville, VA
Perched beside the Potomac River and Adventure Center, this brewpub delivers award‑winning craft beer, hard ciders, wine, and casual fare (pizza, pretzels, seasonal ice cream) with scenic views of Harpers Ferry and the surrounding river valleys.
Brewer’s Alley
Frederick, MD
Frederick’s original brewpub since 1996, Brewer’s Alley pairs wood‑fired pizza and contemporary American regional cuisine with beer brewed onsite. A historic downtown atmosphere that's a longtime favorite among locals and visitors.
Attaboy Beer
Frederick, MD
An independent brewery and taproom just off Carroll Creek, Attaboy crafts diverse brews—from NEIPAs and lagers to barrel‑aged saisons and fruit seltzers. The space includes a beer garden, heated garage seating, and frequent events. Known for creative experimentation and community energy.
Idiom Brewing Co.
Frederick, MD
Housed in a rustic, industrial brick building along Carroll Creek at 340 E Patrick Street, Idiom delivers bold West Coast-style IPAs and seasonal brews alongside a limited menu of tacos, sandwiches, and salads by food trucks. Dog-friendly outdoor creekside seating and live music add to its lively charm.
RAK Brewing Co.
Frederick, MD
RAK Brewing is a community‑focused brewery and lounge that promotes “Random Acts of Kindness,” both in beer and spirit. Its two spaces—the Yard and the Lounge—offer interactive games, rotating taps, food partnerships (e.g. DOP), and events with personality. Named USA Today’s #2 Best New Brewery in recent years.
What to do
Shepherdstown Historic District
Shepherdstown, WV
Stroll along historic German Street, where Federal-style brick buildings, vintage inns, and landmarks like the Entler Hotel and Old Market House bring the town’s colonial roots to life. It’s your best bet for a leisurely, scenic walk.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry, WV
Walk the cobbled streets of this riverside town blending Civil War history with stunning vistas. Highlights include John Brown’s Fort, restored armory, and hiking trails—many overlooking three states at once.
Jefferson Rock & St. Peter’s Church
Harpers Ferry, WV
Take in the sweeping vista Jefferson called “worth the trip across the Atlantic” from Jefferson Rock. Nearby St. Peter’s Church sits perched above the gorge and survived the Civil War—the view alone is worth the climb.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Charles Town, WV
For guests looking for more excitement, enjoy slots, table games, and live horse racing just minutes from Shepherdstown.
Historic Charles Town
Charles Town, WV
Visit the Gibson-Todd House—once associated with John Brown’s hanging—and explore boutique shops and cafés in downtown Charles Town.
Carroll Creek & Downtown Frederick
Frederick, MD
Full of charming waterways, art galleries, shops, and a lively dining scene. A perfect mix of old and new in a picturesque setting.
Antietam National Battlefield
Sharpsburg, MD
This historic site marks the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.
Old Town Winchester
Winchester, VA
A pedestrian-friendly stretch filled with boutiques, cafés, antique shops, and a lively small-town atmosphere.
Weverton Cliffs
Knoxville, MD
Weverton Cliffs offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views along the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail. Just a short but steep hike from the trailhead near Harpers Ferry, the cliffs overlook a dramatic bend in the Potomac River.