Welcome to EP Digest! Every Thursday morning, we drop the best local news, events, and happenings from Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties into your inbox — tailored to what you actually care about. No doom-scrolling, no algorithm. Just the stuff that matters in the Eastern Panhandle. Let's get into it.

WVU Medicine Breaks Ground on $260 Million Eastern Panhandle Expansion

The biggest infrastructure investment the Eastern Panhandle has seen in years is officially underway. WVU Medicine is pouring $260 million into expanding both Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg and Jefferson Medical Center — citing surging demand from the region's rapid population growth.

At Berkeley Medical Center, a new parking structure breaks ground in August, followed by major inpatient service expansions starting in November. A new infusion and cancer treatment site is expected to open by early next year. Over in Jefferson County, construction begins this year on a three-story ambulatory center housing medical offices, imaging, and lab services — plus a new cancer treatment facility. Both projects target early 2028 completion.

The message is clear: the Eastern Panhandle isn't just growing — the institutions are catching up to the people who've already arrived.

The picture right now: Jefferson County's median resale price has climbed to roughly $410,000 — up about 20% year-over-year. Berkeley County is more modest at $299,900 (up 1.5%), making it the value play for buyers priced out of Jefferson. Anything under $400K remains firmly in seller's market territory across both counties. Interest rates are holding steady in the 6–6.5% range, but demand from Northern Virginia and Maryland relocations isn't slowing down.

Worth watching: The Jefferson Road widening project (5 lanes, new roundabout at Kanawha Turnpike, new overpass bridge) is well underway since last August. That corridor is going to look very different by 2027 — and the properties along it will reflect that.

Data via Dandridge Realty Group and Foxes Sell Faster.

Peach Blossoms Are About to Pop at Orr's Farm

If you've never seen the orchards at Orr's Farm Market in bloom, this is your week. Peach blossoms (the pink ones) are expected April 1–12, followed by apple blossoms (white) April 12–22. Bring a camera. Their satellite location also reopens April 1 for the season.

Also on our radar: Abolitionist Ale Works on West Washington in Charles Town continues to be the go-to for live music and craft beer midweek. Check their calendar if you need a Tuesday night plan. And the Uniquely West Virginia Spirits Festival hits Berkeley Springs April 9–10, followed by the Wine and Mead Festival April 16–17. Spring drinking season is officially open.

Moved Here from the DC Area? This One's for You.

MARC train basics: The Brunswick Line runs weekdays from Martinsburg and Duffields (near Charles Town) to DC Union Station. Six trains daily, roughly a 2-hour ride. Monthly pass runs about $281. Pro tip: the earliest departure from Duffields gets you into DC before 7:15am and the platform is practically empty.

Trash pickup works differently here. Jefferson County doesn't do county-provided collection. You sign up directly with a private hauler — Mountain State Waste, Republic Services, and GFL Environmental are the big three. Budget about $35–$45/month. In Martinsburg, it's city-provided (and the new weekly recycling just started — see Quick Hits above).

Where to eat first: If you just moved to Charles Town and haven't tried Alfredo's Mediterranean Grille yet, start there. Family-owned, 15+ years in business, legit Mediterranean food. In Martinsburg, locals swear by Fuego Tacos & Mezcal and The Huntōn.

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