These 10 Towns In West Virginia Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024

Ask any base jumper. She will tell you the kind of gorges in West Virginia are difficult to find anywhere else. There is the New River Gorge as well, which holds the title of America’s Newest National Park. Listen to a line in John Denver’s “Country Roads.” Although poets have a way with words, the description of West Virginia was spot on. This historic state, the only child of the Civil War, is speckled with many beautiful small towns. From lovely Lewisburg to beautiful Buckhannon — discover ten towns in West Virginia ranked among U.S. favorites in 2024.

Lewisburg

If West Virginia is almost heaven, Lewisburg is its Garden of Eden. Lewisburg is incredibly beautiful and often ranked among the most gorgeous small towns in the South. You will be thousands of miles from Switzerland, but the mountainous views here are probably not anything you will ever come across. You can float down the Greenbrier River, wander through the Greenbrier State Forest, or stroll through charm-soaked streets, popping inside cute, quirky restaurants. French Goat, right on Lafayette Street, serves light and fluffy muffins as well as outrageously delicious duck confits — all in a lovely, relaxing atmosphere. Lewsiburg’s Carnegie Hall will deserve some minutes, especially because it is one of only four such landmarks still in operation in the world. Catch a show at the 58-year-old Greenbrier Valley Theatre and let the afternoon roll by — or have a feel of the Greenbrier River Trail, including its famous 38 bridges.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville is a small, beautiful town full of charm and character. There are lots of venues for pleasure and play — as there are homemade chili recipes. It is a base for exploring the New River Gorge National Park, an angler’s paradise established by Congress in 1978. There is the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, a place to enjoy the relaxing noise of a speedy, rock-filled river. This bridge is the longest steel span in the Western Hemisphere and the third-highest bridge in the United States. If you know about switchbacks and snap turns, you will be delighted by the fact Fayetteville is loved for its miles of mountain biking trails. You didn't carry a bike? No problem. Rent one at the Arrowhead Bike Farm and zip along the well-marked Wolf Creek Park Trailhead. Crown it all with a thin-crust pizza at Pies & Pints on the doorstep of the New River Gorge National Park.

Elkins

Elkins is a cute, laid-back town of about 6,700 residents that reclines along the Tygart Valley River just 35 miles southeast of Clarksburg. The landscape here is lush and leafy, with views that many would die for. Elkins is the headquarters for the Monongahela National Forest, home to some of the highest mountain peaks in West Virginia, including the conspicuous Spruce Knob, the state’s highest point. There are several state parks around Elkins, including Audra State Park — and its rhododendron thickets — Blackwater Falls State Park, with its sparkling waterfalls; and Canaan Valley Resort State Park, for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Eat at El Gran Sabor, a family-owned establishment that serves delicious cachapas. Catch a glorious sunrise at Bickle Knob Observation Tower. Alternatively, immerse yourself in interesting railroad history at the West Virginia Railroad Museum. Come in October if possible because you need to have a feel of the Mountain State Forest Festival, the oldest and largest festival in West Virginia.

Weston

One of Weston's landmarks is the free-to-visit Museum of American Glass in West Virginia, a Main Street attraction with a bit of every style of glass from across the United States. Similarly, you can't miss the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, especially because this is the largest hand-cut stone building in the United States. Its VIP tour takes 90 minutes and is a fascinating whirlpool of interesting history, the paranormal, the Civil War, and architecture. The Asylum is an exceptional introduction to the life and work of Thomas Story Kirkbride, an American psychiatrist best known for his influence on hospital designs and his “moral treatment” theory for curing the mentally ill. Taking the cue, the Mountaineer Military Museum has exhibits (some quite emotional) that focus on the years when locals served in the military. You will learn bits about the Vietnam War, the Korean War (and the chilling cold of the early 1950s), and see photos of the young men and women who served. The nearby MannCave Distilling, a family-owned business in the heart of West Virginia’s beautiful countryside, offers tours and tastings to suit every type of patron.

