If you are looking for an off-the-beaten path small town, rich in history and charm, look no further than the Harper's Ferry and Shepherdstown, W.Va., area.

As soon as you drive into Shepherdstown, you will fall in love with this beautiful and charming centuries-old town. Founded in 1734 by Thomas Shepherd, the town claims to be the oldest continuously settled community in the state. Many of the first settlers were German.

Visitors will find a perfect blend of history and culture in Shepherdstown. There is much to do and see. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Potomac, this enclave retains its antique ambience in a quaint area off its main street, called German Street. Most of the area is designated as a historic district because of the well-preserved, original Colonial and Civil War period buildings.

Your first stop should be the Shepherdstown Visitor Center, which is now located at 136½ East German Street. Pick up a walking tour map and spend the day wandering through the unusual gift and antique shops housed in wooden store fronts. Visitors can tour the mixed collection of beautifully maintained old homes and enjoy a variety of shopping, dining, lodging and cultural events. You will experience the rich Civil War history of the area and an appreciation for its friendly townspeople.

It is home to Shepherd University, a liberal arts institution. The campus occupies about one-third of the town. A summertime highlight is the Contemporary American Theater Festival, held on the university campus from July 11 to Aug. 3. The festival focuses on challenging and entertaining plays that address contemporary issues.

On your walking tour, you will notice that more than 20 natural springs feed Town Run before it enters the south end of town. It never floods, nor runs dry; it meanders through backyards, under houses, across alleys and beneath five streets. As the town grew, this setting was conducive to millers, tanners, potters, smiths and other artisans.

The town is historically remembered for James Rumsey’s invention and demonstration of the steamboat in 1787, 20 years before Robert Fulton sought a patent. In 1987, volunteers from the Rumseian Society built a replica of the first Rumsey Steamboat that is currently housed in a boathouse on the grounds of the Historic Shepherdstown Museum. 

In 1862, the Battle of Antietam was fought less than five miles away. Afterward, Shepherdstown became an impromptu hospital for Robert E. Lee’s retreating Confederate Army. The town was overwhelmed with over 5,000 casualties of that battle. Every house, building, church, alley and street was filled with the wounded and dying.

Main Street Dining — Bank on it!

A popular fine dining restaurant on German Street is the Yellow Brick Bank, which serves Northern Italian, continental cuisine. Transformed from a bank into a restaurant in 1976, the Yellow Brick Bank has steadily grown in popularity. At one time it was said to be one of First Lady Nancy Reagan’s favorite restaurants. For information, visit www.yellowbrickbank.com.

For information on Shepherdstown, visit www.shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com, www.callwva.com or visitors@hello-wv.com.

The Bavarian Inn

As you cross the Potomac River Bend into Shepherdstown, you will think you have been transported to Germany when you see Bavarian style chalets atop a bluff overlooking the river. That’s the Bavarian Inn, a beautiful, luxurious place to stay during your visit to Shepherdstown.

This European-style inn offers 73 antique-furnished rooms and suites. Some of the accommodations have canopied four-poster beds, sitting areas, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Its award-winning dining room, which is popular among locals and visitors, serves fine German and Continental dishes, featuring its famous crab cakes and specially prepared veal and wild game delicacies.

Amenities include an exercise room, outdoor pool and tennis court and complete the inn as a relaxing destination spot. Golf packages can be arranged. Bikers will enjoy a picturesque ride along the Potomac River C&O Canal Towpath.

In 2000, the inn hosted members of the Middle East Peace Summit, which included President Clinton and Israeli and Syrian leaders.

The Bavarian Inn is located at 164 Shepherd Grade Road in Shepherdstown. For information, call 304-876-2551 or visit www.bavarianinnwv.com.

Harper’s Ferry

Only 20 minutes away from Shepherdstown is Harper’s Ferry, where visitors will enjoy strolling the streets of this 19th-century village that shaped America’s past. Bring good walking shoes to step into the past as you visit this historic community, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers join. In fact, when you climb up the hand-carved steps to the top of High Street and take in the view, you will understand what Thomas Jefferson meant in 1783 when he wrote: “The passage of the Potomac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” From what is now called Jefferson Rock, you can see all three states: Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia in one setting.

Start at the Visitors Center where you can board a bus for the ride into the village, or you can drive, hike or bike. Visitors can stroll the picturesque streets; visit artisan shops, exhibits and museums; or hike the Appalachian Trail, which runs through Harpers Ferry. A short walk along the trail from the lower town to the C&O Canal will take you from West Virginia to Maryland in just a few minutes.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. There is a $6 entrance fee per vehicle and $4 fee to enter the park on foot or bicycle. For information, visit www.nps.gov/hafe.