These Towns In West Virginia Come Alive In Spring
The wild and wonderful state of West Virginia comes to life in the spring, as the winter chill fades from the Appalachian Mountains and vibrant colors dot the landscape. Throughout the Mountain State are several towns that burst to life in spring. From the stunning beauty of Harpers Ferry, where redbuds bring the mountains to life, to the historical streets of Shepherdstown, each town in West Virginia provides a unique springtime adventure. Whether enjoying the ArtSpring festival in Davis or the serene Summersville Lake in Summersville, these West Virginia towns offer the perfect spring escape.
Davis
The small town of Davis blends natural beauty with its vibrant arts community in the spring. Although the town only has a population of 660 people, the town comes alive in the spring during the annual ArtSpring Festival in May. Art lovers can explore works by local artists, food vendors, live music, and local art galleries, such as the West Virginia Highlands Artisans Group. Visitors can walk from the art gallery to the serene Davis Riverfront Park along the Blackwater River. The riverfront offers stunning views of the river and charming town along the Davis Riverwalk.
Davis is also known for its incredible outdoor adventures, enhanced by the vibrant colors of spring. The town is a gateway to Blackwater Falls State Park, with incredible views of the majestic Blackwater Falls and 20 miles of scenic hiking trails. The spring season also offers 18 miles of hiking trails to explore at Canaan Valley Resort State Park within the Monongahela National Forest.
Summersville
Even though the town’s name may suggest a summer visit, spring is an ideal time for history buffs and nature enthusiasts to explore the picturesque town of Summersville. Nestled near the shores of Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia, the town boasts incredible boating and fishing opportunities in the spring. In the spring, Summersville Lake State Park comes alive with its rugged hiking and biking trails, as well as rock climbing opportunities for outdoor adventurers. More thrilling outdoor adventures await at the nearby Gauley River, offering exhilarating whitewater rafting with its Class V+ rapids.
The wild and wonderful town of Summersville is also a great place for history buffs to visit in the spring. The town is home to Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, where the pivotal Battle of Carnifex Ferry of 1861 occurred during the Civil War, leading to Confederate withdrawal from western Virginia. Throughout the season, visitors can view the park’s Civil War reenactments and the historic Henry Patterson House Museum. Built in the 1850s, the House Museum showcases Civil War relics and life in the 19th century. After spending time exploring the town’s history and outdoor attractions, enjoy scenic mountain views while unwinding with West Virginia wines at Kirkwood Winery.
Harpers Ferry
The historic town of Harpers Ferry comes alive in the spring with blooming wildflowers along the Appalachian Trail and flourishing landscapes on the banks of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. With its scenic natural backdrop, the town boasts historical architecture that dates back to the 1700s along the town’s High Street, appropriately named for its incline. Visitors can explore local shops in the town’s historic area, including artisanal items at Vintage Lady, and enjoy a delicious bite to eat or craft beer at the Rabbit Hole. When the weather is warm, enjoy the outdoor patio with views of the Appalachian Mountains, confluence of the rivers, and the historic Harpers Ferry train station.
Situated at the bottom of High Street is Lower Town, featuring Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The National Park was the site of abolitionist John Brown’s infamous raid in 1859, when Brown and his men fought against slavery, a precursor to the Civil War. Today, visitors can view the building where the raid occurred, known as John Brown’s Fort. There is more history in the National Park to explore at Harpers Ferry Historical Museum, John Brown Museum, and Civil War Museum. Beyond its history, the National Park also boasts outdoor adventures, such as 20 miles of hiking trails and exciting rock climbing on the cliffs in Harpers Ferry. Just be sure to refrain from climbing the Maryland Heights cliffs since the spring is nesting season for peregrine falcons!
Wheeling
Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, the wild and wonderful town of Wheeling blends history, natural beauty, and exciting cultural events in the spring. The birthplace of West Virginia’s statehood, history enthusiasts can tour Independence Hall to learn more about the state’s history in the historic downtown district. The area is also home to Centre Market, a market that dates back to 1853, where visitors can explore local shops and galleries, such as Artworks Around Town.