Charles Town

From the famous Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, a famous landmark whose history goes back to the Great Depression Years — to the Abolitionist Ale Works — where one can sit on an outside patio and enjoy tasty brews and views, Charles Town has an array of attractions that will exceed the expectations of first-time visitors. There is the relaxing noise of the Shenandoah River to the east of town — plenty of farms and fields, and the Old Opera House Theatre, a conspicuous red-brick that has been a magical entertainment venue since before the First World War years. Pass by the Jefferson County Museum. You will have an eye-opening glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There is the Charles Washington House as well, a dated property associated with George Washington’s youngest brother.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is less than 15 minutes from downtown Charles Town, meaning one can easily combine the two destinations in a single trip. It may also be a good idea to take Harpers Ferry separately, especially because of its endless list of enticing offerings. Several climactic events took place here, including John Brown's raid on the Harpers Ferry Armory. This was not a blip. Victor Hugo described it as “Washington slaying Spartacus,” of course, in reference to the man who led the largest slave revolt against Rome. You can start with the John Brown Museum, then slip over to the John Brown's Fort, just a step away — where John Brown and many of his followers barricaded themselves during the historic raid. Pass by the True Treats Historic Candy, but if you are out for pizza, head over to the nearby Harper's Ferry Brewing, beautifully perched on a spot that overlooks the Potomac and Harpers Bridge.

Helvetia

Helvetia is a small Swiss village backdropped by the Kumbrabow State Forest to the east, Holly River State Park to the west — and the awe-inspiring mountains of Randolph County. The town was founded by Swiss immigrants a few years after the Civil War and is today famous for maintaining Swiss traditions, including food and festivals. Fasnacht, for example, is a pre-lenten carnival where people eat rich foods and burn an effigy of Old Man Winter. The Buckhannon River flows through the town and lends it an air of rustic charm and allure. Spend some time at the Helvetia Historic Square, a beautiful time capsule and portal to 19th-century Switzerland. There is the Helvetia Museum as well, where you can learn fascinating bits about the history of the area. Looking for a way to crown it all? It has to be at The Hütte Restaurant. It is quaint and adorable and more authentic than some of the food stops in the Swiss Alps.

Wheeling

It is not every day that you chance on a town where a scenic river flows along a beautiful Main Street, and charm pours out from almost every open space. Once an important station on the Underground Railroad and West Virginia's first state capital, Wheeling today features a gorgeous waterfront and a historic downtown filled with arguably the most significant concentration of 19th-century commercial architecture in West Virginia. Start your adventure with some savory crepes at the Later Alligator on Market Street — or Figaretti's Restaurant’s lobster ravioli. This done, head over to the nostalgic Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum for all kinds of toys or the historic Capitol Theatre for a mood-lifting show. Enjoy a photo-op at the suspension bridge — or indulge in the many diversions Oglebay offers, including a large zoo with rare species, a sparkling cascade, and a well-maintained golf course.

Moundsville

Moundsville is 11 miles south of Wheeling. It is also nestled along the scenic Ohio River, one of Big Muddy’s most important tributaries. You will enjoy delicious food and views — along with several other heartwarming attractions. Visit the largest earthen mound in the Western hemisphere — for which the town is named — an ancient burial site built between 250-150 B.C. There is the handsomely restored Strand Theatre, which first opened for business in the Roaring 20s. It is, therefore, an amazing slice of history and is known to ooze Victorian charm and intimacy. Bob's Lunch, located on Third Street, is the go-to place for home-style cooking and decently-priced meals. If you want to get out of town a bit, perhaps to sniff some fresh, playful air, Grand Vue Park Overlook serves spectacular views of the area and the town — and is just a heartbeat away.

Buckhannon

When plotting out towns to visit in West Virginia, it will be difficult to ignore Bukhannon, the home of West Virginia Wesleyan College. The college was founded in 1890 and has since given the town a vibrant, colorful touch — as is often noticeable in many college towns. Every year in May, Buckhannon hosts the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, an event that celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage. Stroll through the beautifully adorned Main Street and sit down to some delicious eggplant stacker at Mama Roma before heading over to the nearby Audra State Park — or West Virginia State Wildlife Center. There's also the chance to float down the Buckhannon River or explore the trails that run parallel to it.

The Takeaway

The world still has daffodils, lily-white clouds, and sparkling waterfalls. In the same vein, not all towns are hollow concrete jungles with no soul and no character. West Virginia is dotted with many beautiful small towns, some with quaint, historic downtowns, others with handsome Victorians and gorgeous waterfronts. Looking for specific recommendations? All the towns here represent the best side of Virginia, whether talking about aesthetics or outdoor appeal