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 >>
biking
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 >>
Rethinking Our Roads for Shared Use
It’s hard to miss Interstate Highways 81 and 70, the most visible transportation projects in our area funded with Federal dollars. But our transportation infrastructure is much more than highways. Read the Full Story >>
Connecting for Growth in Shepherdstown
HEPMPO is drafting a vision plan for Martinsburg Pike to the west of Shepherdstown. This area has been identified as a growth zone for Jefferson County in its comprehensive plan. Read the Full Story >>
Outdoor Fun Around the Eastern Panhandle
Here in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, we are blessed with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. When The Observer asked, we jumped at the chance to spotlight a few of our favorite activities for the fall. Read the Full Story >>
Gearing Up For Fun
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peddle & Paddle in Shepherdstown is providing multiple avenues to get outside and be active while social distancing. Read the Full Story >>
Beyond the Bikes – Shepherdstown Peddle & Paddle
Since 2007, Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle has provided the region with a full-service bike, kayak, and canoe shop, while also providing sales, services, and rentals. Read the Full Story >>
Riding is Believing: E-Bikes Roll Into Harpers Ferry
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to ride a bike effortlessly up even the steepest hills, or for extended miles and hours while barely breaking a sweat? Well, you can stop dreaming. That time has arrived in Harpers Ferry—via the newest iteration of mobile tourism to the Eastern Panhandle: Harpers Ferry Electric Bike Rentals. Read the Full Story >>
Eastern Panhandle Births Mountain Bike Team for Teens
This year, West Virginia's first mountain bike team for teenagers completed its debut year of practices and races. Read the Full Story >>
Anatomy of a Bike Path
Aurora’s letter was short and to the point. In the winter of 2013, she was a nine-year-old student living in Colonial Hills, just outside of Shepherdstown and across busy Route 480 from Morgan’s Grove Park. Her town leaders were applying for a grant from the West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) to build a half-mile pedestrian and bicycling path along 480 from the park to Lowe Drive, where it would approach an existing walkway into town. And those leaders needed letters of support from the community. So Aurora shared her story. Read the Full Story >>