10 Prettiest Downtown Strips In West Virginia
These small towns in West Virginia have history and beauty as an integral part of their downtowns, as seen in the brick-paved Main Street of Bramwell and the cobblestone High Street of Harpers Ferry. For more history, the Hinton Railroad Museum celebrates the region's rail history. The Historic Fayette Theater brings arts and entertainment to Fayetteville. Whatever activity you're after here, you'll leave one of these towns having seen one of the prettiest downtowns in the state. Strawberry parades and bridge jumping into gorges are part of the experience.
Lewisburg
This is one of the coolest towns ever, and that's not a stretch. It was literally voted "Coolest Small Town in America" by Budget Travel in 2011, with a rich heritage still being beautifully preserved for over a century. The antebellum mansions, brick storefronts, and Victorian commercial buildings have created a welcoming environment for over 240 years along Washington Street, making it the third-oldest town in West Virginia.
One of the most talked-about sites in this town is Carnegie Hall on Church Street, where concerts and workshops are frequently hosted. There's also the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, which has been professionally running since the 1960s, and has year-round productions and educational programs for the youth.
There's a reason why Lewisburg is a three-time 'USA Today 10Best Small Town Food Scene' winner, with its various mouthwatering food options. Corn + Flour Bakery is a fan-favorite, serving up New York-style bagels and freshly-baked pastries for breakfast lovers, and handcrafted sandwiches for lunch-goers. For a cozy place to stay, visit the Historic General Lewis Inn. Featured in Vogue as a "haven for the in-the-know locals and visitors alike", this exclusive hotel presents over 20 high-end rooms blending history and luxury.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia, established in 1762, with tons of history woven into the soil of its Civil War landscape. It's very much a small college town with only about 1,800 people, as the famous Shepherd University sits a few blocks from the main strip, German Street. The town actually uses this campus to host their Contemporary American Theater Festival, a unique theatre festival producing new plays every year. It's a tight-knit relationship that defines Shepherdstown today.
The bar is set pretty high with their food options, especially with a place like Bistro 112 right on the main strip. Their blackened salmon and house pastrami have gained the hearts of everyone who stopped by. Look no further than the Bavarian Inn for a luxurious stay, as they present 72 rooms with gas fireplaces and whirlpool baths, and breathtaking views of the Potomac River.
To really delve into the historic side of Shepherdstown, you can visit the Historic Shepherdstown Museum in the Entler Hotel on the corner of Princess and East German Street. There are dining rooms decorated in 1847 fashion and sections with ancient artifacts for those who live and breathe the past.
Berkeley Springs
Mineral springs of around 74 degrees flow through Berkeley Springs State Park, as this small town wraps around it with Roman-style bathhouses and cobblestone side streets all along the main strip, Washington Street. The small yet welcoming population of about 800 people creates a wholesome, intimate vibe, perfect for a mind reset.
A great way to start your visit is to fully immerse yourself in ancient charm by visiting Berkeley Springs Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking downtown. Step into medieval times, as the dungeon leads you down a secret pathway, and the extravagant ballrooms reveal two fireplaces and a grandiose staircase inside. For those who love art, The Ice House Artists' Co-Op displays work from local and regional artists, with various items showcased such as paintings, jewelry, clay sculptures, and more. Music lovers will feel like they've hit the jackpot at BlackCat Music Shop, with their impressive guitar collection and music lessons available for all sorts of instruments.
Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Berkeley Springs, because the community hosts the Apple Butter Festival, a beloved event with fun activities like hog calling and beard contests, raffles, and baking competitions, as the smell of warm apple butter fills the air. Visit The Country Inn for serene sleep, with over 60 modernized rooms to choose from and exclusive getaway packages such as their "Romantic Getaway" or "Girlfriend's Escape".
