12 Most Hospitable Towns In West Virginia

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is a relatively small state with an average elevation of 1,500 feet above sea level. With its location in the Appalachian Mountains, the state features abundant natural beauty to its visitors and residents. Anyone looking for friendly faces and a strong sense of culture should head here; it's a place full of small, welcoming towns rich in history, adventure, and good food. Let's visit the 12 most hospitable towns in West Virginia.

White Sulphur Springs

Historic White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, is a resort town in the Allegheny Mountains. The town’s origins go back to 1750 when people utilized the area as a health spa. Much of White Sulphur Springs’ old buildings, sites, and parks are well preserved, keeping its history alive for all who visit.

One of White Sulphur Springs’ greatest attractions is the Greenbriar Resort. Founded in 1778, the world-class resort and National Historic Landmark features mineral springs once believed to possess therapeutic properties and a golf course that has hosted many golfers for over 100 years. At the resort, visitors can also find a secret bunker. Once a top-secret in the 1960s, the 112,000-square-foot underground facility built for Congress members offers 90-minute guided tours to the public.

Another inviting aspect of White Sulphur Springs is its nature adventures. The Greenbrier State Forest covers 5,200 acres in southeastern West Virginia, offering swimming, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. Neighboring the state forest is the Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile path for cyclists and horseback riders to enjoy as it goes through several small towns.

Fairmont

Fairmont, West Virginia, part of Marion County and situated in northern West Virginia, is a small town serving up tasty foods and 18th-century history. Fun in Fairmont would not be complete without its eateries. Dining options include the Country Club Bakery, home of the Original Pepperoni Roll, and The Polky Dot, providing customers with nine-pound banana splits. In Fairmont, 18th-century history comes to life at Prickett’s Fort State Park. The experience includes costumed interpreters demonstrating hearth cooking, blacksmithing, weaving, and other period-centric activities. The park also features some historical landmarks, such as an 1859 farmhouse and a 1774 fort.

Berkeley Springs

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, sits in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and is a city with two names. The official Post Office name is Berkeley Springs, but the name given by George Washinton and his associates in the 1700s is Bath, which stems from the city's natural springs. Since 1776, Berkeley Springs has been a destination for rest and recreation.

In the center of historic Berkeley Springs is the Berkeley Springs State Park, home to a renowned mineral spa, which flows at a continual 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit. On the property, visitors can find an outdoor monument, George Washington's bathtub, which features the bubbling springs. The park features Old Roman and Main bathhouses and spa services like massages and saunas. On the second floor of the bathhouse is the museum, exhibiting natural and cultural historical items.

Berkeley Springs is also home to Cacapon Resort State Park, which has over 6,000 acres to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking or fishing or embark on a thrilling mountain bike ride. Another unique facet of this town is the Berkeley Springs Castle. The 9,300-square-foot castle was built by 100 German masons using silica sandstone over the course of six years. The building features a dungeon, a secret passageway, griffons, steep topography, and a turreted rooftop with battlements.

Morgantown

In the heart of Mountaineer Country is Morgantown, West Virginia, a lively city home to West Virginia University and picturesque outdoors. In Morgantown, visit the WVU Core Arboretum to delight in nature. While West Virginia University owns the grounds, the free public greenspace invites all individuals from dawn to dusk to enjoy the botanical garden and survey its three miles of foot trails, 150 tree species, and woodland amphitheater. Learn more about the area's culture at the Morgantown History Museum and view its numerous local artifacts. Be a patron of the arts at the historical Metropolitan Theatre. The programs include plays, concerts, films, and performances. Partake in local dining at the Iron Horse Tavern for hamburgers, handmade pierogies, and more. Morgantown is welcoming and offers a multitude of activities.

Elkins

The small town of Elkins, West Virginia, is positioned along the Tygart Valley River, roughly 35 miles southeast of Clarksburg. With the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia dominating its backdrop, Elkins is a beautiful place to explore. With a charming community rich in heritage, Elkins is a must-visit destination.

Elkins is home to Davis and Elkins College, which features several nationally registered historic landmarks on the college campus grounds, including the Halliehurst and Graceland mansions. Halliehurst, a mansion built in 1890 for a US senator, features 30 rooms to explore via a self-guided tour. Graceland mansion was completed in 1893 and eventually became student housing for Elkins College in the 1970s, but it is now a fully operational inn, which also can be toured.

The natural beauty of Elkins is abundant in Dolly Sods Wilderness, a 17,371-acre expanse of woodlands in the Monongahela National Forest. Dolly Sods Wilderness contains bog and heath eco-types, which are more common features of Canada. The wild forest provides 47 miles of trails to explore, with several trails following old railroad grades and logging roads.

Experience more of Elkins’ community culture at the Elkins Farmers Market. Established in 1975, the market brings together a group of vendors providing locally grown and crafted farm and kitchen products.

Summersville

The idyllic Summersville, West Virginia, is encircled by beautiful waters and outdoor exploration. Get outside in Summersville at the Summerville Lake State Park, which is ideal for water activities and camping, and Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, a former Civil War battle site. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park covers 156 acres, is one of the oldest US state parks, and is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which includes over 300 historical sites. Climb the 104-foot Summersville Lighthouse, the only lighthouse in West Virginia, to get a birds-eye view of Summersville Lake. Summersville is located in south-central West Virginia, 45 miles east of Charleston. The town was founded in 1824 on Peters Creek, named after a judge.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg, West Virginia, a quaint mountain town lined with cobblestone streets located near the Greenbrier River and Greenbrier State Forest, offers unique natural wonders, culture, and historic sites to its residents and visitors. One of Lewisburg’s most distinctive attractions is its underground caves, the Lost World Caverns. Descend 120 feet beneath the earth’s surface and traverse a network of caves first discovered in 1942. Another of the city’s natural features is the Greenbrier Trail, a 78-mile former railroad people now use for outdoor recreational activities like hiking and horseback riding. The trail tours 35 bridges, multiple small towns, two tunnels, and some of the state’s most remote areas. For a dose of local culture, check out the Carnegie Hall. As one of four Carnegies worldwide, Lewisburg’s Carnegie Hall was built in 1983 and remains a regional center for the arts. Book a stay in the historic General Lewis Inn. Since 1929, the property has featured aesthetics of the Colonial era, with many antiques from the 1800s.

