Shepherdstown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Shepherdstown showing street scenes, a small town or village and heritage elements
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown showing heritage architecture and an administrative building
Shepherdstown featuring a small town or village, street scenes and signage
Shepherdstown featuring heritage architecture and an administrative building

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 Centre 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 Theatre 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.

Quality Inn Shepherdstown
Quality Inn Shepherdstown
2.5 out of 5
70 Maddex Square Dr, Shepherdstown, WV
The price is ₹6,823 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹6,823
₹7,642 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Shepherdstown. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Maddex Square and Bane Harris Community Park are ...
7.6/10 Good! (143 reviews)
Will be back!
"Front desk staff very helpful. I had an issue in my room and they were able to exchange me immediately to another room. Great location when we come to see Shepherd football!!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Quality Inn Shepherdstown
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 ₹6,944 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,944
₹7,708 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Frederick. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,039 reviews)
"Location and staff was great"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

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 ₹9,001 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
₹9,001
₹9,991 total
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Frederick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"It was easy to get to, plenty of parking, the rooms were nice and clean"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

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.
Mirror Villas - Modern Retreat with private hot tubs and mountain view
Mirror Villas - Modern Retreat with private hot tubs and mountain view
3.5 out of 5
13571 Blairs Valley Rd, Mercersburg, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star guesthouse in Mercersburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Lift Off Quad Ski Lift and Magic Carpet ...
Mirror Villas - Modern Retreat with private hot tubs and mountain view
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.

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