Outdoor enthusiasts can spring into action at Wheeling Park, located outside of downtown in the Oglebay Institute. Beginning in May, the park hosts FunFest Fridays, featuring face painting, inflatables, a beer garden, and live music on Friday nights. The Oglebay Institute is also home to the Glass Museum where 4,000 local glassworks are on display, showcasing the town’s glassmaking history. Another spot to visit at the Institute is the Oglebay Mansion Museum, featuring period pieces from the area that date back to the town’s earliest settlement. The mansion was built in the 1840s, offering a spectacular view of history in the spring.
Parkersburg
For those wanting to experience history, scenic nature, and thrilling cultural events, Parkersburg is the perfect town in West Virginia to visit in the spring. The town comes to life during the annual Taste of Parkersburg in May. Featuring a variety of food and drinks, the annual event is held in historic downtown Parkersburg. Nearby, visitors can stroll along the streets of the state’s largest and oldest historic district, the Julia-Ann Square Historic District. The area features a self-guided walking tour of several of the 126 buildings that were built from 1850 to 1910. More history can be discovered downtown at the Oil and Gas Museum, showcasing Parkersburg’s industrial past.
After exploring through the charming downtown, enjoy the scenic view of the confluence of the Ohio River and the Little Kanawha River in Point Park. The park also offers sternwheel boat rides to Blennerhassett Island. The island offers a unique historical view at the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, where the intrigue of the Aaron Burr conspiracy comes to life. Visitors can discover how Burr used the large estate on the island as his headquarters, while touring the island aboard a covered wagon, viewing the reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion, and exploring history at the Blennerhassett Museum. If you want to tour the island during springtime, visit during the month of May since the island is only open to tourists from May through October.
Shepherdstown
As one of the oldest towns in West Virginia, Shepherdstown is in full bloom during the spring. The town comes to life with redbuds and wildflowers in bloom on the banks of the Potomac River. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike along the scenic C&O Canal or participate in water activities, such as kayaking and tubing, in the river. Nature lovers enjoy exploring the 20 acres of meadows and shade trees at Morgan’s Grove Park. The park is also a hub for springtime events, including the Shepherdstown Earth Day Celebration in April.
Beyond the town’s natural beauty, Shepherdstown offers rich history to explore. The Historic Shepherdstown Museum, located in the Entler Hotel built in 1785, is a must-see for history buffs. The museum features Civil War memorabilia and other local items from the 1800s. Shepherdstown was also the site of the first successful steamboat demonstration in 1787 by James Rumsey. Visitors can tour the James Rumsey Boathouse Museum beginning in April each year, then take a stroll along the Washington Heritage Trail to view the Rumsey Monument near the Potomac River.
Fayetteville
Spring in Fayetteville offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventures and historical charm with fewer crowds than summer months. Steeped in Civil War history, Fayetteville's courthouse square was the site of significant events, including the first indirect fire used in the war. History buffs can also stroll through the Fayetteville Historic District to view 75 historic buildings, including the Historic Fayette Theater. Throughout the spring, theater enthusiasts can enjoy various musical and theatrical performances in the historic theater built in 1933.
Although the town offers much history to explore, Fayetteville is also a gateway to the New River Gorge National Park. While the park is a popular summer destination, the smaller springtime crowds allow visitors to enjoy the serenity of nature with redbuds and dogwood trees in bloom in the Appalachian Mountains. Outdoor adventurers can explore waterfalls in the park, take on the rapids while whitewater rafting on the ancient New River, and hike along scenic trails in the park. For even more stunning views, enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the tallest bridges in the country at 3,030 feet. In the springtime, the park hosts the annual Spring Nature Fling from mid-March through May, with hikes and events that celebrate the beautiful blooming wildflowers.
West Virginia’s Springtime Gems
These West Virginia towns come alive in spring when the wildflowers bloom, cultural events occur, and history springs into action. For those wanting to explore the rich history of the state by wandering the streets of Wheeling, Parkersburg, or Harpers Ferry, these towns do not disappoint. Whether enjoying the artistic community in Davis, the natural beauty of Fayetteville, or the architectural delights in Shepherdstown, these wild and wonderful towns offer a memorable springtime adventure.
