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.
“I cannot say enough good things about Allegheny Trail House. We were looking for a place that was small and safe to stay during these unprecedented times. We did a little research and came upon the trail house. We (my husband and I) are SO glad that we did! Jason, the innkeeper, was AMAZING! He chilled and talked with us and made us amazing custom breakfasts. We were the only guests there for two days and, on the last day, there were two other couples joining. They were kind and wonderful and it just was a perfect mix of atmosphere and people and VERY VERY clean. The home, itself, was built in 1865 (if I recall the plaque outside correctly) and was kept up impeccably! The artwork and furniture, etc. all suited the place very well and added to the relaxing feel of our time there, in general. 🙂 It was a very good deal, too! At only $95 a night for breakfast included, can't beat that! Thanks so much, again, Jason! We WILL be back. 5 stars! 5 5 5 5 5 5!!! :)”
