Civil War enthusiasts, Come one Come all! Sharpsburg, MD is a quaint historical town that may seem small but it offers huge amenities for a wide range of interests. The pristine Antietam National Battlefield gives driving, hiking, and biking tours to experience the bloodiest one day battle in American history. You can also do a self-guided tour on your own to get a sense of what happened on September 17, 1862.
The battlefield isn't the only thing to visit in Sharpsburg. You can take a simple drive or walk through town and see the beautiful historical homes and buildings that stood during the civil war and even earlier. The town folk welcome visitors of all ages and you may have an opportunity to strike up a real kinship with one of them. A real treat is to walk through the alleys of the town to see even more intriguing beauty of back yards filled with colorful gardens and stone walls; you'll even get the chance to experience a charming antique shop called Gale Antiques situated in a picturesque period brick barn.
Sharpsburg also offers accommodations in two historical Bed & Breakfasts right on Main Street. The historic Jacob Rohrbach Inn, circa 1800, offers spacious landscaped grounds and gardens in the center of town. You'll enjoy Joanne's bountiful multi-course breakfasts, as well as, the opportunity to stay in four beautiful rooms all complete with their own bathrooms and antique furniture. They also offer a large romantic cottage separate from the main house with a country sized porch.
The Inn at Antietam sits at the top of the hill on Main Street amidst the battlefield with the utmost beautiful view from the Victorian porch of farmland and mountains. Bob and Charles will welcome you with the most gracious hospitality and share their stories of their lifetime of entertainment in theatres and cruise ships. They too offer four beautiful rooms with their own bathrooms and Victorian furniture and a penthouse suite that adorns dormers and skylights. You will also enjoy a wonderful breakfast served in a charismatic dining room facing the parlor. Who knows, maybe you'll even get Bob or Charles to sing for you while playing on their grand piano.
Sharpsburg wouldn't be complete without a fine dining experience and there is none other than the Antietam Caf & Wine Bar which is housed in a superbly restored 1852 home. You'll take pleasure in the hues of primary colors on the walls and vaulted ceilings with blue and green glass wine bottles in wrought iron racks along the top. Chef and Manager Steven Kemmet will offer sumptuous dinners paired with fine wine that will leave you pining for dessert. The adjoining restaurant called Captain Benders offers the same tasty food only in a bar setting, which allows anyone a great choice in fine dining.
So as you make your plans to visit Sharpsburg, you can combine the educational experience for yourself and your family, as well as, indulging in the pure charm of the town and people, leaving a warm place in your heart you will always remember.