8 Coolest Small Towns in West Virginia for a Summer Vacation
West Virginia's picturesque natural beauty makes it a huge draw for vacationers. And while West Virginia's forested mountains can be forbidding in winter, with fog, cold, and gloom, in summer, everything shoots back to normalcy, and the landscape's rebirth suddenly becomes noticeably alluring. With the much-longed-for warmth on every hill and dale sweeping over the state's rolling landscape, many outdoor activities are fair game: whether hiking, biking, or taking a plunge in some sparklingly clear water.
Fortunately, West Virginia, the 35th state to be admitted to the Union, boasts an array of small, charming towns from which one can conveniently explore the state's celebrated splendor. Read on to discover some of these towns in West Virginia that are perfect for a summer getaway.
Harpers Ferry
With a population of just about 200, according to 2023 estimates by World Population Review, one might think no one lives in Harpers Ferry. This cute town is famous for the armory raid that was executed by John Brown in 1859, and which acted as a catalyst for the American Civil War by putting the question of Slavery in the public consciousness. Fringed by the regal majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harpers Ferry is the best place to travel in 2023 — according to Money.com — one of the most widely recognized brands in personal finance. Quietly nestled about an hour from Washington D.C, at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Harpers Ferry is an outdoor paradise ideal for a summer vacation. For instance, 22 miles of head-turning trails await at the nearby Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, besides the town's mill ruins, delectable food, and eclectic boutiques.
Berkeley Springs
Long before the Mayflower docked at Plymouth Harbor in the 17th century, Native Americans had been frequenting Berkely Springs for its healing waters. On a 1747 map drawn by Thomas Jefferson's father more than two decades before the Boston Tea Party, this little town was duly identified as Medicine Springs. George Washinton, for the love of the town's soothing springs, would make Berkeley Springs his favorite getaway for many years. Washington's frequent visits, among other factors, helped popularize Berkeley Springs as a wellness resort. Today, Berkeley Springs retains much of its health and wellness legacy and will make for a perfect summer vacation experience. Visitors can dip their feet in the ancient stone pools inside one of the smallest state parks in the United States: The Berkeley Springs State Park.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville, West Virginia, and many other towns across the country have been named after a French nobleman whose love for freedom and contribution to the American Revolutionary War would affectionately endear him to the American public. That man was Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. Today, a statue of Marquis de Lafayette, Washington's advisor during the Revolutionary War, stands at the Fayette County Courthouse lawn as if imploring visitors to discover the town's many breathtaking pleasures. Today, the courthouse and its square are one of the town's most significant landmarks. During summer, it is common to see excited paddlers tackling the New River that flows conveniently close to Fayetteville. The New River Gorge Bridge is a particular not-miss. Completed in 1976, it was, at the time, the longest arch bridge in the world.
Davis
Davis is a small, charming town of just under 600 residents, according to 2023 population estimates. Reputed to be the highest incorporated town in West Virginia, Davis is perched up along the Blackwater River at an elevation of 3,520 feet. The town is a convenient 2.5-hour drive from the country's capital and offers many summer activities that visitors can enjoy. From eclectic art galleries that cater to every aesthetic taste to live music that will make one effortlessly spring to one's feet to some of the finest hiking trails in the country, Davis will make a summer vacation end in a blip. For some fantastic views, visitors will want to explore such attractions as the Dolly Sods Wilderness, the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River, or the Blackwater Falls State Park, whose centerpiece is a 57-foot cascade that is best seen in summer.
Hinton
Curled up along the picturesque New River, Hinton is a small, quaint town of about 2,000 residents. Established as a railroad town around 1871, Hinton would witness significant growth in the Gay 90s, the decade of the 1890s when American households witnessed flourishing prosperity that has since been scarcely rivaled. While other forms of transportation have since eclipsed the glory of the steam locomotive, Hinton never lost all its charm. Blessed by natural beauty on all sides and a fascinatingly rich history, Hinton's downtown is a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will enjoy strolling through the red-brick streets, sampling the many shopping and dining options, and admiring its Victorian-style architecture. For some sumptuous snacks, the market on Courthouse Square is a must-do. For outdoor lovers, Hinton is just about 8 miles from Sandstone Falls, the largest waterfall on the New River.
Lewisburg
With a population of about 5,000, Lewisburg is a small, charming town any serious vacationer should have already known about. This is because Lewisburg has won several awards and accolades. For instance, in 2011, readers of Budget Traveler voted it the best small town in the United States. Today, this quaint, little town is still often mentioned as the coolest small town in West Virginia. Lewisburg has many draws. Among the town's highlights is that it is home to one of only four Carnegie Halls in the country. This building, built in 1902, is an art center visitors will want to check out. One the best West Virginia towns for relaxation, Lewisburg is just 8 miles from Greenbrier, an 11,000-acre paradise no photo can do justice.
Shepherdstown
It may come as a surprise, but no, John Fulton did not invent the steamboat. The steamboat that Fulton displayed to the world was the technological brainchild of James Rumsey. Unfortunately, Rumsey would pass away before Fulton's famous demonstration. Today, visitors can sniff this remarkable history at Shepherdstown, one of West Virginia's coolest small towns. Boasting a population of about 1,000, Shepherdstown is invitingly laid back and difficult to leave. Visitors to Shepherdstown can see a half-scale replica of Rumsey's ship in the Shepherdstown Museum, located at the corner of German and Princess Streets. At the museum, visitors will discover the intrigues, hitherto unknown, behind the race for the invention of America's first steamboat. Of course, other outdoor activities abound, including several water-based adventures at the Potomac.
Bramwell
No list of West Virginia's coolest small towns can be complete without a mention of Bramwell. Invitingly nestled just off U.S. Route 52 in West Virginia's Mercer County, Bramwell boasts a small population of less than 300. However, a first-time step on Bramwel's Main Street will immediately reveal the charm and grace of this beautiful town. This could be revelatory but Bramwell was once home to the largest number of millionaires per capita in the entire country. The wealthy, everyone will admit, love secluded spots that exude style and charm. And that is what Bramwell is. Today, the "Home of the Millionaires" is dotted with many historic homes that reveal the town's celebrated past. For outdoor lovers, Pinnacle Rock State Park, with its uniquely-wrought sandstone formations, is a few minutes from town.
The Takeaway
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia's rolling mountains make it one of the most picturesque states in the country. While many spots are ideal for winter fun, summer remains one of the best seasons to take in the state's Sylvan splendor. Fortunately, many small towns dot West Virginia's uneven landscape, towns that can act as bases from which to explore what West Virginia hides. From Harpers Ferry, whose history is almost scandalous, to Bramwell, once home to the highest number of millionaires, West Virginia will make summer a pleasurable discovery trip.
