A Weekend Itinerary Through the Eastern Panhandle

The Eastern Panhandle's compact geography makes it possible to cover a surprising range of experiences in a single weekend, from Martinsburg's revitalized downtown to the Blue Ridge foothills near the Virginia border. A typical itinerary might begin in Martinsburg, where a formerly industrial downtown has seen new restaurants and shops open in recent years alongside its historic railroad-era architecture.

From there, a short drive leads toward Berkeley Springs, one of the country's oldest spa towns, where mineral springs have drawn visitors since the colonial era. The town's small downtown offers a mix of local shops, art galleries, and mineral bath houses that continue a tradition of wellness tourism dating back centuries.

Rounding Out the Trip

No Eastern Panhandle itinerary is complete without a stop in Harpers Ferry, where the historic district and river confluence offer a natural final stop before heading home. Visitors with additional time might also consider a stop at one of the region's wineries, several of which have opened in recent years along the rolling hills near the Virginia border, taking advantage of a microclimate similar to nearby Virginia wine country.

Local tourism officials say the Eastern Panhandle's proximity to the Washington, D.C. metro area makes it a popular weekend destination for visitors seeking a change of pace without a long drive, a dynamic that has supported steady growth in the region's small hospitality businesses.