We hear a lot of talk about how important tourism is to Jefferson County, but this week we got to hear from folks who are actually making it work day-to-day and planning for how it might be even better for the county in the future.
Individually the pieces might look small, but when you can connect things together they can have an impact on what’s already a significant part of the local economy.
Speaking of local, both the Charles Town and Martinsburg farmers markets open this weekend, joining the year-round Shepherdstown and St. Isidore markets.
— Steve Pearson
The Observer is proud to be the "Best Small Local Newspaper" in West Virginia — WV Living's Best of West Virginia - 2025 Gold Award Winner
April is turning into a big month for bicycle/pedestrian projects in Jefferson County, with three projects hitting key milestones.
Route 9 Path Draft Plan Released
The Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) has released a draft of the WV Route 9 Bicycle Path Connectivity Plan. This plan incorporates the public comment received following a public meeting in December to identify the community’s preferred route for this proposed path, which will connect between the existing path along Route 9 that runs between Martinsburg and Wiltshire Road.
The plan for the next segment shows a path that runs between Wiltshire Road (image above), through Ranson and into Charles Town near the skate park, where it could connect with the Augustine Avenue path (see below).
HEPMPO is seeking public comment on this draft plan, which can be viewed on the HEPMPO website. There is also a printed copy available at the Charles Town Library. Comments should be submitted via email to Matt Mullenax (mmullenax@hepmpo.net).
During a ceremony to mark the completion of phase 1 of the Augustine Avenue path in Charles Town (image above), staff from the WV Department of Transportation announced that the pre-construction meeting for phase 2 of that project is scheduled for next week. Phase 1 runs along the west side of Augustine Avenue from Page-Jackson Elementary School and Creamery Road, on a right-of-way donated by the Perry family. Phase 2 will extend the path southward to provide a connection to the Huntfield neighborhood and Washington High School.
The City is already planning for phase 3 of this project, which will extend the path into central Charles Town to connect with the skate park. The project also includes a connection to Happy Retreat.
Construction Scheduled For Shepherdstown Path
The Department of Transportation announced last month that it had accepted a construction bid for the path connecting Shepherdstown and Morgan’s Grove Park. A preconstruction meeting for that project is scheduled for later this month, with construction expected to be completed by the fall.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Charlie's Pet of the Month
Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers is proud to serve as a Premier Sponsor of the Animal Welfare Society. Through this partnership, we support local adoption efforts and the compassionate work of connecting pets with loving families. Together, we are committed to strengthening our community, one forever home at a time.
Skinner Law Firm 115 E Washington St., Charles Town WV 25414. 304.777.7777
New Program Aims To Attract Horses To West Virginia
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey was trackside at the Charles Town Races along with several other elected officials on Monday morning to sign Senate Bill 1060, legislation that aims to attract more horses to run in Charles Town.
According to Delegate Joe Funkhouser, who helped guide the legislation through the House of Delegates earlier this year, SB 1060 defines a new program that allows Thoroughbred horses who are housed in West Virginia for 6 months to be “certified” and eligible to participate for purse money in races restricted to West Virginia horses.
Previously only “accredited” horses that were foaled in West Virginia were eligible to compete in these races. The “accredited” horses will have a preference if a race is oversubscribed and the Breeders Classic and WV Accredited Stakes races remain restricted to “accredited” horses only.
The legislation was sponsored by state Senator Jason Barrett. According to Barrett, the changes enacted by SB 1060 will expand the demand for local services by encouraging breeders to bring their horses to West Virginia. Barrett also noted that the expanded eligibility will help expand the field size for races.
According to Charlie McIntosh, Director of Racing at Charles Town Races, the track is authorized for 220 days of racing but the number of race days has been closer to 160 in recent years. He was optimistic that this new program would allow the track to reverse that trend and expand the calendar.
A message from Precision Homes
Precision Homes designs and builds high-performance living spaces where structural integrity, energy efficiency, and thoughtful design work together seamlessly. We deliver long-term comfort, functionality, and craftsmanship that will perform for decades.
About 140 local business owners, elected officials, and government staffers gathered at the Bavarian Inn on Tuesday, April 14 for a “Tourism Summit” organized by the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (JCCVB).
The JCCVB has been holding this event annually in its current format since 2022. Kicking off the event, Annette Gavin Bates, the JCCVB CEO, was happy to report that visitor spending in Jefferson County during 2025 totaled $916 million, approximately 14 percent of the total visitor spending in West Virginia. Not that this was a surprise — the county has led the state in visitor spending for more than a decade.
West Virginia Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby provided the keynote, speaking about general trends for tourism in the state.
Secretary Ruby (right) visited Happy Retreat on Monday to celebrate the completion of significant renovations funded by state and federal grants. Walter Washington (left) previewed plans for further upgrades that will allow the facility to be used for concerts, weddings, and business events.
One of the highlighted discussions was organized by Alden Roth and David Landis, who presented their concept for “story rides” — creating connected experiences for visitors looking to explore a place on foot and bike. They will be working with the JCCVB to create experiences for Jefferson County, building on the intense interest of cycling and hiking on the C&O Canal Towpath that bridges into the county at Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown.
Students from Shepherd University shared a similar theme of connection, presenting a curated “treasure hunt” concept for tourism to win the “business pitch” mini-competition at the end of the day.
