Fun & Excitement

Day 1
After arriving in West Virginia's Eastern Gateway, start the afternoon by visiting the beautiful Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. In the 1790's, George Washington assigned Harpers Ferry (then Virginia) to be one of the country's Federal Arsenals due to the convergence of the two rivers and their ability to run machinery with waterpower. This is also the site of John Brown's Raid on October 16, 1859 to arm and free the slaves. Hardy visitors may be inclined to take a walk across the train bridge into Maryland to see Harpers Ferry from the other side, or climb the steps to Jefferson Rock, where Thomas Jefferson proclaimed the view "worth the trip across the Atlantic." If you are even more adventurous, start your journey with a 5 mile round trip hike to the beautiful Maryland Heights. While the hike is moderately difficult, the breathtaking views once you arrive at the top already make it a trip to remember. If you enjoyed that hike, stop by the Appalachian Trail Headquarters in Harpers Ferry to learn more about and hike on the famed Appalachian Trail.

For the evening of your first day you may want to unwind and relax at one of our quaint restaurants or taverns, or does the sound of thundering hooves, stacking chips, and large Jackpots keep you awake. If gaming is part of your adventure, the place to be is the new Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Now offering 85 new table games with a spectacular 27 table poker room, the new facilities coupled with the traditional horse racing and 5,000+ slot machines, makes for an exciting night on the town.

Day 2
Day Two of your Fun & Excitement Tour may have you splitting up with your significant other... depending on your tastes! Shopping or Golf? If it's shopping, travel to Shepherdstown, the oldest town in West Virginia, for a taste of the area's most eclectic shopping district. Stroll along German Street, filled with more than a dozen fine dining and casual restaurants, unique locally-owned shops offering everything from baby clothes to local arts and crafts, and even an independent movie theater. You won't find chain stores lining the historic streets of Shepherdstown; shops are locally-owned and independently-operated. You are likely to be greeted by the owner of the shop as you walk in - who better to help you make the perfect choice to take home as a souvenir of your visit? A visitor favorite in Shepherdstown is the must-see O'Hurley's General Store. Unlike any modern day store, the visit will take you back to the times of your ancestors, gathering around the old pot bellied stove and buying their penny nails by the pound. While you're there, arrange a visit to the James Rumsey Museum where you can view a replica of the very first steamboat. James Rumsey demonstrated the first steamboat in 1787 on the Potomac River in Shepherdstown. (Somehow, Robert Fulton was actually credited with inventing the steamboat in 1803... 16 years after Rumsey's successful launch) If shopping is not your idea of fun, Jefferson County gives the Golf enthusiast multiple opportunities to find their favorite place to play. From pristine semi-private courses to affordable country clubs, there is a course specifically for you and rental clubs are available if you couldn't fit your own. Discover the hidden gem among the typical outdoor and history pursuits of the area golfing in West Virginia's Eastern Gateway!

If you part ways during your eventful day, meet back up for the evening of Day Two and enjoy the performing arts. Come to the acclaimed Contemporary American Theater Festival and classical music performances at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown. Like old movie theatres? The Shepherdstown Opera House shows the best in independent films Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, serving popcorn with real butter! If you're in the Charles Town area, take up a play at the historic Old Opera House. In 1910, Annie G. Packette, whose family tree included George Washington, raised $50,000 and employed a Washington, D.C. architect to design and construct the New Opera House. It was a classic theatre structure, complete with fly-space for hanging scenery above the proscenium stage, an orchestra pit and a curved balcony. Modern and classic plays are scheduled most weekends throughout the year.

Day 3
If you're not wiped out by now, Day Three can be relaxing and easy or one more fun adventure! On Sundays, starting in the spring and continuing through the holidays, enjoy shopping for fresh-grown produce, locally-raised meats, homemade baked goods and cut flowers and plants at our Farmers Markets located throughout the County. Head back home with some of the area's best local produce or canned goods. If you still want that last hoorah, read on!

A Rafting, tubing, or kayaking trip on the beautiful Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers offered by one of our four licensed rafting companies would really be a great way to end a getaway. Over 400,000 people each year embark on a rafting, tubing or kayaking trip down the two rivers in Jefferson County alone... see what the rave is all about. Fishing is also available for those more inclined to pull smallmouth bass, perch, and catfish from the rivers banks.

Not wanting to get wet? Take a scenic bicycle ride along the C&O Canal and see transportation modes and lore of yesteryear. Bikes of all styles and sizes can be rented at one of the nearby bike rental shops. Don't want to peddle? Discover WV's Eastern Gateway in true freedom and style... rent a scooter or moped! Explore the back roads, and discover what we like to call "a history and outdoor lover's paradise!"