This Harpers Ferry space is a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
For all its perks—a popular national park, a downtown filled with unique shops and restaurants, a thriving arts scene, all within an easy drive from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland—Chad and Carrie Gauthier felt Harpers Ferry was lacking one thing. There was nowhere to host special events.
So they opened The Barn in September 2017. Located just a 15-minute walk from downtown Harpers Ferry, the venue is the perfect place to host weddings, birthday parties, company dinners, and anything else that requires a warm, welcoming space. With its shabby chic decor, the venue will appeal to anyone who’s after the rustic burlap and mason jar-style trend.
When it isn’t booked for a wedding or other special event, The Barn becomes a watering hole for locals and visitors alike. There’s a full-service bar, and the music is live and local. “You’re not just coming in and grabbing a beer, you’re really getting a taste of the local culture,” says Anne Strotz, the venue’s event and marketing director.
Local bed and breakfast owners refer guests who are seeking spirited nightlife and a welcoming crowd. The bar has attracted visitors from Africa and Europe as well as hikers taking a rest along the Appalachian Trail. “It’s a great opportunity for them to get a little piece of small-town America,” Strotz says.
The Barn also strives to be a welcome center for those passing through. Bar staff are trained to be knowledgeable about the town so they can refer customers to breweries, wineries, and other nearby attractions. “I often tell people that going to Harpers Ferry is almost like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie. They have maintained so much of their history and the culture, and so it’s wonderful to invite tourists into it and really get to show off our town,” Strotz says.
The space even includes a place to sleep. The Loft at the Barn, located just above the venue, is a cozy, fully equipped apartment offering mountain views and off-street parking. It’s included as part of wedding rentals at The Barn, making it the perfect honeymoon suite for newlyweds.
“I really feel like we are a best-kept secret,” Strotz says. “It’s a new, fresh, exciting place and we love to show it off as we also show off the town.”
1062 West Washington Street, 855.935.2276, harpersferryeventbarn.com
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