Students from Washington High School’s DECA club presented a social media promotion program for the Bavarian Inn during the business pitch mini-competition
A message from Bridge Gallery & Framing
The Bridge Gallery presents a collection of assemblages by Frederick artist Jerry Johnson. Jerry is a native of Pittsburgh, studied printmaking at Penn State and later accepted a teaching position at the University of North Carolina. Throughout his six decade long art career he has been intrigued with piecing things together to create new images. This exhibit, titled "attachments" features vintage photographs from the 1920's assembled with found objects — tools, fabrics, wire, etc. — to create new images with new meanings, all open to the interpretation and imagination of the viewer.
Historic Shepherdstown Museum opens this weekend — The museum’s newest exhibit is a 35 star United States flag. This flag design was in use for only two years, following West Virginia’s admission to the union on July 4 1863. This flag configuration was retired when Nebraska became a state on July 4 1865. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm through October. 129 East German St, Shepherdstown. Web: HistoricShepherdstown.com
Eastern Panhandle Career Fair on Friday — 43 employers have signed up to interview candidates at the Ranson Civic Center on Friday, April 17 from 1 to 5 pm. Click here for a list of organizations attending.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
On Stage: A Doll's House — Stage production of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama presented by Town Run Theater Company. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19. $ Tickets & Info…
Wind Ensemble Concert — Shepherd University Wind Ensemble presents a spring concert featuring student musicians performing a seasonal program. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Friday, April 17, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Charles Town Farmers Market — Opening Day — Opening day of the seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan vendors, and live music. South Samuel St between Washington St and Congress St, Charles Town. Saturday, April 18, 9 am - noon. Free. Info…
Blooms & Blossoms in Charles Town — Community spring celebration organized by Charles Town Now featuring downtown activities and seasonal promotions throughout the day. Downtown Charles Town, Charles Town. Saturday, April 18, All day. Free. Info…
Spring Clean-Up at Morgan’s Grove Park — Community volunteer cleanup event preparing the park for the spring season. Bring your garden gloves. Morgan’s Grove Park, 4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 18, 9 am - noon. Free. Info…
Record Store Day — Fuzzy Dog Books & Music — Annual Record Store Day celebration featuring special vinyl releases and in-store browsing and promotions. Fuzzy Dog Books & Music, 201 E Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, April 18, 10 am - 7 pm. Free. Info…
Record Store Day — Admiral Analog’s — Record Store Day event featuring special releases and in-store music programming. Admiral Analog’s, 119 E German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 18, 11 am - 7 pm. Free. Info…
Art Heist Sale — Pop-up art sale featuring original works and discounted pieces in a historic venue setting. Happy Retreat, 600 Mordington Ave, Charles Town. Saturday, April 18, 10 am - 4 pm. Free. Info…
Kids’ Plein Air Watercolor Workshop — Outdoor watercolor workshop for children 10-12 years old focused on landscape painting and plein air techniques. Peter Burr Farm, 176 E Burr Blvd, Kearneysville. Saturday, April 18, 10 am - 1 pm. Free. Registration required. Info…
Historic Shepherdstown Museum — Seasonal opening of the museum featuring local history exhibits housed in the historic Entler Hotel. Historic Shepherdstown Museum, 129 E German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 18, 11 am - 5 pm. Free. Info…
Blooms Pub Crawl — Downtown Charles Town pub crawl featuring participating venues and spring-themed social stops. Charles Washington Hall, 100 W Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, April 18, 5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
The 1786 at Club Y2K — Evening multi-act live music event presented in a club-style format. Charles Washington Hall, 100 W Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, April 18, 5 - 11 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Music of the Regiment — Concert program featuring historic military-inspired repertoire presented as part of Jefferson County’s 250th anniversary commemoration, performed at two area churches on separate dates. Trinity Church, 208 W German St, Shepherdstown and Zion Episcopal Church, 301 E Congress St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 18, 7:30 pm; Sunday, April 19, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Neighborhood Cleanup & Earth Day Craft — Community Earth Day event combining cleanup activities with family-friendly crafts. Shenandoah Springs Gazebo, Mountain Laurel Blvd, Ranson. Sunday, April 19, 10 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
I Am Evidence — Emmy Award-winning documentary screening and discussion exploring how survivors navigated the criminal justice system. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W German St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, April 22, 6 pm. Free. Tickets & Info…
Jazz & Java — Live jazz performance in an intimate theater setting at Shepherd University. Marinoff Theater, 62 W Campus Dr, Shepherdstown. Thursday, April 23, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Ongoing
St. Isidore Market — Weekly market featuring local vendors offering produce and handmade goods. St. James Catholic Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, year-round, 5 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Farmers Market — Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors. 125 W King St, Martinsburg, WV. Saturdays, April–October, 10 am - 2 pm. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and crafts. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Cumberland Valley Artists — Exhibition showcasing works by local artists from the Cumberland Valley region. Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Dr, Hagerstown, MD. Ongoing through Sunday, April 26. Free. Info…
If you’ve visited Homespun in downtown Berryville, you’ll know what to order when you step into the newest restaurant in downtown Charles Town. If not, you’ll have fun exploring the menu at the Homespun - Charles Town grand opening this weekend.
Located at 212 North George Street (near the Old Opera House), the restaurant offers fresh farm-to-table burgers, fries, plus ice cream from South Mountain Creamery of Middletown, Maryland.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
