Heading back into town, we walked a good portion of Main Street. If you have the opportunity, pick up a Walking Tour of Historic Romney brochure from the CVB at 91 E. High Street before you start. It shows many of the historic structures and gives a capsule summary of their historic significance. Possibly most famous of all is Liberty Hall, a.k.a Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters. The house was alternately used by Union and Confederate forces during the length of the Civil War.
A bit older, but also quite impressive is the well-preserved log home, the Davis History House at 197 W. Main Street. The owners have turned it into a museum and are constantly adding additional items. Tours are available from spring through October, by contacting the Hampshire County Public Library.
Starting in the center of town, we hit many wonderful gift shops. Right in town center is Anderson’s Corner with jewelry, gift ideas and a broad selection of wines. We stocked up on a couple great fruit selections, native to West Virginia.
Heading east along Main Street you’ll find other great shops including Dillon’s Country Treasures and B Belles Boutique.
We ended the day with a special hosted dinner at the Hampshire County Co-op & Heritage Market Place. This building was formerly the farmer’s co-op, selling all sorts of grain, feed, and farm supplies. Presently, the building is being retrofitted into an artist’s co-op and features the works of many local artists. We ended up buying local art, candy and gift ideas – all at very reasonable prices. Some excellent local musicians played as we shopped – can’t beat that.
After dinner, we quickly headed outside of town to see Fort Mill Ridge. These remains have been basically untouched since the Civil War, and are acclaimed as the best preserved of this type trench fortification.
Day One in Hampshire County ended at the kitschy Koolwink Motel. Frozen in time, the rooms still look like they did when they expanded back in the 1950’s. Originally built in 1936, they’ve been hosting travelers for over 80 years now.
Best part, however, is that the rooms are spotlessly clean. You still get the historic feel, but everything is meticulously maintained by the same family who built the place.
Before leaving Romney on Day Two, we stopped another local favorite – the Mt. Top Truck Stop for breakfast. If it’s big and tasty you want, you won’t go wrong stopping here. Again, it’s a throwback feeling that still fulfills its mission with great food and wonderful servers – some, lifetime employees.
It’s also a NAPA store on the other end of the building, so if you need windshield wipers to go with that breakfast burrito, you’re in luck.
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The wonders of Ice Mountain and Capon Bridge
The resort, or maybe the camp, or possibly the B&B also known as Capon Springs and Farms.