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Bill's Place

Restaurant, Grocery
12719 High Germany Road
301-478-2701

Bill's Place is located on the C&O Canal Trail, in Little Orleans MD

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C&O Canal Trail
Great Allegheny Passage
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Forum Discussions about Bill's Place

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Bobbles from Denver on 10/03/2023 10:36 PM:
Did not get the opportunity to visit this place. Limited operating hours. As of this posting, it is closed on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans is For Sale
John Walker from Little Orleans on 10/06/2022 10:24 AM:
Jack Schoenadel, the current proprietor of Bill's in Little Orleans has officially listed the property for sale as of Wednesday. Jack's health is failing and it's becoming extremely difficult to hire any reliable help so I figure that 2022 may be the last season Bill's will be serving hiker/bikers on the C&O/GAP Trail. We lost Little Orleans Lodge back in 2021 with the passing of Steve Hubner so the possibility of Bill's closing its doors permanently will leave the campground next to Saint Patrick's Catholic Church as the only "civilization" left in the peaceful hamlet of Little Orleans. FYI, it's been almost ten years since the passing of Bill Schoenadel, the original owner of the old store on the banks of the C&O Canal.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 10/07/2022 03:32 AM:
Mr. Walker:

Are people allowed to camp at that church? Are there any facilities there?

 
John Walker from Little Orleans on 10/07/2022 09:03 PM:
There's no camping allowed at Saint Patrick's. There are no facilities there and most of the church property is a historic cemetery so I don't think it would be a good idea to try to camp there.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Dan Hruska from San Carlos, CA on 12/24/2021 01:53 AM:
Hi, came upon Bill's Place this past March while biking from PA to DC with my son. It was a great place to warm up, and soup was tasty, food hit the spot, and drink was gooood. Down to earth. Wonderful folks. Thanks for being there.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans is OPEN (irregular hours)
John Walker from Little Orleans on 05/28/2021 04:03 PM:
Heads up fellow bicyclist and outdoor adventurist, the infamous Bill's Place in the heart of bustling downtown Little Orleans, MD (MP 141) are OPEN FOR BUSINESS! They are CLOSED every Tuesday and Wednesday, and they don't serve Breakfast. The grill normally closes early, around seven or eightish depending upon the crowd. The best days to catch them open is during the weekend, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Remember, this is a Cash-Only-Establishment so plan accordingly. There is an ATM on the premises but you will have to pay a fee! On a somewhat related topic, Bill Place is FOR SALE and has been since 2019. Jack Schoenadel and his wife want to retire.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Jay Perry from Canton, PA on 06/16/2017 08:56 AM:
Biked from confluence, pa to Orleans on June 7, second day of a four day ride. We just put in well over 105 miles and found Bill's closed. Now this isn't Bill's fault because he determines his days off but someone should friggin mention it in one of the tour maps/guide books, etc. or even mentioned it in one of the many videos we watched! Thank God for the Town Hill B&B for coming down to rescue us and hold some food for our dinner. That place and its people running it are amazing. The NPS should be ashamed of itself for not putting out more proper signage along this route. We rode a mile past Little Orleans before we realized it. And don't get me started on the DETOUR around Paw Paw. Just one word...UNACCEPTABLE.

 
Tampabiker on 06/16/2017 11:12 AM:
How frequent are the mile markers on the trail? Every mile? Randomly separated?

 
sergio from OC, Ca on 06/16/2017 02:34 PM:
We just returned from the trek and I had the same opinion. Fortunately Bill's was open so we had ice cream and soda. I think there may have been drinking water at the park where you make the turn off (which we almost missed!). We had considered stopping in Paw Paw to eat on our way to Hancock, but didn't want to add miles to a 60 mile + uphill detour day. The newest edition of the book is better, but i still would have appreciated tips on exactly where to turn off and what to look for and hills, etc for towns. We almost went past Bill's but fortunately saw someone to ask. It's out of the Fifteenmile Creek park on the canal. But I'd never seen that even mentioned. Love this forum to help each other!

 
Richard from DC on 06/16/2017 03:46 PM:
The mile markers on the parts of the C&O and GAP that I've traveled are every mile.

 
lenny on 06/17/2017 05:30 AM:
The Park service has nothing to do with commercial establishments. You should do more homework. As to mile markers some are hidden, but any bike computer will give you she same info. Oh yes, the closure is to make the path safe. Big Slack water detour lasted for years, and it sucked.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 03/17/2013 12:44 PM:
If folks were worried that Bill’s Place would close after the death of Bill back in January 2013, I am happy to report that Bill’s son, Jack, has taken over operations of this famous watering hole. Stopped by last night for a St. Patrick’s libation and found the place packed with loyal patrons. See ya on the trail in 2013.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Tom Kreiner Jr from Dundalk/Baltimore on 01/07/2013 07:19 PM:
I just heard that Bill passed away in january, if so such sad news, he was a great awsome guy, i remember my first visit to bills place when i was like 15, now i'm 34 and it's still like a ledgendary place. i've talked about to tons of people and they knew right away about where and who i was speaking of, RIP Bill god bless you and thanks for great times at the bar on our april Fishing trips.. Here's to you....

 
vabiker23518 from williamsburg, va on 01/09/2013 10:14 AM:
He will really be missed. Our last trip, two years ago, we were lucky enough to talk with him for a while. Nice guy and local institution. Rest in peace Bill,

 
Randy from E-Town on 01/09/2013 03:34 PM:
Bill had terminal cancer and he put up a good fight. Sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great guy. Hopefully his daughter will continue the success of Bill's Place.

