6 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In West Virginia
Wild and wonderful West Virginia is known for its diverse landscapes, warm and welcoming residents, and significant historical landmarks. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine rivers and lakes, West Virginia is nested in the beautiful Appalachian region in the eastern part of the country. Although the state has a few bustling cities, including Beckley and Charleston, its small, largely undisturbed towns are worth exploring on your next vacation or weekend getaway. Put these six well-preserved, hidden gem towns at the top of your must-see list the next time you find yourself in West Virginia.
Bramwell
Quaint Bramwell was a coal mining boomtown at the turn of the 20th century and continues to attract visitors from all over today. Although it has a population of just over 200, this tiny town boasts everything from fresh mountain air to a handful of warm and welcoming bed-and-breakfast inns, and family-owned eateries and stores. A stop in the Corner Shop, an old-school soda fountain, feels like a step back in time, as it serves up plenty of nostalgia along with mouthwatering burgers and other tasty treats. Nature lovers can explore local wildlife through the Hatfield-McCoy Trails network, which offers hiking, biking, and ATV off-roading opportunities. Bramwell is also situated on the scenic Bluestone River, where you can go canoeing, kayaking, and tubing during the warm spring and summer months. If you love history, don't miss a trip to the historic Bramwell Depot or the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center.
Buckhannon
Beautiful Buckhannon is a bit larger, with a population of about 5,000, but it's often overlooked as a vacation destination due to its remote location in enchanting Upshur County. Visitors will delight in all that this charming mountain town has to offer, though, such as a historic downtown teeming with art galleries filled with working artists, unique boutiques, and restaurants serving local fare. If the weather is nice, check out the Alum Cave Boardwalk, which follows along the pretty Middle Fork River and is the ideal spot for picnics and photoshoots. Nature lovers can explore the expansive Audra State Park, Stonewall Jackson Lake, and Stonewall Resort State Park, which offers rustic cabins and campgrounds for those wanting to spend a night or more among West Virginia wildlife. Back in town, don't miss the opportunity to see a movie at the Lascaux Micro-Theater or check out local artwork at the 1924 Colonial Arts Center.
Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry's claim to fame is the one-of-a-kind town of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which covers almost 4,000 acres of land in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Interesting Harpers Ferry is a history lover's paradise, as it's home to the Industry Museum, the Master Armorer's Quarters, and the White Hall Tavern. Both the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers run through the pretty town, and were the sites of much Civil War action, which you can learn all about at the local Civil War Museum. Another point of interest is the John Brown Museum and John Brown's Fort, where the famous American abolitionist and friends barricaded themselves during a late 1850s raid. After a day of exploring all Harpers Ferry has to offer, satisfy your sweet tooth at True Treats, which is well-known for its freshly made molasses and saltwater taffy.
Helvetia
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the intriguing small town of Helvetia is a place where natural beauty, culture, and history meet. Helvetia was founded by Swiss and German immigrants in the late 1860s and still celebrates both heritages today via annual special events, such as the Follow Your Bliss Festival, the Helvetia Ramp Supper, Fasnacht, and the Helvetia Community Fair. The community also hosts monthly square dances that all are invited to attend. Although the town of just over 50 residents is secluded and undisturbed, it's well worth visiting off the beaten path. Get your daily dose of both exercise and history by taking a stroll down the Helvetia Historic Trail, a 2.5-mile path that begins at the Helvetia Star Band Hall downtown. Along the way, enjoy a meal at the Hutte Restaurant and tour a historic cemetery.
Morgantown
Charming Morgantown is a diverse and welcoming college town that's home to just over 30,000 residents and Western Virginia University. The town, situated on the scenic Monongahela River, provides visitors with a perfect mix of relaxed and exciting experiences, including mountain hiking, swimming and boating on pristine Cheat Lake, and navigating Cheat Canyon's whitewater rapids. Nature lovers can also take a walk down Caperton Trail, which meanders along the river. The nature surrounding Morgantown is largely undisturbed, making it the ideal destination for tourists seeking a laid-back vacation experience. Arts and culture lovers will delight in the university's art museum, the Mesaros Galleries, and the Core Arboretum. Adult travelers won't want to miss the Iron Horse Tavern, Chestnut Brew Works, and Forks of Cheat Winery, which offers tastings and tours.
Wheeling
Lovely Wheeling, another one of West Virginia's hidden gems, is located in the northern panhandle of the state, between Pennsylvania and Ohio. The charming town, which was the original capital of West Virginia when the state was founded in 1863, also claims a portion of the Ohio River. You can rent a boat at the Wheeling Island Marina and explore the river at your own pace. Other notable attractions include the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, constructed in 1849, and the 1846 Mansion Museum, a historic site that provides a peek into the life of the wealthy local industrialist Earl Overbey. You can also spend a day or two exploring the Chapline Street Row Historic District, which is home to 10 brick and sandstone buildings featuring a Late Victorian architecture style. Traveling film buffs can catch a classic movie up on the big screen at Flashback Cinema.
No matter what region of West Virginia you are lucky enough to visit during your weekend getaway, summer vacation, or any other type of trip, you'll find an undisturbed town awaiting your discovery. Whether you crave a quiet mountain retreat or an arts and culture-filled adventure in a bustling college town, you'll find it in this mountainous state. West Virginia is also home to an abundance of natural attractions, including the Ohio and Bluestone Rivers, where you can relax and play in the state's wild and vast wilderness.
