8 of the Most Charming Towns in West Virginia
West Virginia, a beautiful mountainous state in the US, is located at a height of approximately 1,500 feet above sea level. Its bordering states include Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and Maryland. The capital of West Virginia is Charleston.
The state of West Virginia is known for its spectacular landscapes, quaint towns, and friendly locals. To experience the real life of West Virginia, one would undoubtedly have to venture into its charming, quaint towns, known for their idyllic natural beauty, historic downtowns, trendy shops, and hip restaurants. Excited to know more? Let’s explore some of the most charming towns of West Virginia for a relaxed and fun-filled vacation!
Hinton
Hinton is one of the popular tourist towns in West Virginia, with its quintessential Victorian-era charm. Surrounded by hills and an abundance of natural beauty, Hinton leads the way to the New River Gorge National Park. In close proximity are the Pipestem Resort State Park and Bluestone State Park, both worth a visit.
For entertainment like shopping, exploring the stunning architecture of the town, dining and historical tours, spend the day in the Hinton Historic District. The town has some exciting spots such as The Ritz Theatre, a venue that hosts live music gigs, plays and movies. The month of October is quite popular in Hinton, thanks to the Hinton Railroad Days Festival, where one can enjoy a variety of food, carriage rides and live entertainment.
Elkins
Another mountain oasis in West Virginia, known for its rich history, beautiful art and outdoor fun, is the quaint town of Elkins. Located on the boundary of the famous Monongahela National Forest, this town has plenty of recreational activities and other entertainment to offer to its visitors.
At the Monongahela National Forest, one has the opportunity to enjoy adventures like backpacking, fishing, skiing, hunting, biking, and hiking, among others. During the summers, tourists and locals flock to Seneca Rocks, a spectacular destination for hiking and rock climbing. On the other hand, popular spots for outdoor activities in the wintertime include Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park, where one can indulge in thrilling sports like downhill skiing, tubing, and snowboarding!
Some of the recommended places for dining include C.J. Maggie’s.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is considered to be among the coolest towns in the United States and is located on the shore of the scenic New River Gorge. A vacation in this West Virginia town means exploring boundless outdoor adventure and rich history. Fayetteville has also gradually become the hub of business in West Virginia.
Fayetteville is home to some of the best climbing routes and hiking trails in the US. Also, there are plenty of adventures to enjoy on the beautiful New and Gauley Rivers, which are famous for whitewater rafting. An event to look forward to in Fayetteville is Bridge Day. This is a nationwide base-jumping event that is held in October. The event also offers entertainment like music, artisans, vendors, food tasting, and much more.
Some of the highly-rated restaurants in Fayetteville include the Bridge Brew Works, Cathedral Cafe and Don Rizo, among others.
Shepherdstown
Located on the Potomac River’s boundary, Shepherdstown is just an hour and a half drive from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. It is popular among tourists for its amazing local restaurants, thriving local arts and music scene, and several theatrical performances.
For those who get excited about the idea of haunted destinations, Shepherdstown is definitely a place worth visiting. A lot of tourists are excited to take part in the Shepherdstown Mysteries Walk, a popular adventure activity in this “haunted town.” Besides all the haunted stuff, there are other entertainment options to explore in Shepherdstown, including an exploration of the beautiful art galleries.
For those visiting the town in the summertime, an exciting event to look forward to is the Contemporary American Theater Festival. Visit Four Seasons Books, a standalone bookstore in Shepherdstown that offers new as well as classic novels. Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery is the one-stop-shop for all kinds of seasonal decor, jewelry, crafts, and home goods, among other things.
Buckhannon
Upshur County’s county seat, Buckhannon, is a town that dates back to the 1800s and is located along the Buckhannon River. This West Virginia town got its name from European settlers, some of whom considered it to be their primary hunting ground.
Buckhannon has some beautiful state parks for outdoor recreation. These include the Audra State Park, a popular destination for camping, swimming and hiking. Another state park in the close vicinity is the Valley Falls State Park, which has the Tygart Valley River as its focal point. This preserve is the perfect amalgamation of recreation, history and geology. Some of the popular activities to enjoy at Valley Falls State Park include angling, hiking, picnicking and kayaking.
Thomas and Davis
Davis is a quaint, small mountain town offering a palette of charming eateries and outdoor recreation to its visitors. This town is considered to be among the most budget-friendly towns in the US, and is home to two amazing state parks as well as a ski resort. Tourists can also look forward to enjoying some fresh craft beer at the local breweries in Davis.
Foodies visiting Davis should definitely include restaurants like Sirianni’s, Milo’s Café and Restaurant, and Hellbender’s Burrito in their itinerary.
Nestled in the scenic Allegheny Mountains, Davis and Thomas are a special sisterhood. The main street of Thomas is lined by galleries, antique shops, and eclectic eateries like TipTop Coffeehouse and The Purple Fiddle. Located at the center of the Monongahela National Forest, Thomas is the ideal holiday destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.
Berkeley Springs
A picturesque historic town, Berkeley Springs is another stunning mountain town in West Virginia. It is most popular for its unique spas and thermal waters, which are said to have healing properties. Berkeley Springs has a relaxed vibe and, hence, a lot of leisure activities on the plate. One may enjoy exploring the vibrant art scene, local breweries, and offbeat shops.
Star Movie Theatre in Berkeley Springs has a relaxed, laid-back vibe and is worth visiting for a movie screening. The Ice House Art Center, on the other hand, is the venue for gallery exhibits, art classes, community theater, gallery exhibits, concerts, and much more!
With 70 distinctive guest rooms, Berkeley’s Country Inn is a combination of pure elegance and rich history. For lodging, one could also consider the Coolfont Resort, which offers a tranquil stay, in addition to services such as a huge 12-acre lake, brewing company and beautiful conference and banquet rooms.
Lewisburg
The town of Lewisburg is Greenbrier County’s county seat, and is a quaint mountain town that promises a lot of fun, relaxation and adventure. Lewisburg is known for its multiple historic theaters, including Carnegie Hall, which hosts several live performances. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre is also known for hosting live theater performances, art exhibits, musical concerts and literary events, among other things, all-year-round.
There are plenty of dining options to choose from when vacationing in Lewisburg. These include the Stardust Café, The French Goat, Hill and Holler, and The Asylum.
Nature lovers should definitely explore The Greenbrier River Trail, which is 78 miles long and allows for uninterrupted biking, hiking as well as horseback riding, among other activities.
The mountain towns of West Virginia offer a lot more than just Appalachian adventures. From the quaint towns of Lewisburg and Fayetteville to iconic Harpers Ferry, this town’s most loved communities are ideal spots for immersing oneself in the arts, relaxing in the midst of natural beauty, and also savoring delectable local fare.
