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May 2020

Travel USA West Virginia

A Road Trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

May 21, 2020

If you are looking for a fun, beautiful, and historical trip to take this summer, a road trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia may be in the cards! Harper’s Ferry is situated right on the border where Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia meet. This makes it a convenient spot for a day trip or overnight from the Baltimore/DC area.

What you’ll find are gorgeous views, a quaint and historic town, beautiful nature, and the gateway to the Loudoun County wine region. My husband Mike and I took our road trip to Harper’s Ferry last September to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and had a wonderful time! It was so nice to drive less than 2 hours from Baltimore and find ourselves in a completely different setting.

**Please visit HERE for most recent updates involving West Virginia health and safety updates and regulations including
openings and closures.
Make sure to check individual business websites for the latest information and availability of service. **

Getting to Harpers Ferry

Taking a road trip to Harpers Ferry is very easy if you live in the Baltimore or Washington DC area! The driving distance is an hour and fifteen minutes from each place, making the perfect destination for a day trip or quick weekend getaway.

It is also easily accessible from other Mid-Atlantic Destinations:

  • Harrisburg, PA: 1hr, 30 min
  • Richmond, VA: 2hrs, 30 min
  • Philadelphia: 2hrs, 40min
  • Pittsburgh, PA: 3hrs, 30 min
  • New York City Area: 4 hrs

Note that there is limited parking in the town itself, with street parking only. You can try your luck with street parking, but you will find it extremely difficult, especially during busy times. The best bet is to drive to the National Park Service lot (171 Shoreline Drive) where there is ample parking. There’s a visitor’s center as well as a free shuttle bus that will take you to the little downtown area.

If you live in DC and don’t have a car/want to relax on your trip without getting behind the wheel, both the MARC Train and Amtrak have service from Washington DC.

What to Do in Harpers Ferry

The tiny town of Harpers Ferry is absolutely adorable – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time! If you enjoy history, particularly early US History and Civil War history, you’ll definitely be in your element.

Walking through the town you will get a bit of a workout, as it’s perched on a hill (hence the amazing views of the surrounding landscape!) The town itself is very small with one main thoroughfare (High Street) filled with shops, restaurants, and historic sights. For a great spot to enjoy delicious food & drinks AND enjoy an amazing view of the valley and river, get a table on the deck of The Rabbit Hole (186 High St).

I would advise having lunch in the village versus dinner, as most restaurants close early. If you’re staying overnight in the area, there are a few neighboring towns that I recommend below.

After lunch, if you’re craving something sweet, head to True Treats Historic Candy Shop (144 High Street)! Even if you’re not a candy fiend, this shop is pretty much a museum, with typical candies dating back to biblical times, through the mid-1900s. There are also several other shops to browse along High Street selling locally made artisan items, historic knick-knacks, art, and other gifts.

If you continue down High Street you will approach the walk up to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, built pre-civil war, which has an amazing view over the entire valley. This church is also where the Ghost Tour meets if you’re interested in the spooky history of Harper’s Ferry!

You can continue walking up to Jefferson’s Rock, the lookout point where US President Thomas Jefferson once declared that the scene was “worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”

Harpers Ferry National Park

The town of Harpers Ferry is actually part of the Harpers Ferry Historical National Park! The whole park encompasses 4,000 acres and includes parts of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.

In addition to the historic village, church, Jefferson’s Rock, and historic demonstrations & museums, the park also offers guided tours and several hiking trails.

Make sure to check with the National Park Service before planning your trip to get up to date information on access to the park and health and safety regulations.

Where to Stay

Harper’s Ferry has a number of quaint and affordable Bed and Breakfasts within the village itself. The Cantula Inn comes highly rated by guests and offers modern comfort in a historic setting. The Lily Garden Bed & Breakfast is another great option, with 2 adorable suites situated in an old carriage house. The Light Horse Inn is also a great choice, offering modern amenities with historic charm (no children).

If you wanted to venture out of the village itself, there are lots of options in the surrounding area. Nearby Charles Town has more of the run of the mill chain hotels and will put you closer to late-night dining options and the Casino and Inn at Charles Town Races.

If you want a completely unique and wonderful Airbnb experience, I would definitely recommend the Historic Maison du Soleil Retreat, where we stayed during our visit (see photos below). We stayed in a private room within the hosts’ house and felt complete privacy and freedom throughout our visit.

The outdoor barn area they have set up is a dream – so tranquil and beautiful, it was hard to leave it to go and sightsee. The hot tub was especially nice to relax in. It’s close to the attractions at Harpers Ferry, as well as quaint Shepherdstown and plenty of wineries and hiking. Your stay also includes a wonderful breakfast cooked by the host, Henk.

Surrounding Activities in Harpers Ferry

Charles Town

Charles Town is another historic town less than a 15-minute drive from Harpers Ferry. While the town is more commercialized and not quite as quaint, you will find more here in terms of larger hotels, food options, grocery stores, the casino, etc. We mainly spent time here because of our Airbnb location, but we found the downtown quite charming as well in its own way.

A few highlights of Charles Town included dinner and live music on the patio at Abolitionist Ale Works, and the beautiful mural by Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zager (below).

Shepherdstown

I LOVED Shepherdstown and would definitely recommend checking it out! Another unbelievably quaint town, located 20 minutes from either Harpers Ferry or Charleston. Definitely worth spending a few hours walking the main street and all the local shops. There are also lots of yummy and unique dining options should you choose to stay here.

For Civil War Buffs and history enthusiasts, Shepherdstown is also close to the Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg, MD), the sight of the bloodiest day in US History during the Battle of Antietam in 1862.

Loudoun County Wineries

Just south of the Harpers Ferry area, Loudoun County, Virginia is a beautiful, sprawling, hill covered destination with 40 wineries! You could really spend your whole weekend just touring vineyards and tasting rooms, but it’s also fun to pop down here and have a relaxing afternoon at one or two of them.

Hillsborough Winery, Brewery & Vineyard is a great option if you are coming from Harpers Ferry or Charlestown, only around 20 minutes away from either place. The views were absolutely gorgeous and you can enjoy their wine and/or beer along with food selections they offer on-site if you sit on the patio or in the tasting room. If you choose to bring your own food, there is a picnic area where you can sit.

As you can see, this area area has a TON to offer, making a road trip to Harpers Ferry a great idea for this summer or fall! I hope you enjoy the local charm, history, eats and shopping of this beautiful place.

Looking for more local travel ideas on the US East Coast? Check out my Guide to Camping with Wild Horses on Assateague Island and my guide to Charming Photo Spots in Baltimore!

Don’t forget to PIN this article to help you plan your trip.

Maryland Travel USA

Camping with Wild Horses on Assateague Island

May 17, 2020

As summer approaches and the future of international (and even cross-state) travel remains uncertain, US travelers are itching to go somewhere, ANYWHERE where they can experience adventure. Now that National Parks are opening up, why not consider camping with wild horses on Assateague Island?

Yes, you read that right: you can camp with wild horses! A tiny strip of land that runs along the coast of Maryland and Virginia, Assateague Island is a unique destination that is easily drivable from the Baltimore/DC area, and an accessible summer road trip destination for most East Coasters.

**Please visit HERE for most recent updates involving park health and safety updates and regulations including openings and closures. **

Why Assateague Island?

Assateague Island is a haven for natural beauty. If your experience or impression of middle Atlantic beaches involve commercialized boardwalks, amusement parks, and overcrowded beaches, get ready for a breath of fresh air.

I have to admit, I haven’t had much experience camping but this place really blew me away! Sleeping in a tent over sand is much more comfortable than the hard ground, as the sound of the waves at night was so relaxing.

Sunrise at Assateague, near our campsite

Assateague State Park vs Assateague National Seashore

Assateague Island is home to Assateague State Park AND Assateague National Seashore. All camping is on the Maryland side of the Island. Camping is allowed in both areas but there are slight differences in pricing, amenities, and rules:

Assateague State Park

  • More crowded together campsites (less private)
  • Better amenities: Hot showers & Flushing Toilets
  • Electric campsites available
  • Bayside campsites only
  • NO Drinking Alcohol
  • Pets Allowed on Certain Campsites
  • Prices are $28 per site, $38 per electric site/per night

Assateague National Seashore

  • Campsites are more spaced out and private
  • More primitive amenities (non-flushing toilets and cold water showers)
  • No electric campsites
  • Oceanside campsites available (less buggy and right on the beach)
  • Drinking alcohol allowed
  • Pets Allowed, must be leashed
  • Prices are $30 per sight/per night

For all the rules and regulations as well as health and safety updates for each park, check out the links above.

When to Visit Assateague

The park is open year-round, but the best and most popular time to go camping on Assateague Island is summer, to utilize the beautiful beach. This also means that it’s the most crowded time and campsites book up well in advance. You will definitely have to plan ahead if you want to make sure you have a campsite reserved, especially if you want to camp on a weekend.

