Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea
May 16th-17th 2026
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.
Tickets Available Now:
With a $100 donation to the Shepherdstown Community Club, you are invited to an exclusive Garden Party on the eve of the tour weekend, hosted at one of Shepherdstown’s premier private gardens.
This year’s event will be held at The Thomas Shepherd Grist Mill 207 E. High St—perfect for an evening garden party.
Enjoy time with this year’s garden owners and fellow garden enthusiasts, with live music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres.
Your donation also includes a Garden Tour & Tea booklet, granting access to the weekend’s Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea event.
These Donor Level tickets are limited and sold out last year—don’t miss your chance to attend this special event!
Maximum of 4 tickets per order
Price increases to $115 after May 1
Ticket includes one tea service at the War Memorial Building and unlimited visits to the gardens both days. Tour Booklets may be picked up beginning at 9am on both days of the tour. The Booklet serves as your entrance to the Tea. Tickets purchased at the event are $35.
Self-Guided Garden Tour: 10:00 to 4:00 pm, both days
Tea Service: 11:00 to 3:00, both days
Please bring your receipt with you when picking up your Tour booklet at the War Memorial Building, 102 E. German St.
Volunteer Interest Form for the Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea
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.
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
— Audrey Hepburn
