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Attractions
In and Nearby Paw Paw
While enjoying
your stay with us, we hope you can discover some of the wonderful local
attractions this area has to offer.
Antiquing
There
is an antique for sale on almost every corner in the Eastern Panhandle
of West Virginia, and at some of the best prices you will ever see.
There are several antique "malls" in Berkeley Springs, Romney,
Frostburg, Hancock, and Cumberland.
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Art
- Established
at a public meeting in May 1977, the
nonprofit Morgan
Arts Council (MAC) located just
1/2 hour from Paw Paw in the county
seat, Berkeley Springs, has produced
more than a thousand arts and cultural
programs with nearly 2400 artists, benefiting
thousands of visitors and residents
including students in all county schools.
Presentations
have included concerts, arts workshops,
pageants, entertainment at the Apple
Butter Festival, craft studio tours,
professional art shows, storytellers,
theater and video festivals. All
these activities, and more.
- The Ice
House, located in Berkeley Springs
offers a
Great Hall, three classrooms, MAC office,
darkroom and gallery. There is always
a show in the Gallery of one sort or
another, featuring the works of local
artisans and craftsmen.
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Biking/Hiking/Jogging
- The C&O
Canal and Tow Path are just down the road. I love to walk, bicycle,
hike, and just take in the scenery and ruins of days gone by here. It's
a terrific little jaunt back in time and so quiet and pleasant. You
can bring your kids, your dog, or even your Grandma.
- The
Paw Paw Tunnel is sometimes referred to as one of the "Wonders
of the World"; there's even a song about it. This tunnel remains
one of the longest canal tunnel. Named for the fruit that grows along
its ridges, the Paw Paw tunnel is a 3,118-foot tunnel through Sorrel
Ridge. It is the largest man-made structure on the Canal. It is open
to the public but must be navigated with a flashlight. Paw Paw tunnel
is accessible from the C&O Canal Tow Path park and is a lovely walk
both on the path and through this historic tunnel.
- The Appalachian
National Scenic Trail is a 2,174-mile footpath along the ridge crests
and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin
in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. The trail traverses
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee,
North Carolina and Georgia. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is used by
day, weekend and other short-term hikers, section-hikers and thru-hikers.
Thru-hikers hike the entire length of the Trail in one season.
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Birding
It has
been said that some of the best bird watching in the continental Unites
States is in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia, and Paw Paw is in the
heart of some of the best of the best. For more information about birding
in WV, take a look at this page on birding.com.
Don't miss the bald eagles here, they are magnificent.
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Boating/Fishing
With the C&O Canal,
it goes without saying that the Potomac River is one of our favorite
resources. Come and canoe, fish, or just muse on the river. It's a great
spot for relaxing and enjoying some good old fashioned water sports.
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Golf
- The golf
course at Cacapon
State Park in Berkeley Springs is the best known out of the four
state park facilities in West Virginia. The course is set in the rolling
foothills at the base of Cacapon Mountain, and is the centerpiece of
a 6,000-acre park in Berkeley Springs, which happens to boast the nation's
oldest spa. The course has water hazards (three ponds) coming into play
on four holes. Hole #2, a 410-yard, par 4, has water in front and back
of the green, making the approach shot quite difficult. The front nine
is flat, and the back is hilly. "Golf Digest" rated this course
as the 6th "Best Public Course" in the state for 1996. The
6,410-yard men's tee also has a ladies' course rating of 75.7. The 5,510-yard
ladies' tee also has a men's course rating of 65.7.
- Cold Run
Driving Range and Miniature Golf offers driving practice and fun for
the whole family. It is located about 1/2 hour drive from Paw Paw on
Rt. 9.
- The Disc
(Frisbee) golf course in Paw Paw was acclaimed by one devotee of
the sport as, "the best course I have every played, anywhere in
the world. I hope this inspires you to visit the place". What more
could we say, you'll just have to come and play it yourself.
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Horseback
Riding
The Cacapon
State Park stables offer the visitor a great horseback experience.
Each ride is accompanied by an experienced guide that will lead you
through the bridle trails of Cacapon. Pony rides are available for those
a little less experienced. The most popular ride lasts one hour, but
other longer rides can be arranged. Reservations are recommended.
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Old-time
Railroads
- If you're
a railroad buff, like me, there are several historic B&O
Railroad sites within very close proximity of Paw Paw. Of particular
interest are the river crossings the railroad makes in Paw Paw, Sherpardstown,
Harper's Ferry, and Cumberland, Frostburg, MD. See the scenic tours below too.
- Take a
trip on the the Scenic
Western Maryland Railroad aboard a restored early 20th century train
that steams on a round trip through the mountains between Cumberland
and Frostburg. Enjoy three centuries of transportation history, scenic
excursions, first class dining cars, murder mystery/dinner trains and
Santa’s Express holiday specials.
- The historic Potomac Eagle
Scenic Railroad is one of America's most beautiful train rides.
For three hours enjoy a narrated excursion through a tranquil and pristine
mountain valley. View historic farms and lush mountain greenery. Around
every curve you are rewarded with the splendor of native wildflowers,
evergreens, and mixed hardwoods in an unspoiled countryside environment.