Luckily, sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance! You can check availability and make your reservations HERE. While summer is the most popular time, early fall can also be nice with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Getting to Assateague Island

Assateague Seashore is a great road trip destination from many spots on the East Coast! Of course the driving times below are approximate and don’t account for stops or traffic.

  • Baltimore: 2hrs 45min
  • Washington, DC: 2hrs 45min
  • Philadelphia: 2hrs 30min
  • NYC Area: 4hrs

The biggest obstacle for travelers from Baltimore, DC, or other parts of Maryland (minus the Eastern Shore) is the Bay Bridge, which often has large traffic backups, especially on the weekends. Consider going during a weekday if possible if you want to try and avoid this.

Closest Airports: BWI, IAD, DCA, PHL or SBY (Salisbury)

What to Do Around Assateague

The main appeal of camping on Assateague Island is to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife. After you arrive and set up your campsite, definitely take advantage of the beach (if it’s early enough in the day), and enjoy the sunset over the marshy bayside if you can. Build a campfire, fire up the grill, and enjoy the food you brought with you, or as an alternative, you can drive 5-10 minutes offsite to the Assateague All You Can Eat Crab House.

Besides the obvious of enjoying your campsite and the beach, there are also hiking trails you can take advantage of!

Woke up for a Sunrise Photoshoot! Sadly no horses.

Wildlife at Assateague

In addition to the famed wild horses, Assateague is home to a multitude of species to observe. Deer, frogs, toads, several species of crabs and snails, shorebirds, and waterfowl all inhabit the island. Assateague’s waters and marshes are also home to many species of fish as well as the popular Maryland Blue Crab.

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THE WILD HORSES AT ASSATEAGUE

The horses you will see on Assateague Island are feral and have been inhabiting the island since the 1600s. All in all, there are about 300 wild horses that live on Assateague Island. There are a few legends about how the horses ended up calling Assateague their home, the most popular one being that they came ashore when a Spanish Cargo Ship sank. Another theory is that these horses are the descendants of the horses of early settlers that were allowed to run freely.

Please note that the horses are wild, so trying to feed or pet them is a huge no-no. They can and will bite and kick and could potentially carry disease. The Park Service regulations advise staying at least 40 feet away when viewing the horses. Personally, we didn’t see any horses on our campsite, we saw them closer to the other beach we visited that was open to daily visitors. They are beautiful and not scary (in case the above worried you a bit) if you maintain your distance and quietly observe.

There are also many signs throughout the campsite advising you to keep all your food in locked containers or in your car, as the horses will try to take it. They also advise to not give the horses any water. They have learned to adapt and thrive in their salty/marshy environment and have their own water sources. Humans feeding them could actually deter them from finding and protecting their own sources.

What to Bring to go Camping on Assateague Island

  • Bug Repellant
    • Now, most resources on Assateague and word of mouth information will advise you that the mosquitos on Assateague Island are BRUTAL. Personally, we did not have a big problem with them, and I think it’s because we got a beach/shoreside campsite in the National Park. It makes sense that the bugs would be more prevalent in the marshy bayside, so keep that in mind when making your reservations. It’s possible that we just got lucky. Regardless, make sure you bring good quality, strong bug repellant to ward off the pesky mosquitos and horseflies, should they be a bother.
  • Sunscreen
  • Layers
    • Prepare for it to get chilly at night, even if it’s hot during the day. Long layers will also help protect against bug bites during dusk, especially if you are planning on walking the trails.
  • Firewood/Starter Fluid for Campfires and Grills
    • Due to park regulations, all firewood must be purchased in the state of Maryland. You will see people selling firewood from their homes as you approach the park. There is a convenience store right before the entrance to the park to buy any camping supplies you may have forgotten.
  • Food/Water for the Duration of your Visit
    • There is limited availability to purchase food and water in the park, so it’s advisable to bring as much with you as you want. Make sure you are able to secure and lock your food, and wildlife will invade if it’s left unattended.
  • Portable Phone Charger
    • This is particular to camping in the National Park (no electric sites) or a non-electric site in the State Park. Service isn’t great but you will most likely want to take pictures of your experience and don’t want to run out of charge!

Ready to Go?

Whether you’re going as a couple, with friends or as a family, camping on Assateague Island is a truly unique experience for everyone. It is easily accessible from the East Coast by car and will provide lasting memories.

Ready for some other East Coast Travel? Check out my guide to Charming Photo Spots in Baltimore and a Neighborhood Guide to Hampden, Baltimore.

Don’t forget to PIN this post to help you with planning your trip!