WELCOME TO THE EASTERN PANHANDLE!
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West Virginia’ s Eastern Panhandle is truly the best of both worlds. The strong sense of heritage and community of each small town offers a quiet, easy pace of life with the convenience and luxury of big cities only a short trip away.
In the heart of the Eastern Panhandle, tight-knit communities such as Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry offer natural beauty, unmatched outdoor adventure opportunities, rich history and thriving downtown districts.
COME OUT AND PLAY IN JEFFERSON COUNTY Jefferson County is a beacon for tourism in the Mountain State. With unique lodging, restaurants, adventure options, historical sites and fairs and festivals, its list of offerings alone brings in guests from across the country.
“ We are realizing a dream in Jefferson County,” says Annette Gavin Bates, CEO of the Jefferson County CVB.“ We want to provide the visitor the very best experience, and it begins at our front door.”
With noteworthy destinations such as the Bavarian Inn, River Riders Family Adventure Resort, Harpers Ferry National Park, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Bloomery Plantation Distillery and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, natives and visitors alike are awed by the diverse amenities this region has to offer.
“ We have such kind and generous people who pull together for the better of the community, and they know tourism works for Jefferson County,” says Gavin Bates.“ How many people commute to work from a gorgeous place like Shepherdstown to historic Harpers Ferry? Each day I am literally surrounded by picturesque mountains. These small towns are each so unique but complement each other so well.”
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DISCOVER, EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE BERKELEY COUNTY Berkeley County is not only a West Virginia gem but, situated on the eastern slope of the Appalachian Mountains, also serves as the northern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley.
“ I like the peace and beauty our small region of West Virginia has to offer,” says Mark Jordan, executive director of the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention & Visitors Bureau( CVB).“ If I feel the need to be a part of a big city, I can be in Washington, D. C., within an hour or New York City within four hours, so to me Berkeley County is a prime location.”
Jordan works closely with the Berkeley County Development Authority, Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Martinsburg to facilitate growth, promote regional economic development and enhance the strengths of the historic area, but it is the sense of community he loves most.
“ The sense of Mountaineer pride and community spirit is strong in this region,” he says.“ People are proud of where they live and are welcoming to all who visit. Visitors become family, if even for a short while.”
Whether you’ re looking for a quiet retreat or a stylish staycation, come explore everything wild and wonderful about West Virginia’ s Eastern Panhandle!
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE