Explore the beauty of Garrett (MD) Allegany (MD) , Mineral, Hampshire, Hardy, Grant, Pendleton, Tucker counties.
It’s more than just Farms, Orchards, River Tubing, and Civil War History.
Train Rides, Record Stores, Thrift Stores, Hiking Trails, Ice Cream, and other randomness.
Lakes. Fishing spots. Caves.
Hidden Gems.
Family Outings.
Fairs, Festivals and Community Events.
Roadtrip to the WV Eastern Panhandle for an adventure!
Get a Grip!
We’re headed to the panhandle..
Ah.. The West Virginia Eastern Panhandle. For me, it’s home. I grew up here. And in all my travels: I’ve never seen quite beauty that matches this. It’s truly a special place.
(Keyser, WV)
(Keyser, WV)
In cookware design, this specific area is near the grommet. This piece connects the coal melting pot, with the rest of West Virginia. On the far edge is, Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, and Harper’s Ferry. Or Hagerstown/Frederick.
This little sliver is a slice of Heaven.
From a local perspective: there’s really not much development or “things to do”.
In my years I spent living here: I’d take roadtrips. Somewhere, any place else. It took me years to realize what a bounty of treasure this area truly is.
The ridge and valley system is naturally extraordinarily beautiful. There’s an abundance of rivers, mountains, and creeks to enjoy. Places to go. Sites to see. And I’ve also found random things to do!
A Way to Spend the Day
(FUN Things to do, Fairs, Festivals and Events)
Things to do in Garrett County
Things to do in Allegany County
Things to do in Mineral County
Things to do in Hampshire County
Things to do in Pendleton County
You’ll probably want to bookmark this page if you’re local. Plenty of ideas within an hour. If you’re looking to travel to this area: ENJOY! It’s quite secluded, with “nothing to do”.
All these spots were selectively curated and arranged by counties. I try to keep it budget-friendly. Something for the whole family..Kid Friendly. And sometimes dog friendly. Pick and spot and go have FUN!
Things to do in Garrett County:
- Lostland Run
- New Germany State Park
- Swallow Falls State Park
- The Rock Maze
- Deep Creek Lake
- Rent a jet ski or pontoon @Fun Time Watersports
- Wisp Ski Resort
WISP Resort Deep Creek, MD
- Garrett College Aquatic Center
- Indoor Pool complex with family passes (4) for $30
- Brenda’s Pizzeria
- Go Monday for the $10 large special!
- Deep Creek Lavender Farm
- Oakland B&O Museum
- Garrett County Museum of Transportation
- A FREE museum for the whole family!
- Alpaca Acres Farm & Fun
- Simon Pearce
- The FREE glass factory tour is impressive!
- Christian Crossing Thrift Shop
- Highland Thrift Shop
- Spruce Forrest Artisan Village
- Penn Alps buffet is a local fancy occasion.
- Hilltop Fruit Market (The Fruit Bowl)
- Best known as “CANDYLAND”!
- Schoolhouse Earth
- Precision White Water Rafting
West Virginia Hiking with Kids and Dogs
National Road Yard Sale (US 40)
Aka “Pike Days” in Pennsylvania. This crazy big yard sale stretches into Maryland. Always the weekend after Memorial Day.
Held the 4th Saturday in August. This festival is family-friendly, and hosts all kinds of old-fashioned fun.
Race dragon boats, or sit back and watch. Held in August.
Deep Creek Autumn Glory Festival
In October, right when the leaves are poppin‘. This festival celebrates the glory of change.
Held annually in February. Take the icy plunge into the freezing lake.. It’s for a great cause!
Things to do in Allegany County:
- Green Ridge State Forrest
- “Point Lookout” is one of the best views of the Potomac, IMHO.
- Rocky Gap State Park
- Hiking, Beaches, and.. a Casino!
- Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
- Tracks and Yaks
- Moon Glo Roller Rink
- If orange and chartreuse carpet, is going through your mind. You grew up here..
- Star Lite Rollerskating Center
- Queen City Flea Market
- Three HUGE floors of antiques and oddities!
- Cumberland Theatre
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
- The C&O Canal runs from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD.
- GAP Trail
- The Great Allegany Passage runs from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA.
- Cumberland Bone Cave
- Wheelz Up Canal Place
- Catch the “Big Deal” bike ride/rental.. It’s all downhill!
- Thundering Rock Raceway
- D’Atris Restaurant
- Everyone around here knows the best cheesesteaks.
- Queen City Creamery & Deli
- A 1940’s style ice cream shop with electic flavors for the day.
- Curtis Famous Weiners
- George Washington Headquarters
- Downtown Cumberland Shopping
- There’s a few thrift stores and odd shoppes.
- Frostburg Palace Theatre
- Yellow K Records
- Dan’s Rock Overlook
- Finzel Swamp
- The Castle (Mount Savage)
A Bluegrass festival founded by Del McCoury. Held annually every memorial day weekend.
A step back into time, into the roots of the beginning. Held annually on the second weekend of September.
Beginning before Thanksgiving; Climb aboard WMSR for Christmas-y FUN!
Things to do in Mineral County:
- Higson’s Farm
- This is THE PLACE to buy corn on the cob in the Summer.
- Clyde’s River Guide
- Float or kayak the Potomac from Ridgeley to Mexico Farms, near Cumberland, MD. $35 for float, $75+ for kayak.
- Route 28 Discount Grocery
- Fort Ashby
- The first Fort to be built by George Washington, in Virginia, in 1755. During the French and Indian war.
- Evans Dairy Dip
- Crosshairs Indoor Gun Range
- Brookdale Farm
- HUGE corn maze, hayrides,
playgroundplay village, tricycles, and FAMILY FUN!
- HUGE corn maze, hayrides,
- Countryside Inn & Tea House
- Pinky up! This farmhouse was built in 1856. Sip on hot tea and crumpets, in all your elegance.
- Wayne’s Meats
- Excellent beef. All homemade salads and desserts. Bulk goods and candies. Bring a cooler for ham salad, garlic bologna, and longhorn cheese. It’s a MUST-STOP!
- Solar Mountain Records
- Good as New
- The Royal Restaurant
- Indian Water Maple Company
- Greenland Gap
- Barnum White Water Rafting
- Shaw Beach
For a while, this festival was held in Hampshire County. Home of the Romney peaches. All local banter aside: This “two county” festival is held annually in August.. At the Mineral County fairgrounds.
Burlington Apple Harvest Festival
Always the first full weekend of October. Growing up in Mineral County, this festival was a huge deal. A few changes throughout the years. The apple butter hasn’t changed and it’s still so delicious!
Jack Rollins, writer of “Frosty the Snowman” is from Keyser, WV. This December festival celebrates the jolly happy soul. Right in “The friendliest city”.
Things to do in Hampshire County:
- Potomac Hills Farmers Market
- Milleson’s Mill
- Possibly the best views of the South Branch Potomac.
- House of the Setting Sun
- Springfield Bargain Shop
- Spring Valley Farm Market
- Come to Romney in August for peaches, in September for apples. Hampshire County fruit is the best around!
- Romney’s Thrift and Variety Store (Helping Hands)
- The Country Store on Main (aka “Dillon’s”)
- Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
- Rio Mall
- Trough General Store and Canoe Rentals
- Fort Mill Civil War Trenches
Fort Mill Holds the Best Preserved Civil War Battle Trenches
- Ice Mountain Preserve
- Buffalo Gap Retreat
- Affordable cabins with local music jams and relaxation workshops.
- Bhavana Society
- A Buddhist meditation retreat in High View.. Who knew!
South Branch Bluegrass Festival
All day Bluegrass, with fireworks at the end.. Only $5! Held annually in June.
Lumberjacks, chili cook-off, and mountain music! Always the last weekend of September.
Things to do in Grant county:
- Vepco Lake
- This lake is heated all year round.
- Fort Mulligan
- Welton Park
- Come in December for FREE (.. AND AMAZING) Christmas lights display.
- Smokehole Caverns
- Triangle Rock
- Weavers Market & Cafe
- Be sure to grab a super-freshly made deli sandwich. Then visit next door at Triple S Warehouse. (I found a $250 hiking backpack for $15)
- Landes Art Center
- Petersburg Trout Hatchery
- Dolly Sods Wilderness
Civil War train rides, muzzleloaders, and unique craft vendors. This festival is the last full weekend of April, at the Petersburg Park.
In this region, the Tri-County fair is kinda a big deal. Admission is cheap. Rides are at cost. The entertainment line-up brings nationally recognized artists each year. Held around late July/early August.
