12 Of The Most Welcoming Towns In West Virginia

Just as life itself changes, so do your likes and dislikes. Sometimes you travel to see tourist sites, while other times you travel to learn about the cultures. But have you ever traveled to a place because you heard it was welcoming? Here are 12 of the most welcoming towns in West Virginia to check out next time around.

Even though these towns might have nice tourist attractions, each has community events, fairs, or activities that welcome tourists while also contributing to the small-town, friendly feel. From riverfront festivals in friendly Hinton to artsy community celebrations in Lewisburg, these welcoming towns give you more than just a photo op; they give you a place to belong.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a cute town that inspires. The leaves change color every fall, making way for literary artists, poetry, and that cozy feeling we get when drinking a cup of hot chocolate by the fire. Therefore, it's no surprise that Lewisburg has a fantastic Literary Festival that brings in authors and readers who love them.

The literary community is a tight-knit group that shares a love of reading, writing, and the incredible artistic creations and fantastical worlds that words bring to life. And the city is big enough to have a downtown where you can run into some of your favorite reading friends as you dine or wine the night away after the festival. If you're looking for community at a welcoming event, the Literary Festival is open to everyone. If reading isn't your thing, don't worry, there is a different community event every month. Events range from Girls Night Out to Restaurant Week, to Christmas festivals, and even a Lewisburg Winter Music Festival.

Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown is small. But don't let that fool you. It makes up for it with its many restaurants, shopping, history, and boutique shops. Even though you can enjoy many things, what makes Shepherdstown welcoming are its community events. Events like the Freedom’s Run, which happens in October. Runners can run a 5K or 10K and make it all the way to Maryland and back again. If you've ever played a school sport, you may recall the sense of community and family that comes from team training and participating in an intense activity like this.

Shepherdstown is home to the annual Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), which attracts theater lovers from across the state and the country. As a relatively new theater, the CATF has surprised many audiences with its renowned plays that eventually make their way to Broadway, Off-Broadway, and even the silver screen. It's an event with a community feel you won't want to miss. Even if you miss out on the events, local eateries like Blue Moon Cafe are always full of life.

Harpers Ferry

There's a reason over 300,000 visitors visit this small town of 300 people. Harpers Ferry is a majestic town inside a National Historic Park that kind of resembles a storybook. And even though the Historic Park is one way this cute town attracts visitors, it also hosts many community events that are more welcoming than, say, hikes within said park. Riverpalooza is a river experience for families and river aficionados. The event aims to inspire appreciation for the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, providing recreational activities, wildlife habitats, historical insights, and drinking water for millions. Tourists travel here to enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, birdwatching, and river floating. It is a community event that happens yearly and is loved by nature and river lovers.

Another unique and welcoming event is the Highland Games of Harpers Ferry. This event is a music festival that aims to celebrate Celtic culture in the area by immersing you in its music and culture. And while they want to celebrate Celtic culture, they also want to foster a sense of community and embrace all cultures and everyone who participates in this event. Moreover, as night falls, Quality Inn is an affordable hotel perfect for staying a few days.

Berkeley Springs

Berkeley Springs has a plethora of community events that welcome tourists and repeat visitors. There is a community event almost every month, and there's something for everyone. For example, a very wholesome and free community event is the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting. It's a seminar featuring expert tasters who sample different bottled waters from around the country. It has generated lots of buzz through articles and radio broadcasts. Anyone is welcome to attend.

If water tasting is not your thing, gather at the yearly Apple Butter Festival for a party, tastings, and an educational treat as you learn how Apple Butter is traditionally made. This festival has plenty of shopping, food, and live performances. It's a great event for the entire family. Other welcoming community events include the George Washington Bathtub Celebration and the Festival of Light. Even if you miss out on the events, Ravenwood Pub is a great spot to meet the locals over some drinks.

Elkins

Elkins describes itself as "unexpectedly cool." Elkins is a town that is the quintessential spirit of West Virginia. Not only is it friendly, but their restaurant owners are welcoming, and their community events are unique. Every year, Elkins hosts the Mountain State Forest Festival to promote the development and conservation of their culture and natural resources. It also provides festivities for tourists, families, and friends. Those interested can also head over to the nearby areas such as Timberline Mountain and the Stuart Recreation Area. Another unique community event is their yearly Scarecrow Festival. This fun competition invites locals (and out-of-towners) to create unique scarecrows for the festivities and events to come. It's all very cozy and homey.

Davis

Davis, West Virginia, is a small town in Tucker County, known as the state's highest incorporated town, situated at an elevation of 3,520 feet. Located along the Blackwater River near Canaan Valley, it is the highest large valley east of the Mississippi. However, Davis has several events throughout the year that bring the community together and welcome all.

