9 Best Towns in West Virginia for a Winter Getaway
Take an offbeat winter journey into the heart of Appalachia. In winter, West Virginia's small towns and snow-dusted landscapes take on the aspect of a storybook. This article will explore nine lovely little villages, each with its unique brand of winter heaven. With everything from the peaceful forests sparkling with a covering of snow to quaint inns brimming with hearthside warmth, these destinations promise a winter escape unlike any other!
Lewisburg
The town of Lewisburg in West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley turns into a wonderland during winters. Snow coats the streets, and its 19th-century architecture gives them a fairytale feel. Whether it is Victorian homes or Federal-style townhouses, every bit of frost enlivens these structures and brings forth their beauty. Near Greenbrier Valley, visitors will discover winter walks along streams and the sounds of wildlife and snow. A short distance away is Ronceverte Island Park, where one can observe birds peacefully in a snowy setting.
Lewisburg is also a place of culture bubbling with life through the works of artists and artisans. Along the main street, travelers will find galleries, studios, and cozy cafes that permeate the air with the fragrance of fresh coffee. During winter, book lovers and authors visit the town for a literary festival that adds to its lively cultural scene. Events like the Winter Music Festival draw an eclectic music assembly, while local movies and concerts at the historic Lewis Theatre cultivate a sense of unity in the community.
For accommodations, check out The General Lewis Inn, established in 1834. This inn offers visitors a mix of old-fashioned and sophisticated amenities, with each room displaying local artwork and memories.
Fayetteville
The town of Fayetteville, with its scenic New River Gorge, has a unique winter appeal. This lovely little town becomes a spectacle of snow-covered cliffs and frozen waterfalls, calling nature lovers to explore its winter trails.
Like a gem in the embrace of the Appalachian Mountains, nature's glory rests on Fayetteville. When winter comes, the town drapes itself in a shimmering white sheet of pristine snow, covering which icicles hang like ornaments on a Christmas tree. The New River Gorge, a masterpiece of natural architecture, dreams its dream under the winter sky. Standing tall as silent sentinels upon the horizon, Mountains, and cliffs rise toward a see-saw sky over the frozen New River. Its tranquil waters have stopped and turned to an icy ribbon winding through that cold valley along its still bed. Enjoy snow-covered paths where the hush of winter allows for an intimate communion with nature. Right in the center of Fayetteville, community life is lively. Its streets, with their artisan shops and friendly cafes in full bloom, mirror the town's mature cultural fabric. Town food choices range from comforting bake shops to exquisite restaurants, all dedicated to local cuisine.
The Lafayette Flats Boutique Hotel is a hideaway for anyone who desires a combination of history and contemporary convenience. It is set in a restored early 20th-century building and offers fashionable, luxurious accommodation.
Davis
Davis is an ideal winter vacation in the heart of West Virginia's Canaan Valley.
This small town is situated amid the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Allegheny Mountains, which are adjacent to the luxuriant, spacious Monongahela National Forest and provide a magnificent setting for various winter sports. From the treacherous slopes of the Timberline Four Seasons Resort to the smooth, winding trails ideal for cross-country skiing, skiers and snowboarders alike enjoy an abundance of territories.
The charming streetscapes of rustic eateries and artisan shops reflect the wilderness surrounding Davis. Just upstream, the meandering Blackwater River provides a peaceful counterbalance. One can enjoy leisurely riverside strolls and photographic opportunities featuring frozen beauty in winter.
Winter festivals bring the town to life, making much of the area's natural splendor and community spirit. These are outdoor festive affairs, mixing the rough-hewn loveliness of nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness with the cultural quilt.
When the sky darkens in the evening, visitors can sit under the stars and enjoy the peacefulness. The Bright Morning Inn lies at the center of the town's appeal. The inn, famous for its big breakfasts and warm atmosphere, is just the place to retreat to take full advantage of everything Davis offers culturally and naturally.
Thomas
With just over 600 inhabitants, the little town of Thomas nestles amidst west-central West Virginia.
The mighty Monongahela National Forest stretches around it, turning the town into a tiny winter paradise. In this soft rolling countryside, snow spreads over the hillsides, and thick oak and pine forests are silhouetted by hats covered with crystals. Under the frozen canopy, streams give off ripples of sound through the ice. All adds to the wintry tranquility that seems almost otherworldly.
Thomas is overflowing with cultural and artistic vitality. The street is a bustle of creativity, with shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes running along it. One crisp Saturday finds everything from handmade jewelry to paintings of the state's rugged beauty, even works in unusual mediums such as bamboo. Winter in Thomas is also a bustle of cultural activity. A welcoming embrace of its rich heritage--music performances, and art events brought the bright-eyed community spirit to light.
By dusk, the Cooper House Bed & Cocktail emerges like no other place. Its quaint decor, relaxed atmosphere, and nightly live music performance make it the perfect place to kick back after a day in Thomas's deep forests or delve into the scene for arts!
Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is an attractive town with history whispering in its streets. Its valley, framed by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is like a sheet of snow-embroidered silk. Half-frozen rivers, reflecting the winter sky in still pools of water, lend a serenely ethereal atmosphere.
