9 Small Town Getaways In West Virginia Perfect For Families
West Virginia is one of the most overlooked states in America; people rarely talk about it. Perhaps it’s because of its laid-back personality, or maybe it is overshadowed by its more fancied southern neighbor, Ohio. Nevertheless, the Mountain State is chock-full of natural treasures waiting to be high on every travel list. Being the only state entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia gives an unmatched natural scenery consisting of spectacular mountain landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling state parks. These unique features of the state are best experienced in its charming small towns, harboring an eclectic mix of hidden gems. Boasting fun outdoor opportunities, a delightful small-town vibe, and some of the friendliest people on earth, these beautiful locations have all the hallmarks of a remarkable family vacation. From hiking picturesque trails and discovering unique culture to sampling sumptuous local cuisine, the following small-town getaways in West Virginia promise a family experience like no other.
Fayetteville
Ranked among the Coolest Towns in the United States by Budget Traveler, Fayetteville is a pint-sized location packing a punch of tourist attractions. Scenic natural landscapes and rich Civil War history only begin to describe the luscious experience awaiting families in the town. Fayetteville is on the edge of the country’s youngest national park, New River Gorge Park and Preserve, home to endless outdoor adventures, such as hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. The park also hosts campgrounds, cabins, and RV sites for families looking for the ultimate outdoor experience.
There are numerous adventurous pursuits in Fayetteville, but the outdoors reign. Kids will fancy the thrill of going down the river on a raft, which is possible with River Expeditions. But for some indoor entertainment, Escape-A-Torium presents an exciting adventure that will involve the whole family. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the artsy Cathedral Café, a former church converted into a café, for a refreshing cup of coffee.
White Sulphur Springs
This pristine location in Greenbrier County delights visitors with diverse activities throughout the year. From fun outdoor adventures in the middle of the West Virginia backcountry to indoor fun tailored to family fun, White Sulphur Springs has something for everyone. One of the best places to savor the stunning natural scenery is the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, which houses a richly biodiverse ecosystem comprising lush forests, mountain streams, and native wildlife.
White Sulphur Springs is also home to the Greenbrier, a historic resort dating back to 1778. This is an excellent option for family accommodation, offering the kids an opportunity to make the most of the year-round Christmas shop and numerous pools in the hotel. For lunch, pop into the 50 East Restaurant & Tavern and let the little ones enjoy luscious pizzas and burgers.
Sutton
A quaint pint-sized community of nearly 1,000 residents, Sutton delights with endless recreational opportunities ideal for those who fancy being on the water. The town boasts scenic water views and green mountainous forests, which you can explore by renting a water vessel at Sutton Lake Marina. A laid-back cruise on a cozy, spacious boat will be a great way to start the Sutton family experience. Downtown Sutton harbors several whimsical attractions that promise to intrigue the kids, including the West Virginia BigFoot Museum, which documents stories and exhibits artifacts affiliated with the mystery of BigFoot.
Elsewhere, the Flatwoods Monster Museum is another spot children will find interesting and love the fantastic Flatwoods Monster merchandise available. If you have a penchant for the big screen, you can catch an excellent family movie at the Elk Theater before enjoying a comfortable night’s sleep at the kid-friendly Elk Motor Court.
Dunbar
Dunbar is a short drive from Charleston, which offers a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the state capital. It is a quaint town on the banks of the Kanawha River, teeming with exciting outdoor opportunities and indoor fun. Dunbar is famous for hosting one of the best bingo halls in the state. The Dunbar Athletic Booster Bingo Hall has witnessed many screams of joy from jackpot winners and can be the first stop the family makes in the town.
But Dunbar offers many enthralling experiences that don’t require your stars to align. For instance, Magic Island Park and Wine Cellar Park are pleasant destinations with enough fun for the whole family. From walking paths, a playground, and volleyball courts to a splash pad, kids can play until they drop from exhaustion. In case you want to hold an epic party to mark the family experience in Dunbar, Pump Up the Fun knows what to do to leave a lasting impression on the children.