Experience "The Trough," a spectacular narrow mountain valley.
Below you runs the South Branch of the Potomac River, where the water
is so clear that you can see fish as they lie resting in the shade.
Above you the high mountain walls and thick forest help keep a secret
few have discovered. You
have entered a sacred place, the eastern home of our magnificent national
symbol, the American Bald Eagle. These majestic birds soar high above
in their natural habitat, undisturbed by the low rumblings of the occasional
train and the passengers who have come for a sighting. Don't be surprised
to see these superb flyers swooping overhead in pursuit of prey or gliding
gently across the blue mountain skies as if to flaunt their supremacy
of the air.
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Parks
- Berkeley
Springs State Park is located in the center of Berkeley Springs,
West Virginia. The Bathhouse first opened in 1930. Since then, thousands
have enjoyed the variety of baths and treatments in the warm mineral
waters that flow from the springs at a constant temperature of 74.3
degrees Fahrenheit. The springs discharge from five principle sources
and numerous lesser ones, all within a hundred yards, approximately
2,000 gallons of clear, sparkling water per minute. Bathing in the springs
has been popular since before the days of George Washington.
- Cacapon
State Park, in the shadows
of the wide expanse of Cacapon Mountain. This mountain is the highest
peak in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia reaching an elevation
of 2,300 feet. The Cacapon River parallels the mountain in a meandering
route beneath the mountains western slope. Cacapon State Park offers
hiking; horseback riding; nature and recreation programs; swimming,
boating, and games; fishing; golf and golf lessons; and conference facilities.
It even has a restaurant and beach.
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Spas/Therapeutic
Massage
Only 1/2
hour away is the historic Town
of Bath, also called Berkeley Springs, WV. Known as "The Country's
First Spa". General George Washington and his relatives and friends
often visited the Springs for their healing properties. For more than
two centuries, folks have traveled to the tiny mountain town of Berkeley
Springs to soak up warm mineral waters for the health of it. You can
see General Washington's bath tub and even enjoy a dip in the springs,
a Roman Bath, and/or a massage at the Berkeley
Springs State Park in the heart of The Town of Bath.
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Star
Gazing
The Morgan
County Observatory has frequent member viewing nights and public
star parties with star gazing, movies, hands-on astronomy exhibits,
and refreshments, among other special events. Everyone can view the
wonders of the night sky through the many telescopes, including the
the powerful 16" Cassegrain telescope housed at the observatory,
with the experts from the Morgan County Observatory Foundation. Admission
is free.
Nearby
Towns
- Berkeley
Springs, WV: historic, yet state-of-the-art spas, unique shops and
local arts, all surrounded by West Virginia's splendid outdoors.
- Cumberland,
MD: a beautiful little city nestled among the Appalachian Mountains,
home to those who seek tranquillity, peace, and friendly neighbors.
Antique and specialty shops; too many outdoor activities to list (hiking,
biking, river rafting, camping, skiing - you get the picture); the Western
Maryland Scenic Railroad (housing the scenic railroad and an art gallery);
the Western Maryland Station Center; the Cumberland Theatre; walking
tour of the site of original Fort Cumberland; George Washington’s
Headquarters - he slept here, really; History House - a huge Victorian
home furnished as it was when its original owners resided there 100
years ago; and much, much more. Great day trip.
- Frostburg,
MD: is an Historic Main Street community with many "turn of
the century" homes; a Maryland Main Street designated community
it has has 18 churches representing many denominations, is a growing
municipality full of creativity and community spirit, provides 6 community
parks for recreational activities, and
was named for Meshach Frost and not for its cold winter climate. Summers
are quite pleasant. Another nice day trip destination.
- Forks
of Cacapon, WV: where the North River joins the Cacapon River. During
the Revolution, every several days General Braddock's army stopped to
rest and resupply the soldiers. This was the first of the rest camps
west of Winchester, VA. The Forks of Cacapon community is one of the
oldest settled tracts of land in this area.
- Hancock,
MD: "where historic sites become outdoor opportunities!"
Hancock is an ancient settlement that was once on the frontier edge
of Maryland. Early maps done by Winslow and Mayo show European settlers
here by the 1730's.
- Romney,
WV: situated in the fertile valley of the South Branch of the Potomac River. During
the Civil War Virginia was divided, and Hampshire County became part
of the new state of West Virginia. Because of its strategic location
there were many troop movements through the area. After the Civil War
on Sept. 26, 1867 local citizens dedicated what was perhaps the first
Confederate Memorial in the United States. It still stands today in
Indian Mound Cemetery in Romney.
The city
is also home to the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind as
well as Davis History House, Hampshire County Courthouse, and the
Tagert-Hill House. Natural beauty has played a large role in the developing
recreational opportunities in Romney. The Trough, is where the South
Branch River is squeezed into a narrow canyon. It is one of the best
locations for spotting bald eagles. Also the Potomac Eagle, a scenic
railroad, runs through the Trough so tourists may view the majestic
scenery. Visitors will find a vibrant community with a variety of
shopping, dining, lodging, and services to meet their needs.
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last
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1/31/08 12:50
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