9 Best Things to Do in Charles Town, WV
Just a 15 minute drive from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Charles Town is a quaint area known for its charming main street, many historic sites, and year-round horse racing events.
Charles Town makes up a string of mountain towns just one hour from Washington, DC., and Baltimore, Maryland. Set against the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small town is surrounded by incredible scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Our Mountain Mama Cabins are a quick drive from Charles Town, making it easy to enjoy a fun day trip here during your stay.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite things to do in Charles Town to help you plan your getaway!
1. Try Your Luck at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Looking for the ultimate entertainment spot? Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races has you covered.
The casino offers 2,500 slot machines, 24 poker tables, 87 table games, and, of course, horse race simulations. The casino is always adding new games, making it easy to try your hand at something new each time you visit.
Watch your favorite game at their Sportsbook and full-service restaurant, or head to a live show most nights. Overall, Hollywood Casino offers a range of fun-filled activities for adults to enjoy.
2. Attend a Horse Race
Charles Town is best known for its exceptional horse racing events, from the Charles Town Classic to the West Virginia Breeders’ Classic.
There are plenty of opportunities to attend a horse race throughout the year. The Charles Town Races schedule includes around 150 days of live racing. Races are Wednesday-Saturday during the winter months and Thursday-Saturday the rest of the year. Post time for all races, except for the Charles Town Classic and Oaks, is at 7 pm.
Simulated horse races are also popular options. You can find more information and ticket options here.
3. Eat at a Charles Town Restaurant
Charles Town is known for its wide array of cuisine options, from classic American restaurants to unique Mediterranean spots.
After a fun day in Charles Town, there’s nothing better than cozying up in one of their local eateries and getting your grub on.
- Alfredo’s Mediterranean Grill and Steak House is one of our top spots for authentic Mediterranean cuisine. This family-owned restaurant has been serving the area for over 15 years and is always a crowd favorite.
- La Mezzaluna is a cozy cafe serving delicious authentic Italian food. You can’t visit without trying their homemade garlic knots.
- And one of our personal favorites is Abolitionist Ale Works, a great place to end your day with craft beer.
- Craving authentic Mexican? Don’t miss Ortega’s Taco Shop in Charles Town! Think Baja Fish Tacos and Street Machaca (shredded beef in fresh corn tortillas).
4. See a Show at The Old Opera House Theatre
The Old Opera House Theatre is a live theatre in the middle of main street Charles Town that features live performances year-round.
They offer six main stage productions, a summer production, a ballet, and a play festival each year. They also offer classes on a range of topics, from dance to acting to art.
Be sure to head to their events page as you plan your trip to see the upcoming show options. Plan to buy tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on this favorite local activity!
5. Tour the Jefferson County Museum
Charles Town is located in the Eastern Panhandle of the West Virginia region, which is known for its rich American history. The Jefferson County Museum honors the region’s history through permanent and rotating exhibits as well as year-round events.
The museum features many permanent exhibits, such as the George Washington Family exhibit, the Civil War exhibit, and the John Brown Raid exhibit, among others. The museum also holds educational events to dive deeper into certain aspects of the country’s history.
The Jefferson County Museum is a great way to immerse yourself in both local and national history.
Pro tip: If you are a history buff, we recommend visiting Harpers Ferry National Historical Park as well.
6. Explore Nearby Hiking Trails
The region surrounding Charles Town is full of incredible outdoor activities, including biking, water sports, and, of course, hiking.
- Located just 10 minutes from Charles Town, Cool Spring Nature Preserve consists of 63 acres of preserved land, including tons of hiking trails to explore.
- Charles Town is also located near the Appalachian Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails in the United States.
- Finally, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has plenty of hiking options that are well suited for families and easy day hikes!
7. Play Golf at Locust Hill Golf Course
Looking to play a little golf during your stay? Locust Hill Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course in Charles Town that is perfect for golfers of all experience levels.
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Locust Hill offers mountain scenery and a challenging course, complete with 35 acres of lakes, ponds, and streams along the way. There are four sets of tees on each hole, making it easy to play at your experience level.
Rates vary based on the season, so be sure to check out their website for rates and tee times.
8. Visit the Downtown Farmers Market
Charles Town is home to one of the best farmers markets in the area. Located in downtown Charles Town, the seasonal farmers market features a range of local produce, handmade goods, and fresh food.
The farmer’s market is committed to supporting local farmers and ensuring everyone has access to healthy food. The Charles Town Farmer’s Market runs each Saturday from 9 am-12 pm during the months of April-October.
We can’t think of a better Saturday morning activity than strolling the farmer’s market and exploring Downtown Charles Town.
Pro Tip: Head to The Needful Things Emporium in Downtown Charles Town afterward for more unique finds!
9. Take a Walking Tour along the Washington Heritage Trail
The Washington Heritage Trail is a 136 mile long National Scenic Byway that runs along the Potomac River. The trail spans multiple counties and towns in West Virginia.
We aren’t suggesting you walk the whole trail, of course! Charles Town is home to a few sites along the trail, perfect for engaging in your own walking tour. Jefferson County Courthouse and Zion Episcopal Church are both located in Downtown Charles Town and offer a wealth of history.
Other stops include Happy Retreat and St. George’s Chapel Ruins.
Book Your Stay Near Charles Town
As you can see, there is so much to do in Charles Town, West Virginia! Just a short drive from our Mountain Mama Cabins, Charles Town offers a range of activities for every type of visitor.
From attending a horse race to exploring historic sites and everything in between, we know you will have a great time on your day trip to Charles Town.
