8 Old-World Towns to Visit in West Virginia

If you are craving a taste of history (and possibly a good crisp apple), then West Virginia’s small towns are calling your name. Known for being the birthplace of the Golden Delicious apple, West Virginia knows something about sweetness, both in fruit and in the stories that fill its small towns. The state was also famous for being the first state in the country to introduce a sales tax and splitting from Virginia during the Civil War, becoming its own state.

However, these towns are more than just apple orchards and textbooks. From the haunting halls of Weston’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to the charming streets of Shepherdstown, where George Washington once dined, West Virginia offers an unexpected mix of history, adventure, and the kind of quirky charm you cannot find in bigger cities. So, take a bite out of the apple and the adventure. These eight towns are a deliciously good time waiting to happen!

Shepherdstown

Even though Shepherdstown holds the status as the oldest town in West Virginia, that is not its only claim to fame. It is also the way it skillfully blends history and modern-day flair. Established in 1762, Shepherdstown’s heart beats through its well-preserved historic district. When you are strolling along its cobbled streets, you will find 18th-century buildings that whisper tales of early America, from General Robert E. Lee’s passing through during the Civil War to the homey warmth of the old Mecklenburg Inn.

However, it is not all about looking back. Shepherd University, established in 1871, gives the town a youthful energy, fostering an environment for the arts and progressive education. Its annual Contemporary American Theater Festival adds even more to the cultural growth of the area, transforming this quaint town into an arts destination for theatergoers. For outdoor fun, Shepherdstown’s proximity to the Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath is a major draw, as both are less than fifteen miles from town, where you can enjoy hiking and biking along the Potomac River.

Marlinton

Marlinton may be small in population, but it is big on opportunities for adventure. In the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, this town is the perfect launch pad for outdoor escapades in the Monongahela National Forest. The Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile-long rail trail, attracts cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers year-round. Its tranquility and natural beauty make it a favorite among those seeking to escape the bustle of larger cities. If your plans include winter thrills, less than an hour from town, the Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding. The town makes a great home base to avoid the hotel costs that are often high surrounding ski resorts.

With less than 1000 residents, Marlinton is a quiet oasis, but it is far from lacking things to do. Visitors can explore the region's rich railroad and Appalachian heritage at the Pocahontas County Historical Museum, housed in the former train depot. Birdwatching is a popular activity, with the peregrine falcon often spotted soaring overhead. In summer, the Pioneer Days festival is held every year during the second full weekend of July, where your family can enjoy live music, parades, games, and, of course, all the food you can eat, making Marlinton a year-round destination for both relaxation and recreation.

Buckhannon

Buckhannon holds an important place in American history, and Colonel Edward Jackson, the grandfather of Confederate General 'Stonewall' Jackson, even platted the town in 1815. As you wander through its streets, you cannot help but notice the echoes of its Civil War past, with skirmishes once fought in the surrounding hills. However, Buckhannon’s heartbeat lies in West Virginia Wesleyan College, which injects the area with not only youthful energy but a strong sense of community. Additionally, the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, held every May, invites locals and visitors to revel in the region’s agricultural prowess with homemade pies, crafts, and a sense of nostalgia.

Twenty minutes outside of town lies Audra State Park, home to the scenic Alum Cave and Tygart Valley River. This park offers activities for every outdoor lover and adventure seeker, from fishing to hiking. Thanks to its access to the nearby river, Buckhannon was once a major lumbering town, and its proximity to the Buckhannon River makes it an ideal retreat for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Elkins

In the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, it is another town that is a prime location for hiking, fishing, and hunting. Originally founded as a railroad town in the late 1800s, Elkins grew rapidly with the arrival of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Today, the downtown area is filled with 19th-century buildings, many of which now house local businesses and art galleries, and the railroad itself is a major tourist attraction. The town's close ties to its past are celebrated during the annual Mountain State Forest Festival, which fully displays the region's history of logging and forest conservation.

