The 8 Friendliest Little Towns In West Virginia
West Virginia is a singly landlocked state located completely within the Appalachian region of the Southern US. Having a decent altitude of about 1,500 feet above sea level, besides flaunting jagged mountain peaks, softly curving hills, densely forested gorges, and unblemished hydrological systems, West Virginia substantiates in all respects its sobriquet: “The Mountain State,” and catchword: “Mountaineers are always free.” Lodged in the nooks and crannies of this picturesque state alongside rocky trails, scenic byways, and sinuous streams are countless towns brimming with rich history, culture, nature and, of course, unmatched friendliness.
Harpers Ferry
An archaic Jefferson County town, Harpers Ferry sits at the meeting of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in the lower Shenandoah Valley in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Since the 20th century onwards, the town’s initial low-lying, flood-prone sectors constitute a part of the 3,660.73-acre Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, while the abutting, more elevated populated areas fall within the Harpers Ferry Historic District. Rechanneling its economy around tourism, mainly after being extensively destroyed during the American Civil War, Harpers Ferry has over the years progressively developed from an antebellum manufacturing center to a most sought-after vacationland. When in town, the annual Flip-Flop Kickoff - celebrating the beginning of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail hiking season- is a must-attend. Other attractions in town include John Brown’s Fort, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and the National Historical Park’s Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail.
Berkeley Springs
A portion of the Hagerstown-Martinsburg metropolitan area, this Morgan County seat is a famed ‘spa town’ set in the Appalachian Mountains, around 36 miles west of Hagerstown, Maryland. Trippers from worldwide gather in large numbers in Berkeley Springs to de-stress in its therapeutic mineral water springs and full-service spas. Likewise, the town’s heterogeneous antique stores like Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, eating establishments like Lot 12 Public House Inc., and outdoor spaces like Berkeley Springs State Park must not be missed. Berkeley Springs also hosts the world’s largest and longest-running water tasting event - The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, held at The Country Inn.
White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs, dubbed ‘Spa City,’ is an arresting resort destination situated in the Allegheny Mountains in Greenbrier County of southeastern West Virginia. Vacationists sojourning in this town, placed amidst eye-catching surroundings at an elevation of 1,880 ft, should stroll down the inviting Main Street and peruse the multifarious specialty shops like Barnwood Living, as well as culinary havens like Gustard’s Bistro. Drop by to see the luxe Greenbrier Resort, the adjoining Greenbrier State Forest, and Lake Sherwood Recreation Area. Visitors should also take part in the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery’s Annual Freshwater Folk Festival on the second Saturday in September.
Shepherdstown
Named in honor of Thomas Shepherd, this Jefferson County town occupies the upper Shenandoah Valley next to the Potomac River. In this pretty college town and one of the Mountain State’s oldest communities, holidaymakers must check out the excellently preserved Greek Revival or Federal architectural style buildings such as the Baker House, Entler Hotel/Rumsey Hall, etc. In modern times, many of these properties that line the German Street houses an array of gift shops like German Street Coffee & Candlery, family-owned boutiques like Shepherds Blessings, and first-class restaurants like Bistro 112 serving French comfort cuisine. Spare time from your hectic schedules and make an appearance at Shepherdstown’s Fourth of July Parade & Picnic to have a memorable vacation.
Hinton
This archetypal 19th-century railroad settlement and administrative capital of southeastern West Virginia’s Summers County is set by the side of the New River, precisely north of its conflux with the Greenbrier River, around 90 miles from the state capital. Heritage fanatics must check out the downtown historic district’s well-maintained Summers County Courthouse, and Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (C & O) Passenger Station [currently, Hinton Station], together with several museums like Hinton Railroad Museum. Restaurants like Lucky Rivers Café & Catering LLC, and state parks like Bluestone State Park offer more recreational opportunities. Yearly, at the end of July, attend the West Virginia State Water Festival with live music, parades, and sundry family-friendly activities.
Fayetteville
Primarily founded by Abraham Vandall as ‘Vandalia’ and later rebaptized after Marquis de Lafayette, the Revolutionary War hero, this Fayette County seat of government is located straight south of the New River Gorge Bridge, adjacent to the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Sightseers are especially lured by the assorted architectural marvels, including the Fayette County Courthouse, Old Methodist Church, etc., in the 115-acre Fayetteville Historic District. Adventurers can engage in whitewater rafting in the New River. The town also offers excellent hiking and rock-climbing activities in the numerous panoramic overlooks of the New River Gorge. Those interested can also participate in ‘Bridge Day’ - a national BASE-jumping event hosted by the New River Gorge Bridge Commission every third Saturday in October.
Lewisburg
Christened after the Irish-born American surveyor Andrew Lewis, Lewisburg, the Greenbrier County seat, is situated exactly 1 mile north of the Greenbrier River, to the west of White Sulphur Springs. Travelers visiting this town in the Southern West Virginia region should stroll through the attractive Main Street filled with art galleries like Young at Art, fashion boutiques like By Grace Alone Boutique, and The French Goat Restaurant serving farm-to-table French cuisine. Furthermore, have a look at the various artefacts at the Greenbrier Historical Society & North House Museum, watch brilliant live performances at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, and turn up at the town’s State Fairgrounds for ‘The Annual State Fair of West Virginia’ to be held from 7 to 16 August, 2025.
New Martinsville
The administrative center of northern West Virginia’s Wetzel County, Martinsville, named after the colonizer Presley Martin, sits along the Ohio River, nearly 36.3 miles southwest of Wheeling. Encompassing New Martinsville’s civic and commercial hub is the Downtown Commercial District, featuring plenty of Victorian-age buildings, craft stores like Christy’s Antiques Crafts, and eateries like Quinet’s Restaurant. Also, take note of the historical objects relating to the region’s past displayed at the Wetzel County Museum. Partake in outdoor activities at the Lewis Wetzel Park, and be present at the town’s annual late summer festival - The WV Country Roads Festival to be held from September 19 to 21, 2025.
From the plush Berkeley Springs to the ‘Spa City’ White Sulphur Springs, each simpatico town in the country’s 12th least populous and 10th smallest State with its enchantments and individualities creates an enduring influence on every holidaymaker. Spotlighting iconic tourist magnets, idyllic surroundings where one gets to rediscover the beauty of the outdoors, entertaining annual events, welcoming accommodations, and never-ending Appalachian excitements, these closely-knit Mountain State communities are favorable for hanging out with loved ones.
