Need a historic and charming escape in the Eastern Panhandle? Head to Charles Town! With Civil War landmarks, casino excitement, and beautiful countryside, Charles Town blends rich history with modern fun. It’s perfect for weekend getaways filled with antiques, hiking, and horse racing thrills.

Charles Town, WV Highlights:

  • For History Buffs: Tour the Jefferson County Museum – Discover Civil War artifacts, local history, and John Brown’s story in this small yet fascinating museum.
  • For Gamblers: Play and dine at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races – Enjoy slots, table games, live horse racing, and a range of restaurants.
  • For Outdoor Lovers: Hike and bike in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – Scenic trails, sweeping views, and a short drive from town.
  • For Architecture Aficionados: Stroll Downtown Charles Town – Admire historic homes, quaint storefronts, and landmarks tied to George Washington’s family.
  • For Couples: Sip and relax on the Jefferson County Wine & Ale Trail – Visit nearby wineries and breweries in a scenic countryside setting.

Best Time to Visit Charles Town, WV

The best time to visit Charles Town is from late spring to early fall (May to October) when the weather is ideal for historic walking tours, racing events, and outdoor dining. Fall foliage makes September and October especially scenic.

How to Get to Charles Town, WV

  • If you are traveling by car: Charles Town is just off Route 340 and about 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C. or Baltimore.
  • By Train: MARC commuter trains run to nearby Harpers Ferry (10 minutes away), with connections from Washington, D.C.
  • By Plane: The closest major airport is Dulles International (IAD), about an hour away by car.

Where to Stay in Charles Town, WV

  • Recommended for Families: Holiday Inn Express Charles Town – Family-friendly lodging with modern rooms, free breakfast, and a convenient location.
  • For Couples: Hillbrook Inn & Spa – Romantic retreat in a historic English Tudor estate with a spa and fine dining.
  • For a Historic Stay: Carriage Inn Bed and Breakfast – Charming 19th-century B&B with elegant decor and Civil War history.

Best Things to Do in Charles Town, WV

Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races


Watch live races and enjoy exciting casino games on a thrilling trip.

Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races

© Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races

The Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races is located just east of Charles Town in West Virgina. The horseracing facility is best known as the home of the West Virginia Breeder’s Classic, although it’s among the busiest tracks in the country, with races scheduled nearly 5 days a week year long. Other popular races include the Charles Town Classic and the Sprint Festival. Gaming facilities at the Casino include sports betting, table games, and over 3,000 slot machines. Gaming was introduced to the then 75-year old track in 2009. An on-site hotel, The Inn at Charles Town, offers fine dining, sports bar and food court.

750 Hollywood Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414, Phone: 800-795-7001

Old Opera House Theater Company


See live performances and savor an affordable night of local theater.

Old Opera House Theater Company

© Old Opera House Theater Company

West Virginia’s Old Opera House was built in 1910 thanks to the fundraising efforts of Annie Packette, a descendant of George Washington. The classic theater went dark in 1948 with the arrival of the cinema. The Old Opera House Theatre Company was incorporated in 1973 with a mission to restore the theater for use in local productions. The doors reopened in 1976 with a production of My Fair Lady. Today, the theater hosts six annual main stage productions, an annual one-act play festival and summer youth productions. Dance and theater classes are offered for both children and adults. An art gallery on the theater’s lower level showcases local works, while an adjacent thrift store sells gently used items to support ongoing restoration and programs.

Old Opera House Theater Company, 204 N. George St, Charles Town, WV 25414, Phone: 304-725-4420

Attractions for Couples

Jefferson County Museum


Explore Civil War history and view unusual regional artifacts.

Jefferson County Museum

© Jefferson County Museum

The Jefferson County Museum is partnered with the Jefferson County Library in Charles Town’s historic downtown. Founded in 1965, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the county and region. Permanent exhibits at the museum include a display on the Native Americans of the Shenandoah Valley, archives and documents related to the Washington family in the 18th and 19th centuries, slavery in the region, and every day life in the 19th and 20th centuries. A Civil War exhibit and an exhibit on John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry are accompanied by an exhibit on slavery, designed in partnership with the Jefferson County Black History Preservation Society. In total, the museum is home to over 2,000 artifacts and 4,000 photographs and documents.

200 E. Washington Street, Charles Town, WV 25414, Phone: 304-725-8628

Jefferson County Courthouse


Visit a historic landmark and discover sights tied to John Brown’s trial.

Jefferson County Courthouse

© spiritofamerica/stock.adobe.com

Charles Town’s Jefferson County Courthouse was the first in the county, built in 1803. The current Georgian style red brick building with an iconic Greek columned porch was built in 1836 and topped by a unique square domed clock tower. The courthouse is most famous as the site of two major trials for treason. The first, in 1859, was the trial of John Brown, accused of treason against Virginia in his attempt to overthrow slavery. The second, 1922 of coal miners accused of attempting to unionize, an act of treason against the state following the Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest labor uprising in the United States.

119 N George St, Charles Town, WV 25414, Phone: 304-728-3231

Cool Spring Nature Preserve


Walk shaded trails and spot wildlife during a relaxing family outing.

