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Relax. Unwind. Get away from it all—without the hassle and expense of lengthy travel.
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Harpers Ferry
In the Eastern Panhandle, where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet, rests the picturesque little town of Harpers Ferry. Heralded for its significant role in the construction of the U.S. railroad system and early-integrated schools, Harpers Ferry is rich in history. It was also home to the federal armory, and is best known as the place in which abolitionist John Brown led his infamous raid, an event that is said to have been the catalyst of the Civil War.
The area’s historical significance is so great that practically the entire town is designated a historic district. The National Parks Service has done a wonderful job in recreating the feel of antebellum history. One-third of the original town is still intact, providing an authentic stage for re-enactors. On weekends volunteers of the Division of Living History dress in period costumes recreating for visitors the sights and sounds of the town’s former residents. For Bill Kawecki of Morgantown, this makes Harpers Ferry a special place to visit. He says, “What I love most about Harpers Ferry are the re-enactors. They present as townspeople from the period and tell the history of the town in such a way that you expect to see activity continue as you walk along. It’s great fun and it makes the history more accessible.”
This year marks the 150-year anniversary of John Brown’s raid and is filled with a variety of events to celebrate the monumental occasion, making 2009 the perfect time to visit. For a full calendar of events visit www.johnbrownraid.org.
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy Harpers Ferry. Outdoor enthusiasts will take pleasure in the breathtaking scenery of the region. Bicycle paths seem endless. At the nearby C&O National Park, a towpath once used by mule teams during the digging of the Chesapeake and Ohio waterway provides a level trail along the entire canal route. As one of only a handful of towns that the 2200-mile Appalachian Trail passes through, Harpers Ferry is a great place for hiking.
With two rivers converging upon it, there is no shortage of recreational water activities available during your visit. Anglers will be overjoyed to know that both the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers are known for their quality of fishing. Gain a unique vantage point of the rivers by paddling them in a canoe or kayak. If you’re more adventurous, shake things up on a whitewater rafting trip offered by one of the nearby outfitters.
HARPERS FERRY
LODGING
The Anglers Inn, 867 West Washington Street; 304.535.1239; www.theanglersinn.com
Camp Hill Bed and Breakfast, 701 Washington Street; 304.535.2657; www.camp-hill.com
Comfort Inn, 25 Union Street; 304.535.6391; www.comfortinn.com
Harpers Ferry Guest House, 800 Washington Street; 304.535.2101; www.harpersferryguesthouse.com
Harpers Ferry KOA, 343 Campground Road; 304.535.6895; www.harpersferrykoa.com
Jackson Rose Bed and Breakfast, 1167 West Washington Street; 304.535.1528; www.thejacksonrose.com
Laurel Lodge, 844 East Ridge Street; 304.535.2886; www.laurellodge.com
The Outpost-Harpers Ferry Cabin Rental, 100 Eagles Nest Lane; 202.332.1658; www.harpersferrycabin.com
Quality Inn and Conference Center, 4328 William L. Wilson Freeway; 304.535.6302; www.qualityinn.com
Stowell Galleries Bed and Breakfast, 769 West Washington Street; 304.535.6693
The Towns Inn, 179 High Street; 877.489.2447; www.thetownsinn.com
Two Rivers Guest House, 52 Jefferson Street; 703.727.2907; www.tworiversguesthouse.com
DINING
The Armory Pub, 109 Potomac Street; 304.535.2469
Cannonball Deli, 147 High Street; 304.535.1762
Cliffside Inn/Gavins Tavern, Route 340; 304.535.6302
Country Café and General Store, 1715 West Washington Street; 304.535.2327
Iron Horse Café, 201 Potomac Street; 304.535.2168
Kings Pizza, 914 Washington Street; 304.535.2380
Little Ponderosa Bar-B-Que, 201 Potomac Street ; 304.535.2168
Lori’s Café, 173 Potomac Street; 304.535.3114
Mountain House Café, 179 High Street; 304.535.2339
Old Towne Café, 173 Potomac Street; 304.535.1137
Quarter Master Tavern, 170 Potomac Street; 304.535.1149 

Secret Six Tavern, High Street; 304.535.1159
Swiss Miss, 102 Potomac Street; 304.535.1250
The Buffet Restaurant, 4328 William L. Wilson Freeway; 304.535.6302
The Coffee Mill, 101 Potomac Street; 304.535.1257
Vista Gourmet, 4328 William L Wilson Freeway; 304.535.6302
SHOPPING
Aunt Irene’s Candy and Sweets, 180 High Street; 304.725.9544; www.auntirenes.com
Harpers Ferry Wine & Gourmet Shoppe, 196 High Street; 304.725.9544
Hodge Podge, 144 High Street; 304.535.6917
Mary Adams Accessories, 170 High Street; 304.535.2411
Olde Tyme Portraits, 181 High Street; 304.360.2971
Sugar Magnolia, 156 High Street; 703.409.0071
The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry, 189 Potomac Street; 304.535.2296
The Village Shop, 180 High Street; 304.535.6911
The Vintage Lady, 180 High Street; 304.535.1313
Tomandy Jewelry Design, 175 High Street; 304.535.1377
Westwind Potters, 144 High Street; 304.535.2511
THINGS TO DO
John Brown Wax Museum, 168 High Street; 304.535.6342
O Be Joyful Historic Ghost Tours, 175 High Street; 732.801.0381; www.obejoyfull.com
Blue Ridge Outfitters, U.S. 340 on Frontage Road; 304.725.3444