Now Davis has many events, ranging from Fiddle Contests to fishing and hunting to mountain biking, that tourists love to participate in. That's because the town of Davis is near Blackwater Falls State Park, which attracts many nature lovers.

Morgantown

Morgantown is a gorgeous city in West Virginia that doubles as a university town. As such, they are rooted in university culture with a strong love for the Mountaineers, the university football team. If you're a sports lover, Morgantown takes pride in its tailgate parties during football season. It brings the community together, whether you are a local or a tourist from out of town.

To feel that warm small-town spirit first-hand, stroll along the Wharf District next to the Monongahela River, where the riverfront walking trail and locally owned cafés give visitors an easy place to mingle with students and residents. For those seeking a meaningful cultural experience, the Art Museum of WVU is a welcoming space featuring regional works and community art programs that reflect the city’s creative side.

Wheeling

Wheeling is a historic riverfront city known for Oglebay Park events, local fairs, festivals, and downtown celebrations. Oglebay Park is a 2,000-acre park filled with natural beauty, picture-worthy spots, events, and even resorts for your family and friends. During the summer, they have many weekend events. However, it is known for its Festival of Lights, which brings families from all over the state. The Festival of Lights is a twinkling drive-through experience that showcases incredible installations, making the Grinch smile during the holiday season.

The town of Wheeling gets together a lot, and all of this togetherness creates a friendly atmosphere you have to see to believe. Their events include a Celtic festival known as the Shamrock Showdown in the Winter (apart from the Festival of Lights), a Spring Craft Show in the Spring where arts and craft lovers unite to buy their supplies, and so much more.

Parkersburg

Parkersburg, West Virginia, is proud to be a friendly and welcoming town. It keeps its town friendly by providing excellent services for the townspeople. It's a place that actively works at creating a friendly environment for anyone who visits.

If you want to spend some time with the locals, you can find a festival that attracts many residents and tourists alike. Festivals like the Parkersburg Homecoming. This homecoming is not like a High School homecoming. It includes a parade, fireworks, live music, a Rubber Ducky Derby drawing, an arm wrestling championship, and other activities you'll love. This unique festival not only brings smiles to your face but also provides the perfect opportunity to make friends. Beyond the festival, the bustling town also features numerous cultural sites, including the Oil & Gas Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s past.

Summersville

Summersville is a small town in West Virginia known for having the largest lake in the state. Most community activities and even tourist activities revolve around the lake. Summersville Lake has about 60 miles of shoreline with 2,800 acres of water. The lake provides many opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, scuba, and just about any water activity you can think of. The natural surroundings also offer plenty of "land" activities like rock climbing, biking, and hiking. You can also get involved in the community directly by volunteering in events like Family Story Time, where you can read stories to kids at a local library, or After School Art, which is open to adults and kids alike.

Hinton

The city of Hinton is a railroad town. Apart from the nearby nature and state parks (New River Gorge National Park, Bluestone State Park, and Pipestem Resort State Park), Hinton offers more than just nature walks and beauty. It hosts community events like the Hinton Railroad Days and the West Virginia State Water Festival.

Hinton Railroad Days is a festival featuring over 80 vendors, live music, a car show, a kids' play area, a tasty food court, and more. The State Water Festival is more than a street party. It's a dance party with live music where you can eat as much as you'd like, and see the coronation of the Queen Mermaid. Expect an educational treat that teaches you about environmental and sustainable practices, lets you engage in river activities, and allows you to savor the area's water. It's an event that invites locals near and far. But overall, it makes for a great community event.

White Sulphur Springs

With a population slightly over 2,000, White Sulphur Springs is more than a small town. It has created history as the home of the first golf course in the US, Oakhurst Links, while also boasting championship courses at The Greenbrier resort, such as The Old White TPC. The town is situated near the vast Monongahela National Forest, which spans 900,000 acres and features the scenic Greenbrier River Trail, a popular landmark for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

But that's not why people stay. The friendliness and community events that create lasting friendships, like the Freshwater Folk Festival, which celebrates the nature surrounding the town, help local establishments while giving the community a place to dance, eat, and enjoy the wonderful town they live in, and this is what makes this town so welcoming.

Which Friendly Town Is Your Favorite?

Some people say friendliness can be subjective, but this makes it the perfect itinerary for travelers seeking a new adventure and a new reason to travel. So how about giving these 12 West Virginia towns a try? You’ll likely find a favorite, and if not, perhaps you'll find the next chapter in your life. A chapter with stories to tell during the rest of your friendly adventures to come.