The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia

A panhandle is a region that geographically is thought to resemble the handle of a pan, or a somewhat long stretch of land that juts out from the rest of the region. According to YourDictionary.com, a panhandle (in terms of land) is defined as "a strip of land projecting like the handle of a pan, as the western extension of Oklahoma." Merriam-Webster describes it as "a narrow projection of a larger territory (as a state)." Many people are aware of the Florida panhandle region and Texas panhandle, but some might not be as familiar with the beautiful Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia. Since I just moved from Maryland to West Virginia's panhandle, I would like to learn more about it and share it with everyone.

The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia lies to the northeast of the state, gracing the boundaries of Maryland and Pennsylvania. While some people consider the panhandle region to include eight counties (Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Pendleton), most people claim that only the three Easternmost counties (Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan) compose the panhandle. If including all eight counties, the panhandle region features the state's highest and lowest elevations, with Spruce Knob in Pendleton County reaching 4863 feet and Harper's Ferry on the Potomac River in Jefferson county at only 240 feet.

Berkeley County is the panhandle's most populated county, having nearly 100,000 residents according to a 2007 census. Berkeley County is the home to the city of Martinsburg, which is the largest city in the panhandle, having over 16,000 residents during that same census. Some refer to the City of Martinsburg as the "Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley." West Virginia's panhandle region is its fastest growing area. It's had a boom in housing and population growth over the last several years. Other construction such as shopping centers have also been on the rise.

Berkeley County was founded in 1772 and named after a British noble and governor of a Virginia territory, Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt, but some believe it was named after another popular colonial governor, Sir William Berkeley. The county seat for Berkeley is Martinsburg. Jefferson county, named after Thomas Jefferson and founded in 1801, features Charles Town as its county seat. Morgan, founded in 1820 and named after American pioneer, soldier in the Revolutionary War, and United States Representative from Virginia General Daniel Morgan, having the county seat of Berkeley Springs. Hampshire was the first county founded, all the way back in 1753, and Mineral and Grant counties were the last two of the Eastern Panhandle region, both founded in 1866.

Contrary to popular beliefs, and although it might not be the most populous area, the Eastern Panhandle offers a plethora of activities. If you love history, there are many areas with Colonial and Civil War ties as well as antique shops and other historic buildings and such. There are all the modern amenities such as movies and fast food, fine dining, pubs, malls, lodging (including many spas and bed and breakfasts), and also many hiking trails and rivers.

In my opinion, Jefferson County is one of the most beautiful counties I have seen. It includes Charles Town (a popular place for gamblers in the mid-Atlantic region), Shepherdstown (a historical area that's home to Shepherd University and many eclectic restaurants and shops), and Harper's Ferry (providing many hiking and biking trails, tours, museums, white water rafting and other water activities, and more), among other popular areas. Driving through Harper's Ferry on 340, you see the river below and nothing but lush mountains up above. The area is lined with trees, plants, and beautiful rocks and boulders. It is such a retreat and a scenic drive. Some people say the area is haunted, and there are tours and tales relating such as well.

Berkeley County, of course, also offers much history for visitors and many natural activities you would expect from the "Mountain State," such as hiking, biking, and fishing, for example. Several spas and golf courses are available in Berkeley County, as are plenty of shopping opportunities, including antiques, modern malls and boutiques, and farmer's markets as well as many fairs and festivals.

The Eastern Panhandle of West VIrginia is very modern yet still offers small-town charm. There is no lack of activities, and the area includes many fun yet historical hot spots while engaging its visitors with unparalleled beauty. If you've never been to the area, you are missing out on a lot of magic and should plan a trip here when you can!

Sources:
http://www.wv.gov/local/region/Pages/eastern-panhandle.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Panhandle_of_West_Virginia
http://www.yourdictionary.com/panhandle
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panhandle