Martinsburg, WV: Where Fun & Adventure Collide – Best Things To Do & Places To Visit

Martinsburg is a Berkeley County railroad town, and the railroad is still why it looks the way it does. The Roundhouse complex sits near the middle of it, and the Civil War runs through most of the rest. The walking downtown is flat and short. The hills are outside town, at Sleepy Creek and Cacapon, and those want a car and most of a morning. Plan the history for the morning.

Looking for a getaway with something in it? Martinsburg, West Virginia is the answer. This charming town in Berkeley County carries history, culture and outdoor adventures in roughly equal measure. History reader, art enthusiast, or simply after a relaxing weekend away, Martinsburg has a version of it.

Step back and work through the town’s historical sites. The Martinsburg Roundhouse through to the Adam Stephen House, and the century falls away as you go. For outdoor adventures, the trails at the Cacapon Resort State Park are the walk, and the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area is the scenic drive. And for retail therapy, Martinsburg has the shopping and the specialty stores.

Key Takeaways

Martinsburg, West Virginia is a charming town located in Berkeley County that offers something for everyone.
Explore the town’s rich history by visiting its many historical sites or enjoy the great outdoors by hiking the trails or taking a scenic drive.
Martinsburg also has plenty of shopping and specialty stores to explore, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

Historical Sites

Martinsburg, WV is a city built on its own history, and the sites are still standing. Here are the historical sites to make in Martinsburg:

Belle Boyd House

History readers should check out the Belle Boyd House. This historic home was once the residence of the famous Confederate spy Belle Boyd. During the Civil War, Boyd used her charm and wit to gather intelligence for the Confederacy. The Belle Boyd House is now a museum of artifacts and exhibits covering Boyd’s life and the war around it.

Martinsburg Roundhouse

The Martinsburg Roundhouse is the other site to make in Martinsburg. This historic building was a critical transportation hub during the Civil War. It is now a museum covering the history of the B&O Railroad and the part it played in building the United States.

Triple Brick Museum

The Triple Brick Museum is where you learn the history of Martinsburg and the surrounding area. The museum sits in a historic building with a working past of its own. Inside are artifacts and exhibits on the city and the settlers who once called it home.

Old Norbourne Cemetery

Old Norbourne Cemetery is a historic cemetery dating back to the 1700s. It holds many of Martinsburg’s early settlers and some of its most prominent citizens, and the burials are said to include a great-great-grandfather of George Washington’s. It is a quiet way into the early history of the city and the people who shaped it.

History reader or simply curious about Martinsburg’s past, these historical sites earn the time. So grab the camera, put on the walking shoes and go.

Outdoor Adventures

Martinsburg, West Virginia rewards people who want to be outside. Hiking, birdwatching, or simply sitting in the middle of it, there are options. Here are the best outdoor adventures in Martinsburg.

Potomac Valley Audubon Society

Bird lovers should not miss the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. This non-profit organization works on preserving the natural environment and wildlife of the Potomac Valley region. They run birdwatching tours and events throughout the year, so check their calendar before you come. A bald eagle is not out of the question.

Orr’s Farm Market

Orr’s Farm Market is the one to make if you like fresh produce and a day outdoors. Beyond the selection of fruits and vegetables, they run wagon rides, a pumpkin patch and geocaching. Walk the orchards, and the surrounding mountains sit behind them the whole way.

Yankauer Nature Preserve

For a quiet outdoor hour, head to the Yankauer Nature Preserve. This 104-acre preserve holds a range of plant and animal species along with several hiking trails. Walk the woods slowly and let the place do the work. A deer or two is likely.

Whatever the outdoor plan, Martinsburg has a version of it. Parks, lakes and trails, and something in there will suit. So grab the hiking boots and go.

Arts and Culture

Martinsburg, West Virginia carries more creativity than a city this size usually does. Art lover, or simply after something different, this place will hold you. Here are two destinations that will handle it:

Apollo Civic Theatre

Theater people should not miss the Apollo Civic Theatre. This historic venue has held Martinsburg’s cultural scene together for over a century. Plays and musicals through to concerts and comedy shows, the Apollo runs them all. And the seating is close enough that the room itself matters.

