7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In West Virginia
Set in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains region of Southeastern USA, West Virginia has plenty to offer travelers. In addition to its endless tree-covered hills and winding valleys, the 35th state to join the Union is also home to some of the prettiest downtown strips in the country. These delightful town centers are the perfect combination of local history and rich culture, usually set against a stunning backdrop of magnificent scenery… the kind of places that invite you to put life on pause and discover a whole other side of the Mountain State. Find out more with our list of the seven prettiest downtown strips in West Virginia.
Lewisburg
Situated on the I-64 just a short distance from the state border with Virginia, Downtown Lewisburg stands out for its many well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century brick homes and commercial buildings. A stroll along Washington Street is highly recommended, with highlights including Carnegie Hall, one of only four such venues still in continuous use worldwide. On the west edge of the downtown core, along Church Street, this elegant red brick building still hosts concerts and community gatherings year-round. Culture vultures will also want to check out the programming at Greenbrier Valley Theatre, a restored venue that harkens back to the early days of the town’s entertainment scene.
Another popular draw is Lewisburg Downtown Park on the corner of Washington and Jefferson streets. This publicly accessible pocket park hosts seasonal farmers’ markets and is a great spot to sit and watch the world go by after picking up a coffee and sweet treat from The Wild Bean. To really get the most out of a visit to this pretty town, spend a night at The historic General Lewis Inn. Built in 1929 and featuring cozy period-themed rooms, it’s within walking distance of all the fun stuff to do in downtown Lewisburg.
Shepherdstown
Established in 1762 and the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown’s German Street oozes history. The focus of the community’s downtown core, it’s here you’ll find the Shepherdstown Welcome Center, a great resource for info on the surrounding 18th-century stores that now house antique and craft shops. Highlights include the Shepherdstown Opera House, dating to 1909 and still going strong with concerts, film screenings, and other cultural happenings.
Shepherd University’s campus, just a few blocks north of German Street, blends in with the downtown area, making a stroll of the grounds an easy-to-do experience. The campus also hosts the popular Contemporary American Theater Festival each July, with much of the fun spilling over into the downtown strip. Book a stay at the Bavarian Inn, Resort, and Brewing Company, and you’ll not only be within walking distance of downtown but also a stone’s throw from the Potomac River.
Fayetteville
Set close to the spectacular New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Fayetteville’s downtown looks and feels like a small village from a bygone time. In addition to its early 20th-century storefronts, check out the stately Fayette County Courthouse and look for the statue of the Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, after whom the town is named. The Historic Fayette Theater is another notable downtown landmark. It has changed little since 1937 and remains a hub for community plays, movie nights, and live music.
If you do linger in Downtown Fayetteville, check out great local eateries like the popular Cathedral Café. Set in a former church, it serves coffee, delicious pastries, and an all-day brunch, complete with original stained-glass windows. Fayetteville Town Park’s walking trails are fun to wander and are close to classy vacation rentals like Lafayette Flats with its boutique-style apartments set in a former bank building, all just steps away from downtown’s cafés and shops.
Buckhannon
Buckhannon’s pretty downtown district looks like it came straight out of a Hallmark movie. This is no real surprise, as this picture-perfect community has starred as a backdrop for everything from romcoms to Christmas flicks. Handily located just a short distance from the I-79, Main Street Buckhannon is fun to tackle as a self-guided walking tour, with notable attractions like the old Colonial Theatre, a renovated venue built in 1924, easy to spot (it still hosts concerts 100 years later).
May’s West Virginia Strawberry Festival is the best time to visit this pretty town. It’s a popular event that transforms the downtown district into one big party zone, complete with parades, pageants, and booths selling everything from strawberry pies to strawberry milkshakes. For downtown accommodations, The Bicentennial Inn offers good standard rooms within walking distance of town events and attractions.
Elkins
Considered the gateway to the Monongahela National Forest, downtown Elkins’ well-maintained brick facades provide a clue to the town’s reputation as a cultural center. The Arts Center frequently sponsors concerts, gallery exhibits, and educational programs, while the Augusta Heritage Center’s 50-plus-year-old Summer Workshops event features Appalachian music, dance, and craft traditions.
For a truly memorable experience, pop into the Elkins Depot Welcome Center. This 1908 train depot offers details of fun things to do in Elkins and is the town’s place of boarding for the superb Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad’s scenic excursions. It’s even more fun if you top the experience off with a stay at the historic Graceland Inn, a cool Gothic Revival-style mansion perched on a hill overlooking Elkins.
Berkeley Springs
Known historically as Bath after the famous Roman city in England, Berkeley Springs has long appealed to tourists for its naturally warm mineral springs. In fact, they’re so good that even President George Washington visited multiple times, hence the town’s claim to fame as “America’s First Spa Town.” The focal point, Berkeley Springs State Park, encompasses much of the downtown core and offers spa treatments, Roman-style bathhouses, and a fascinating glimpse into a time when “taking the waters” was a preferred activity for travelers. It’s still celebrated at the town’s International Water Tasting event held in February.
Small shops line downtown’s Washington and Fairfax streets, including Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, a great spot to shop for collectibles and local crafts, while the Ice House is worth visiting for its rotating art exhibits. As for lodging, the Country Inn of Berkeley Springs is great and is located mere steps away from the state park.
Harpers Ferry
Last but by no means least is the pretty town of Harpers Ferry on the Shenandoah River. A popular stop for tourists, its downtown (aka, “Lower Town”) dates back to the late 1700s and is perfect for a leisurely stroll, its narrow, winding streets lined with well-preserved old buildings. Highlights include John Brown’s Fort, a compact brick structure that served as the town armory’s fire engine house, and within easy walking distance.
From here it’s only a short drive (or a long walk) to Jefferson Rock, popular for its scenic views of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is another spot located just outside downtown that’s also worth a visit.
Enjoying a stay at an authentic old hotel is a great way to make the most of your visit to Harpers Ferry. The Town’s Inn places you on High Street just steps from historic sites and the riverfront trails. Another old town option is the Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast, set in a building from 1839 with individually decorated rooms that accentuate the property’s heritage.
The Final Word
No matter how you slice it, there’s no disputing West Virginia’s best small towns are great places to visit. This is especially true when you factor in their distinctive downtowns, each a testament to the community’s desire to keep the past alive and share it with travelers. Whether you’re planning a trip to a major festival or are simply looking for a place for a fun getaway, these seven pretty downtown strips in West Virginia are ideal destinations.
