6 Most Unconventional Towns In West Virginia
West Virginia is full of surprises. This scenic state is almost 80% forest and is home to many remarkable historical records and groundbreaking firsts. America’s oldest dime store, the first brick street, and the highest truss bridge in the world are all found in the Mountain State. With such a fascinating history and progressive character, it’s no wonder West Virginia’s small towns are one-of-a-kind. These unconventional communities promise something different from your average vacation. Go ghost hunting, visit an asylum, journey into underground caves. Whatever adventure awaits you in West Virginia, it’s sure to be unforgettable, especially in the state's six most unconventional towns.
Harpers Ferry
Sitting at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the historic waterfront town of Harpers Ferry has a scary reputation. A town that dates back to 1733 (but not incorporated until 1851) and has had a front row seat for significant moments in America’s history is bound to have a few ghosts, and Harpers Ferry doesn’t disappoint. Home to America’s oldest ghost tour (now run by operators O' Be Joyfull), the town is allegedly packed with phantoms who roam the streets of its historic lower town. Harpers Ferry is unique in another way, too. In 1944, most of the town became part of the National Park Service and is now the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park which contains over 20 miles of trails. Take the trail from the visitor center to lower town to enjoy the beautiful scenery leading into the historic district or explore the Maryland Trail which offers sweeping views over the town. The most famous site in Harpers Ferry is the John Brown Fort where the famous abolitionist made his final stand in 1859. The fort is open to the public and is a popular stop as part of the Harpers Ferry Park Association's historical tours.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant is a scenic riverside town with a long history — and one very unusual resident. It was here that the mythical figure of Mothman first made his appearance in 1966. The winged creature made a few more appearances in the Point Pleasant area before vanishing forever, but his memory lives on at the Mothman Museum, which contains props from the 2002 Richard Gere film, "The Mothman Prophecies," as well as historical documents from the time of the sightings in the 1960s. Visit Point Pleasant in September to see the beast firsthand at the Mothman Festival, where revelers dress up in homage to the legend and enjoy a weekend of street fairs, live bands, and games. Described as a mix between a street fair, a festival, and Comic-Con, it’s one of the most unconventional festivals in the state. If you’re not into mythical moths, Point Pleasant still has lots in store. To see the gorgeous scenery at the junction of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, hike or bike the beautiful trails at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. Take a journey into the town’s history at Fort Randolph, a Revolutionary War-era stockade, or check out the tavern-turned-museum at the Mansion House Museum.
Buckhannon
In the pretty yet unconventional town of Buckhannon, you can catch a movie underground, explore a cave, and celebrate strawberries. Every spring, the town comes together for the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the state. The eight-day event features a horse-and-carriage parade, quilt show, draft horse pull, strawberry recipe competition, and more. If you miss the Strawberry Festival, pack your own picnic and head for nearby Audra State Park, where you’ll find the 2.7-mile Alum Cave trail. This breathtaking trail is a must for nature lovers and photographers, traversing a boardwalk under the imposing rock overhang of the Alum Cave and offering access to Middle Fork River where you can fish, boat, or swim. If you’re in the mood for a movie after your day outdoors, head for the Lascaux Micro-Theater. This unique, underground venue, is located below the downtown Buckhannon Historic District and shows only independent and international films, earning it a reputation as a cult art favorite.
Weston
Weston is home to one of West Virginia’s most unusual attractions, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, which cared for mentally ill patients beginning in 1864, remaining open for the next 130 years. This National Historic Landmark is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America and, worldwide, is reportedly second only to the Kremlin in that regard. Visitors can take either a historical tour or a paranormal tour to learn about the history of the building and those who lived and worked there. History lovers will also enjoy the Mountaineer Military Museum where you can browse over three decades of military memorabilia, including items from the Korean, Vietnam, and Civil wars. In the mood to tee up? Visit the nearby Stonewall Resort State Park which includes a championship golf course, as well as 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a beautiful 2,600-acre lake.
Helvetia
Helvetia isn’t like most West Virginia towns. This tiny village in the center of the state was settled in 1869 by German and Swiss immigrants and retains its European flavor today in its quaint streets and historic traditions. Get to know this charming and unconventional town with a tour of the Helvetia Village Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can follow the self-guided 2.5-mile Historic Trail which takes around an hour and a half to complete and passes attractions such as the town cemetery, Main Street, and the Star Band Hall. If you’re hungry after your hike, stop into The Hütte restaurant where you can sample authentic Swiss recipes such as rosti, sauerbraten, and onion pie. If you visit in August, you can enjoy the true Swiss experience as the town celebrates Swiss National Day with a huge festival involving a community cookout, folk music, square dancing, yodeling, and other traditional amusements.
Bramwell
Bramwell, on the peninsula of the Bluestone River, once had more millionaires per capita than any other place in America thanks to its thriving coal industry. In fact, at one point, Bramwell had 17 millionaires among its residents. That legacy has gifted the town dozens of eye-catching Victorian and Tudor mansions, many of which are open to the public and available for tours. The Thomas House, Hewitt House, Pack House, Historic Bank of Bramwell, and more are all open for visitors. After seeing the opulent homes of the coal barons, learn about the industry itself at the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center, a museum that fills in the gaps about the lives of the businessman and their families as well as the region’s long history with the precious resource. Switching gears to a more recent era, step back in time to the middle of the 20th century at the Pipestem Resort State Park where you’ll find an old-fashioned drive-in theater. Catching a movie on the outdoor screen is the perfect way to wind down a busy day in Bramwell exploring the sights of this pretty riverside town.
Off The Beaten Track in West Virginia
For John Denver it was "almost heaven" thanks to its skyscraping scenery, but there’s more to West Virginia than the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and you’ll find it in the state’s quirky and captivating towns. Visit a 19th-century "lunatic asylum," take part in a Swiss square dance, see where the Mothman legend was born, binge on fruit at a strawberry festival or take America’s oldest ghost tour. Whatever you get up to in one or more of the six most unconventional towns in West Virginia, you’re sure to have plenty of tales and memories to take home with you.
