9 Picture-Perfect Towns in West Virginia
West Virginia has been differentiating itself since 1863 when it separated from Virginia. For generations, the small eastern state has been setting the bar high with the state motto "Almost Heaven." A sentiment agreed upon by both residents and visitors alike.
West Virginia is perhaps best-known for its natural beauty and that includes its picturesque towns. From the colonial window fronts of Shepherdstown to the river confluence at Harpers Ferry, there's no shortage of beautiful sights to see. Yet the state offers an abundance of history and culture, too. Its picturesque nature makes it a heavenly state worth exploring for yourself.
Shepherdstown
While a town, Shepherdstown is the oldest "city" in West Virginia, established in 1762 by the Virginia House of Burgesses. The historic nature of the town is one of its main draws. On the main street, visitors can wander through local shops housed in historic window fronts transporting them to colonial times.
Part of that history includes being the site of the Battle of Antietam in 1862. For this reason, it happens to be a hotspot for ghost sightings and other paranormal activity. Explore the battlefield and maybe you'll see a glimpse into the area's ghostly past.
If you're looking to stay a while, pay a visit to the luxurious Antietam Overlook Farm Bed and Breakfast.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg makes a scenic journey accessible thanks to its central location in the middle of routes 92, 219, and 60. The town is described as "Picturesque. Vibrant. Artsy. Historic. Friendly." with a population of 4,000 waiting to greet you.
If you love history and architecture, Lewisburg offers a Historic Walking Tour that you can do by yourself or with a guide. As you explore you'll experience the small-town feel and close-knit community. For an arts experience, you can visit the Greenbrier Theater and Carnegie Hall - venues known for their first-rate bluegrass music and variety of plays.
However, if you feel more adventurous, join a local tour and explore the Lost World Caverns. Or stay above ground and pay a visit to one of the area's many working farms. There's beauty to be found everywhere you look in Lewisburg
Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs's main attraction is hidden in its name. The town is best known for its mineral-rich spring water which was used by Native Americans and early settlers for its natural healing properties, eventually becoming a significant part of the town's tourism industry.
What's more, it was originally named "Bath" in honor of its sister city, Bath, England.
Today the water-centric town can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Relax at one of the town's many spas or get outdoors to take advantage of the fields, forests, lakes, and mountains that surround the area.
Davis
What Davis lacks in size, it makes up for in local history. With just under 600 residents, Davis makes an intimate and scenic base for exploring the outdoors and also for beer tasting.
It sits close to a plethora of outdoor destinations including the Dolly Sods Wilderness area, Little Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge, and Blackwater Falls State Park. Davis is also home to a craft beer scene with breweries like Stumptown Ales, or Mountain State Brewing. Those looking for adventure will appreciate the town's mountain biking trails.
Davis' industrial history includes logging and coal mining. The nearby Blackwater River and Beaver Creek aided in the transportation of felled logs to buyers downstream. The town today has two sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hinton
Hinton was created to be accessible, near the three-way meeting of the Bluestone, Greenbrier, and New Rivers. Its downtown is featured on the National Register of Historic Places because the town was once a stop on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O). Today architectural and industrial remnants are a draw for the curious traveler.
The Hinton Railroad Bridge, which spans the New River, is a perfect example of the town's rail legacy. To learn more, history fans can visit the town's railroad museum, or look around downtown for examples of Classical Revival, Late Victorian, and American Four-Square homes and buildings. The Veterans Memorial Museum of Southern WV is yet another point of interest among this small town's rich historical offerings.
Nature fans should know that Hinton is not far from New River Gorge National Park - the newest addition to the federally administered US park system.
Fayetteville
Also close to New River Gorge National Park is Fayetteville, a town founded in 1837 and known for its natural beauty and history. History buffs come for the Civil War stories and adventurers flock to the whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and biking opportunities in the area.
Some historic destinations include the Pierce Cemetary and Huse Memorial Park. Sites that will provide you with an in-depth look at the town's past while giving you an understanding of the old glory of the region.
For a little R&R visitors can stroll the main street for a mix of shopping and dining opportunities.
Buckhannon
While small, Buckhannon's beauty is larger than life. The town gets its name from the nearby Buckhannon River. At just over 5,200 residents, it's a relatively small township that was originally founded in 1816. The two first European settlers were British deserters of the French and Indian War and legend has it that they lived in a hollow Sycamore tree just outside of town.
Today the town is known for being a scenic college town, home to Wesleyan College. It is one of the largest buildings in town and adds to the beauty and class of the area. Visitors can also visit the annual Strawberry Festival and explore the forests lining the local streams and rivers.
Summersville
Summersville is aptly named, a beautiful destination to be enjoyed in the warmer months thanks to its natural wonders. The Gauley River is the biggest wilderness attraction here, a great place for whitewater rafting. If adrenaline isn't up your alley, Summersville Lake is a great spot for low-intensity water sports and even fishing. better spot for fishers and other low-intensity water activities.
Nearby to Charleston the small town of just under 3,500 residents is a welcome reprieve from city living.
Uniquely, Summersville was mostly destroyed during the Civil War and had to be rebuilt after the conflict. You can learn about this history at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park.
Harpers Ferry
This historic town of Harpers Ferry has both a lower and upper section of town. In the lower section, you'll find The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Here you can hike many trails including Lower Town Loop, Maryland Heights, Loudon Heights, and Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop. Also inside the park, you can visit John Brown’s Fort.
Up above 19th-century houses loom, originally constructed by the Federal Government for the Harpers Ferry Armory workers. Once a hub for manufacturing and transportation, Harpers Ferry has transformed into a residential village and a popular tourist destination thanks to its serenity.
Other noteworthy points of interest include the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, The Point, and Jefferson Rock.
From the healing waters of Berkely Springs to the vibrancy of Lewisburg, West Virginia certainly is "Almost Heaven." These picturesque towns are ideal locations to reconnect with nature, learn local history, soak in culture, sip craft brews, and partake in unforgettable Appalachian adventures. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip and experience all that magnificent West Virginia has to offer.
