This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Shedding Stress in Shepherdstown

Who knew decompressing could be so delightful?

Just like many of us are eager to exfoliate our winter wardrobe to embrace spring, we can shed some stress as well with a restorative getaway to Shepherdstown, WV. Founded in 1734, Shepherdstown is the oldest town in that state, and just may be one of the most charming and picturesque to boot.

Visitors and residents alike find much here that enthralls.

“Like many of the people that converge on this town, we don’t know how we got here (because our town is not on a direct route), but we are sure glad we found this little town,” said Cheryl Keyrouze, executive director of Shepherdstown Visitor Center.

Find out what's happening in Ashburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Shepherdstown is comprised of many artists, academics, and retirees whose talents contribute to the town’s vibrancy.

Located a mere hour from Ashburn, little Shepherdstown is big on things to do. Once here, you’ll blissfully backburner all those nagging demands and other must-dos that can mentally pile up. Your Shepherdstown “to do” list should certainly include some shopping, or at the very least, ardent browsing. Shepherdstown’s old streets – sprinkled with handsome red brick buildings – coax town visitors to step inside its many shops and linger for a while. Feel no shame about lollygagging here.

Find out what's happening in Ashburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So, about that shopping … the best part about small towns such as Shepherdstown is the absence of cookie-cutter, big-box shops. No soulless strip malls or chain stores in sight. Instead, a variety of comfy, character-rich shops beckon.

For an anything-but-ordinary array of merchandise ranging from clocks and cutlery to dolls and toys, head to O’Hurley’s General Store at 205 E. Washington St. And if you happen to be in Shepherdstown on a Thursday evening, the general store features foot-stompin’ Appalachian heritage music. These free concerts start around 7:30.

Pick up some aromatic java at German St. Coffee & Candlery, located at 103 W. German St. Cooks and gourmands can investigate a veritable pantry full of kitchen goodies such as aprons, towels, sauces, spices and more.

Adorn yourself and your home with wares from Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery, located at 121 E. German St. A beautiful and whimsical array of crafts including fantasy clocks, beaded jewelry and decorative home accents fill this lovely store.      

Now the hard part: making your dining decision. Don’t let the tiny town fool you. Serious gastronomic pleasures abound. Try a one-time choice destination of former First Lady Nancy Reagan: The Yellow Brick Bank restaurant, located at 201 E. German St. Built in 1906, the former Jefferson Security Bank now tempts with mouth-watering items ranging from sweet corn and jalapeno chowder to the restaurant’s signature grilled hanger steak. This iconic landmark delivers upscale cuisine complemented by a captivating atmosphere.

Says Manager Laird Marshall, “I think the food here attempts to bring fine dining with a comfortable feel. The place is very inviting.  We use a wood-burning grill fired by local applewood to try to enhance the natural flavors and be reflective of the area.”

In addition to Nancy Reagan, the restaurant has wooed notables such as former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actor Robert Duvall and veteran newsman Jim Lehrer.

Continue on your culinary excursion with a trip to the posh Bavarian Inn – a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning property that’s a destination in itself. Authentic Bavarian cuisine such as Pfalz-Zwiwwelsup (traditional onion soup) and Jaeger Schnitzel (veal steak) are on the menu along with Continental and American dishes. And if funds allow, an overnight stay in one of the luxe chalets is a splurge that’s worth every penny. Bavarian Inn is located at 164 Shepherd Grade Rd.

History hounds will be happy to know that Antietam Battlefield is only a short five-minute drive away from Shepherdstown. As for the Battle of Antietam, “23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862,” according to the National Park Service Web site (http://www.nps.gov/ancm/index.htm). 

Shepherdstown is also home to Shepherd University. Here, members of the public can enjoy concerts, plays and sporting events, including an Eastern Regional Jazz Fest Concert this Saturday, March 5. Click this link below for more information or to see a calendar of other upcoming events.

Continue your cultural odyssey at Shepherdstown Opera House at 131 W. German St. This historic venue has been showcasing fine films and live music since 1910. For a listing of upcoming events, visit the Opera House Web site.

Whether you’re in desperate need of a girls’ getaway (Calgon not needed) or a romantic weekend, Shepherdstown tops this local’s list of enchanting destinations.

For more information about Shepherdstown, stop by the Shepherdstown Visitors Center at 136 E. German St., visit the Shepherdstown Visitors Center Web site, or call 304-876-2786.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?