A historic and fast-growing city, Martinsburg is sure to charm visitors from far and wide.
written by MIKENNA PIEROTTI
photographed by NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS
Before the Civil War, Martinsburg was a booming railroad, agriculture, and textile town, the second largest in the Shenandoah Valley. Today, it’s become a shining example of how to preserve historic roots without being afraid to embrace modern amenities, tourism, and a steady influx of new residents. Here, you’ll find a seamless blend of stately red brick buildings, Revolutionary- and Civil War–era historic sites, thriving small businesses, charming residential areas, and a diverse restaurant scene. Festivals dot the calendar, drawing thousands, while nearby outdoor recreation brings in the adventure enthusiasts. Plus, its proximity to major metros like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York City make it the perfect weekend—or lifelong—escape.
Summer Barrett, born and raised in Martinsburg and owner of newly opened Happy Tails: Dog Daycare & Grooming, describes the city of her childhood fondly as a “typical small town. Most people knew most everyone.” Although Barrett moved away to pursue her education and a career, Martinsburg drew her back in 2018. She even met her now-husband, state Senator Jason Barrett, at the Berkeley County Fair. “To me, home is unlike anywhere else,” she says. “I went away, experienced big cities, got to travel the world a little bit. But there was always something drawing me back here.”
What’s Here
Martinsburg is a destination for students of history. From the General Adam Stephen House, which tells the tale of Martinsburg’s Colonial-era founder, to the Belle Boyd House, where Civil War spy Belle Boyd spent part of her childhood, museums and carefully preserved architecture abound.
Visit Boydville, The Inn at Martinsburg, an 1812 Georgian mansion turned wedding and event venue, for the annual Martinsburg Wine Festival and stay for a show at the Apollo Civic Theatre, built in 1913. The Triple Brick Museum and the Historic Martinsburg Roundhouse, a national landmark, are two must-sees if you want a deeper dive into local history.
You’ll find plenty to fill your plate with favorites like Habanero Mexican Grill and Thai Martinsburg; Firebox55, offering craft sandwiches and brews; Grazeful, with its artful charcuterie and cheese boards; and the Historic McFarland House, where Sunday brunch is a social and culinary experience. If you’re looking for space to have that family reunion or wedding, the Purple Iris at Hartwood Mansion, just outside Martinsburg, is a Neo-Georgian Revival–style mansion transformed into a picturesque 17-acre event venue.
“We have really anything you could look for,” says Robbie Blair, executive director of Main Street Martinsburg. He recommends Brix 27 for a “metropolitan vibe,” where you can enjoy a tapas menu and more than 45 wines from around the world, or Stoney’s Whiskey, Wine, and Raw Bar, a recent addition and, Blair says, “one of the best places to get raw oysters in the Eastern Panhandle.” And don’t forget dessert. The rolled ice cream at Sweet Hut Cafe is a refreshing delight even on a cold day.
Jordan & Hess Co. is your retail stop for everything from home decor to clothing to tasty treats. Orr’s Farm Market is the spot for local, seasonal produce and goods. DeFluri’s will satisfy your sweet tooth with fine chocolates galore. And Savannah Grace and Westwood Charm Boutiques each offer women’s apparel for every style. Don’t leave home without stopping in at the West Virginia Glass Outlet, a fixture on Queen Street, with its huge selection of West Virginia glass—from Fenton to Blenko.
What’s Near
Martinsburg is the largest city in the Eastern Panhandle—just a short drive from historic sites like Antietam, Harpers Ferry, and Gettysburg. Located along Interstate 81, Martinsburg is positioned where residents can be in many major metros within a few hours. “We also have access to the MARC train, and we’re a major stop on Amtrak’s Capitol Limited,” Blair says. The Martinsburg train station even boasts a children’s museum and welcome center.
Mark Jordan, owner of Jordan & Hess, came to call Martinsburg home in 2003 after living everywhere from Los Angeles to Dallas. “I was looking to make that change to a quiet, Americana town and found it here,” he says. “I’ve lived in big cities all my life, so this was a major change. I fell in love with it. I love the mountains. It’s perfect.”
Why Stay
With a growing economy, premier health care facilities, and a robust small business scene, this Colonial-era city has grown from under 15,000 residents in 1990 to over 18,000 today. In fact, Martinsburg is arguably the fastest-growing city in the fastest-growing county in West Virginia.
In response, the city has added housing, like Shenandoah Luxury Downtown Apartments—located in a remodeled, historic 1920s hotel—while retaining its family focus, with new and improved walking trails, parks, and schools.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy annual events like the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival and the 4-State Food Truck Fest, both in October; Main Street Martinsburg’s Christmas on Main in December; the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in March; and plenty of summer concert series.
Why Now
“Berkeley County has just become an epicenter for business,” Blair says. He touts the region’s focus on a diversity of industries for its success. “Obviously, we have big employers coming into the area because of our proximity to Maryland and Northern Virginia and because of our affordability. But over the past couple of years, it’s seemed like overnight, more small businesses have been coming in with more money being invested.” Those funds have allowed Martinsburg residents to enjoy an even better quality of life.
That’s why newcomers like Jordan settled here and why natives like Barrett and Blair would never dream of leaving. “It has a charm that, if you’re from here, it never leaves you,” Summer says. “And if you come spend time here, it kind of gets in your blood.”
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S WINTER 2023 ISSUE
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