6 Standout Main Streets In West Virginia

One of the country's more complex and untamed states, West Virginia is occasionally mysterious and always brimming with character. This wild state is rife with national forests and rivers, but it is the towns in between (and in this particular case, their main streets) that have such interesting and unique histories. Read on to discover some of the most provocative and exciting main streets of this wild state, because as much as West Virginia's country roads will take you home, it is the main roads that will make you want to stay.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is steeped in as much history and charm as anywhere else in West Virginia. Located in the heart of the beautiful Greenbrier Valley, the town of Lewisburg has become a sophisticated and delightful tourist destination, not least because it was once the site of a Civil War battle.

But for those looking for a night on the town, Washington Street is the heart of Lewisburg, and offers a plethora of attractions for visitors and locals alike: if you are seeking a hearty meal, you will enjoy either The Humble Tomato, an Italian restaurant in a historic building that dates back to 1787, or perhaps Stardust Cafe, where patrons can enjoy quality breads and wine amongst many other offerings.

Before or after mealtime, however, visitors can find much more to Washington Street than just its culinary scene. Greenbrier Valley Theatre is Lewisburg's go-to destination for all things performing arts. Here, you can attend shows centered around magic, music, or mystery, an apt microcosm of Lewisburg overall.

Point Pleasant

One cannot think of beautiful Point Pleasant without also thinking of West Virginia's most enduring cryptid, the Mothman. Visitors can find the Mothman Museum on Main Street, and they may enjoy a delightfully spooky and family-friendly deep dive into the oft-debated existence of this strange entity. Nearby Mothman-themed locations, such as Mothman Blacklight Mini-Golf, make for a fun afternoon with the family. If you visit Point Pleasant for an extended stay, the Lowe Hotel on Main Street is an architecturally stunning building dating back to 1901. Here, visitors can appreciate the largely untouched history of the palatial hotel while enjoying all modern amenities related to comfortable lodging.

For those seeking shopping opportunities, Main Street is packed with a variety of establishments to enjoy. Counterpoint Cooperative is a retail co-op selling unique, artisan-made goods locally in West Virginia.

Elkins

Surrounded by impressive natural scenery, Elkins is a gem in the wilderness of West Virginia. Historic and beautiful, the town has a great deal to offer anyone who includes it in their travel itinerary. While Main Street itself hosts First Fridays, an event that showcases local musicians, comedians, theater groups, and artists on the first Friday of every month from April through September, Davis Street is the heart of Elkins. Here, visitors can find Byrd's House of Donuts, a locally owned stop for all things sweet treats (and also a robust lunch menu).

Another local establishment is Big Timber Brewing, which serves a variety of local craft ales. For those interested in artistic history, the downtown Elkins Heritage Quilt Trail connects many shops and buildings throughout the downtown area. This trail, which is as colorful as it is educational, features several quilts that together signify the town's history and heritage.

Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown is steeped in German heritage to the extent that its main street is divided into West German Street and East German Street. Considered the oldest town in the state, Shepherdstown is rich in Federal-style architecture, ensuring that a walk through its vibrant downtown is, in turn, a walk through history. One of its coziest restaurants is Bistro 112, located on West German Street. Across the road, Rock Hill Creamery serves delicious ice cream.

Half a block down, one can find the Shepherdstown Opera House, built in 1909 with a towering brick exterior. Considered by some to be haunted, the opera house is one of several stops on the Shepherdstown haunted walking tour adventure, which takes its (either brave or foolish) patrons on a patrol of East and West German Street and more, throughout this historic town, and gives visitors a glimpse into a spooky but intriguing past.

Martinsburg

Bigger than the other towns on this list, Martinsburg is for people who enjoy that combination of bucolic countryside and bustling downtown. W King Street and N Queen Street are by far Martinsburg's busiest; just off N Queen, visitors can explore the Martinsburg Roundhouse, a large building originally designed for steam locomotives but now displaying the trains and engines integral to the town's railroad foundations.

Downtown Martinsburg boasts a rich history, and guests are provided with a scavenger hunt to aid in exploring the numerous shops, houses, banks, and other attractions that comprise the historic district. Visiting families looking for an all-ages outing can attend the Wonderment Puppet Theater on W King Street, or the interactive exhibits at the nearby George Children's Museum.

Beckley

While Kanawha Street is Beckley's main road, and one can find Foster's Main Street Tavern at the intersection of Main Street and Kanawha (which offers cold drinks and vintage vibes), Beckley's attractions are spread evenly throughout this historic 1838 town. For example, the nearby Exhibition Coal Mine is more than worth a detour. By far the town's biggest attraction, visitors can ride carts down dark passages and learn about the history of coal mining in the area. Fun for all ages, the interactive coal mine offers a unique experience that is both enjoyable and educational.

Just off Kanawha is the Wildwood House Museum, a historic home of none other than Beckley's founder, Alfred Beckley. This 19th-century log-structure house is open for tours during the summer months and has been lovingly restored with period-accurate furnishings throughout.

With centuries of complex history, it is no wonder that modern-day West Virginia boasts plenty of personality. This rugged state is best represented by its small towns and their main streets: the Mothman of Point Pleasant, the Martinsburg Roundhouse, and the (possibly haunted) Shepherdstown Opera House are all snapshots of the unique existence of West Virginia and all that it contains. So pack your bags and hit the road-this state's many main streets are waiting.