Scenic and Historic Location
Shepherdstown
Our perfect location allows students to make the most of their college years. Community activities and events are hosted regularly during the week for students; however, we still encourage them to get involved on campus and to experience new places, big cities, and diverse cultures.
Shepherdstown, “One of the 50 Best College Towns in the U.S.,” will be your home, and a great home it is! The oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown is nestled along the beautiful Potomac River and radiates quaint, historic charm.
To visualize Shepherdstown, imagine conversing with local community members as you grab your morning coffee at the Shepherdstown Sweet Shop Bakery. With your hot cup of joe in hand, you decide to walk down historic Princess Street. You hear live music coming from Lilah Restaurant and see tourists carrying shopping bags filled with unique goodies from the shops and local farmer’s market. You feel a sense of warmth from the loving and welcoming community and smile because you found your home.
Shepherdstown is the perfect college town! In between classes, students enjoy taking a five-minute walk from campus to downtown where they love supporting local businesses. Whether it’s a bite to eat, a new vinyl record to spin, or a new book to dive into, students always find what they are looking for.
On weekends in the Fall, game days are exhilarating. Ram fans cheer for blue and gold all afternoon. During halftime, the Ram Band performs for fans with their upbeat and classic tunes. After games, everyone goes back to their tailgating spot to celebrate with friends, family, and classmates.
Special events in Shepherdstown call for a parade! Homecoming is a fabulous celebration where students, community members, and alumni get together. Throughout the week, students and organizations participate in events and create banners for the parade. After a week of festivities, the fun isn’t over. Saturday morning is for the parade and shortly after, the Rams play an intense game of football for fans to watch! Current Rams feel at home when they are surrounded by their classmates and friendly alumni.
The town itself is very safe, and what makes the community and University so tightly knit is that both the Shepherdstown Police Department and Shepherd University Police Department work together to keep all students and community members protected!
When looking for a place to stay in Shepherdstown, check out the gorgeous Bavarian Inn or Thomas Shepherd Inn. Plan a weekend trip to experience our wonderful town. On Saturday, check out all the shops and enjoy a nice dinner at The Press Room. Then on Sunday, have breakfast at Betty’s Restaurant and visit the C&O Canal that is just across the bridge. When you drive back to your home, you will know that you just left your “home away from home.”
Jefferson County, WV
There is no shortage of things to do in the area surrounding Shepherdstown. Nestled at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Jefferson County, West Virginia, is an outdoor recreation haven, with historic charm and modern culture in equal measure.
One of the many reasons why West Virginia is “Wild and Wonderful” is because of beautiful, historical Harpers Ferry. There you can hike the Appalachian Trail, zip line, kayak, and even go river rafting or tubing. After a day filled with memories and fun adventures, you will be ready to grab a bite to eat at one of the charming restaurants in the area.
Berkeley County borders Jefferson County and too has a lot to offer. You could hike the Eastern Panhandle Recreational Trail, visit antique shops, and stop for fresh produce at Orr’s Farm Market. To see all that Berkeley County has to offer, visit the Martinsburg, Berkeley County, WV Tourism website here: https://www.travelwv.com.
A border state of West Virginia, Maryland is a quick drive from Shepherdstown. Sharpsburg is home of the Antietam Battlefield and the delicious ice cream shop called Nutter’s Ice Cream. In Hagerstown, students enjoy the 25-minute drive to the Premium Outlets and Valley Mall. Frederick’s historic downtown area is another place that has great shops and places to eat. Additionally, they have many parks and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
Washington D.C. is only 90 minutes from the University. Visit the monuments, museums, and National Mall. Better yet, watch the Washington Capitals and Nationals play an intense game or two. Our students live too close not to experience our nation’s capital! Many students take advantage of our perfect location and seek internship opportunities in Washington D.C.
The city of Baltimore is also only 90 minutes from Shepherd. While in Baltimore, visit the National Aquarium, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the George Peabody Library, or Oriole Park. On a weekend when our Shepherd Rams are traveling for an away game, catch an Orioles game. Eat stadium food and have your glove ready in the event of catching a baseball. Baltimore also has many internship opportunities for our students!
West Virginia
West Virginia, home of the beautiful mountains, stunning scenery, and fresh air. West Virginians take much pride in their state because of how incredible it is. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and come to wild and wonderful, West Virginia. The West Virginia Tourism site provides all the information you need to explore this phenomenal state and experience some amazing adventures.
Let country roads take you home. You will feel serenity tucked up in your cozy dorm, and it’s normal to miss relatives, but you will never feel alone. West Virginians have been described to be some of the “nicest people on the planet.” Locals and West Virginia natives will talk with you as if you are an old friend. A judgment free zone accompanied with warm smiles and sweet laughs.
With all the outdoor recreational activities in West Virginia, you will always have something fun to do. Whether you and your roommates plan a weekend road trip to visit the New River Gorge Bridge or a camping trip during Spring break, you will certainly have a grand ole’ time. Appalachia is beautiful. There is peace in the nature and beauty of our mountain state.
West Virginia is almost heaven and the perfect place to receive higher education. At Shepherd, you can study for exams and complete assignments right next to the Potomac River. After working hard on your schoolwork, you can take your kayak down to the river and spend some time with mother nature. Come on down to West Virginia and stay awhile. We would love to have you!