10 Perfect Destinations For A Long Weekend In West Virginia
The fastest way to understand West Virginia is to give it a long weekend. The state does mountains, rivers, and small towns as well as anywhere in the Appalachians, and its geography rewards travel in almost any direction. Shepherdstown, founded in 1762, is the oldest town in the state. Hinton built its identity on a 19th-century railroad junction, and Beckley will take you a quarter mile underground into a former coal mine. Ten towns, ten different angles on the state.
Davis
Tucked into Tucker County in the Allegheny Mountains, Davis sits at about 3,100 feet, making it one of the highest incorporated towns in West Virginia. Davis lies on the Blackwater River, just north of the Canaan Valley. Although the town is small and has no stoplights, there is enough to see and do to fill a weekend.
Blackwater Falls State Park is one of Davis's most popular and scenic landmarks. It features the 57-foot Blackwater Falls, an intriguing waterfall tinted reddish-brown by tannic acid from fallen red spruce and hemlock needles surrounding it. Hikers and bikers will relish the park's 20 miles of trails. Another site near Davis with spectacular scenery is Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which, at around 8,500 acres, is the largest wetland complex in the state. Just eight miles from Davis, the refuge offers 31 miles of hiking trails, 23 miles of biking and horseback riding trails, and 198 species of birds.
When visitors to Davis want to soak up arts and culture and see a different, man-made kind of scenery, they can visit the West Virginia Highlands Artisans Gallery. This gallery showcases the works of local artisans, including photography, jewelry, and pottery. Alpine Lodge offers comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. The Sawmill Restaurant is on the site, offering convenient and delicious dining options.
Berkeley Springs
Often referred to as "America's First Spa," the town of Berkeley Springs in Morgan County is a favorite of weekend travelers, many of whom come for the natural, warm mineral springs that remain at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Sitting between the Cacapon Mountains and Sleepy Creek Mountain, Berkeley Springs has become known for wellness and relaxation and is brimming with spas, outdoor recreation, and shopping.
There are many spas to choose from when visiting Berkeley Springs. One of its most frequented is Berkeley Springs Salt Cave, a Himalayan salt therapy spa open on weekends. For visitors who aren't into the indoor spa scene, Berkeley Springs State Park is home to the town's famous mineral spa, which was once used by George Washington. It is still available to visitors to use today. Others may enjoy fishing and boating in the Cacapon River within the park.
The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of spa treatments, outdoor recreation, or just enjoying what the town has to offer. The inn also features a tavern and restaurant serving food and drink. When visitors have their second wind after a good night's sleep, they may wish to stop by Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, selling antiques and collectibles from more than 30 vendors right in the heart of town.
Beckley
Beckley is the county seat of Raleigh County in the southern part of West Virginia, on top of the Allegheny Plateau. This former coal mining town has been called the "Gateway to Southern West Virginia," and is 55 miles from the state capital of Charleston and 100 miles east of the Kentucky border. Visitors travel to Beckley for its Appalachian history and outdoor recreational opportunities.
To learn more about Beckley's coal mining history, visit Exhibition Coal Mine, where you can ride through a former coal mine in a "man car" that goes deep underground, where it is just 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The Spark by Hilton Beckley is close to the mine and is filled with comfortable rooms for your stay.
For a more active pursuit, the Beckley Rail Trail is a 7.6-mile paved trail that offers visitors a place to walk, run, or cycle. Many plan their visit to Beckley each August for the annual Appalachian Festival, which includes the popular Appalachian Arts & Crafts Fair and coincides with Beckley's Restaurant Week, celebrating Appalachian food in town.
Shepherdstown
In order to get a true taste of West Virginia history, plan a weekend visit to Shepherdstown in Jefferson County, the oldest town in the state, founded in 1762. It is conveniently located just 90 minutes from Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, DC. If travelers are searching for a town with the perfect mixture of natural and historic landmarks, Shepherdstown fits the bill.
The Thomas Shepherd Inn is an ideal choice of accommodation if you want to stay in a historic bed and breakfast. It features six guest rooms with private baths, housed in an inn built in 1868 to honor Thomas Shepherd, an early settler and founder of the town. For more history, visit the Entler Hotel and Museum, which houses the Historic Shepherdstown Museum. The museum houses artifacts, books, and other materials about the notable people who shaped Shepherdstown.
To get some time outdoors while still learning about the town, the James Rumsey Monument and Park in Shepherdstown, overlooking the Potomac River, can't be missed. Its 75-foot-tall monument honors James Rumsey, a pioneer of steamboating. The four-acre park features a small trail, picnic area, and beaches along the river. Shepherdstown is also a college town, home to Shepherd University. Cultural events take place here throughout the year, including concerts by the School of Music and lectures at various halls across campus.
Seneca Rocks
The town of Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County is named for the famous Seneca Rocks, a 900-foot quartzite formation. Situated above the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to see, and possibly climb, these unique rocks. The rocks are located within the Monongahela National Forest, which offers climbing opportunities, as well as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Visitors can also take a self-guided 1.3-mile trail at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center to learn about the area's history and geology. Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet, is about a 30-mile drive south through the Monongahela National Forest and is worth the side trip for the observation tower and the summit views.
