Charles Town West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO


Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Charles Town, West Virginia.



1. Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races

GAMING AND HORSE RACING


Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races offers visitors a thrilling combination of slot machines, table games, and live thoroughbred racing. Guests can enjoy various dining options while testing their luck, with over 2,500 slot machines to choose from and the excitement of watching horses thunder around the racetrack.


2. Old Opera House Theatre Company

HISTORIC LIVE THEATRE


The Old Opera House Theatre Company presents six main stage productions, a summer family production, a one-act play festival, and a ballet every year in a beautifully restored historic brick building. Visitors can enjoy performances in one of the oldest operating live theatres in West Virginia, which is now a stop on the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail.


3. Zion Episcopal Church Cemetery

WASHINGTON FAMILY BURIALS


Zion Episcopal Church Cemetery serves as the final resting place for nearly 80 members of George Washington's family. Visitors can explore this historic cemetery to connect with an important piece of American heritage and presidential family history.


4. Cool Spring Preserve

NATURE AND WILDLIFE


Cool Spring Preserve offers regular public bird walks and educational programs in a natural setting. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy exploring this special preserve that showcases the region's diverse wildlife and ecological features.


5. Charles Town Farm Market

LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS


The Charles Town Farm Market provides visitors with an opportunity to purchase fresh and local fruits, vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, handmade crafts, fresh flowers, and baked goods. Shoppers can interact with vendors from the community while filling their baskets with delicious and nutritious local goods in this vibrant market setting.



6. Happy Retreat

CHARLES WASHINGTON'S HOME


Happy Retreat is the former house of Charles Washington, the founder of Charles Town and brother of George Washington. Visitors can tour this historic property and even see Charles Washington's office where he sold plots of land to create the town named after him.


7. Jefferson County Museum

LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION


The Jefferson County Museum allows visitors to contemplate the rich local history through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum offers insights into significant historical events including John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry and the region's role in American history.


8. Jefferson County Courthouse

HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK


The Jefferson County Courthouse, marked by its distinctive green cupola, is where abolitionist John Brown's saga came to an end in 1859. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits inside the courthouse or join seasonal ranger-guided tours that depart from the Charles Town Visitor's Center.


9. Abolitionist Ale Works

CRAFT BREWERY EXPERIENCE


Abolitionist Ale Works creates fun, flavorful, and unique craft beers in the heart of Charles Town. Beer enthusiasts can sample a variety of innovative brews while enjoying the atmosphere of this local brewery.


10. Alfredo's Mediterranean Steakhouse & Grille

AUTHENTIC MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE


Alfredo's Mediterranean Steakhouse & Grille serves up delicious, authentic Mediterranean fare in a welcoming atmosphere. Diners can enjoy specialties like gyros, falafel, and couscous while experiencing international flavors in the heart of Charles Town.



11. La Mezzaluna Café

ITALIAN CULINARY DELIGHTS


La Mezzaluna Café specializes in Italian food cooked with care and attention to authentic techniques. Visitors can indulge in delicious dishes such as chicken cacciatore, veal sorrentino, and stromboli in this charming local restaurant.


12. Sumittra

THAI FLAVORS EXPERIENCE


Sumittra offers genuine Thai cuisine packed with authentic flavors in a comfortable dining environment. Food lovers can explore traditional Thai dishes prepared with care, adding international dining variety to Charles Town's culinary scene.


13. Locust Hill Golf Course

SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE


Locust Hill Golf Course provides golfers with a picturesque setting to enjoy their favorite sport in the rolling landscape around Charles Town. Players of all skill levels can appreciate the well-maintained grounds and scenic views while challenging themselves on this local course.


14. Historic Downtown Charles Town

WASHINGTON FAMILY HERITAGE


Historic Downtown Charles Town features streets named after Washington's brothers and wife, with original buildings where the first plots of land were donated by Charles Washington himself. Visitors can take walking tours to see historical markers highlighting significant events and explore locally-owned shops and restaurants in this charming district where past and present effortlessly blend.


15. Cascade Falls

STUNNING NATURAL WATERFALL


Cascade Falls attracts nearly 150,000 visitors per year with its award-winning trails and a magnificent 69-foot waterfall that descends into a large pool below. Hikers can enjoy the Upper Trail with beautiful views of Little Stony Creek or walk along the Lower Trail over several bridges and stone steps surrounded by stunning streams and luscious greenery.