★★★★★
As bed and breakfast owners, we love to stay in other places that do things very well. We had a wonderful stay at the Thomas Shepard Inn. The interior is stunning with historical restorations and modern comforts. The Inn is so close to everything and was a perfect location for exploring what Shepardstown has to offer. Joe and Melissa were very attentive hosts, and made sure we were comfortable before we settled in to a very peaceful night. Our escape was a much needed recharge. Thank you Joe and Melissa for keeping such a gem going all these years!
★★★★☆
I stayed at the Inn while on Fall Escape Bike ride put on by Bike Virginia with a friend. The interior was stunning and hospitality good. We were not able to have breakfast because it was served too late in the morning. Also, soap and shampoo was in tiny bottles. We only got one of each to be shared between 2 people.
★★★★★
I stayed here as a solo female traveler with no car for four nights and had the absolute BEST time. Since I came on odd days, I was the only guest at the inn for the duration of my visit. Melissa and Joe were incredible hosts. They were very respectful of my space and privacy and did not impose in any way — but when I showed clear enthusiasm about their company and advice, they went above and beyond to make my time in West Virginia an experience I will cherish for a lifetime.
From the instant I arrived, they were proactive and communicative about supplying anything I could possibly wish for, from a fluffy robe to relax in to a giant umbrella on a rainy afternoon. Melissa texted me each day about my breakfast plans to make sure there would be snacks and fresh fruit if I desired. Joe was generous enough to spend several hours of his time giving me a walking tour of Shepherdstown one day and nearby Antietam the next, which were unquestionable highlighllts of my trip. I learned so much about the area and what makes it special, both historically and in the present. Every single shop and restaurant I saw was locally owned and operated, and every person I spoke to was warm and kind.
Joe also recommended a different restaurant for each meal. They were all phenomenal. As someone who leans vegan, I was surprised and delighted by the amount of delicious vegetarian and vegan food available in Shepherdstown! I would particularly recommend Bistro 112 for anyone with dietary restrictions who would like to enjoy a decadent, thoughtfully-crafted meal. For breakfast, MJ's will offer the same accessibility of menu options in a more homey diner setting.
Melissa and Joe were so kind as to treat me to a private breakfast there on one of my final mornings in town. I was and continue to be deeply touched by their profound generosity. And I was very glad for the opportunity to get to know the two of them better over breakfast, as they are every bit as charming, delightful, and fascinating as the area itself. They are, to put it plainly, extremely cool people. Their housekeeper and collaborator, Claudia, was also an absolute ray of sunshine when I had occasion to meet her.
The inn itself is everything I could have hoped for — rich in local history, clean, and beautiful. It strikes a perfect balance between antique elegance and modern convenience. It's clear that every aspect of the space is crafted with care. The atmosphere they've created encourages a feeling of comfort and ease you could not possibly find in a dime-a-dozen hotel chain. If you want to zone out and watch TV, look elsewhere. If you want to enjoy a relaxing
glass of sherry in good company before a beautiful hearth, you have come to the right place.
Despite such a wordy review, I feel I have hardly conveyed a fraction of how much I appreciated my stay. If you're not yet convinced, you simply must take my word for it: the Thomas Shepherd Inn is something special. If I were ever in the area again, I wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else. You will not regret anything about your visit. Except, perhaps, that it eventually comes to an end.
★★★★★
Beautifully maintained historic property with very comfortable beds. Innkeepers are very nice and there are thoughtful touches throughout, such as earplugs if you are a very light sleeper; it didn't bother us, but there is a 4-way stop just outside the door so cars are constantly stopping and starting. The windows are all double paned so it is pretty muted. For breakfast, there are basics such as fruit and yogurt available downstairs, or you can walk a couple of blocks to some nice spots if you want a full cooked breakfast.