WEEKENDER: Harpers Ferry

If you’re looking for a scenic road trip with historic benefits, set your sights on Harpers Ferry. Spectacularly surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this iconic town embodies West Virginia’s “almost heaven” mantra while honoring our nation’s history in legendary fashion.

When your travel troupe includes history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies, a weekend getaway to Harpers Ferry will get rave reviews all around. Known for its role in John Brown’s Raid, this unpretentious mountainside town guides you along a picturesque path of American history with ample opportunities to experience nature and refuel at unique eateries.

With so much to see, you’ll be torn between hitting the ground running and the fear of missing out if you go too fast. Be sure to set aside plenty of time for meandering through the charm of the Lower Town, scouring Civil War remnants at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and discovering endless photo opportunities at scenic locations such as The Point, where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers converge.

While Harpers Ferry is a treasure in any season, a warm-weather visit will treat you to a canopy of chestnut oaks, red maples, and dogwoods surrounded by mountain laurel, woodland sunflowers, bird-foot violets, and Virginia bluebells. After leaving your footprints on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, we recommend that you venture off the beaten path to discover your own wonders.