Harpers Ferry weekend
 

A friend and I spent a long weekend in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, last week. If you like Civil War history and/or hiking, this is the place!

<b>Lodging</b>
http://hfstonehouse.com

I can recommend it, but it had some quirks.
On the plus side:
It's right in the tiny center of town, and it's an old stone house. We stayed in 2 rooms on the second floor at the back that shared a bath. One of the rooms had a terrific porch overlooking the river, and Maryland on the other side. Perfect for relaxing after a hike.

On the quirky side:
Almost every step of creating this 2 room suite is about 95% done...and I wonder when it WILL be done! Nothing that really detracts from using the rooms, though.

The couple who own the B&B have a small child, and we rarely saw the wife. The host was REALLY chatty, though interesting, and the 8:30 breakfast was usually late: we sat around the table watching him cook and talk.

He doesn't believe in decafe, and the coffee that WAS served was only OK. Breakfasts were a set menu that was served to all, and were good.

I don't usually care for B&Bs, but lodging in town is really scarce, and a chain motel (there were a few) a few miles out of town didn't appeal.

<b>Food</b>
We had some good dinners:
https://alfredosmedcafe.com
http://midegolladowv.com
http://thebisoubistro.com

We both especially liked the first--a real find! Comfortable, friendly, and tasty. I might go there more than once if I find myself in the area again.

<b>Stuff to do</b>
We joined one NP walking tour about the John Brown raid, and would have done others if time allowed. Interesting and informative.
We did a walk or hike every day, and had lots of choices, including a short section of the Appalachian Trail.

I would visit again!

It's a gorgeous corner of the world. There used to be a (formerly, like last century) grand hotel on top of the hill, called, of course Hilltop House. There are plans to rebuild it, adhering to its second incarnation, but they are stalled in local negotiations. It's a pity, because it could be a wonderful spot. I stayed there twice in its decrepit last days. Spooky, but fun.

Elberko is a woman of few words. I, on the other hand, am definitely the chatty one.

As the aforementioned friend, I confirm everything said. But I would use more words.

;)

I spent the night at the Hilltop House in what must have been one of its last years.

My view over the confluence of the rivers was unbelievable, but the floor of my room slanted so steeply that I thought the bed and I might both slide down to the low end, perhaps projecting me through the window and into space?

It should be redone. It is a prime location and has commuter rail to Washington, DC.

We've been to HF a couple of times. Once we went from just outside of DC at the Great Falls of the Potomac and followed the canal to near HF.

A very interesting place to visit, thanks for reporting.

We stayed at the Hilltop House after our wedding. I hope someday it can reopen. Harpers Ferry is a very cool place. I used to be a regular on the Maryland Heights hike in my younger days, and it's easy to hike the C&O Canal in all seasons.

Thank you for your report. I have never been there, but as a former 19th -c American literary scholar, I can't see Harper's Ferry and not think immediately of John Brown.

The Portent
BY HERMAN MELVILLE
Hanging from the beam,
Slowly swaying (such the law),
Gaunt the shadow on your green,
Shenandoah!
The cut is on the crown
(Lo, John Brown),
And the stabs shall heal no more.

Hidden in the cap
Is the anguish none can draw;
So your future veils its face,
Shenandoah!
But the streaming beard is shown
(Weird John Brown),
The meteor of the war.

Thanks elberko!

Harper's Ferry is quite the attractive spot and I always enjoyed the 1800s history (John Brown, etc...) of the town when we'd visit. It's been many years since I've been, even though growing up, it was a regular place to bring out-of-town guests when they came to our abode in northern Virginia.

Thanks for the report! Daniel

I don't think Hilltop House will be reopening, judging by the photos:
http://www.statejournal.com/story/32...ains-uncertain

This is the third Hilltop House to stand on the site, and yes, it is unsalvageable -- even the foundation is unsound. The plan has been to rebuild it modeled on the second hotel, reusing the stone where possible. Doesn't seem like it will happen anytime soon.

I have been to WV many times but never to Harper's Ferry. I think I will add to my need to visit list.

HF is beautiful. We have ridden our bikes from HF to DC along the CnO Canal Towpath several times and loved every mile....even dodging turtles!

Thx elberko!