Cool Spring Nature Preserve

© chromatic/stock.adobe.com

The Cool Spring Nature Preserve protects 32 acres of marshes, meadows and forest, and is bordered on one side by the historic Bullskin Run stream, where George Washington made his first land purchase in 1752 at the age of 22. Structures within the preserve include the 1869 cottage belonging to Susan B. Thornton, a freed slave who purchased her one acre property for $1. The Potomac Valley Audubon Society Nature Center is also located on site, and includes close to 2 miles of easy walking trails, and indoor and outdoor classroom space to host programs and events. Located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the preserve is home to 18 rare West Virginia Plants and the equally rare Shenandoah Wet Prairie Marsh. The birding hotspot protects 12 environmentally sensitive areas.

1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town WV, 25414, Phone: 681-252-1387

Abolitionist Ale Works


Sip craft beers and enjoy a fun weekend vibe with friends.

Abolitionist Ale Works

© Abolitionist Ale Works

Abolitionist Ale Works is a craft brewery with a mission to rebel against the status quo within the beer industry. The brewery makes flavorful, fun beers including IPA’s, sour beers, an Irish stout, English bitter, wheat beer and smoked beer. Previously known as Front Porch Brewing, the brewery changed their name in 2017. Events at Abolitionist Ale Works include an open mic night every Tuesday, Live Music on Fridays, and twice monthly stand up comedy. The brewery serves a menu of artisanal pizza and appetizers. Upstairs at the brewery are one and two bedroom vacation rental apartments, each comes with a free growler for long weekend stays.

129 W Washington Street, Charles Town, West Virginia, Phone: 681-252-1548

Where to Eat

Ruby Tuesday


Grab a quick bite and savor cheap comfort food favorites.

Ruby Tuesday

© Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday is a classic American restaurant serving handcrafted burgers and other American fare. The company was founded in 1972, and now has over 700 locations worldwide. Dinner menu items include seafood, chicken, steaks and pastas. Ruby Tuesday is well known for their 100% USDA Choice Beef prime graded burgers with pretzel buns. The restaurant’s famous Garden Bar allows guests to make their own salad from a choice of over 50 fresh ingredients. Every Tuesday a child’s meal is free with the purchase of an adult entry. A full bar menu offers Happy Hour specials, signature cocktails and spiked teas and lemonades.

701 Willow Spring Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414, Phone: 304-728-6680

Waffle House


Enjoy all-day breakfast and stop in for an easy, affordable meal.

Waffle House

© Syda Productions/stock.adobe.com

The original Waffle House opened in 1955. The restaurant chain has since become a beloved icon of the American South. While the focus is on breakfast all day long, Waffle House restaurants are open 24 hours and serve lunch and dinner as well. Good food fast is the mission, and Waffle House takes pride in serving quality sit-down meals at fast food speed. Breakfast favorites include flavored waffles, omelets, steak and eggs. A lunch and dinner favorite is Bert’s Chili, named for the employee that created it in the early 1980’s. Alice’s Iced Tea is a sweet tea drink made from Royal Cup China black tea. Royal Cup has also provided the chain’s coffee since 1972, made of highest grade Arabica beans.

103 Keyes Ferry Rd, Charles Town, WV 25414, Phone: 304-268-5547

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Racing Fans: Charles Town Classic (April) – Watch one of West Virginia’s top horse races at the track.
  • For History Buffs: John Brown Commemoration Events (Fall) – Includes tours, reenactments, and historical lectures in nearby Harpers Ferry and Charles Town.
  • For Families: Charles Town Christmas Parade (December) – Celebrate with lights, floats, music, and seasonal cheer downtown.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Charles Town, West Virginia:

  • For Outdoor Adventure: Harpers Ferry (10–15 min) – Hike, raft, or explore the historic Lower Town district with Civil War sites and scenic views.
  • For Wine Lovers: Hillsborough Winery & Brewery (25–30 min) – Relax at a hillside winery offering drinks, food, and stunning countryside views.
  • For History: Shepherdstown (20–25 min) – Explore West Virginia’s oldest town with charming streets and historic buildings.
  • For Nature Enthusiasts: Cool Spring Nature Preserve (15–20 min) – Enjoy peaceful walking trails and educational nature programs.
  • For Family Fun: River Riders Adventure Park (10–15 min) – Ziplining, tubing, and ropes courses near Harpers Ferry.
  • For Civil War Buffs: Antietam National Battlefield (30 min) – Visit the site of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles in nearby Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Charles Town located?
    • Charles Town is a historically significant small town in Jefferson County, West Virginia.
  • Who founded Charles Town?
    • Built by the Washington family within a mountain pass where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet, Charles Town offers beautiful outdoor landscapes and several historic sites.
  • How close is Charles Town to Harper’s Ferry?
  • What historic sites can visitors see in Charles Town?
    • Charles Town is home to several significant Civil War battle sites, as well as original homes and farms belonging to George Washington and his family.

At a Glance:

Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and great for outdoor exploration. The Carriage Inn Bed & Breakfast – Historic charm with cozy accommodations. Explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – Hike scenic trails and learn about Civil War history.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for festivals and outdoor activities. Holiday Inn Express Charles Town – Convenient lodging near the casino and attractions. Visit Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races – Enjoy gaming, live horse racing, and entertainment.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and seasonal events. Hillbrook Inn & Spa – A luxurious retreat perfect for a fall getaway. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains – Experience breathtaking fall colors.
Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, festive charm, and cozy retreats. Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town – Comfortable accommodations with easy access to local sights. Visit local wineries and breweries – Enjoy tastings at nearby wineries like Bloomery Plantation Distillery.

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