CATF Value Proposition in Shepherdstown, WV

The Contemporary American Theater Festival starts its 19th season this week with five shows performed in rotation on three stages at Shepherd University. It's a popular festival, drawing crowds from DC, Baltimore and New York City - our streets literally fill up with playgoers Wednesday through Saturday through the first weekend in August. The inn is fully booked for those nights at this point.

This year, you can see the plays at a discount, two ways. First are the preview performances which take place on July 8 and July 9, with two shows Wednesday evening and three shows on Thursday. These performances are pay-what-you-can with seats filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We always try to see at least two of the plays on these nights before the season is in full swing. As an added bonus, rooms are available at the inn on both nights and at our weekday rates.

Second is the special Sunday evening rate discount added this year. All single tickets for Sunday evening shows will be priced at $25 (a $20 discount from the regular price) at the box office. If you book an available room at the Inn for Sunday night, we will also discount the regular weekend rate by $25 if you bring us a ticket stub from CATF for a Sunday night show.

Add a little culture to your summer with an evening at the Contemporary American Theater Festival and a stay at the Thomas Shepherd Inn B&B.

Jeanne & Jim at the
Thomas Shepherd Inn B&B in Shepherdstown, WV

Inn's Feline Friends Update - In Memoriam

I know several of our guests have read our blog post about the cats here in residence at the Thomas Shepherd Inn, and some have met Toonces, the friendlier (although that is not clear from this photo!) of our two indoor siblings, during a visit when they needed a cat fix. Sadly, after 16 years of a pretty good life with us, Toonces has lost his fight with feline myeloma and made his final trip to the vet's yesterday. We miss him already...

We also lost a few of the outdoor cats over the winter, and now you will see only four on a regular basis - the three orange boys, including Rusty, and one calico, Patches - sunning themselves in our yard. Rusty still tries to get in through the front door on occasion, but in deference to Beavis, our remaining elder indoor cat, we are continuing on as a single-cat household for the time being.

Jeanne & Jim at the
Thomas Shepherd Inn B&B in Shepherdstown, WV

Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea - Memorial Day Weekend

The very popular Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea is being held on Memorial Day weekend this year, with tours on both Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. It is called the Back Alley Garden Tour after one of the unique features of the town - in the historic district, there are almost no front yards and all the garden space is in the back. Hence, the gardens are more viewable and accessible from the back alleys that wind throughout the town. They are truly beautiful with a wide variety of styles - this year, an organic vegetable garden with a demonstration apiary (beehive) will be featured. The Friday Painters Group will be displaying their work at the War Memorial Building this year, where tickets for the tea and tour may be purchased.

Pictured are some of our purple irises, in bloom now and likely to last for a few more weeks. We are not on the tour but as a guest you are welcome to enjoy the shady view of the entire garden from our second floor porch at any time of the year! Some rooms are still available for the holiday weekend.

Jeanne & Jim at the
Thomas Shepherd Inn B&B in Shepherdstown, WV

Shepherdtown, WV in New York Post

The New York Post says Shepherdstown is the most appealing town in the state - we agree!! About five hours from Manhattan, less than two from Washington, DC or Baltimore. Visit soon...

Jeanne & Jim at the
Thomas Shepherd Inn B&B in Shepherdstown, WV

Tally the week's work; Paperwork Monday arrives; receipts good, bills bad.