Crowd-free is a way of life in the mountain towns of West Virginia, and mountain towns here will never leave you hanging. Here, you will experience world-class outdoor adventure, family-owned shops and restaurants, engaging history and much more.
This spring, find a mountain town that speaks to you and make lifelong memories along the way.
1. Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant has long been an important transportation hub, situated at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers. Explore the town’s rich history at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, where you’ll find an 84-foot granite monument commemorating the frontiersmen who fought and died in the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant. If you’re into cryptids and urban legends, head to the famous Mothman Museum, the world’s only museum of its kind. Here, you’ll learn about the historic sightings of The Mothman and see the most extensive collection of props and memorabilia from the movie “The Mothman Prophecies.” Head to Village Pizza Inn and split a pie with your friends, or treat yourself to generous and flavorful portions at Rio Bravo 2.
2. Fairmont
Fairmont is a small Mountaineer Country town with a big personality. Start your day off put-putting your way through West Virginia’s rich coal mining history at Coal Country Miniature Golf, where obstacles are made from vintage mining equipment. To bond with nature, go to Valley Falls State Park and check Valley Falls off your list on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. Did you know that Fairmont is the birthplace of West Virginia’s famous food, the pepperoni roll? Make a pitstop at Country Club Bakery and try one for yourself.
After fueling up, find a souvenir to take with you from the Arts & Antiques Marketplace, featuring more than 80 vendors selling antiques, consignment furniture and other vintage items. For dinner, try authentic Italian cuisine at Muriale’s Italian Restaurant & Catering, featuring dishes made from recipes passed down from generation to generation.
3. Fayetteville
Fayetteville is on the rim of one of the nation’s newest national parks, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Explore over 70,000 acres with numerous scenic overlooks and recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing. Take the catwalk of a lifetime across the 876-foot New River Gorge Bridge with Bridge Walk. For a late lunch or breakfast, head to Cathedral Café, where old-style cathedral architecture meets modern flavor and charm.
Shop until you drop while you’re in this humble small town. The Hobbit Hole sells vintage knick-knacks and furniture, and the collection has many surprises you won’t find anywhere else. If you forgot some outdoor rock-climbing gear before heading here, Water Stone Outdoors has you covered. Try some trendy, gourmet pizza at Pies and Pints or a hefty chicken sandwich at Secret Sandwich Society for dinner. Easily extend your Fayetteville stay in a secluded cabin at Babcock State Park or a cozy room at the Hawks Nest State Park Lodge.
4. Huntington
Huntington sits along the Ohio River in Cabell County, and it’s a hotspot for culture, nightlife and everything in between. Stop by Pullman Square, a lifestyle center in the downtown area with local gems like the Quicksilver Arcade Bar, Keith-Albee Theatre and several others. Visit The Loud for live music or shop for one-of-a-kind, West Virginia-made hand-blown West Virginia made glassware at Blenko Glass Company in nearby Milton. For a relaxing day outside, explore Ritter Park, which features a walking trail, rose garden, award-winning playground, dog park and tennis courts. For dinner, grab a juicy burger at The Peddler and turn back the clock at Griffith and Feil Soda Fountain for dessert.
Beech Fork State Park, just 15 miles outside Huntington, offers comfortable accommodations in their vacation cabins and campsites.
5. Lewisburg
A melting pot of rich history, local charm and buzzing restaurants, Lewisburg has something for everyone. Head downtown and explore dozens of boutique shops, antique stores and art galleries. Looking for premium footwear, handbags, hats and all things fashion? Yarid’s has a wide selection of everything you could want.
Want to escape reality for a while? The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad line with uninterrupted hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities. The trail cuts through some of the state’s most remote areas. For dinner, try classic French dishes with a modern twist at the French Goat or the casual flavors found at The Asylum.
Stick around for a while and reserve a stay at the Historic General Lewis Inn. This luxury inn offers opulent suites and picturesque views in a historic yet modern package.
6. Moundsville
The Northern Panhandle stands out just as much in person as it does on the state map, and Moundsville reveals some of its most remarkable features. The West Virginia State Penitentiary will give you chills if you’re into spooky destinations. Erected in 1876, this grim fortress has all the characteristics of a Gothic-style cathedral. You can tour the building and even spend the night inside! Grab a sandwich or a slice of pie at Bob’s Lunch for a quick mid-day bite.
For recreational fun, Grand Vue Park is like a playground for avid adventurers. Take a 2.5 to 3-hour canopy tour with eight dual zip lines and multiple suspension bridges. Grand Vue Park also offers traditional and luxury cabin rentals to extend your stay.
7. Wardensville
Filled with local markets, farms, music and Appalachian cuisine, Wardensville has a lot tucked between the mountains of the Potomac Highlands. Lost River State Park in nearby Mathias boasts abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Hike to the breathtaking Cranny Crow Overlook and see an unmatched view from 3,200 feet. Find a souvenir to take with you from Lost River Trading Post, where you can shop for everything from craft beer to kayaks. For dinner, try American cuisine with seasonal, farm-picked and organic ingredients, which are integral to each dish at Mack’s Bingo Kitchen. You can find comfortable accommodations at Capon Springs and Farms and cozy lodging at Lost River State Park.
8. Wheeling
Wheeling is famous for being a steel town; you’ll see traces of that throughout this buzzing town. Visit Oglebay Park Resort to tee off at one of two professionally designed golf courses. Also, test your swing at the par three course, which is perfect for beginner and experienced golfers alike. The Wheeling Heritage Trail offers 13.5 miles of former railroad beds that loop throughout the city to provide an urban escape. Take an iconic picture on the Almost Heaven Swing at Wheeling Heritage Port and share it using #AlmostHeaven. For dinner, try trendy Appalachian-inspired dishes at Vagabond Kitchen or some of the best burgers around at Avenue Eats.
Visiting at the very beginning of spring? Head to WesBanco Arena and cheer on the Wheeling Nailers, West Virginia’s only professional minor league ice hockey team and East Coast Hockey League affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
There are several other charming mountain towns waiting for you to visit. Request our FREE West Virginia Vacation Guide for inspiration on your next visit!
Out in the Town in #AlmostHeaven
The post These 8 West Virginia Mountain Towns are Calling Your Name this Spring appeared first on Almost Heaven – West Virginia.
This article: These 8 West Virginia Mountain Towns are Calling Your Name this Spring has been curated from our friends at Visit West Virginia and the original in it's entirety can be found here: https://wvtourism.com/these-8-west-virginia-mountain-towns-are-calling-your-name-this-spring/
