6 Best West Virginia Towns For A Weekend Trip
West Virginia’s small towns are made for weekends that unfold slowly and leave visitors feeling refreshed. The journey might begin among the arts-filled streets of Lewisburg or the mineral-spring calm of Berkeley Springs before moving toward the outdoor energy of Fayetteville and the layered history found in Harpers Ferry. When you add the riverside quiet of Romney and the timeless elegance of White Sulphur Springs, the result is a collection of places where nature, culture, and small-town warmth truly converge. These six destinations are perfect for a short trip that is unhurried, memorable, and distinctly West Virginian, after all, could there be a better place to spend a long weekend?
Lewisburg
Ideal for seniors, this town blends cultural depth with plenty of ways to stay active. The Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley functions as an interfaith hub for mature adults, blending lifelong learning, social engagement, wellness activities, and community support that make independent living both active and connected. Lewisburg was named for the Lewis family, early explorers John Lewis and his sons Andrew and Thomas.
A short walk from the historic center, the Washington Street Art Gallery is an easy place to duck into, with rooms filled by everything from photography and ceramics to one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. A few blocks away, Lee Street Studios occupies what was once the town’s elementary school, now reworked into a gathering place for local artists. Inside, you’ll find rotating studios and exhibits, including one dedicated to Lewisburg-born fashion designer Thomas Ruggiero. After spending time wandering between galleries, many people end up at The Asylum, a laid-back spot where comfort food and live music make it easy to settle in and linger longer than planned.
Berkeley Springs
Long before Europeans arrived, people were drawn to Berkeley Springs for its naturally flowing mineral waters, which have defined the town’s identity since its earliest days. Berkeley Springs State Park centers on the town’s famed mineral springs, where guests can still bathe in waters once favored by George Washington, explore the historic Roman Bath House, and enjoy outdoor soaking pools that remain open year-round.
Beyond the springs, Senior Life Services of Morgan County adds to the town’s close-knit feel, giving older residents a place to connect through shared activities, outings, and everyday social time. When it’s time to ease into the evening, The Ice House has a friendly spot to settle in over casual food, drinks, and live music in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
For a taste of the town, The Country Inn Restaurant serves satisfying comfort dishes, from old-fashioned biscuits and gravy to rotating seasonal plates like butternut squash ravioli. You can also stop by Berkeley Springs Brewing Company, where small-batch beers are crafted using the town’s famously pure spring water, giving each pour a distinct local character.
Fayetteville
Established in the early 19th century, Fayetteville takes its name from the Marquis de Lafayette, honoring the French general who played a key role in the American Revolutionary War. The New River Gorge Bridge rises above town and draws travelers throughout the year. Just beyond town, the Long Point Trail winds through quiet woods before opening onto a dramatic overlook of the river and gorge below, a reward that keeps both hikers and cyclists coming back. Housed in a beautifully restored 1930s building, the Historic Fayette Theatre brings live shows and film screenings to the heart of town.
When it’s time to eat, Cathedral Café is a favorite stop, set inside a former church and known for its laid-back atmosphere, creative sandwiches, and outdoor seating that fits Fayetteville’s easygoing vibe. Each fall, Fayetteville’s New River Gorge Bridge closes to traffic for Bridge Day, when the span becomes the stage for the world’s largest organized BASE-jumping event. Visitors can walk the bridge, watch jumpers soar into the gorge, and enjoy a lively street festival in town. The excitement is easy to take in at your own pace, making it just as enjoyable for retirees as it is for thrill-seekers.
Harpers Ferry
Which town was once hailed as “The Best Strategic Point in the Whole South”? Harpers Ferry rests where two major rivers meet, a location that has influenced its role in West Virginia and American history for centuries. Harpers Ferry leans into hands-on history in playful ways, including True Treats Historic Candy, where old-fashioned recipes are brought back to life. The shop crafts sweets inspired by different periods in American history, letting you sample flavors that once filled kitchens and candy jars generations ago.
One of Harpers Ferry’s most distinctive gatherings is the Highland Games, a lively celebration rooted in Celtic tradition. Music fills the air, cultural performances take center stage, and the event less like a festival and more like a shared neighborhood experience. While it honors Celtic heritage, the atmosphere is open and welcoming, inviting people of all backgrounds to take part.
Together, this walkable setting, rich history, and steady calendar of low-key events create the kind of engaging yet unhurried lifestyle many retirees look for. When the day winds down, The Town’s Inn has a comfortable and character-filled place to stay, with cozy rooms inside a historic building just steps from the heart of town, making it easy to linger and enjoy Harpers Ferry for a few days, or imagine staying much longer.
Romney
Romney is a small, close-knit town of about 1,755 people, with nearly a quarter of its population aged 65 and older. First chartered in 1762, Romney holds a special place in state history as one of West Virginia’s two oldest towns. Hampshire Park serves as a favorite local spot for relaxed picnics, casual get-togethers, and community activities in a well-kept, open setting. For those spending the night, Wapocoma Campground has a peaceful place along the river, where calm views and a natural setting make it easy to truly unplug.
For older residents, one of Romney’s quiet pleasures is the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, which departs right from town and winds through mountain valleys and river corridors. Shorter excursions follow the South Branch of the Potomac, while longer journeys pass through places like Trough Canyon, offering hours of unbroken scenery and wildlife sightings. Day-to-day support is close at hand as well: the Romney Senior Center helps with transportation, social activities, companionship, and practical assistance.
White Sulphur Springs
Set against the Allegheny Mountains, White Sulphur Springs is quietly special, where gracious old-world style meets a welcoming, neighborly rhythm of life. A historic landmark in town, The Greenbrier has welcomed notable guests for centuries and is known for its grand interiors, classic spa traditions, and storied past.
Beyond the resort, the surrounding mountains shape the town’s sense of calm, with rolling hills and clean air creating an atmosphere that is naturally restorative. For lodging, Howard’s Creek Inn has roomy, apartment-style accommodations, with the added bonus of being just steps from Gustard’s Bistro, a longtime local favorite for satisfying meals and an easy place to unwind in the evening.
Each Memorial Day weekend, the annual Dandelion Festival brings the town together with parades, live music, art displays, and community gatherings, an inviting, tradition-rich celebration that many older residents appreciate for its warmth, familiarity, and strong sense of connection.
Where a Weekend Goes a Little Further
West Virginia slows things down without ever feeling dull. In these towns, a weekend isn’t about cramming in highlights but settling into a rhythm that is genuine. Whether you’re wandering a historic main street, standing at the edge of a gorge, or soaking in mineral waters, each place has a quiet invitation: Stay present and take your time. If you’re craving a short trip that is restorative rather than rushed, these six towns deliver the perfect escape.