If you favor the outdoors, the nearby Tygart Valley River offers some of the best walking trails and fishing spots in West Virginia. If hiking and fishing are not enough, Elkins is also the starting point for the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. This scenic train ride winds through the mountains, granting you and your loved ones an unforgettable view of the region’s rugged beauty.

Fayetteville

On the New River Gorge, this town is a popular base for outdoor recreation, with hiking, rock climbing, and rafting easily accessible. Just outside of town, the New River Gorge Bridge attracts adventurers and photographers all year long, capturing one of the marvels of the United States. As one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, it is the perfect spot for BASE jumping, an activity that draws crowds during the annual Bridge Day Festival.

Fayetteville has a long history tied to the coal mining industry, and remnants of this past can still be seen in the local architecture. Beyond the outdoors, the town has a thriving arts community, with local galleries showcasing the works of regional artists, while the community is constantly encouraged to explore its creative side at the Love Hope Center of the Arts. Lastly, the Morris Harvey House Inn, built in 1902, is an absolute must-see and a great place to relax after a busy day of exploring.

Lewisburg

As one of the most beloved towns in West Virginia, Lewisburg’s downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with many of its 18th-century buildings housing shops, restaurants, like The French Goat, and galleries. One such building of note is the Greenbrier County Courthouse, a brick-and-mortar centerpoint for the town since 1837. The town also has a Civil War connection, serving as a strategic location during the conflict, and the area remains rich in landmarks. Antique lovers will find a paradise here, with a monthly antiques market that attracts both locals and collectors.

Beyond its historical appeal, Lewisburg boasts a lively arts scene, with the Greenbrier Valley Theatre equipped to offer your family all the entertainment you need. You can find both modern and classic productions like “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, not to mention there are performances throughout the year, so no matter when you visit, you can bet on being able to book tickets for a well-produced show. Just outside of town, Lewisburg Cave offers an exciting opportunity for those interested in geology and cave exploration, and with the Monongahela National Forest right on the doorstep, there is no shortage of outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping.

Hinton

Between the New and Greenbrier Rivers, Hinton is a haven for those wanting to escape the summer heat with sun-packed activities right on the water. The merging of these two rivers makes Hinton an ideal spot for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. If you are seeking even more outdoor adventures, the nearby Bluestone State Park offers some of the best hiking and nature watching in the region.

Aside from its outdoor activities, Hinton's historic district features buildings from the late 1800s, including the Old Masonic Lodge, where local history is on full display. The town’s roots run deep in the railroad industry, and the Hinton Railroad Museum takes visitors back to the 19th century when trains were king. If you did not already have enough reasons to head to this town, visitors can also explore Sandstone Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on the New River, just a short fifteen-minute drive away.

Weston

Weston has quite a story to tell, and it begins with the imposing Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. This historic site, one of the largest hand-cut stone buildings in North America, looms over the town, offering a glimpse into a past that is both fascinating and eerie. Weston’s legacy also traces back to the timber industry, with remnants of old warehouses and factories still standing as silent witnesses to the town's industrial past. Additionally, the town's downtown is filled with buildings from the early 1900s that house local shops and restaurants, giving Weston an old-world feel.

If you are looking for a relaxing outdoor experience, then just by heading ten minutes southwest of town, Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park can provide you with all the fishing, boating, and camping opportunities your heart desires. Just thirty minutes north of town, The West Virginia Wildlife Center in Weston invites you to get up close to the state’s native animals, like the magnificent buffalo. Every autumn, the Weston Fall Festival, hosted by the town's famous asylum, brings the community together for a celebration of local vendors, games, and music.

Explore the Past in West Virginia

These towns go above and beyond in offering both natural beauty and a glimpse into America’s past, all while maintaining a laid-back pace that larger cities cannot compete with. From the annual festivals that bring communities together to the local museums that preserve fascinating histories, visiting these towns feels like hitting the jackpot without the crowds or overpriced souvenirs. You can be kayaking down a wild river in Hinton, soaking up the Civil War history in Buckhannon, or peeking inside the grand Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston; there is no shortage of surprises around every corner. These towns prove that when you need to get away from it all, West Virginia is the place to be.