Wonderment Puppet Theatre

For something genuinely different, head to the Wonderment Puppet Theatre. This family-friendly destination runs puppet shows that hold both kids and adults. The puppeteers are talented and the sets are intricate, and the effect is a small world of its own. And owner Joe Santoro will talk to you about it if you let him.

A night of theater or a fun puppet show, Martinsburg covers both. Go and see the arts and culture scene here.

Shopping and Specialty Stores

Looking for some retail therapy? Martinsburg has shops, specialty stores and factory outlets. Unique souvenirs, or simply something for yourself, there are options to work through.

West Virginia Glass Outlet

Glassware people should not miss the West Virginia Glass Outlet. This store carries a large selection of handmade glass items, vases, bowls and figurines among them. You can watch the glassblowers in action and learn the history of glassmaking in the region. It is where the one-of-a-kind piece comes from, for your collection or as a gift.

Antique-ish

Want something with more history in it? Check out Antique-ish, a quirky shop specializing in vintage and antique items. Furniture and home decor through to clothing and accessories. It is a hunting ground for hidden treasures and unique finds. And the staff will tell you the story behind the pieces if you ask.

Glass collector or vintage enthusiast, Martinsburg has the shopping options for it. Happy hunting.

Start at the Visitors Bureau, which is in the old train station and holds the maps. The Roundhouse and the Belle Boyd House are both walkable from there without much effort. Orr’s Farm Market is east of town and it is the one people here send you to in the fall. Cacapon and Sleepy Creek are drives rather than walks, so give them their own morning. And the Apollo Civic Theatre is the evening if something is on.

Fun for the Family

Looking for family-friendly activities in Martinsburg, West Virginia? There are good options here. Here are some for you and the family to enjoy.

Haunted History and Legends Tours

If the family likes a good scare, the Haunted History and Legends Tours are the one. These tours take you through the most haunted places in the city, the Apollo Civic Theatre and the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library included. You get the spooky stories and the legends, and possibly a ghost. Hold onto the little ones.

Skating

Want a fun and active way to spend time with the family? Head to the local skating rink. Martinsburg has options, the Galaxy Skateland and the Martinsburg Roller Skating Center among them. Strap on the skates and go round the rink to the music. It is exercise disguised as a party.

A spooky adventure or a way to get moving, Martinsburg has both. So grab the loved ones and go.

Culinary Delights

Martinsburg is known for its historic sites and its scenic beauty, and the food holds up alongside them. Hearty breakfasts through to late-night snacks, the range is wider than you expect. Here are the best places for a meal or a quick bite.

Black Dog Coffee

Coffee lovers should go to Black Dog Coffee. This cozy little cafe serves the best coffee in town. Cappuccinos through to lattes, and it comes rich and flavorful every time. And the menu runs further, into baked goods, sandwiches and salads.

The breakfast sandwiches are the thing to order. The Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on a croissant is the pick of them. The croissant is flaky and buttery and the bacon comes out crispy. The whole thing balances properly.

For something sweet, try the cinnamon rolls. They are soft and gooey and the cinnamon sits at the right level. They work with a cup of coffee or tea.

Black Dog Coffee is a cafe and also a room people come back to. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere is warm. It is where you sit with a coffee and friends or family and lose an hour.

So if you are in Martinsburg and need a caffeine fix, head over to Black Dog Coffee. It will not disappoint.

Relaxation and Wellness

Looking to slow down in Martinsburg? You are in luck. The city has spas and wellness centers to choose from. Here are the best places to be looked after:

Touch of Grace Spa

Want a spa with something unusual in it? Touch of Grace Spa is the one. This spa runs a variety of services, massages, facials and body treatments among them. But the standout feature is the salt cave.

A salt cave, yes. The cave is made entirely of Himalayan salt and is built to mimic the microclimate of a natural salt mine. Time spent in it is said to improve respiratory function and reduce stress, though the evidence for that is thinner than the claim.

And even without the salt cave, Touch of Grace Spa is worth the visit. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the room settles you as soon as you walk in the door.

So take a day of relaxation and rejuvenation at Touch of Grace Spa. It is that kind of place.

