Founded in 1786, Charles Town is the seat of Jefferson County. Charles Washington - the youngest brother of George Washington - laid out the town, named streets and donated the four blocks at the center of town to the community. To learn more about the history of Charles Town, take a walking tour to see many historic homes built and owned by people such as Charles Washington, John Locke, and other important figures of the period. After catching up on the town's history, stop by Jefferson Farmers Market to pick up some homegrown vegetables and fruits, homemade breads and salsas, or children's handcrafted items. Stay current on local news with the Spirit of Jefferson-Advocate, one of the oldest newspapers in the state.
Another great way to discover Charles Town is by checking out the 3rd Thursday of each month, May through August, 5-9pm. Businesses stay open late and activities include live music, wine tastings, face painting, historic walking tours, Charles Street marketplace and more!
While downtown, visitors can stop by Dish for a taste of American bistro cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. For dessert, Skipper’s Downtown Dips & Deli offers farm fresh ice cream from a nearby creamery, among other tasty treats. For entertainment, catch a show at the Old Opera House, the county’s live theater dating back to 1910. Just minutes from downtown, Locust Hill Golf Course offers 18 holes of golf and has been rated #5 by Golfweek Magazine and given a 4 Star Rating by Golf Digest Magazine 2000-2001, 2002-2003 and 2008-2009 editions.
For those looking for a different avenue of entertainment, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is right around the corner. This entertainment establishment, which is home of the West Virginia Breeders' Classic, has thoroughbred racing year-round. The Hollywood Casino also offers live poker, more than 5,000 slots, table games - which include blackjack, craps, roulette, & more with a total of 85 tables, live entertainment, and numerous dining opportunities. The Inn at Charles Town is located on the grounds of the casino and offers first-class amenities and rich interiors just footsteps from exciting casino action and thoroughbred racing.
COMMUTER INFORMATION
The Eastern Panhandle is known for attracting many commuters because of significant difference in cost of living compared to the surrounding tri-state region, as well as ease of access to commuter routes via train or car.
From Charles Town minutes/miles by car:
35 minutes to Frederick, MD
35 minutes to Leesburg, VA
75 miles to Baltimore, MD
60 miles to Washington, DC
TRAIN SERVICES
Jefferson County, WV is served by Amtrak Train Service and MARC Commuter Train Service at the Harpers Ferry Station (HFY), which offers direct connections to Union Station, Washington DC and Rockville, MD. Amtrak and MARC also offer connections via Union Station to Penn Station, Baltimore MD and BWI Airport, as well as many others.
The MARC Train, whose service areas include Harford County, Maryland; Baltimore City; Washington D.C.; Brunswick, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia, can be accessed at three park & ride locations in the Eastern Panhandle: Martinsburg Station, Harpers Ferry Station, and Duffields Station in Shenandoah Junction, WV. For a schedule and fare information, visit www.amtrak.com and http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/.
AIRPORTS
Jefferson County is within an hour's drive of 3 major airports: Baltimore/Washington International, Reagan National, and Washington Dulles International.
