Within West Virginia, Jefferson County ranks at the top for tourism. According to a 2019 analysis prepared for Secretary Ruby by national economic consultants Dean Runyan Associates, tourism in Jefferson County supported more than 7,000 jobs, brought more than $840 million in direct spending, and generated $10.5 million in local government tax revenues. And the region is positioned to attract even more tourism in the years ahead. Read the Full Story >>
Visit Our Local Parks
With gasoline prices climbing, it makes more sense than ever to take advantage of nearby recreation options. Fortunately, there is no shortage of national wilderness areas and parks within a short drive from Jefferson County. And you can stretch your dollar even farther by taking advantage of discounted or free access passes from the National Park Service. Read the Full Story >>
The 2022 Contemporary American Theater Festival – A Quick Guide
This year’s Contemporary American Theater Festival festival kicks off on July 3 with four days of previews (pay-what-you-can) followed by a packed schedule of opening weekend plays and events on July 8, 9 & 10. Six plays will be presented on a changing schedule Tuesday through Sunday during the following three weeks through July 31. Read the Full Story >>
Both New & Familiar At The 2022 Contemporary American Theater Festival
The Observer put Peggy McKowen, Producing Artistic Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), in the spotlight to answer some questions about this year’s festival, presented this July in Shepherdstown. Read the Full Story >>
Frederick Keys Return With Focus on Fan Experience
The Frederick Keys are back in action this summer and swinging for the fences with a focus on family fun. Read the Full Story >>
Connecting the Trails
Today, it’s possible to cycle directly from Pittsburgh to Harpers Ferry or Shepherdstown on a direct path — and these communities see the economic impact of this increasingly popular recreation vacation activity. Imagine if the rest of Jefferson County could be connected to this network. Not unlike high speed internet, if we can connect to it, good things will come. Read the Full Story >>
Volunteers Preserve Shepherdstown Battlefield
River Road, east of Shepherdstown is a sleepy part of Jefferson County today. In September 1862 it was a pretty busy place, with an estimated 1,700 Union troops crossing the Potomac River from Maryland to engage 3,000 Confederate troops positioned on the south bank and cliffs above. One hundred and sixty years later, you need to look closely to see any signs of the two-day battle, other than a roadside marker. Read the Full Story >>
Stunning Colors at the Feeder
A half-dozen goldfinches, pure yellow against the fresh grass of May, sought scattered dandelion seeds. Brilliant as they are, they can’t compare to the painted bunting that showed up at Tom O’Connor’s Clarke County, Virginia bird feeder a few days ago. Read the Full Story >>
Anger & Conspiracy
Alma Katsu’s newest historical horror novel, The Fervor, feels unsettlingly familiar despite its World War II setting. Although the story begins with the outbreak of a mysterious illness in a Japanese-American internment camp, it eventually merges in surprising and satisfying ways with two parallel story lines: one about a female reporter trying to uncover a government conspiracy, and the other focused on a grieving widow who gets sucked into a homegrown white nationalist movement. A touch of magical realism, mostly based on Japanese folklore and fairy tales, ties the book together. Read the Full Story >>
Speaking On Dilemmas — June 14
Speak Storytelling presents storyteller Bobby Norfolk in performance on June 14 (Tue) at 7:30 pm. This month’s event is online only. Norfolk’s program is entitled “The Moral of the Story.” Read the Full Story >>
Try Acting Like a Kid
The Black Box Youth Playhouse in Shepherdstown (113 South Princess St) is offering 4 weekday camps (Mon-Fri) for youth aged 4 through 18 this summer. Read the Full Story >>
Youth Summer Music Programs
Shepherd University School of Music is offering 3 youth programs this summer taught by University faculty. Read the Full Story >>
Dive into Reading this Summer
The Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Library, South Jefferson Public Library, and Shepherdstown Public Library are all running reading programs for kids this summer. The theme for 2022 is “Oceans of Possibilities.” Read the Full Story >>
Bark in the Park
The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County annual Bark in the Park is on June 4. Events include a blessing of the animals, canine demonstrations. dog & owner games, and canine contests. Vendors will include rescues, craft products, and food (for people too). Read the Full Story >>
Entler Museum Opens Exhibit on Black Education
A new exhibit exploring the Black student experience in Jefferson County before and after desegregation is now open at the Historic Shepherdstown Museum, located in the Entler Hotel. Read the Full Story >>
