This West Virginia Towns Has The Most Walkable Downtown

Shepherdstown certainly deserves its reputation as West Virginia’s most walkable downtown area. On German Street, everything is neatly packaged and lined up. Restaurants, galleries, shops, and historical landmarks all come together in just a few blocks. Shepherdstown also has a rich history that dates back to 1762, when it was first settled under the name Mecklenburg. The best part is that once you find parking, you don’t need to think about your car again. Situated in the heart of town, you are in for a treat because almost all of the must-visit spots are just within a short walk.

A Favorable Layout For Walking

The compact downtown area of Shepherdstown runs mainly along German Street, with a few streets crossing it. This creates a concentrated commercial area of approximately four blocks from east to west. This historic layout puts everything within easy walking distance of everything else. The area is relatively flat, making it easy for walkers of most fitness levels. The streets are lined with shade trees, providing a cooling respite from the summer sun.

At the center of this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, the Thomas Shepherd Inn at 300 West German Street is a six-room bed-and-breakfast built in 1868 and converted to an inn in 1984. The location allows guests to access both sides of downtown from the intersection of West German and Duke Streets. There are fifteen locally owned and operated restaurants within four blocks of the inn, and guests can park in the lot and walk to virtually everything in town. The location is also on land originally owned by Thomas Shepherd, the town's founder, giving guests access to the earliest history of the area. The inn was also awarded the 2023 Best of West Virginia by WV Living Magazine in the Bed and Breakfast category.

Dining Options On German Street

For a small town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown is loaded with fine dining locations, especially in the walkable set of blocks on German Street. Just a short stroll from one of the six rooms at the bed and breakfast, you will come across Bistro 112, a fancy upscale establishment known for crowd favorites like the French onion soup, steaks, and trout.

If you want even more of a delicious and fancy feeling to your food while you visit this piece of The Mountain State, be sure to also check out The Press Room on the same block. This location leans more toward a blend of Italian and American options, so look for favorites like grilled swordfish and carbonara. The Press Room is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so call to reserve your table in advance.

Shopping And Retail

Four Seasons Books is the mainstay of the downtown area at 114 West German Street. This independent bookstore has been around for a while and is the go-to destination for an immersive literary experience. They offer new and used books, book clubs, and author readings. They have bestsellers and books written by local and regional authors. This is the kind of store that thrives in a walkable downtown area, where the flow of tourists to the many attractions will bring them right into the store.

The Good Shop is located at 123 East German Street and sells women's clothing and accessories. The store sells an eclectic selection of women's and junior clothing in natural fabrics, including FLAX, Habitat, and Cut Loose. They also have tagua jewelry, Sylca necklaces, and seasonal items such as gloves, hats, and scarves. Every week, they receive new shipments. What makes this store unique is that a portion of its profits supports rescue horses on store owner Gina Franklyn’s farm.

Nearby Towns Worth Exploring

Charles Town

If you head about 10 miles east, you will come to Charles Town. An interesting quick fact about this growing community is that it was founded in 1786 by the younger brother of one of America’s most prominent figures: George Washington. Charles Washington’s residence is still here and part of a walking tour that you can do to experience the town’s history, along with the Jefferson County Courthouse, site of noted abolitionist John Brown’s treason trial.

Harpers Ferry

Speaking of John Brown, you might want to head 12 miles south of Shepherdstown to see where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers come together at the community of Harpers Ferry, where this legend raided the federal arsenal. You can find all kinds of history here, with museums, preserved 1800s buildings, and landmarks worth seeing firsthand, like the very site of the raid. If nature is more your speed, you will be happy to know that the town is split by the Appalachian Trail and sites like Jefferson Rock are highly accessible for outdoor recreation.

Berkeley Springs

While a bit farther at 45 miles northwest, Berkeley Springs is one of the cities you really should take the time to see when you are visiting the Mountain State. This place has a lot of history, mostly about the springs that the town got its name from, but there’s plenty for your family to do and see while you visit. For starters, check out Cacapon Resort State Park for outdoor recreation at its finest in the form of hiking, fishing, and even a full golf course.

Walk Shepherdstown And Experience West Virginia

Shepherdstown has become known as one of the most walkable downtowns in West Virginia, thanks to the compact concentration of amenities and history over several blocks. When you arrive, check the Thomas Shepherd Inn's availability for accessible accommodations that put you right at the center of the action, with numerous restaurants, shops, and boutiques lined up and down German Street. When you add in the accessibility of nearby Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, and Berkeley Springs, you have even more of a reason to get out on your feet and explore this little slice of Appalachia.