Emily & Andrew
Exploring
The Mecklenburg Inn
A local favorite, Mecks is an old watering hole that features a good selection of beers, often hosts live music on the weekends, and has the best backyard in Shepherdstown. You definitely want to swing by here for at least one drink. And for the hardier partiers, this is also probably your best spot for going out after the wedding.
Town Run Tap House and Community Pub
Formerly a Southern States, Town Run is now a large, open restaurant and pub that features work by local artists and has a sweet collection of old-school pinball and video games. Grab a drink and play some Galaga.
Press Room
A little more upscale with finer dining options, the Press Room is a popular Shepherdstown restaurant. If you're looking for a nice sit down meal before or after welcome drinks, head here.
Blue Moon Cafe
Blue Moon is a casual cafe in downtown Shepherdstown with a variety of tasty options. If it's nice out, request a seat on the tree-shaded patio, which has a creek running through it.
O'Hurley's General Store
A local and visitor favorite, O'Hurley's is a Shepherdstown staple. Take some time to wander through its various rooms filled with everything from speckled enamelware pitchers to old-time toys and used door knobs.
C&O Canal Trail
Take a stroll along the Potomac River on this trail flanking the defunct Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Running from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, the canal was completed in 1850. A well-maintained towpath, the trail can be picked up right across the James Rumsey bridge outside of Shepherdstown. For those staying at the Bavarian, the path is just a quick walk across the bridge.
Shepherdstown Farmers Market
Located behind the Shepherdstown Little Library, the farmers market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. Featuring local flowers, produce, and crafts, this is the perfect way to start your Sunday morning. But first, stop by the Sweet Shop Bakery for a coffee and some pastries.
Nutter's Ice Cream
Whether you check out Antietam or just have a hankering for some homemade ice cream, Nutter's, located in nearby idyllic Sharpsburg, is your spot. Just be warned: It's cash only.
Antietam Battlefield
Home to the bloodiest day in American history, September 17, 1862, Antietam National Battlefield is a must-visit destination for history buffs. It is located in Sharpsburg and only about 10 minutes from Shepherdstown. You can hike or drive through the park, which is littered with historical markers, but definitely make sure to stop by the observation tower for a bird's-eye view of the scenic, rolling landscape set against the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Harpers Ferry
Steeped in history, Harpers Ferry was home to what historians consider one of the major precursors to the Civil War: John Brown's raid on the federal armory. A National Historic Park, the town looks very much as it did back then. The storefronts are a mix of shops and free exhibits, so take your time strolling the cobblestone streets, which are often filled with reenactors. Be sure to also walk across the train bridge for a look at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, and if you're feeling adventurous, hike up the stone stairs past the beautiful St. Peters Catholic Church to Jefferson Rock, where Thomas Jefferson once stood and proclaimed the view, "one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature." (Edit note: It is, admittedly, far from that, but it's a very pretty view you should check out!)
Maryland Heights
One of the best hikes in the area, Maryland Heights is a moderate to difficult trail (steep and rocky) that ends with a spectacular view overlooking historic Harpers Ferry (way better than ol' T.J.'s). As the name suggests, the trail is in Maryland, but it's only about 30 minutes away. In total, the hike should take 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Guide House Grill
If you decide to conquer Maryland Heights, be sure to reward yourself afterward with a beer and a bite at this relaxed roadside diner owned and operated by groomsman Darin Kordyak. A former river guide, he's decorated the place with guiding paraphernalia, keeps the bar stocked, and serves up some of the same fare he used to make in college at 2 a.m. Mention our wedding, and you might even get a discount.
River Riders Inc
White-water rafting is a popular activity in the area, and River Riders is just one of several companies that provide trips down the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. If water levels are good, rafting or tubing trips provide plenty of thrills, as well as great views of Harpers Ferry. You'll have to wait until closer if you want to make plans; the rafting season might be done by this time. But River Riders also provides zipline canopy tours that should be available.
Charles Town
Named after George Washington's youngest brother, who founded the town in 1787, Charles Town is the county seat of Jefferson County and located an easy 20-minute ride from Shepherdstown. Home to several Washington-family mansions, Charles Town is most famous for being where John Brown was tried and hanged after his capture in Harpers Ferry. A few streets over from downtown, you can still see the yard where the gallows were located. Main street has several antique shops worth exploring, as well as the new Abolitionist Ale Works brewpub and Bushel & Peck, a market for local food and wares. Every Saturday morning there's a farmers market downtown.
Abolitionist Ale Works
A new brewery in Charles Town, Abolitionist has a menu of solid, creative beers. Try one or sample several with a flight. And while you're at it, order one or two of their small gourmet pizzas to make sure you can make it back to Shepherdstown.
Bloomery Plantation Distillery
Come for boozy, free tastings of moonshine-based cordials, called SweetShine, and stay, well, because you just drink a lot of moonshine! Fortunately, you can grab a spritzer out back while the buzz wears off and take a tour of the greenhouse, which has the Italian lemon trees that kicked off this local—and now national—hit.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
If you're feeling lucky, this surprisingly large casino has thousands of slots, all your typical table games, and nightly horse races. If you want to learn how to be a master roulette player, feel free to message Andrew for tips.