10 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In West Virginia
Small towns sometimes get a bad reputation for being boring, but this supposition is rarely true. Take West Virginia, for example. The state is full of over 380 incorporated and unincorporated communities, some of which are more well-known than others. For example, a Harvard professor and noted historian was born in one of the off-the-beaten-path towns we feature below. Another of these small towns originated the first newspaper and book published in West Virginia. Read on to discover more about these out-of-the-way West Virginia towns.
Keyser
The county seat of Mineral County, Keyser, incorporated in 1874 and about two square miles in size, is a hidden gem in West Virginia. Just 22 miles southwest of Cumberland, Maryland, Keyser is home to Potomac State College, where one of Keyser's native sons, historian and professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., attended. One of the most well-known outdoor attractions in the Keyser area is Jennings Randolph Lake, 6.6 miles long, contained in both Mineral County and Garrett County, Maryland, along the North Branch of the Potomac River. The lake is about 18 miles southwest of downtown Keyser and offers fishing, boating, picnicking, whitewater rafting, and camping opportunities.
The Mineral County Historical Society houses a unique local history museum in the back of a dental office building on Carkskadon Lane in Keyser's downtown area. There are over two dozen churches in Keyser, some of which, like the First United Methodist Church on Davis Street, date to the late 1800s. Downtown Keyser also features banking, services, shopping, and restaurants. Some of the most popular locally-owned shops include Back Alley Crafts & Tarts, D&B Thrift Store, and Heaven Sent Creations. Restaurants and bars are abundant throughout the town and range from Castiglia's Italian Eatery to Queen's Point Coffee to North Branch Craft Pub.
Shepherdstown
If you're looking for a blend of natural and historic sites, check out the small town of Shepherdstown in Jefferson County, chartered in 1762. Just an hour and a half from both Baltimore and Washington, DC, Shepherdstown is best known for Shepherd University, a small liberal arts college. The town is also the birthplace of the state's first newspaper called "The Potowmac Guardian and Berkeley Advertiser," published in 1790, and the book Christian Panoply, by Richard Watson, issued in 1797. Shepherdstown houses many historic sites from both the Revolutionary and Civil War periods. The oldest stone tobacco facility in the state, Mecklenburg Tobacco Warehouse, circa 1797, is just one of them. The Entler Hotel and Museum, dating to 1786, today houses the Historic Shepherdstown Museum, with town history and artifacts on display. James Rumsey Monument and Park in Shepherdstown is unique in that it is a natural site that is also historic. It is home to the 75-foot James Rumsey monument, commemorating the local inventor who demonstrated the steamboat on the Potomac River in 1787. Hiking, biking, boating, and paddling are just a few of the outdoor activities that can be pursued in the park.
Shepherdstown's downtown area includes art galleries like The Bridge Gallery and Badgerhound Studio & Gallery. Eclectic stores, including Dogwood General Store and Shepherds Blessings, are also downtown. Dining choices in the college town offer visitors almost anything they could desire, from French cuisine at Bistro 112 to Thai, Japanese, and sushi at Kome Thai & Sushi Bistro.
Seneca Rocks
In Pendleton County, where the Seneca Creek, North Fork River, and South Branch Potomac River converge, Seneca Rocks is a popular destination for travelers who want to see the famous 900-foot-high rocks housed in both Seneca State Forest and Monongahela National Forest. These forests offer opportunities for hiking, nature watching, and fishing, and the rocks can be climbed, with more than 375 major climbing routes mapped to date.
However, there is more to Seneca Rocks than just the rocks. The town itself, small and unincorporated, was named after the Seneca Tribe of Native Americans who originally lived there. Townsfolk are said to be welcoming and beckon you to visit their modest downtown area consisting of shopping at Harper's Old General Store and the Gendarme Climbing Shop, dining at the Front Porch Restaurant, and lodging at County Line Guest House B&B, Germany Valley Overlook Cabins, Appalachian Cabins, Seneca Shadows Campground, and Seneca Rocks RV Resort. Seneca Rocks, both the awe-inspiring rocks and the town, should be put on your list of places to see and experience in West Virginia that are off the beaten path.
Hinton
Along the scenic New River in southern West Virginia, you'll find the quaint village of Hinton, 90 miles southeast of the capital city of Charleston. This railroad town in Summers County was formed in 1871 and, today, boasts a historic district of over 200 buildings of various architectural styles. Hinton also has Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park, where biking, hiking, rafting, and fishing are popular pastimes.
Hinton's downtown historic district is full of shops, services, dining, entertainment, art, culture, and lodging spots, many of which are housed in the above-mentioned historic buildings that still exist. Start your visit to Hinton by checking in to the Guest House Inn on Courthouse Square. Next, visit the Otter and Oak Art Gallery for local artwork and craftsmanship. See a movie at the historic Ritz Movie Theater, built in 1929. Shop at Pinchin Pennies and Loaves & Fishes. When you are tired, hungry, and thirsty from your day in downtown Hinton, dine and imbibe at The Market on Courthouse Square.
Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs, in Morgan County, is a secluded town that is known for its soothing, natural warm springs, maintaining a constant temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and heralded for their wellness properties. Sitting between the Cacapon Mountains and Sleepy Creek Mountain, Berkeley Springs is the perfect place to get away from it all for a while and pamper yourself. If you want more adventure, you may choose to hike in Berkeley Springs State Park or fish in the Cacapon River.
Locally owned and operated shops in Berkeley Springs' downtown area sell handcrafted items at Crystal Chick Creations, antiques at Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, music at BlackCat Music Shop & Studio, and art at Heath Studio Gallery. Dining choices range from down-home goodness at The Country Inn Restaurant to traditional American favorites and craft beer at Angus & Ale.