Unique Attractions

Martinsburg, West Virginia holds some genuinely unusual attractions. Historic landmarks through to interactive museums, and each one earns the stop. Here are the top unique attractions to visit in Martinsburg:

Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Start at the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau, where the planning gets done. The friendly staff hand out maps, brochures and the insider tips on where to go in the area. They will also help you book a hotel room or find a restaurant that suits.

The Visitors Bureau sits in a historic building that was once a train station. The restoration was done properly, and it now works as the hub for tourism in the area. Take the guided tour for the history of the building, or simply look at the architecture and take some photos.

Attractions

Martinsburg holds a range of unique attractions that stay with you afterwards. Here are the top ones to visit:

For the Kids, by George Children’s Museum: This interactive museum is perfect for families with young children. Kids can explore exhibits that teach them about science, history, and art, all while having fun.
Wonderment Puppet Theater: This small theater puts on puppet shows that are fun for all ages. The shows are interactive and engaging, and the puppets are beautifully crafted.
Apollo Civic Theatre: This historic theater has been entertaining audiences since 1913. You can catch a live performance, movie, or concert here, all while enjoying the beautiful architecture of the building.

Reviews

And do not simply take our word for it. Here is what others have to say about these unique attractions:

“The Children’s Museum is a must-visit if you have young kids. They’ll have a blast and learn something new at the same time!” – TripAdvisor Review
“The Wonderment Puppet Theater is a hidden gem in Martinsburg. The shows are so creative and engaging, and the puppets are amazing!” – Yelp Review
“The Apollo Civic Theatre is a beautiful venue that always has something going on. I love catching a movie or concert here!” – Google Review

Martinsburg, West Virginia is full of unusual attractions. Start at the Visitors Bureau and work outward from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any hidden gems in Berkeley County that tourists often miss?

There are. Beyond the well-known attractions in the area, the quieter ones are worth the effort. The Ice Mountain Preserve is the best of them, a rare ecosystem with a trail that climbs to an overlook. And for history, the Belle Boyd House was the residence of a Confederate spy and is now a museum that tells the story of her life.

What’s the most unique attraction in the Martinsburg area?

There are plenty of unique attractions in the area, and the Wonderment Puppet Theater stands out among them. This charming theater runs handmade puppets and shows that work for all ages. Kid or kid at heart, the whimsical characters and the stories do their job on stage.

There is. For shopping, the Martinsburg Mall is the obvious one. This indoor shopping center carries a broad spread of stores, including popular retailers like JCPenney and Target. And when the shopping runs out, the restaurants inside will feed you.

What’s a fun fact about West Virginia that most people don’t know?

Did you know West Virginia holds the world’s largest teapot? The Teapot Dome is a 14-foot-tall teapot-shaped building that started life as a gas station in the 1930s. It is now a popular roadside attraction that draws visitors from a long way off. It sits at the far end of the state, though, so it is a trip in its own right rather than a detour.

Frequently asked questions about Martinsburg, West Virginia

Who was Belle Boyd, and why is her house a museum?

She was a Confederate spy, and she worked out of this town during the Civil War. Boyd gathered intelligence and passed it on, and she was arrested more than once for doing it. The house is now a museum built around her life and the war she moved through. It holds the local archives as well. An hour is enough in there unless the Civil War happens to be your subject.

What is the Martinsburg Roundhouse and can you actually go in?

It is a B&O Railroad roundhouse, and it is the reason this town mattered during the Civil War. Troops burned the yards here more than once, because a rail junction of that size was worth taking. What stands now is the rebuilt complex, and the cast-iron roundhouse at the middle of it is unusual enough to justify the trip on its own. Access depends on events and volunteer hours. Check before you drive out.

Which Martinsburg museum tells the town’s own story rather than the war’s?

The Triple Brick Museum. It covers Martinsburg itself, the settlers who arrived first and the industry that followed them, through artifacts and exhibits rather than battle maps. The building is a piece of the story too. Old Norbourne Cemetery, which dates from the 1700s, is the outdoor version of the same history and costs nothing. Walk it if the weather allows.

Keep exploring Martinsburg, West Virginia