Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea

May 17th-18th 2025

Each year, the Back Alley Garden Tour rotates to feature a different section of Shepherdstown, offering visitors a new perspective of the town’s diverse gardens and historic charm. This rotation ensures that no two tours are the same, highlighting new hidden gems every year!

The Back Alley Tour & Tea is a self-guided walking tour of some of the most beautiful gardens in Shepherdstown. It's a chance to walk through the back alleys of town where you will find new ideas for your garden, learn some history and explore the neighborhood.

After finishing up the tour, or when you need a break, head back to The War Memorial Building for an afternoon tea party you won't forget! This elegant tea party is the best way to relax and talk about your favorite gardens while enjoying hot or cold tea served in unique teacups and saucers with some delicious homemade savories & sweets made by the best bakers! After the tea, feel free to visit your favorite gardens again or stroll through the shops in town!

The Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea is an annual event that takes place on Saturday and Sunday, the third weekend of May.

Friday Night Garden Party

This year, the Back Alley Garden Tour focuses on the east end of town. The Garden Party Fundraiser will be held on Friday, May 16th in a private garden. There will be live music and hors d'oeuvres. Along with your entrance to the party, you will receive a tour booklet which gives you access to all the gardens and the tea on May 17th and 18th.
Limited tickets are available on sale beginning April 1st!
Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea

Purchase Tickets Here!

In 2024, we introduced a wonderful new element to the Garden Tour—plein air artists! Through a collaboration with Kathryn Burns of The Bridge Gallery, talented artists were invited to set up their easels in the featured gardens and paint en plein air, capturing the vibrant colors, textures, and atmosphere of the gardens in real-time.

Their incredible works of art will be on display and available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a one-of-a-kind memory of the tour.