Hinton
Hinton has moved on from its days as a sleepy railroad town to a bustling small town with a slew of attractions to offer visitors. However, it remains true to its 19th-century heritage, and you can explore the town’s history at the Hinton Railroad Museum. Those with a penchant for outdoor pursuits can head to the expansive Bluestone State Park for trout fishing or whitewater rafting on the New River.
Downtown Hinton is a pleasant place to explore with your loved ones. It has a handful of exciting spots worth popping into, including the Ritz Theater, where you can enjoy a movie or watch a live performance. Also, kids will enjoy a shopping session at Otter & Oak, which sells various items of clothing, artisanal goods, and unique gifts. Meanwhile, Three Rivers Studio offers excellent family accommodation.
Berkeley Springs
This charming alpine town in West Virginia’s Morgan County welcomes tourists to experience its four-season attractions. It is renowned for its hot mineral springs with alleged healing waters, which you can test for yourself at Berkeley Springs State Park. Besides being an excellent spot for nature lovers, the park hosts a historic natural spa that has been around since the colonial era. The town presents many family-friendly attractions, including Give Purrs A Chance, where you will find inspiration while showing some animal TLC to the fragile felines at the adoption center.
Meanwhile, the Berkeley Springs Farmers Market offers a vibrant atmosphere, with a chance to interact with the locals, shop for fresh groceries, and experience the spirit of the close-knit local community. When it’s time to eat, the Country Inn Restaurant serves delicious, wholesome meals that everyone will enjoy. Although Berkeley Springs will impress you no matter the season, the best time to visit is between June and September for the warm-weather activities.
Point Pleasant
This idyllic location, set on the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, is one of the best getaways in West Virginia for vacationing families. One of the famous attractions in Point Pleasant is the Mothman Marker and Statue, an iconic area landmark depicting mysterious local legend. The town also boasts serene natural scenery best experienced at the Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. Aside from picturesque river views, it hosts an imposing granite monument dedicated to the victims of the Battle of Point Pleasant.
Point Pleasant houses a fair share of whimsical attractions that promise to intrigue the kids. The Mothman Museum is an excellent site to explore the iconic character of the local legend and other local folklore. Schedule your visit to coincide with the Mothman Festival weekend for one of the best experiences in Point Pleasant.
Davis
Davis is an exciting tourist destination around the year with a unique personality that intrigues anyone who chooses to explore. This quiet town sits at a 3,200-foot elevation and boasts picturesque mountain scenery reflecting the natural beauty of West Virginia. One of the best natural spaces in Davis, Blackwater Falls State Park is an exciting place to be one with nature, offering endless recreational opportunities like hiking and biking. Within the park lies the Blackwater State Falls State Lodge, where you can check in your family to be close to all the action.
If you’re visiting Davis during the winter, Timberline Mountain is an excellent option to seek family accommodation. Besides the scenic views and tranquil setting, the resort boasts over 20 skiing and snowboarding trails to guarantee a remarkable experience. Meanwhile, the downtown atmosphere is cheerful, highlighted by light-hearted locals and quaint spots worth exploring, such as Wild Ginger & Spice.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown offers a sweet escape for those seeking a reprieve from the fast pace of life in the country’s capital. It is about an hour and a half from Washington, D.C. and offers a pleasant rural atmosphere without the rowdy crowds. Nature is an integral part of the local community, and one of the best natural spaces to be with family is Riverfront Park, home to lovely trails, shady trees, and soothing sounds of waterfalls. Shepherdstown is famous for its strong café culture, with locals routinely gathering at various joints downtown to lounge and spend their free time.
The Blue Moon Café is a cozy eatery where you can pop into to experience this unique custom while enjoying sumptuous sandwiches and pizzas. Meanwhile, your family will relish the family-friendly atmosphere at the Shepherdstown Opera House, which hosts exciting musical and theatrical performances. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Historic Shepherdstown Commission & Museum to explore the storied past of West Virginia’s oldest town.
Final Thoughts
The best memories in life are made when spending time with family! Luckily, the Mountain State has the perfect setting to enjoy quality time with your loved ones and take advantage of pleasant outdoor adventures. If you’re planning a family vacation anytime soon, these quaint small-town getaways in West Virginia should be among your top considerations.
