Staycation

Sharpsburg Maryland is a small town located roughly 25 minutes north of Harpers Ferry West Virginia and a short drive across the Potomac from Shepherdstown. Sharpsburg is home to the Antietam National Battlefield, the location that hosted the single bloodiest day of the Civil War. The battle took place on September 17, 182 and resulted in nearly 23,000 dead, wounded, or missing. There are several monuments erected on the grounds for viewing. A little ways down the creek sits Burnside Bridge, another crucial spot dedicated to the persistence Union army. There is a small fee to visit, so I passed this time around.

Close to the battle grounds, is the Antietam National Cemetery, where 4,776 Union soldiers and over 200 veterans and wives from other wars are buried. I planned on stopping at Captain Benders Tavern before heading southwest to Shepherdstown, but noticed a “cash only” sign.

Right before crossing the Potomac into West Virginia, is the Ferry Hill Plantation. The building is only open weekends so I didn’t attempt to drive up, although I’m sure I could have walked the property with little to no consequence.

My first stop in Shepherdstown was the Devonshire Arms Cafe and Pub. The bar boasts English cuisine, although most of the menu was typical American pub food. The building, constructed in 1900, is quite small and gives off a dive bar atmosphere. the best thing about this town is how easy it is to walk.

Walking down the street, I located the historic “Little House” built around 1930 for youth summer classes. Just down German Street is Shepherdstown’s public library. This narrow structure was erected in 1800 as a farmers market, and has been utilized for many public uses throughout its history. There was some reconstruction in 1845 to accommodate the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and an “all-seeing eye of God” symbol displayed on the front of the building. I did not enter but snapped a few pictures as I passed.

The bakery next door to the library is located inside an older (200 years) building as well.

As I waited for evening businesses to open, I took a stroll to James Rumsey Park to view the monument overlooking the Potomac. It’s nestled in a hidden-away collude-sac and the views are spectacular. I happened to catch a train rolling past while atop the monument stairs.

The next stop, Mecklenburg Inn, named after the original town, has a lovely garden in the back to enjoy your beer at sunset. Their webpage is also worth viewing, as it is packed with historical info.

A nearby quaint shop, O’Hurleys, displays a collection of local coffee, crafts, and toys. Their most friendly employee has four paws and is named Murphy.

Shepherdstown is also know for their German styled resort, the Bavarian Inn, which overlooks the Potomac. The inn hosts a brewery and fine dining experiences. I unfortunately did not have the time to explore this landmark.

Another opportunity I passed up that I wish I hadn’t, was an evening ghost tour. $15 is not too shabby a price for a rich history reenactment and story telling. This is one small town I am willing to revisit to see all it has to offer.

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