The town's spirit lies in its National Historical Park: snow-dusted historic buildings and landmarks signify America's storied past. Walking through town, one sees a collage of quaint shops and ancient churches; each is a chapter in Harpers Ferry's remarkable history.
Outside the town's historic core, winter hiking paths wind through its hills and forests. Nature lovers and photographers can find a peaceful retreat to record the majesty of quiet, for every step exposes yet another new, frozen wonder.
The Town's Inn is located at the heart of this historic town. With its period furnishings and obsessive attention to detail, this stately inn transports guests back in time, right in the lower town. However, the inn becomes a warm retreat when the sun goes down. Harpers Ferry is this magical confluence of historical wealth and natural beauty. With the historic Town's Inn providing a perfect complement to this experience, a trip to Harpers Ferry is like traveling back through nature.
Snowshoe
In the heart of Appalachia, deep in majestic mountains, you will find Snowshoe. This snow-covered winter sports paradise has picturesque rolling hills and views that enchant the eye. Famed for the Snowshoe Mountain Resort, the town is worth visiting for skiers and nature lovers.
Snowshoe's natural appeal lies in the many different kinds of winter activities, from the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing to the tranquil charm of cross-country skiing through quiet woodlands, something for everyone. Snowmobiling and tubing add to the town's adventurous atmosphere.
Snowshoe is more than just a sports community; its town center is rustic yet vibrant. Dainty shops, restaurants, and cafes are scattered in this landscape. Here, the homely simplicity of mountain dining blends perfectly with the cool chiciness of modern-day cafes. When night falls, bars and pubs come to life with music and local brews.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers a host of accommodation choices. From luxurious condos with inviting fireplaces to charming log cabins and cottages, they all share this evanescent mountainside experience, both comfy and stylish.
Elkins
West Virginia's Elkins, with its population of some 7,000 residents, opens out delightfully as a winter resort town at the gateway to the vast Monongahela National Forest. The old streets and buildings of historical blocks are covered in a snowy thicket, as ethereal as if from a fairytale.
Strolling through Elkins, visitors will discover a rich architectural legacy and buildings crusted in frost. The old train depot, which is a symbol of the railroad history of the town, proudly anchors its historical charm. Elkins's arts community flourishes in winter. The region's diverse cultural heritage is expressed through music and theater in galleries and local theaters.
Snowy trails crisscross the densest woods, bringing visitors to frozen streams. For nature lovers, it is a tranquil retreat amidst the Monongahela National Forest.
By twilight, the Iron Road Inn becomes a quiet haven. Its welcoming facade also echoes the historical and natural beauty of its surroundings. Its exterior, resembling classic mountain architecture, is painted in warm earth tones and wood-enrichment that fits perfectly with the scenic settings of Elkins. This inn, filled with rustic charm, is the ideal place to rest after exploring Elkins's rich historical and natural treasures.
Berkeley Springs
Buried in the West Virginia mountains, Berkeley Springs becomes a tranquil winter refuge. Snow-dusted historic streets add to the town's allure. The main attraction is its star, the famous Berkeley Springs. These warm, curative waters create an atmosphere and offer a unique, stimulating experience in this beautiful scenic setting. Visitors are drawn to the therapeutic qualities of the waters, which make a tranquil atmosphere in the winter setting.
A thriving cultural community The town is reflected in the shops and galleries. Berkeley Springs pays homage to its past by featuring ornamental jewelry and custom-designed crockery.
Berkeley Springs State Park, nearby, is a winter delight for nature lovers. Snow-indelible forests and snow-muffled streams provide the opportunity to meander along tranquil trails through nature's beauty.
Centrally located, The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs hums with the tastefully outfitted sanctuary of a bygone day. Its charming rooms also protect guests from the chill, and its full-service spa renders complete serenity--just what one needs after a day of investigating.
Cass
The little town of Cass, set in the rich mountains of West Virginia, forms a distinctive voyage into America's yesterday.
This hidden gem becomes incredibly romantic in winter, with its historic railroad and snow-covered forest. The Cass Scenic Railroad is a relic of the early 20th century-era logging industry, where one can relive times past with scenic railway trips through the frosty, stippled landscape.
It is not just on the railroad where Cass's charm lies. The town, hemmed in by the Monongahela National Forest, becomes a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Along snow-laden trails, amid the winter forest's pristine quiet, visitors can experience a world far removed from the bustling cities many have traveled from.
In this rural atmosphere, staying in the Cass Scenic Railroad Company Houses is an experience unlike any other. These late 19th/early 20th century homes, restored to their original condition but now equipped with modern facilities, are guaranteed an immersive historical experience. The story of each house differs, so guests have a piece of history combined with contemporary living. These homes make a warm, historic retreat in the middle of one of West Virginia's most beautiful towns after a day out of winter exploring.
Each town is a different-looking glass, opening up West Virginia's winter landscape and providing the peace of nature along with the warmth of small-town hospitality. Whether travelers are in the mood for adventure or relaxation, these destinations will charm and refresh in the glory of winter.
