Shepherdstown, WV

Travel Guide
Shepherdstown featuring heritage elements and a small town or village
Explore funky bars and coffee houses and experience the diverse cultural scene at this exciting and dynamic college town.

Shepherdstown is a small town, yet it possesses a vivacity and energy more typical of a larger city. It was officially incorporated in 1762 under the name Mecklenburg and has plenty of historical pre-Revolutionary architecture. The town has more to offer visitors than just its historical features. Shop for handicrafts in local shops, attend arts-oriented festivals and hike the trails at nearby state parks.

Before you delve into the student-driven arts scene, familiarize yourself with the town’s more than 250 years of history. Wander around the Shepherdstown National Historic District and identify the different architectural styles. Find Grand Greek-Revival buildings as well as Federal and Victorian constructions around town. Pick up a map of historic homes at the Shepherdstown Visitors Center to help you navigate. The Historic Shepherdstown Museum, housed in an 18th-century hotel, is open from early April to late October and is devoted to local history.

The presence of students in the small town adds to its youthful atmosphere. Mingle with students at the Shepherd University campus near the banks of the Potomac River. Spend evenings in the busy bars where students congregate for nights out. Consider booking tickets for a show at the historic Shepherdstown Opera House, which screens films and eclectic live events.

Find cafés, restaurants and interesting shops selling antiques as well as handcrafted goods on the main thoroughfare, German Street. Walk or bike in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, running along the northern bank of the Potomac River and stretching all the way to Washington D.C.

The town has a busy events schedule, with several well-known festivals throughout the year. Arrange your trip to coincide with the renowned summertime Contemporary American Theater Festival. Film buffs may want to catch the Cut to the Chase Film Festival in September or the American Conservation Film Festival later in the fall.

Shepherdstown is about a 90-minute drive from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Discover the arts and festival scene that has Washington weekenders enamored.

❤️ Secluded 1940s Romantic Tiny House on the River
❤️ Secluded 1940s Romantic Tiny House on the River
Shepherdstown
The price is ¥11,592 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
¥11,592
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this cabin in Shepherdstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Rumsey Monument and Shepherdstown Visitors Center are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Excellent stay at The River House
"The tiny house is exactly as described. Its small, clean, cozy and comfortable. The location right on the river is fantastic. Being able to have a fire right by the water each night was such a plus. In better weather would be a great put in for canoeing, kataking. Very close many historic sights, ..."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024

❤️ Secluded 1940s Romantic Tiny House on the River
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Frederick, MD
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Frederick, MD
3 out of 5
5579 Spectrum Dr, Frederick, MD
The price is ¥12,110 per night from May 30 to May 31
¥12,110
per night
May 30 - May 31
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Frederick. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The dining options was really great."

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Frederick, MD
Hilton Garden Inn Frederick
Hilton Garden Inn Frederick
3 out of 5
7226 Corporate Ct, Frederick, MD
The price is ¥18,616 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥18,616
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Frederick. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"The check-in service was excellent! unfortunately, there was a problem. The hotel had a main water pipe burst at 3:45am. that resulted in the entire hotel being evacuated. I do want to say the check-in clerk was exceptional in handling this situation. He assured us the hotel would give us a refund ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Frederick
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
❤️ Secluded 1940s Romantic Tiny House on the River
❤️ Secluded 1940s Romantic Tiny House on the River
Shepherdstown
Stay at this cabin in Shepherdstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Rumsey Monument and Shepherdstown Visitors Center are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Excellent stay at The River House
"The tiny house is exactly as described. Its small, clean, cozy and comfortable. The location right on the river is fantastic. Being able to have a fire right by the water each night was such a plus. In better weather would be a great put in for canoeing, kataking. Very close many historic sights, ..."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024

❤️ Secluded 1940s Romantic Tiny House on the River
Cozy Cottage
Cozy Cottage
Shepherdstown
Stay at this cottage in Shepherdstown. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Shepherdstown Visitors Center and Rumsey ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
Shepherdstown Cottage
"Cottage is quaint, with modern design. Perfect for my husband and I and our pup. Very clean, with tasteful decor. Within walking distance to town. Had everything you need."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Cozy Cottage
Welcome to this patch of serenity on the river's edge, to this hideaway.
Welcome to this patch of serenity on the river's edge, to this hideaway.
Shepherdstown
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Shepherdstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Amazing space
"We had a really lovely time at this space, Amy was such a good host, and we hope to return!"

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2024

Welcome to this patch of serenity on the river's edge, to this hideaway.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Shepherdstown

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
22
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 47.72727272727273%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 2.272727272727273%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Aug 13, 2019

Train tracks are loud and run right through the city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 16, 2019

Lovely little town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 10, 2019

Quaint little town with good food, shopping, history, buildings, and Shepherd University.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 27, 2019

Quaint little village with interesting local shops and restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 13, 2019

Quaint town French bistro great food!

5/5 - Excellent

Darlene
Apr 8, 2019

Beautiful walking paths. Nice shops also Near Antietam Battlefield and only about 20 minutes to Harpers Ferry.

Cities near Shepherdstown