Want to experience an authentic stay in Seneca Rocks? Book a room at the County Line Guest House Bed and Breakfast. It is located on a working farm where guests can fix their own breakfast. Renters can book one room or the entire house, which has four bedrooms and sleeps eight. When the desire to shop, or just browse, hits, check out Harper's Old Country Store, circa 1902. This general store is also home to a full-service restaurant.
Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry sits where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, wedged between Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is arguably the most dramatic setting of any small town in the state, and it is the clearest weekend pick on the list for anyone interested in both history and the outdoors. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park covers the lower town, a largely preserved 19th-century streetscape that tells the story of the federal armory, John Brown's 1859 raid, and the town's repeated changes of hands during the Civil War.
John Brown's Fort, the small armory firehouse where Brown and his raiders made their last stand, still stands at the edge of the lower town. Storer College, founded in 1867 as one of the first integrated schools in the country, is now an NPS-run training center with exhibits on its legacy. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Potomac here on a footbridge beside the rail bridge, and Maryland Heights, directly across the river, has trails to one of the most photographed overlooks on the trail. For food and lodging, the Town's Inn and the Bolivar Bread are longstanding local picks, and the Hilltop House Hotel is being restored after a long closure.
Hinton
The Southern West Virginia town of Hinton in Summers County is a former railroad town on the New River. Founded in 1871, Hinton is just 90 miles from Charleston. It is full of natural beauty and things to do outdoors, as well as indoors.
Bluestone State Park in Hinton contains Bluestone Lake, the third-largest lake in the state. Boating, fishing, and hiking are popular activities here. It is also home to four campgrounds, if you are looking to stay in the outdoors. If you prefer indoor accommodations, check out the Guest House Inn. This bed and breakfast in downtown Hinton offers nine rooms and suites for couples, families, and anyone who wants to unwind and enjoy a bit of luxury.
History buffs should visit the Campbell-Flannagan Murrell House Museum, built around 1875 and the oldest standing residential structure in Hinton. The Hinton Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the local history of the town and its early days as a stop along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway.
Parkersburg
Another West Virginia town that attracts both history enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts, Parkersburg lies where the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers meet in Wood County, 27 miles from the Ohio border. Its importance to the oil and gas industry can be examined at the Oil & Gas Museum, within the W.H. Smith Hardware Store in downtown Parkersburg.
There is plenty to explore in the outdoors in Parkersburg, too. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is a one-of-a-kind recreational experience located on a small island in the Ohio River. Bike rentals and hiking trails are available in the park. Visitors to the island can learn more about Parkersburg's history in the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History.
Visitors who want to stay in downtown Parkersburg may choose the Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa. In addition to luxurious accommodations, spa treatments and fine dining is also available on-site.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg sits at the crossroads of the Midland Trail (also known as US Route 60) and US Route 219 in southeastern West Virginia. This historic town, the Greenbrier County seat, was founded in 1782 and is the site of the 1862 Civil War Battle of Lewisburg. Visitors to Lewisburg will discover beautiful scenery, history, entertainment, and a variety of dining experiences.
The Lewisburg National Register Historic District/Greenbrier County Visitor Center sits on the site of that Civil War battle. Visitors can also explore a Confederate cemetery in town, a library used as a hospital that still displays Confederate graffiti on its walls, and a monument to those who died in the battle. The General Lewis Inn is a historic boutique hotel perfect for history buffs, with 23 rooms housed in a building from 1834.
Those looking for something more lighthearted should stop by Lewisburg's Carnegie Hall, which hosts performances, special events, and art galleries throughout the year. Chocolate lovers will want to return to Lewisburg each April for its famous Chocolate Festival, featuring entertainment, chocolate demonstrations, a fun walk, and more.
Capon Bridge
The eastern Hampshire County hamlet of Capon Bridge may appear small upon first glance, but this quaint town on the Cacapon River offers visitors many ways to enjoy a long weekend. One of the highlights of a trip to Capon Bridge is watching the sun rise over the Cacapon River. Just west of Bear Garden Mountain and about 20 miles west of Winchester, Virginia, Capon Bridge is a treasure that should not be overlooked.
Basswood, overlooking the Cacapon River, is an inn with five spacious rooms available for rent, each with its own character. It is the perfect place to stay right in Capon Bridge. Across the street from the inn is the Farmer's Daughter Market & Butcher. Customers drive from all over to visit this family-owned market specializing in locally raised meats, produce, and scrumptious sandwiches.
The Cacapon River, known as one of the cleanest rivers on the East Coast, is ideal for tubing, kayaking, fishing, and viewing the many wildlife that live in the area. A visit to Capon Bridge would not be complete without driving across, and possibly photographing, the historic Capon Bridge, built in 1933 and 180 feet long. This iconic green steel bridge that goes over the Cacapon River has become a symbol of the idyllic town.
Wild Weekends In West Virginia
From eastern hamlets like Capon Bridge to southern gems like Beckley, with its coal mining roots, and Hinton, with its railroad history, West Virginia covers a lot of ground from one border to another. Head east to Harpers Ferry at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah, or west to the Ohio River and Parkersburg. Whichever of these 10 towns you choose, you won't go wrong planning a weekend getaway.