Things to do in Hardy county:
- Trout Pond
- The only natural lake in WV!
- Breezewood Adventures
- Kayak the South Branch for $50 daily rate.
- Lost River State Park
- Hike to Cranny Crow
- Or for $70, go horseback to the top: Hidden Trails Stables.
- Frosty Hollow Flea Market
- Mullins 1847 Restaurant
- Wardensville Garden Market
WV Branch Mountain Bluegrass Festival
Held annually in mid-July this festival showcases Bluegrass talents from all over.
Tour old homes, watch Civil War reenactments, quilt shows, car shows, and COMMUNITY. Held annually on the last weekend in September.
Things to do in Tucker County:
- Purple Fiddle
- Tucker Boulder Park
- Dobbins Slashing Nature Preserve
- Mt. Top Convenience Store
- Known as the “best pepperoni rolls in WV”.
- Sirianni’s Pizza Cafe
- This is my pick for #1 most-delicious pizza in WV.
- Blackwater Falls
- Walk out to Lindy Point.. It’s the epitome of West Virginia cliff views.
- Rent a fat tire snowbike @ Blackwater Bikes
- White Grass Cross Country Skiing
- You could spend the entire day Snowshoeing for just $20.
- Canaan Valley State Park
- The coldest pocket east of the Mississippi!
Canaan Valley records coldest temperature in lower 48 on Wednesday
Come to Thomas on the 4th of July! This festival celebrates fun, food, and fireworks. Lots of great mountain music, too!
Around July, a pretty big music festival is set up on the top of the mountain. Catch some big Bluegrass and jam band names at Snowshoe. It’s an elevated experience!
Held annually the last full weekend of September. This festival celebrates the beauty of Fall, in Davis.
Things to do in Pendleton County:
Seneca Rocks, WV
- Via Ferrata
- Seneca Caverns
- Yokum’s Vacationland
- This is your chance to spinnanight in a teepee!
- Gateway Restaurant
- Spruce Knob
- Climb to the highest point in WV; then check out beautiful Spruce Knob Lake
A guide to rockhounding, crystal collecting in West Virginia
- Mountain State Trout Hatchery
- Yokum’s Stables
- Ride up to the top of Seneca Rocks on a horse.. Only $55.
- Harpers General Store
- The oldest store in West Virginia. In operation since 1902, by generations of family.
Come to the highest (and windiest) point in WV for family fun! Held in June at Spruce Knob.
Held annually in Franklin, in September. This festival is The crown jewel of Appalachia. Come see what you find!
- 63 Unique SWPA Festivals
- 171 Things to do in SWPA
- Woojer Vest 4 Review: Can a Deaf person feel everything?
- Guide to Anticonsumption: Buy Less, Create More
- Treasure the Culture
- Can Deaf People Read? The breakthrough between ASL and Phonics
- Deaf History Month: From French Roots to American Culture
- 127 Things to do in the Potomac Valley & Allegheny Highlands
- Guide to Roadtrips: 17 Travel Tips from a Professional Roadtripper
- The Ultimate New England Roadtrip Itinerary
- Appalachian Adventures & Roadtrips: First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA
- First Time Festival Guide: High Hopes Festival, Bedford, PA
- The Ultimate WV Roadtrip Itinerary
- The Ultimate WV Cryptid/Paranormal/Haunted Roadtrip
- Unique Biking Experiences in WV
- 55 Unique Festivals in West Virginia
- Guide to Festival Camping: The Essential Packing List for Music Festivals
- Guide to Camping: Food and Meals
- Mountaineers Volunteer: Friends of Deckers Creek
- Oboz: Best Boots for Festivals (A 4 YEAR UPDATE Review)
- Guide to Reggae: Feel the Beat (PLUS 44 Songs you need to Hear!)
- 153 Things to do in Morgantown, WV
- Guide to Roadtrips: 151 Adventures from Morgantown
- Guide to Decluttering: Kitchen Dishes and Utensils
- 27 tell-tale signs you’re an Expert Delivery Driver Courier
- First Time Festival Guide: Gardner Winter Music Festival
- WV Legends: Exploring the Cryptid Mural in a Morgantown Tattoo Parlor
- Guide to Decluttering: Mindset of Fulfilment
- Set Apart for a Purpose
- Guide to Decluttering: Clothes
- Bind in Good Charity
ACE Mindset Journey 
Leave a comment