Huntington

Across from the state of Ohio is Huntington, West Virginia, a small town artfully blending the past and present. Uncover Appalachian culture at the Heritage Farm, a recreated 19th-century Appalachian village. Visitors can navigate the 1850s and onward through different museums, live blacksmithing, and animal exhibits. Also, visitors can dine on local Appalachian favorites at the Village Vittles. Activities in Huntington with a more modern vibe include grabbing a cup of coffee from Grindstone Coffeeology. The all-day brunch spot features a menu of sweet and savory items and specialty coffee drinks. For a mix of new and old, check out the Heritage Station. Once a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad passenger station, the structure now serves as a home to a bakery, yoga studio, bar, and shops. Huntington is the center of a tristate industrial region at the intersection of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The town rests at the junction of the Ohio and Guyandotte rivers.

Hinton

Hinton, West Virginia, is a Victorian-era railroad town in the rolling hills of southern West Virginia of Summers County, surrounded by endless natural beauty. Established in 1831, Hinton became a maintenance depot and rail-shipping point with the arrival of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The town's culture reflects its railway roots and is a great place to reconnect with nature.

Enjoying Hinton's great outdoors can be accomplished without even leaving the car. The New River Gorge Scenic Drive encircles the heart of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, taking travelers on an 83-mile journey through interstates, divided highways, and two-lane roads that provide ample views of the gorge and its river. In Hinton, you can find the largest waterfall on the New River, Sandstone Falls, which stretches an impressive 1,500 feet wide. Another of the small town's outdoor offerings is Bluestone State Park. The lakeside retreat beckons water enthusiasts with opportunities for boating and fishing, as well as ziplining and mountain bike excursions for those who prefer their fun on land. Immerse yourself in Hinton's history with a visit to the Hinton Railroad Museum. Filled with artifacts from the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway's early days, the museum includes model train exhibits, tools, uniforms, and more.

Point Pleasant

About 36 miles northeast of Huntington, on the Ohio River, is Point Pleasant, West Virginia, a city that is home to some of the state’s most unusual artifacts. The town is thought to be the place of the first battle of the American Revolution. The ever-peculiar Mothman Museum is one place in Point Pleasant that is brimming with fascinating pieces of history. The exhibits include memorabilia and artifacts from the 1960s when the townsfolk of Point Pleasant claimed to see mysterious sitings of a red-eyed creature named Mothman. Venture outside to the side of the museum to see the Mothman Statue standing tall. An additional unique monument found in Point Pleasant is the 1909 Battle of Point Pleasant monument, commemorating the battle fought in 1774 at the mouth of the Great Kanawha River.

Ripley

Situated as a halfway point between Charleston and Parkersburg, Ripley, West Virginia, is a small town bursting with charm, providing a blend of history, nature-infused adventures, and local entertainment. The city offers a distinctive downtown district, with buildings mostly dating back to the 1930s and a few 19th-century structures in the mix. One historic building of note is the Clerc-Carson House. This uniquely Italian house dates back to the 1880s, featuring a hipped roof and cornice detailing. Ripley’s outdoor adventures include kayaking in the Mill Creek Water Trail and playing putt-putt at the Conference Center. Another cherished attraction is the Alpine Theater, which has existed since 1936. Airing movies and seasonal entertainment to locals.

Shepherdstown

Established in the 1730s, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is one of the oldest towns in the state. Shepherdstown sits near the Potomac River and is part of the Washington Heritage Trail. Covering 136 miles of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, this history-filled route takes travelers through a variety of historical sites. Along the trail is the Peter Burr House, an eight-room, two-story building built in the 1750s. It is the oldest standing wood frame structure in the state. Another landmark is the Entler Hotel, constructed in 1786; the property became a hospital and, later on, a college dormitory at one point. Now, the building serves as a museum highlighting the town’s rich history. On the trail is a 75-foot monument, the James Rumsey Monument, commemorating the first successful application of steam for navigation, which sits at the edge of the park by the same name.

Hospitable, cozy small towns are sometimes the best places to visit. Engaging with local culture and meeting kind locals can make for a great vacation. West Virginia is nowhere near lacking in hospitality and engaging activities. White Sulphur Springs and Berkeley Springs offer serene mineral springs. Both Fairmont and Huntington provide an immersive historical experience. In Morgantown, you can bask in the beauty of the WVU Core Arboretum at no cost. Historical mansions such as Halliehurst are waiting for tours in Elkins. The only lighthouse in West Virginia is in Summersville. Adventures underground are possible in the Lost World Caverns’ underground caves in Lewisburg. You need not leave the car to experience nature with the New River Gorge Scenic Drive in Hinton. You can tour the only Mothman Museum in the world in Point Pleasant. Ripley offers kayaking opportunities on the Mill Creek Water Trail. Shepherdstown is overflowing with history to enjoy. West Virginia is a state with ample charm and entertainment, especially in its 12 most hospitable towns.