Meet this historic home with modern comfort.
Once known as both Mt. Pleasant and Frost Town, Frostburg came into being thanks to the National Road, which carried early 1800s travelers along an east-west corridor, past a small log home built by city founder Meshach Frost. The community became a stagecoach stop offering weary travelers drink and rest at local taverns and the service of blacksmith shops, or “smithies,” as they were commonly called. Soon coal and the railroad made Frostburg a commercial center for mining. By the early 1900s, it was also home to State Normal School #2 – today Frostburg State University.
The university’s first building, Old Main, could be seen from one of the town’s earliest homes – a stately brick structure inspired by Greek revival Italianate architecture. Constructed in 1865 by Henry B. Shaffer, the prominent Frostburg businessman and citizen made a home there with his large family. Several of his ten children remained long after Henry’s passing in 1897.
Today this wonderful old home – well known as the “Shaffer House” – still stands at 156 East Main Street. Registered as a historic property, it is finding new life as the Allegheny Trail House, Frostburg’s first and only farm-to-table bed and breakfast. The home is located in historic downtown Frostburg – within walking distance to the FSU campus, unique restaurants, shops and, yes, a “tavern” or two. Best of all, it is a short pedal from the Great Allegheny Passage, with the local trailhead situated just a half-mile or so from the B&B.
All these years removed from yet linked to its simple beginnings, Frostburg today offers what could be called “the perfect patchwork mix” of sorts – small town charm coupled with the cultural benefits most often known only to residents of more urban communities. Once welcoming stagecoach travelers, it now invites bicyclists making their way along the Great Allegheny Passage.
Jason is most happy to open the doors of his B&B to each and every guest and, in welcoming them to stay and rest a while, provide an insider’s perspective on all that makes this town so special.
“Great breakfast. Love the Omelette. Jason made breakfast for us. He is a great chef! Rooms are well lit; they have beautiful wooden floor. It is located in a great spot, couple of minutes walk to some great restaurants and couple of minutes bike ride to the Depot station and the Allegheny Passage. You can rent bikes from this B&B. Parking is free. We very much enjoyed our weekend getaway there. It is perfect for weekend or special occasion getaways.”