Romney
One of the oldest towns in West Virginia, Romney was founded in 1762. It is a small, out-of-the-way town with a heart, history, and culture. The county seat of Hampshire County, Romney, is home to Taggart Hall, built in the 1790s and full of town history as well as maps providing walking tours of the town. The Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Museum is another town historical landmark of interest to history buffs. Nature is always on display in Romney, with abundant deer, coyotes, and foxes spotted often. Some even claim to see bears in the more rural areas of Romney from time to time. Take a ride on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, and you might be lucky to see the bald eagles living along the route, for whom the scenic line was named.
Downtown Romney is a mixture of history and contemporary. Shops include Reclaim Renew, offering vintage and repurposed goods; The White House on Main Boutique, selling a variety of modern merchandise; and Dillon's Country Treasures, with a general store feel. You won't go hungry in Romney, either. Whether you dine at Italian Touch, El Puente 2 Mexican Restaurant, or Main Street Grill, you are likely to leave satisfied.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg, the county seat of Greenbrier County, has been heralded by various publications as one of the best small towns in which to retire, and one of America's cutest main streets. It was founded in 1782 and was the site of the 1862 Battle of Lewisburg during the Civil War. Today, you can visit the Greenbrier Historical Society in town to learn about Lewisburg's rich history. Another historic site that shouldn't be missed is Carnegie Hall, on Church Street, which offers tours, live performances, and arts education classes.
Townsfolk and visitors enjoy the town's annual Chocolate Festival each April. Lewisburg's five-block downtown district is full of independently-owned shops such as The Golden Rabbit, A New Chapter, Vest, and Aggie's Gift Shop. Over a dozen eateries can be found in downtown Lewisburg, from breakfast at Corn + Flour to lunch at the Stardust Cafe to dinner at Food & Friends. These eateries contribute to the reasons why Lewisburg has twice been named the best small-town food scene in America by USA Today.
Barboursville
The village of Barboursville calls itself the "Best Little Village in the State," and with good reason. Just five miles east of Huntington, Barboursville is within driving distance of both Ohio and Kentucky. Founded in 1813 in Cabell County, Barboursville is a great stopping-off place if you are on your way to any of the above-referenced destinations. West Virginia's second-largest municipal park, Barboursville Park, is 750 acres and found within the town. It contains 42 walking trails, ponds, and an amphitheater. For water enthusiasts, the larger Beech Fork State Park, an easy 12 miles south of Barboursville, is 3,100 acres and houses the 720-acre Beech Lake.
Barboursville's downtown area is home to locally owned businesses, many along Central Avenue. These include the music store Orbit's Record Shop and the bookshop Booktenders. When you are hungry or parched, check out Main Street on Central for dinner and drinks and 1861 Public House, which serves craft beer and pizza.
Davis
Davis, in northeastern Tucker County, is an outlying town in the Allegheny Mountains, about three hours from Pittsburgh, PA. The town sits at 3,520 feet elevation, making it the highest incorporated town in West Virginia. Davis is on the Blackwater River, just north of Canaan Valley, which is known as the highest valley east of the Mississippi. Many travelers visit Blackwater Falls State Park, featuring Blackwater Falls, a 62-foot cascade of the Blackwater River. Canaan Valley Resort State Park, just five miles south of Davis, is another tourist attraction featuring golf, skiing, and lodging. The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is also in this area, consisting of 5,573 acres of high-elevation wetlands with trails. Migratory birds, the Virginia Northern flying squirrel, and the Cheat Mountain salamander are just a few of the rare species found within the refuge.
Those who live in Davis treasure the peacefulness of the area and appreciate the abundant nature surrounding them. They are said to be welcoming to visitors at all times of the year. Even though it is a small town, Davis has a downtown area with a main street, the nearest stop light being 17 miles away. In downtown Davis, you will find local art at the West Virginia Highlands Artisans Gallery, live music at Wicked Wilderness Pub, Appalachian food served at restaurants like Bright Morning Inn and Sawmill Restaurant, and craft beers on tap at Stumptown Ales.
Bruceton Mills
Chartered in 1853, the small town of Bruceton Mills in northern Preston County is just 21 miles from the larger college town of Morgantown and lies along Big Sandy Creek. It is full of natural beauty, from Coopers Rock State Forest, with its 50 miles of trails and the awe-inspiring Cheat River Gorge, to the nearby Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground, where you may choose to stay at one of its 30 tent sites, 14 RV sites, or seven cabins. West Virginia University is just 10 miles from Chestnut Ridge Park and easily accessible by car.
Bruceton Mills is truly off the beaten path and has become a destination for nature lovers as well as for those looking to get away from civilization for a while. Whether you want to hike the Allegheny Trail, whitewater raft on the Cheat River, or experience rejuvenation sessions in the Himalayan Salt Cave, you are sure to find your paradise. Upon completion of these experiences, check out Big Sandy Brewing Company, serving food, coffee, local wine, and craft beer in the heart of downtown.
Embracing West Virginia’s Timeless Towns
Traveling to small, off-the-beaten-path towns in West Virginia is just as exciting, if not more so, as visiting larger cities. Experience the natural beauty of Seneca Rocks and Berkeley Springs. Bask in the rich history of Romney and Shepherdstown. Delight in the welcoming atmosphere of Davis. Whether you visit or move to one of these modest communities, you are sure to encounter the blissful atmosphere found throughout the state, which is part of its motto: "Almost Heaven."