Bill Schoenadel has passed
Swagman from La Grange, GA on 01/05/2013 09:03 PM:
Just learned that Bill Schoenadel, the proprietor of Bill’s Place, passed away at 10 am, January 5, 2013 in Cumberland, MD. The wiry and colorful patron became a larger than life fixture along the C&O canal trail for years serving up cold refreshments and meals to countless weary hikers and bikers. His dry, sarcastic since of humor became synonymous with western Maryland culture. There is no information as of yet about funeral arrangements. Our deepest and sincerest condolences go out to the Schoenadel family. Bill was truly a unique individual and his presents on the canal will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Bill, you well be missed by everyone.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Anonymous on 10/28/2012 04:03 PM:
Awesome place to stop, for a bite to eat, couple of beers, little chit chat... with Jake, and Bill.... lots of storys.... went there October 5,2012
camped in Little Orleans, went up for the Applebutterfest..... stopped in Bill's place for some Blue Grass in the street.... and a DJ later on that night... Great time... :P We are a going back again next year.. Emmet & Debbie Atkins... from NJ....

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Steve from Chicago on 05/24/2010 11:48 AM:
Stopped here with some buddies in 2008 during a ride from Cumberland to Georgetown. We were looking for a place to hide from the rain for a while. Interesting place to stop for snacks and a hot meal. Simple, cheap, and unique.

 
Dana on 09/11/2012 10:34 AM:
You have to stop and meet the locals. Enough said!!!

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
milo3 from durham, nc on 05/15/2012 07:42 PM:
just went there for a pizza and beer! great! bridge from appel rd was washed out this morning but you can still get across... thanks Bill!

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Eddie Fost from Hancock, Maryland on 10/09/2011 03:58 PM:
I presently live in Catonsville, Maryland. My mother was from Pearre four miles from Little Orleans.Prior to Bill owning it, it was Charley Callan's Store. As a kid I was in there many times. I am a friend of Bill Shonadel and have been in his place many times. I had a trailer in Little Orleans campground which I sold in August of 1998. Hope to see Bill again before too long. My son was just up there and took a picture of Bill. I didn't recognize him as it had been 13 years since I have seen him. Beer tastes better at Bill's Place.

 
vabiker23518 from Williamsburg, VA on 10/12/2011 10:03 AM:
Wife and I stopped by during a ride in August and were happy to see him too! Looked good to us!

 
Betty Walter from Cumberland on 11/15/2011 01:08 PM:
On 11-14-11 Me and my BF rode from little Orleans to Paw Paw Tunnel and back to Little Orleans...We were lokking so forward to a beer and supper at Bill's Place but was not open at 5 pm and had a sign on the door that he would not be open till 6pm. Hungry and really wanting a beer after our ride we headed back to Cumberland to eat and have a few beers. We were so disappointed.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Brian from Walkersville on 09/21/2010 06:40 PM:
found Bill's Place 3 years ago during East Coast Sturgis and have gone since then. Love the uniqueness of the place and Bill is a fun guy. Can't wait for the Halloween party!!

 
Randy from Elizabethtown, PA on 10/06/2010 09:35 AM:
Planning a day trip. Where is parking available near the C&O Canal near the Little Orleans area? I'm looking at the Google Satellite image and I don't see much. It could be obscured by trees. There's supposed to be a Camp Site right off the trail. Is the Parking relatively secure. Can you park near Bill's Place? Thanks.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
biker from linden tx. on 07/01/2010 09:56 PM:
loved this place. good food cold beer.

 
Bonnie from Little Orleans on 09/04/2010 10:55 PM:
nice that you stoped at my dad's place.Keep him in your prayers,he has 4th.stage lung cancer.He is still working and loves meeting new people.

 
Jack from Winchester, VA on 09/21/2010 06:44 AM:
Bills is about the coolest place on the trail. Was there last weekend and stayed at the park campsite. Everything was good.

Bill's Place in Little Orleans
Dollar Bill from White Marsh MD on 08/16/2010 02:29 PM:
My family and I go here every year while camping at Little Orleans Camp Ground to celebrate my daughters birthday. We all think Bill is the greatest with his stories and jokes. Just a great place to visit.