
6 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In West Virginia
There is a reason folks have given West Virginia the nickname “Almost Heaven,” and it has little to do with the lyrics of a John Denver song. Whether it's the rumble of the entire mountain state cheering on the Mountaineers on Saturdays or the deep coal mining heritage that remains alive and well in every region of the state, West Virginia is truly wild and wonderful. One of the best examples of the traditions and spirit of the people here is the small towns they represent, each worth more than a passing glance from a tourist. Whether it’s the gothic-looking buildings that define places like Moundsville or the mineral springs that attracted visitors like George Washington, the towns here seem straight out of a fairy tale.
Moundsville

Moundsville has a mystique that any fairy-tale landscape would not be complete without. Its namesake, the Grave Creek Mound, is North America's largest conical burial mound—a prehistoric 62-foot-tall structure built by the Adena culture more than 2,000 years ago. While it has been excavated and preserved for its historical significance, well documented at the attached Grave Creek Mound Archeological Complex, the mound remains a centerpiece of this growing city.
Before it was Moundsville, the region was once two separate communities of Elizabethtown and Mound City. These two would merge alongside the construction of one of the most famous tourist destinations in the state- the West Virginia Penitentiary, which opened in 1876 and remained operational until 1995. This dark, gothic structure is a massive reminder of bygone days, still providing both historical tours and ghost hunts. For more structures that have stood the test of time, check out the Strand Theatre, lovingly refurbished from its roots as a 1920s movie house, which offers live shows and first-run cult movies to complement the town's nostalgic atmosphere.
For home-style grub, Bob's Lunch on 3rd Street has been a tried-and-true establishment for your dose of diner food. While the restaurant is small, it is always abuzz with activity at all mealtimes of the day. Bob's has been serving Moundsville for decades, first opening up in 1947.
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is West Virginia's most charming small town, representing the natural beauty that is widespread in the southeastern portion of the state. The downtown area is lined with colonial-style brick storefronts, cozy cafes, and independent boutiques where artists sell everything from handmade jewelry to Appalachian ceramics. A good example is Sweet Cedar & Company, a boutique in the downtown area, locally owned and operated, that specializes in pleasant scents, whether in the form of lotion, candles, or other beauty products. The town's fairy-tale charm is enhanced by its walkability—strolling along the streets feels like turning the pages of a handsomely illustrated book of colonial America.

For dining, The French Goat offers a whimsical approach to fine dining, featuring offerings such as duck confit and lavender-honey beverages, all in a charming cottage atmosphere. For those that might find this too posh for their tastes, there are a multitude of simpler, conventional dining spots placed throughout the community as well. Carnegie Hall of Lewisburg, one of only four operational Carnegies in the world, hosts concerts and productions that add to the town's fairytale atmosphere.
Lost World Caverns is a true leap into the unbelievable. Inside a natural limestone cave, the cavern boasts stalactites and stalagmites that tower over 50 feet above the ground.
Fayetteville

Perhaps one of the most recognizable places in West Virginia abuts up against Fayetteville, and this is the New River Gorge National Park, which is bursting with trails and outdoor recreation opportunities that allow you to experience what makes the state wild and wonderful. The iconic component here is the bridge, which is the longest arch bridge of its kind on the planet. This is a monument that seems to defy the laws of engineering, connecting two distant points over a gorge that drops nearly 900 feet.
The town of Fayetteville has fewer than 3,000 people, meaning that everyone here plays a part in the spirit and liveliness of the community, despite its size. Small shops and businesses thrive here, such as the Cathedral Café, a delightful stop for coffee and sweets in a restored Gothic church still fitted with stained glass windows. Pies & Pints is the go-to choice for locals seeking a quick and comforting slice of tasty pizza paired with a craft beer.
Berkeley Springs

Everything about Berkeley Springs seems mystical and magical, down to its name referencing the mineral springs that have become so famous in the country, attracting countless visitors, including George Washington. Today, these springs are contained within the Berkeley Springs State Park, complete with Roman Bathhouse facilities that trace back to the 19th century.

Considering the town has fewer than a thousand people, it is surprising that it offers a wealth of food and shopping options. For a local flavor, The Country Inn Restaurant offers hearty portions of classic comfort foods, ranging from biscuits and gravy to seasonal butternut squash ravioli. Meanwhile, Lot 12 Public House provides an upscale, intimate dining experience featuring regional ingredients.
Elkins

Elkins is a town where the old-fashioned charm of Appalachia is celebrated with enthusiasm, such as the Mountain State Forest Festival held every year, during which the entire town is transformed into a medieval village with a crowning of a "Queen Sylvia." For much of the year, however, Elkins maintains a quiet, small-town vibe like a hidden page from an old novel.
Davis & Elkins College enlivens the small town throughout the school year with numerous local programs and a youthful energy that permeates the downtown area. For a change of pace, many appreciate the calm of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, which offers scenic train rides through the Monongahela National Forest, featuring vintage diesel and steam locomotives that slowly traverse misty mountain sides and hidden hollows.
To grab a bite to eat, C.J. Maggie's offers a warm, country-inspired atmosphere and satisfying food. This is one of the locally famous restaurants here in Elkins, despite only being there on Davis Ave since 2019.
Hinton

The town of Hinton maintains its storied appearance with cobblestone streets and Victorian-style buildings, complementing the bustle around the New River, which lazily flows alongside the community. This is a place where you can still close your eyes and envision the steamboats coming to port here, or a train whistle echoing in the hills surrounding the town.
Between community staples like Otter & Oak and Grandma’s House, you have an old-time aesthetic that evokes the spirit of Appalachian life. To learn even more about the community's deep roots, start at the Hinton Railroad Museum, which offers a glimpse into the town's rich history, where railroads and riverboats once held sway.

Hinton's country restaurants are all part of the experience. The Market on Courthouse Square serves coffee and sandwiches from the beautifully restored windows of a turn-of-the-century building, and Kirk's gains fame for homestyle cuisine and friendly service that welcomes guests like locals.
West Virginia is ruggedly beautiful, but beyond the hollows and cliffs lie tiny towns like these, which are positively magical. Whether it's Berkeley Springs' once-believed healing springs, Moundsville's ancient burial mounds and towering penitentiary, or Fayetteville's iconic single-span bridge, each of these has a reason to visit. The state has the slogan wild and wonderful, and when you see some of these towns that seem plucked from the pages of a fantasy book, you can begin to know why.