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10 Can’t Miss Shops in Harpers Ferry

October 9, 2023

What’s a getaway without a little retail therapy? Downtown Harpers Ferry is a veritable treasure trove of historical artifacts, vintage mom and pop shops, and artisan boutiques. Whether you need a gift for your house-sitter or want to remember the natural beauty of Harpers Ferry, you’ll find it on a historical getaway at a Mountain Mama vacation rental.

This is your guide to the unique shopping experiences that await in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

True Treats Candy

Photo Credit: Jim Allen via Flickr CC 2.0

Located in Downtown Harpers Ferry,  True Treats Historic Candy Shop is a national treasure. Yep, we said it! Susan Benjamin has owned True Treats since 2010. True Treats is the only historic candy company with over 500 products. Susan offers everything from cakes and syrups to teas and cocktail mixes, fruit candies, chocolate candies, and sweet vinegars. All come with reasonable prices, making them perfect holiday gifts!

True Treats Candy is not unlike a sweet museum – documenting how sweets and sugars shaped North America from early history through the mid-1900s. Each sweet is researched, and that story is included alongside the treat.

The Vintage Lady

Photo Credit: Pesh Siri

The Vintage Lady, just a few steps from The Rabbit Hole – a local favorite for its cozy bar and terrace, is a boutique owned by two retired educators. Cindi, the boutique owner, is a jewelry maker and artist. Inside, you’ll find unique items such as beautiful jewelry, accessories, and bespoke souvenirs and gifts – many of which are made locally in West Virginia.

The people at the Vintage Lady are also known as some of the friendliest in town, so don’t be afraid to tap them for suggestions about where to go and what to do!

Harpers Ferry Park Association

Photo Credit: Nicole Glass Photography

The Harpers Ferry Park Association (HFPA) is a wonderful historical bookshop and an homage to American literary history. You can support the nationally acclaimed bookshop and the Harpers Ferry Park Association educational programs by purchasing a book or any of the other gifts they have available in their shop.

They also offer incredible books about the Civil War Battles, maps, paintings, prints, tee shirts, hats, and more.

Pro Tip: Ask about their historical guided tours!

Tessoterica

Photo Credit: Ermolenko Aleksandra

Established in 2019, mother and daughter owned Tessoterica in Historic Downtown Harpers Ferry. They offer handmade soaps, bath bombs, and other bath products.

If you’re looking to take something home to that special co-worker who looked out for you all week, this is the place to shop. Who wouldn’t love a gorgeous handmade soap bar worthy of displaying as the “fancy soap in the guest bathroom”?

Also sold in their shop are other handmade gifts crafted by local artists. And in case you’re running low on steam, visit the coffee shop right next door!

Harper’s Ferry General Store

Photo Credit: alexgo.photography
  • Address: 161 Potomac St., Harpers Ferry, WV

Harper’s Ferry General Store is located right across the street from the Potomac River and US Armory site and next door to the Coach House Bar N’ Grill. This is the spot to grab your Harpers Ferry branded sweatshirt to get you in the local spirit!

You will find plenty of outdoor gear here as the store is just a few feet from the Appalachian Trail. They have a selection of hats and hiking shoes, perfect for exploring the local trails, and some biking accessories if you want to get out on the many Harpers Ferry bike trails.

Tenfold Fair Trade Collection

Photo Credit: Serg64

Their shop brings the global charm, but even better, it’s a collection with a purpose. Tenfold Fair Trade is known for offering a unique collection of creative, fairly traded, eco-friendly products from all over the world.

One of our favorite unique finds at this shop? The handmade sweet spice spoons and artisan crafted holiday decorations. This shop is an ode to those who buy ornaments wherever they travel for their “travel tree,” with plenty of locally inspired designs.

The best part? If you want to spill the tea with the shop owner, she’s known to be a great resource for historical knowledge about the town!

Mary Adams

Photo Credit: Picketfence
  • Address: 170 High St., Harpers Ferry, WV
  • Website: maryadams.us

if you’re looking for a beautiful necklace or bracelet for yourself or a birthday gift for someone, you’ll definitely find that here. Mary Adams offers an excellent selection of jewelry, with more than half of most sterling silver offerings made by local artisans.

This is also a great shop for kids to find something for their friends with a bargain starting at an economical $5. You’re welcome, parents!

The Village Shop At Harpers Ferry

Photo Credit: Antonio Guillem

The Village Shop is a gift shop in the middle of bustling Downtown Harpers Ferry; this is a great shop to hit for souvenirs. They have a selection of scented candles, ornaments, and sweet treats.

The Hodge Podge

Photo Credit: W. Scott McGill

The Hodge Podge offers gifts, antiques, and collectibles. The store has both unique gifts and charming antiques. The shop owner is one of the kindest humans you’ll ever meet, who loves to share stories about the town, his life, and the store.

Take note, this shop is cash only!

The Union Market

Photo Credit: Michel Guenette

The Union Market embodies Harpers Ferry’s spirit, showcasing the best of local talent, produce, and community spirit. This vibrant weekly event happens every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Washington Street. This market is a local favorite and a must-visit destination for visitors.

It features an array of local growers and producers, offering a wide range of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and other locally made products. In addition to the shopping experience, visitors can enjoy delicious offerings from various food trucks that add a unique gastronomic touch to the market ambiance.

The Union Market also makes a great family night or fun date night with live music most weeks.  The market is only open seasonally, so be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Unmissable Shopping Destinations in Harpers Ferry

The shops nestled in the heart of Harpers Ferry possess a special charm. Whether you’re shopping for yourself to commemorate your amazing trip, buying a gift for someone at home, or waiting for a table at one of our town’s great restaurants and need to kill some time, there are so many unique, locally owned shops to grab a piece of this historic town!

Book your Mountain Mama vacation home or cabin rental today!