11 Serene West Virginia Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Towns in West Virginia (WV) are known for their history, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities. There are many towns found throughout the state that provide opportunities for a quiet weekend getaway. Whether you are looking to learn some history about the area, revel in the natural beauty of the town, or just sit back and relax in a serene atmosphere, these 11 West Virginia towns are ideal for a tranquil weekend retreat.
Beckley
The town of Beckley in Raleigh County houses 16,576 residents per the US Census (2023). Just over 50 miles southeast of Charleston and 100 miles east of the border with Kentucky, Beckley is filled with nature and arts opportunities to please those looking for a quiet weekend getaway. Twelve recreational and park spaces can be found throughout the town. The Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Trail also traces more than four miles through Beckley and is ideal for hiking, biking, and jogging.
The Beckley Arts Center is a showcase for local artists and their wares. The Appalachian Art and Crafts Fair is held in Beckley each August, and is the ideal place to find some local treasures. The Best Western Plus Beckley Inn provides comfortable, affordable accommodations perfect for singles, couples, and families. Dining choices in Beckley run the cultural gamut from Wasabi Fusion to Little Sicily's Mediterranean fare to The Char steakhouse.
Berkeley Springs
Known for its natural warm springs, the town of Berkeley Springs, with 752 residents in Morgan County, is a popular destination for wellness travelers. It is nestled between the Cacapon Mountains and Sleepy Creek Mountain, and provides the ideal quiet getaway. Berkeley Springs is about 36 miles west of Hagerstown, Maryland, and 25 miles southeast of Martinsburg, WV. Recreational opportunities abound in Berkeley Springs State Park, and fishing is popular in the Cacapon River.
The Mendenhall 1884 Bed and Breakfast offers historic and comfortable accommodations in the heart of downtown Berkeley Springs, with a continental breakfast provided. Berkeley Springs Brewing Company serves food and beer brewed using the mineral waters of the town. Check out the Canary Grill for family-friendly dining. Local shops are eclectic, including Almost Heaven Antique Clock Museum and Berkeley Springs Antique Mall. The town's popular Apple Butter Festival is held every October, featuring vendors, live entertainment, and a parade.
Bruceton Mills
In northern Preston County, Bruceton Mills, a tiny town along Big Sandy Creek that is home to just 61 residents, was chartered in 1853. Don't let its small size fool you, however. There is much to do here, including enjoying Coopers Rock State Forest's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Within the forest, you will be treated to 50 miles of hiking trails and the beautiful Cheat River Gorge.
Mountain Creek Cabins in Bruceton Mills provide a variety of isolated, self-contained accommodation options in the woods. The Bruceton Antique Mall is one shop that is not to be missed. Hungry (and/or thirsty) travelers should stop by Screech Owl Brewing, Preston County's first and oldest brewery, featuring freshly-cooked food. Every July, Bruceton Mills holds Good Neighbor Days, an event that includes a vendor and craft show, bingo, and a silent auction.
Buckhannon
With a population of 5,005, Buckhannon, in Upshur County, is in the north-central part of the state, along the Buckhannon River. It is 60 miles southwest of Morgantown, WV, and 100 miles northeast of Charleston, WV. Natural beauty and history are two of the biggest draws to visiting this small town. Audra State Park, a wooded area that includes campgrounds, picnic areas, and the Middle Fork River for kayaking, also houses the mysterious Alum Cave, which is perfect for exploring. Pringle Tree Park, also in Buckhannon, is designed for history buffs and is home to a giant sycamore tree in which two colonists fled and lived during the Seven Years War when they deserted the English army.
If you like bed and breakfast style accommodations, check out Governor's Inn in Buckhannon. This 19th-century home provides comfortable, cozy lodging, private baths, and delicious breakfasts. Dining options include C.J. Maggie's family restaurant and Fish Hawk Market's farm-to-table restaurant experience. If you visit in May, you can partake in Buckhannon's famous West Virginia Strawberry Festival, a week of festivities devoted to promoting agriculture and culture in the town and state.
Davis
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of northeastern Tucker County, the tiny town of Davis, at 3,500 feet above sea level, is home to 581 residents. From Davis, you will see spectacular views of Canaan Valley, the highest large valley east of the Mississippi River. Blackwater Falls State Park is also in Davis and contains many awe-inspiring falls, including the 62-foot-tall Blackwater Falls. Davis is about 60 miles southeast of Morgantown, WV.
Shops in the town include Louie's Bargain Warehouse and Blackwater Bikes. Accommodations can be had at the Alpine Lodge or The Billy Motel, two family-owned historic structures. The Sawmill Restaurant, on the property of Alpine Lodge, provides delicious breakfast and lunch choices. Those looking for dinner should check out Muttley's Steak House. Each fall, the Leaf Peeper's Festival draws thousands to the area to celebrate beautiful autumn foliage, complete with a parade, 5K run, and Oktoberfest brews and meads.