Fayetteville
If you're an outdoors person, Fayetteville will have you singing "Where Have You Been" by Rihanna the moment you land. Here, you'll find the deepest river gorge in the East, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, and despite its name, it's actually one of the oldest rivers in West Virginia. It's located just a few minutes away from Court Street, which is the main strip of the downtown area. As you stroll your way through the scene, you'll see the "Fayetteville. Coolest Small Town" sign and realize this really is one of West Virginia's best-kept secrets.
When it comes to entertainment, they set the bar high. Right on Court Street is the Historic Fayette Theater, which not only hosts amazing productions, but also hosts the Annual Fundraising Gala, which serves as a way to support the theatre. For those who want to get active, the Fayetteville Town Park has a basketball court, walking trail, two playgrounds, and much more, just half a mile from downtown.
You're going to want to be here in October, so you can experience the famous Bridge Day, West Virginia's biggest single-day festival. It's hosted on the New River Gorge Bridge, attracting thousands of people to witness the BASE jumpers take leaps of faith from 876 feet up into the gorge. There are plenty of places to choose from to cozy up at, but almost everyone visits the Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals, with four different flat-style layouts to choose from.
Buckhannon
In Buckhannon, you'll feel like you're on the set of a production when you hit the downtown strip of Main Street, with brick storefronts and everything within walking distance. Flavorful pastas and sandwiches are served on this strip at C.J. Maggie's American Grill when your stomach starts yearning for a savory meal. Windows are festival-dressed, since decorations from community events tend to stay up year-round.
Speaking of festivals, if you've never heard of the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, today is your lucky day because it needs to be mentioned here. This is when the entire town comes together to park their cars and flood the main strip for an evening of amusement with Ferris wheels, live musical entertainment, carnival games, and multiple parades. They even have strawberry-themed refreshments such as strawberry lemonade, strawberry pancakes, and strawberry shortcake with homemade ice cream.
People who have an affinity for the arts find deep appreciation for the Colonial Arts Center, located on the main strip. The objective for this establishment is to present creative and educational opportunities for all types of artists, with services like songwriting workshops and guitar lessons. You can also explore Jawbone Park for a nice picnic and view of the flower gardens, where they also host their Festival Fridays.
Hinton
Hinton's landscape is organically positioned at the confluence of three rivers: the New River, the Greenbrier River, and the Bluestone River. The town itself was built around the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, which is still high in activity as trains frequently run through downtown, echoing whistles that you can hear from the main strip, Temple Street. If you find an interest in learning all about this railroad, it might be worth a visit to the Hinton Railroad Museum found within the downtown Historic District, where it houses a showcase of antiques from the C&O Railway and tools used during the time of the famous John Henry.
On the topic of the Historic District, you can also spot the Summers County Courthouse here, downtown's Romanesque architecture centerpiece. Also on this strip is the Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House Museum, the longest-standing residence in the town, with preservationists perpetuating history by upholding the home. The intention is to portray the lives of families during the C&O Railroad days. Speaking of railroad days, the town hosts a yearly event literally called "Hinton Railroad Days" running all throughout the main strip, Ballengee Street, and Summers Street.
You'll want a place to stay that's close to all of these cool places and activities, so look into The Guest House Inn in the Historic District, located near all the shops and museums, so you can leave the car parked. You'll experience a lofty, commodious stay, as they cherish the convenience of space for their guests and modern amenities to ensure you feel cared for.
Harpers Ferry
It's safe to say this town had a pivotal role in the trajectory of American history. It's where "John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry" took place, a plan designed by John Brown to provide enslaved people a gateway to freedom with weaponry, but it backfired and resulted in his execution. This tragic incident sparked rage, leading to the Civil War, which in turn largely destroyed much of the town, but has been preserved to the utmost and reoriented around tourism, as seasoned brick storefronts and cobblestone walkways make up the main strip, High Street.
Wrapping around the Lower Town district is the popular Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where you can hike along scenic trails of over 20 miles, engage in park programs for stories about the site's history, and traverse the raid against slavery led by John Brown. You can delve even further into this iconic portion of history at John Brown's Fort, where John Brown and his partisans were captured.
