What do you love to do when you travel? If it includes incredible dining, wonderful local shops, alluring outdoor recreation, and immersive history, then Martinsburg and Berkeley County, West Virginia is a destination you’ll appreciate. Martinsburg is a mere 90 minutes from Washington, DC; getaway to outdoor adventure and fresh air.
Berkeley Outdoors
Lose yourself when you find a great trail to tackle. Consider the Devil’s Nose within Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. Hike or bike the trail to encounter a waterfall and the roaring rapids of Meadow Branch. It’s but one of the excellent trails of Berkeley Outdoors.
Birders also flock to Sleepy Creek WMA, especially this time of year. Fall migration begins in August for beautiful varieties of warblers, vireos, and flycatchers.
More treasures can be found, but you’ll need assistance to find them. The Berkeley Gadgets GeoTour is a ‘cachers delight. Pick up a passport from the Martinsburg and Berkeley County Convention & Visitors Bureau on E. Race Street.
Perhaps you’re not quite ready to kayak the Potomac River. That’s okay! Start slow on the 205-acre Sleepy Creek Lake with a rental kayak. PS: It’s also a great place to fish. Find more hot spots for biters in the Berkeley Outdoors Fishing Guide.
Let’s Shop!
Art lovers will celebrate the talents of local artisans at Queen Street Gallery and the gorgeous hand-blown glass at West Virginia Glass Outlet. Vintage glass and newly blown pieces may be a great addition to your home or office.
Treat yourself! Defluri’s Fine Chocolates are lovingly created by family using the best ingredients and time-honored traditions. From truffles to caramels and many confections in between, you’re going to want to take a box or two home.
Hands-On History
When the kids are in tow, a visit to For the Kids, By George Museum is in order. Immersive, children take in more than 300 years of local history, including the Tuscarora Native American Village. And what kid doesn’t love LEGO? A whole room is set up for building fun.
Farming has always been a vital part of the economy in the Shenandoah Valley and The Dillon Farm Museum highlights Berkeley County’s agricultural contributions. Make a plan to visit during the second weekend of October for the annual fall show.
Take it way back with a stop at Morgan Cabin. Built between 1731 and 1734, it was the home of West Virginia’s first licensed tavern keeper, Morgan Morgan. Fun fact: Morgan’s son, Zackquill Morgan, founded Morgantown, WV.
Check out more great history stops in Martinsburg and Berkeley County.
Upcoming Events
Love a fair? Catch the Berkeley County Youth Fair through August 7. Events include a truck and tractor pull Monday, August2, bull riding Tuesday, Nashville recording artists Morgan White and John King in concert Wednesday, UTS SXS Flag Drags Thursday, Demolition Derby Friday, and Flat Drags Saturday. Carnival rides operate daily.
Save the date for the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival! October 15 through 17 is the 42nd annual festival and will be held at the Berkeley County Youth Fairgrounds.
Plan your next trip to Martinsburg and Berkeley County with their latest Travel Guide.
Photo courtesy Martinsburg and Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau.