7 Best Towns in West Virginia to Visit in 2024
West Virginia is located in the Eastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to its North, and Virginia to its East. The population of the state currently is 1,766,107 residents. Its most populous cities are Charleston, with 48,864 residents, and Huntington, with 46,842. The state is composed of 55 counties, with the current state capitol of Charleston in Kanawha County.
June 20th, 1863 was the date West Virginia became the thirty-fifth state to join the American Union. This date was the culmination of a several decades-long effort to secede from the state of Virginia. The legitimacy of this secession effort would be recognized by the American Supreme Court in 1870, in the case Virginia v. West Virginia.
All across West Virginia are locales that tell their unique story. There are many attractions across the state, from historical monuments to natural scenic wonders. As the summer months approach the calendar here are the seven best towns in West Virginia that you need to visit in 2024.
Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs is situated in Morgan County, in the Northeastern corner of the state. It was officially established on December 6, 1776, through the authority of Lord Fairfax. Today, Berkely Springs is a town of beauty and history.
Berkely Springs State Park dates back to the early 18th century. It was here that the early European settlers noticed the appeal of the local springs. Today visitors can take advantage of the multiple bathouses on the premises, with waters as warm as 74.3 degrees.
Rocks-N-Glass is a local shop that specializes in handcrafted items. The shop owner, Khosrow Javid, has spent decades working on his craft. Javid's creations are well worth exploring, as they were inspired by his time in the Middle East.
The Morgan County Observatory is local to Berkeley Springs. With its Celestron telescope and interactive exhibits, visitors are entertained for an evening. The observatory's purpose is to foster an interest in the stars. Upcoming events at the observatory include Public Star Gazing Evenings on May 11th, 2024, and June 15th, 2024.
Prospect Peak is a local overlook. Visitors arrive at this point following a trail from Cacapon State Park. Its view captures the Potomac and Great Cacapon valleys and is widely recognized for its natural beauty.
Berkeley Castle is a 9,300-square-foot property built by businessman Samuel Taylor Suit. The historic structure consists of a grand staircase, a secret passageway, and a breathtaking view. After centuries of different ownership, today, the castle has become a premiere local landmark.
White Sulphur Springs
White Sulpher Springs sits inside Greenbrier County in the southeastern region of West Virginia. The name was inspired by the mineral springs reported to be within the region in the late 18th century. The town was once a battleground for the American Civil War. In August 1863, Confederate troops attempted to stop a marching Union force. Today visitors to White Sulphur Springs are greeted with a lovely experience featuring generations of history and great places for cuisine.
The Greenbrier Resort is a crown jewel in White Sulphur Springs. For over two centuries, the premises have been a perfect place for visitors. The resort is stuffed with modern amenities, from an adventure course to a gaming arcade, and is set in a beautiful region of the state.
There are several restaurants in West Sulphur Springs that provide a long list of dining options. One such place is the Local Cafe. Having opened recently, the establishment has already become popular amongst the locals. Visitors can enjoy a nice cup of coffee, and a variety of dessert options, including Ice Cream. A second local dining establishment is The Lunch Box. For over a decade, they have provided all patrons with a lovely selection of sandwiches, and salads. Guests come for a lovely natural atmosphere and enjoy the delicious handcrafted selections. The Lodge Outdoor Pool Cafe is a popular dining establishment. Visitors can relax with a great view of the nearby Snead Golf Course. While enjoying the outdoors they can sample from a diverse menu of options, including the Pool Burger. It features applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, and pickles.
There are several ways to enjoy the outdoors in White Sulphur Springs. At Lynch Field Park guests can spend the day accessing the two available pickleball courts. There are multiple local pools to enjoy as well. The White Sulphur Springs community pool is new to the neighborhood, as visitors can spend a day enjoying the cool water, and slide. The Summit Swimming Pool is another location, providing a cool relaxing experience within the scenic beauty of the Allegheny Mountains. The Snead Course is the premiere Golf Course within the region. The 18-hole course is named after local PGA alumnus Samuel Snead. It is a lovely scenic course, with each hole providing a unique challenge for those who play.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown is located in Jefferson County, along the Potomac River, in the northeast corner of the state. It is widely considered the oldest town in the state. The first local settlements date back to the early 18th century. More would follow when the founder of the town, Thomas Cochran Shepherd acquired 222 acres of land. Over the centuries Shepherdstown has witnessed many chapters of American History, developing a reputation as the "Most haunted town in America" in the process.
Seated in Shepherdstown is a momument to James Rumsey. The inventor made history on December 3, 1787, when he showcased his hydraulic-propelled steamship. Many historical figures attended the event, including George Washington. Today, a 75-foot monument stands above the Potomac River, commemorating Rumsey's legacy.
The Contemporary American Theater Festival is an annual local event. Started in 1991, the festival occurs over a four week period at the local university. Over the years, many writers have had their works shown at the festival, from Joyce Carolyn Oates to Cherylene Lee. So be ready for July, as a new list of highly acclaimed plays comes out for 2024.
The Shepherdstown Opera House was built back in 1910 and commissioned by the mayor at the time, Upton Scott Martin. For its first few years of operation, the theatre primarily showed silent moving pictures. Following a change of ownership, the theatre embraced the rise of motion entertainment and became a public staple for several decades afterward. Today, after having undergone recent renovations the theatre is open to the public for a night of entertainment.
Harpers Ferry
The town of Harpers Ferry is located in Jefferson County in the Eastern corner of the state. Its founder, Robert Harper, established It in the mid-18th century. The town has been the setting for many chapters in history. In October 1859, abolitionist John Brown led an unsuccessful raid on the armory. Today, Harpers Ferry still stands, awaiting visitors looking to learn about the local history.
John Brown's fort is a historic monument first constructed in 1848. In 1859, the structure served as a final defensive stand for John Brown and his men during their infamous attempted raid. Following the raid, the fort served as a prison during the American Civil War. Today, it stands tall, 150 feet from its historic location.
St. John's Episcopal Church was completed in 1852. The building served as a hospital and military barracks during the Civil War. Subsequent damages to the church were later fixed in future rebuilding efforts. By 1907, the structure had begun to deteriorate. In 1961, the National Park Service began stabilizing the existing structure to maintain what still stands today.
True Treats is a unique local candy store. Established in 2010, the store celebrates the universal love for candy. They do this by serving treats dated throughout world history. For example, visitors can order authentic Turkish Delight and learn that it was first designated as medicine before becoming the treat many people love.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg, West Virginia, is located in Greenbrier County to the west of White Sulphur Springs. The town was named after eighteenth-century surveyor Andrew Lewis. It was officially incorporated in 1782 and subsequently became the county seat of Greenbrier County. On May 23, 1862, Lewisburg was the setting of a twenty-seven-minute Civil War skirmish. Today, Lewisburg is a nationally recognized town with plenty of history.
The Confederate Cemetery is a historic local landmark. It is here that the bodies of more than 90 soldiers were buried following the bloody Civil War battle. Union General George Crook refused to let the deceased Confederate soldiers be buried in a region known for being sympathetic to the Confederates. The Mass grave would be created after the war; now, the cemetery is a piece of American history and can be accessed via a walking trail near the Greenbrier County Public Library.
For over a century, the Lewisburg Carnegie Hall has entertained local residents with live art performances. The building is named after philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Today Visitors can book tickets for a variety of live entertainment. Upcoming on the schedule is a live showing of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", from July 25th to July 27th 2024.
Lost World Caverns was founded officially in 1942. Situated 120 feet below the ground, visitors can explore the beauty found underneath the surface of the earth. The Caverns are known for their unique stalactite and stalagmite formations. One of the stalagmites, known as the "War Club," is infamous in history. In 1971, Mr. Bob Addis earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by sitting on the stalagmite for 16 days.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant is located in Mason County along the Ohio River. The region was first surveyed by Pierre-Joseph Celoron de Blainville. This was through an expedition that he led, down the Ohio River. Settlers began moving into the region, and by 1833 Point Pleasant was officially incorporated. Today visitors can explore a lovely town, with its own unique local culture featuring a popular urban legend.
The Mothman Museum is dedicated to the story of the local urban legend. During the 1960s, there were many sightings of a unique insect-looking figure. The museum is the only place with all the details about this period in local history. From eyewitness testimonials to an adjoining gift shop for enthusiasts, this museum features many things.
Tu-Endei-Wei State Park is home to an 84-foot granite monument commemorating the October 10, 1774 skirmish. Historians consider this battle a key moment at the start of the American Revolution. Today, visitors can observe the monument and learn about this chapter in early American history.
Located just outside of Point Pleasant is the TNT Area. An 8,000-acre region of land, it was used during the Second World War to build ammunition. By the 1980s, the region (now known as the McClintic Wildlife Management Area) was rediscovered. Today, visitors are drawn to the region to witness the destructive nature of human warfare.
Hinton
Hinton lies within Summers County. The town is named after John Hinton, a lawyer from the region. Hinton began as simple farmland before the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway purchased the land in the 1870s. The town has had a history in Hollywood Entertainment. It was one of the locations for the 1994 film "Lassie."
The Hinton Railroad Museum is the place to explore a chapter in the history of the town. Visitors can walk across the premises and browse exhibits that date back to the early days of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. These exhibits include model trains and tools from that period in history.
For nearly a century, the Ritz has entertained people. With a 310-seat hall, the Theatre is the perfect location for a night out at the movies. Upcoming features at the Ritz include the movie "IF." Showcases occur from May 24th to 27th, 2024.
Wild Water Express is the perfect spot in Hinton for those wanting to enjoy a lovely warm day outdoors. The park includes a public swimming pool and multiple water slides! For those not interested in the water, volleyball, and basketball courts are located on the premises. Wild Water Express opens to the public for another summer season on May 25th, 2024.
The state of West Virginia is filled with adventure. There are countless towns within the state's borders, each providing its unique history and culture. A special adventure is guaranteed so plan your visit now!