For a standout dining experience, mosey down the enticing entrance of The Rabbit Hole Gastro Pub on High Street to indulge in their array of countless great meals. For afternoon dining, Alstadts Ale House is an exceptional alternative, crafting 1/4 lb burgers and chicken Caesar wraps that thoroughly satisfy the taste buds. Candy connoisseurs make their way down High Street to take delight in the timeline-themed delicacies arranged at True Treats Candy.
Davis
At a whopping 3,520-foot elevation, Davis is the highest incorporated town in West Virginia with a tiny population of around 700 residents. It's one of those places where time subsides, with the cold mountain air lightly breezing and stars in plain sight at nightfall. Nature lovers enjoy this outdoor-focused town, as mountain bikers and skiers ride and glide all throughout it.
The main strip of downtown, William Avenue, has some premier options to choose from on the dining front, one of them being Sirianni's Pizza Cafe, built in a former steamship office from over a century ago. Another fan-favorite is Hellbender Burritos, dishing out trademark burritos with chicken, shrimp, and fried tofu.
You won't have a moment of boredom in this town with all the invigorating activities it offers. If you stop by Blackwater Bikes right on the main strip, you'll get the option of buying or renting a bike to cruise around the site on, or even crash for the night at their very own Blackwater Bed and Bike. For even more outdoor fun, Blackwater Falls State Park is great for those who love camping with friends and family, disc golf, hunting, and the like. If you're into sledding, you won't want to miss out on the Blackwater Falls Sled Run.
Elkins
Elkins is another small-town-college-energy settlement on this list, with Davis & Elkins College sitting right on the hill near downtown. Victorian-era brick buildings, murals, and modern art make up the main street of Davis Avenue, creating the ultimate history-themed environment. It's actually on this strip that the town hosts its annual Mountain State Forest Festival, highlighting the significance of the landscape's natural resources to an average of 75,000 people, while still keeping the fun with parades, bowling, arts and crafts, and pet shows.
You will feel instantly welcomed when you arrive here, and that goes without saying. Seriously, the Elkins Depot Welcome Center is literally just downtown on Railroad Avenue, where you're provided with all the town-based travel information you need, such as dining, lodging, music venues, and more, to guarantee a seamless trip. Families enjoy rides on the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, where they offer train rides for all ages to various locations.
Those who fancy the arts make their way downtown to the Old Brick Playhouse for their local productions, and kids sign up for the programs, where they can really learn their craft. Folks also frequently drop by The Arts Center downtown for classes in other forms of art like pottery, painting, and dance. To eat and sleep without getting in the car, head over to the Graceland Inn and Restaurant, meeting both of your needs with premier, high-quality food and luxury rooms.
Bramwell
This town screams wealth, and it's absolutely no secret at all. Considered to be the "Town of Millionaires", Bramwell had the highest number of millionaires per capita in the United States during the early 1900s, and the wealth is still ingrained into the town's walls and brick-paved streets, with grand Victorian and Tudor Revival houses sitting in plain sight on the common strip, Main Street. This little town, set deep in the mountains of a bend in the Bluestone River, has an impressive national impact for its size and population of about 280.
Wander the wealth of the town by visiting some of the elegant Victorian mansions, like the beautiful residence on Main, the Goodwill House, which is at the perfect spot to overlook the Bluestone River. Witness tons of beautiful homes like these become draped in Christmas spirit during the annual Bramwell Christmas Tour of Homes.
Pretty Downtowns of West Virginia
These 10 West Virginia downtowns are the embodiment of history and character, blending the past and present world together to bestow an atmosphere that no other city can re-engineer. The community events, countless learning opportunities for the youth, and tragedies turned into historic staples in time reveal a never-ending, distinct character and beauty for generations to come. Block off your schedule and make time for yourself to come down to one of these places for the mind reset of a lifetime. You might need more than a carry-on, because there's a chance you'll end up wanting to stay longer than you think.
