10 Best Small Towns in West Virginia to Visit in 2024
2024 is in its last quarter with September already halfway through. It is when fall is at its peak and foliage is vibrant. This is the time when the towns in West Virginia shine, beckoning people to come and tour and appreciate their charms. From the outdoor thrills of Fayetteville, home to the breathtaking New River Gorge and the annual Bridge Day, to the cultural richness of Wheeling, where historic theaters and artisan markets thrive, each destination churns its own flavor of delight. These destinations promise a perfect escape in 2024, whether you are looking for peaceful getaways or action-packed weekends in the towns in West Virginia.
Thomas
Thomas is a small town where art and nature meet in the Allegheny Mountains. The active art scene involving local artists is evident at the popular Invisible and Creature galleries. Additionally, the Buxton & Landstreet Gallery and Studios is worth a visit, as it not only houses rotating art exhibits but also tells the story of Thomas' rich industrial past as a coal mining town.
Thomas is known for its quaint, walkable downtown area. The Purple Fiddle, a music venue hosting live performances and a cafe doubling as a hostel, stands out on the State Highway. Meanwhile, the Mountain State Brewing Co. is a low-key craft beer pub with stunning mountain views that provides a relaxing corner often skipped by visitors.
Davis
Just a few miles from Thomas, Davis excites with its proximity to Canaan Valley Resort State Park. In winter, the resort features skiing and snowboarding, while in summer, hiking and mountain biking trails take center stage. Another visitor magnet is Blackwater Falls State Park, where the iconic 62 feet namesake falls are a must-see. After a day of outdoor exploring, head down to Stumptown Ales, a local brewery paying homage to the town with its home beers.
September 2024 marks the 34th anniversary of the Leaf Peepers Festival, which celebrates the region's fall foliage with live music, craft vendors, and scenic chairlift rides. It is a great way to experience the season's beauty while enjoying Davis' local flair.
Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry stands out as the town played a key role in American history, most notably as the site of John Brown’s raid in 1859. Today, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park allows you to explore the restored 19th-century buildings and museums or hike into the Civil War era with 20+ mile routes. Another outdoor attraction is Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, where you can go white-water rafting, tubing, or zip-lining through the Potomac River.
The town itself has a cozy atmosphere, with old-fashioned streets lined with quaint shops and eateries like True Treats Historic Candy, a store specializing in candies from America’s past. At the end of September 2024, the Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival further enhances the town's appeal with food trucks, over 70 artists, music, and dance at Sam Michaels Park.
Elkins
Elkins is a versatile destination in West Virginia. The town is the gateway to the Monongahela National Forest and attracts hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. Culture is also not far behind in Elkins. The Davis & Elkins College’s Augusta Heritage Center showcases the area’s rich Appalachian music and culture through performances, workshops, and events. Similarly, the Randolph County Community Arts Center hosts year-round art exhibits and music performances.
Elkins’ downtown area features local eateries like C.J. Maggie’s, known for its comfort food, and El Gran Sabor, a local favorite for Venezuelan cuisine. Elkins is also hosting the Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the state’s oldest and largest festivals, coming September 28, 2024. The festival honors the area's natural beauty with parades, arts and crafts, and forestry competitions.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg is home to the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, West Virginia’s official state theater, organizing everything between plays and musicals. The town’s history is reflected in its architecture, especially in the Carnegie Hall, among the only four Carnegie Halls worldwide, which also acts as a performing arts center. Visitors can also find themselves in a world of stalagmites and stalactites in the 1942-discovered National Natural Landmark of Lost World Caverns.
Downtown is a great place to explore on foot. Stardust Café gets the spotlight for creativity in its salads and gourmet sandwiches. Hill and Holler is another stop for wood-fired pizzas and an outdoor seating option.
Buckhannon
On the banks of Buckhannon River, Buckhannon allows for fishing, kayaking, and hiking adventures. The Riverwalk Trail is a staple for a peaceful 1.5-mile stroll along the water. Alternatively, Audra State Park promises more rugged hiking trails and picnic areas on its 355 acres by the river.
In the meantime, the town’s cultural heart is at The Lascaux Micro-Theater, where you can catch independent films and international flicks. Buckhannon also has a budding art scene, with galleries like Artistry on Main accessing local artists and craft makers to display their handmade paintings, pottery, jewelry, photographs, and even edibles.
Charles Town
Founded by Charles Washington, brother of George Washington, Charles Town is packed with history. The Jefferson County Museum provides a detailed look at the region’s past, including artifacts from the Civil War. History buffs will also want to visit Zion Episcopal Churchyard, where many Washington family members are buried.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is another major draw. The racecourse has been hosting events since 1933, and offers live thoroughbred racing and a full casino experience. When looking for souvenirs, Needful Things Emporium has something for everyone. In the mall, you can purchase shark charcuterie boards, candles, collectibles, crocheted items, and plants.
White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs takes great pride in its world-famous Greenbrier Resort, a historic luxury hotel with its doors open since the 18th century. The resort delivers everything from fine dining to shopping to a world-class spa and three-championship golf course. Furthermore, The Bunker, a once-secret Cold War fallout shelter beneath the Greenbrier, is also open for 90-minute public tours.
The town itself has a quieter charm. Country Roads Beer Co. is a core downtown destination for craft beers. Nearby is the Schoolhouse Hotel, a boutique hotel and restaurant in a renovated school building. Here, you can stay or dine in a century-old building.
Wheeling
Wheeling often claims the title of being the birthplace of West Virginia. You can learn more about it at the West Virginia Independence Hall, a museum that presents the state’s formation and history. The building’s grand architecture and historical artifacts add to the details. Downtown Wheeling is home to the Capitol Theatre, a beautifully restored 1928 venue that holds concerts, comedy shows, and Broadway-style performances. Another option is the Oglebay Institute, which provides art galleries, nature programs, and historic home tours.
Do not forget to stop by the Oglebay Park. This sprawling 2000-acre park has hiking, golf, and even a zoo. It is also noted for its annual Winter Festival of Lights, a massive holiday light show starting November 2024.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is best known for being just 5 minutes from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It is noteworthy for its stunning gorge and iconic New River Gorge Bridge, where you can participate in Bridge Walk, a guided tour across the catwalk beneath the bridge for breathtaking views. Adventure seekers can go for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking throughout the park, making Fayetteville a hub for thrill-seekers.
The Historic Fayette Theater brings people back to town with local productions. Pies & Pints is also a go-to for craft pizza and beer after watching a play or an outdoor excursion. And let us not ignore the largest extreme sports event in the state. Bridge Day is when visitors can watch BASE jumpers leap from the New River Gorge Bridge in October 2024.
While the history in West Virginia is definitely a draw, outdoor lovers are spoiled for choice in these towns as well. Davis, Elkins, and Fayetteville beckon hikers, rafters, and nature enthusiasts with landscapes like the New River Gorge and Blackwater Falls. Then comes the festivals, which bring joy and crowds to the streets to uphold what is sacred to these communities, such as annual lightings. Considering all this, 2024 is the year you must go to these West Virginia towns in the United States.