Hinton
In Summers County in the southern part of the state, along the New River, lies the town of Hinton, home to 2,142 people. It was formed in 1871 and has its own downtown historic district and two popular outdoor recreational sites, Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park. Beckley, WV, is just 30 miles from Hinton, and the state capital of Charleston is just 90 miles to the north.
The Guest House Inn in downtown Hinton provides comfortable bed-and-breakfast style accommodations. Restaurants in town include Lucky Rivers Cafe and Catering. Shops like Grandma's House, and art studios such as the Otter and Oak Art Gallery shouldn't be missed. Every July, Hinton celebrates the West Virginia State Water Festival, with a Fireman's Parade and fireworks.
Lewisburg
Founded in 1782, Lewisburg, the county seat of Greenbrier County, is home to 3,785 people. It is famous as the site of the Battle of Lewisburg during the Civil war, and also contains other historical buildings like Carnegie Hall and the Greenbrier Historical Society. Lewisburg is about an hour from Beckley, WV and 45 minutes from Hinton, WV.
The Historic General Lewis Inn, circa 1834, provides 24 rooms for comfortable accommodations in the downtown area. Shops downtown include The Golden Rabbit and A New Chapter. Eateries in town range from Stardust Cafe, featuring locally raised meats and local produce, to Food and Friends, serving classic favorites. The State Fair of West Virginia is held in Lewisburg each August and has featured performers such as Miranda Lambert and Train.
Parkersburg
Sitting at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers on the border with Ohio, the town of Parkersburg, home to 29,025 people, is the county seat of Wood County. It is known for Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, a national historical site located along the Ohio River. The town's Julia-Ann Square Historic District is the state's largest and oldest historic district. A walking tour will take you past 54 houses, a historic church, and an old cemetery.
The Log House Homestead Bed and Breakfast outside town offers ideal getaway accommodations just off Route 50, near North Bend State Park. Parkersburg's downtown shops include Crown Decor & Gifts. Eateries in town include Southern Craft Restaurant & Bar, serving local favorites. Parkersburg Homecoming Festival is held each August in the downtown area and features a carnival, food, music, and other entertainment.
Romney
The county seat of Hampshire County, the town of Romney, home to 1,753 residents, is steeped in history. Chartered in 1762, it is the second-oldest town in West Virginia. Today, the town still contains historic buildings like Taggart Hall, circa 1790, and the Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Museum.
Shopping options in downtown Romney include The Country Store on Main (formerly Dillon's Country Treasures). Dining choices include Italian Touch and Main Street Grill. Accommodation can be found within the Koolwink Motel, if you enjoy a mid-century modern atmosphere, or South Branch Inn, with amenities including an on-site fitness room. The Hampshire County Summer Harvest Festival, held every August in Romney, features craft vendors, artisans, food, a beer and wine garden, and more.
Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks describes both the famous 900-foot-tall rock formation housed in Seneca State Forest and Monongahela National Forest, as well as the town in Pendleton County, home to 268 people, named after those rocks. The rocks are popular with climbers, as are the forests, which contain other hiking and recreational areas. The town is near the confluence of the Seneca Creek with the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River, offering abundant fishing opportunities. Seneca Rocks is 180 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA, and about 100 miles south of Morgantown, WV.
The town of Seneca Rocks contains Harper's Old Country Store, a long-running business in a historic building, which sells West Virginia's famous pepperoni rolls. County Line Guest House Bed and Breakfast provides comfortable and affordable accommodations for visitors about seven miles west of town. When you are hungry, check out Front Porch Restaurant, which also serves local craft beers, and Yokum's Grill. Discover Nature Day is held at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center in Monongahela National Forest each June to teach visitors about the area's nature.
Shepherdstown
Chartered in 1762, Shepherdstown, in Jefferson County, is home to 1,537 people. It also houses Shepherd University, a small liberal arts college. Shepherdstown is about an hour and a half from Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD. Sitting on the banks of the Potomac River, Shepherdstown is a great destination for those who love to fish, tube, and boat. The Potomac Valley Audubon Society leads guided nature trips for bird watchers and those who are just curious about nature.
The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown is a four-star hotel that combines a resort with a brewing company, featuring a brewpub, lounge, outdoor beer garden, and 72 luxury rooms. Unique specialty stores in town include Four Seasons Books and Admiral's Analog Audio Assortment. Dining choices range from French at Bistro 112 to the Blue Moon Cafe, offering outdoor seating. The town comes alive during the Shepherdstown Streetfest, an annual event each June featuring live music on two stages, art, crafts, and food.
With the highest average elevation of any state east of the Mississippi River and as the state with the third greatest number of forests, West Virginia provides ample opportunities for quiet, breathtaking retreats. Whether you are interested in learning about the history of towns like Romney or Shepherdstown, or simply want to enjoy the serene natural beauty of Seneca Rocks or Davis, you can't go wrong in choosing any of these 11 towns for your next weekend getaway.
