8 Small Towns In West Virginia With Big Charm
As the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is the kind of place where a small-town getaway feels genuinely restorative. Whether you are soaking in the warm mineral springs of Berkeley Springs or browsing the old-timey general stores in Shepherdstown, each destination delivers its own distinct sense of place. Here are eight West Virginia towns with seriously big charm.
Harpers Ferry
The town of Harpers Ferry is a unique West Virginia treasure that borders not only Virginia, but also Maryland. Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, it’s a sleepy riverside community with a rich history. A must-see while in Harpers Ferry is John Brown's Fort. The historical landmark provides one of the best views of the rivers in Harpers Ferry, and also offers self-guided tours of the brick firehouse where abolitionist John Brown barricaded himself during the Harpers Ferry raid in 1859.
If you love taking tours of Civil War-era buildings, there are plenty to choose from in Harpers Ferry. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a beautiful park where you can walk nature trails or learn more about the history of the area at its museum and living history presentations. The Lockwood House is located in the park as well, which operated as a hospital, prison, and ballroom during the Civil War.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown, located on the very eastern edge of West Virginia, is one of the oldest settlements in the state. It sits along the scenic banks of the Potomac River on the other side of the Maryland border and retains the same old-world charm as it did when it was founded in 1762. It’s a place where you can visit classic general stores, like O'Hurley's, that haven’t changed much over the years. A great way to learn more about this small town with big charm is to take a tour of the Historic Shepherdstown Commission and Museum, offering a well-preserved account of Shepherdstown's first three centuries.
If you want to enjoy the views of the Potomac River, the James Rumsey Monument is a peaceful oasis on the edge of town. The monument is found within Rumsey Monument Park, where you can walk along the water's edge and watch cars drive over the James Rumsey Bridge. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a train chug down the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge. After a day of exploring Shepherdstown, end the evening with cocktails and live music at the English-style pub, the Mecklenburg Inn.
Berkeley Springs
Ever since its founding in 1776, Berkeley Springs has always been a resort retreat. The natural warm mineral springs have attracted visitors to the area for centuries, including George Washington! While there is plenty to discover, Berkeley Springs State Park is the biggest draw. Centrally located in the heart of town, the park offers walking trails and access to the public springs, where you can wade in the warm water or even go for a dip. If you want something a little more spa-like, the Old Roman Bath House provides private soaks in the springs, as well as spa services in the same building George Washington once visited.
In fact, George Washington loved the mineral springs so much that he even bought land across from the state park. You can visit George Washington's Lots on a self-guided walking tour of the historical streets of Berkeley Springs. For a boost, pop into Fairfax Coffee House for a coffee and a signature baked good like one of their homemade bagels, or sit down for a cozy meal at the Country Inn Restaurant & Morgan Tavern.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant sits on the Ohio and West Virginia border, separated by the Ohio River. It’s an idyllic riverside community that has an undeniable old-world charm. From the decades-old brick buildings with painted billboards to rustic log cabins, the town very much lives up to its name. One of the best spots to start your visit is at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. The green space sits along the edge of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers with historical markers and statues commemorating the 1774 Battle of Pt. Pleasant, old log cabins, and manicured walking paths. It is also where you’ll find the Almost Heaven Swing, a peaceful seat that urges visitors to slow down and take in the view.
Point Pleasant is very small, and you can see most of it on foot by parking at the Tu-Endie-Wei State Park and heading north on the Point Pleasant Biking and Walking Trail. The Mothman Museum is worth a stop along the way. In the early 1960s, rumors of the Mothman being spotted in the area began circulating, and these rumors eventually evolved into a local legend. The Mothman Museum details the storied cryptid's history through press clippings, documents, and memorabilia.
Lewisburg
In the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Lewisburg boasts walkable city streets and breathtaking parks. You can spend the day walking to lovely museums that tell the tale of Lewisburg, like the 1820 North House Museum, which contains the collections of the Greenbrier Historical Society, covering 200 years of American life from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to World War II. For a cultural experience, catch a live show or check out the galleries and exhibits at Carnegie Hall. After a day of exploring downtown Lewisburg, end your day with a wood-fired pizza and craft beer at the popular Old Red Mill Taphouse Grille.
While checking out the sites in central Lewisburg is a great way to enjoy a weekend, the real adventure starts when you stray slightly outside the city limits. North of Lewisburg is the Lost World Caverns, one of the largest cave systems in the state. There are self-guided tours that weave through stalactite and stalagmite formations, where you can explore at your own pace. Or, you can take a guided tour that takes you deeper into the caves.
Elkins
When you think of Elkins, picture long bike rides down lonely roads, shopping for treats in old-fashioned general stores, and shaded hikes that lead to hidden waterfalls. Here, you can listen to live music during the summer at the Rotary Amphitheater in Elkins Town Square, or sit down for a cold brew and live music on the weekends all year long at Beander's.
You can also book a ride aboard the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad that takes you through remote areas of the beautiful Monongahela National Forest. If you prefer to explore the area on foot, you can also hike some of the 24.5-mile Allegheny Highlands Trail that follows the original West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway, or check out the High Falls of Cheat, a horseshoe-shaped waterfall that cascades into the Cheat River below.
Davis
Davis is a tight-knit community in the Allegheny Highlands. Walking the streets of Davis feels like stepping back in time, where a leisurely stroll may lead to a delightful rustic watering hole like Stumptown Ales, where you can get to know the locals. You can also spend an afternoon listening to the sounds of the rushing water of Blackwater River at Town of Davis Riverfront Park, or hike and bike along Camp 70, a gravel, multi-use trail in the heart of town.
In Davis, old homesteads are transformed into curated little shops, like Wach's Gallery and Garden. It may look like a home on the outside, but inside you’ll find local artwork, crafts, and unique gifts or souvenirs. Blackwater Falls State Park is another sweet spot just west of town. Whether you want to launch a boat on Pendleton Lake or hike over 20 miles of trails that lead to waterfalls, it’s some of the best scenery in the state.
Marlinton
It doesn’t get much prettier than the secluded town of Marlinton. Situated far from the noise of highways and big cities, Marlinton is a small community where time stands still. You can hike along the converted railroad track, the Greenbrier River Trail, offering sweeping views of the Greenbrier River and lush mountain scenery. After taking a hike or bike down the riverside trail, you can sit for a meal with a view at Greenbrier Grille and Lodge. The small restaurant is known for its hearty, family-style menu and beautiful views.
Not much has changed in Marlinton since early settlers arrived in the mid-1700s. Many of the buildings harken back to its early days. You can stop in the 4th Ave Mason Jar Trading Post, which looks like something from the early pioneer days, stocked to the brim with antiques and rare finds. If you want to get to know the locals, the Old Mountain Tavern is the perfect place to start. It’s a cozy tavern in the heart of town, featuring natural woodwork, creaky floorboards, and live music on the weekends.
Summersville
Summersville is a hidden hamlet tucked away in the Allegheny Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains. Downtown Summersville is always warm and inviting, and it serves as a launching pad to the beautiful wilderness and outdoor adventure that surrounds the area. It also features old-world pubs like Maloney's, where you can sit down with a brew and classic American comfort food in a cozy setting.
Many visitors are drawn to Summersville Lake State Park, which centers around West Virginia’s largest lake and offers a wide range of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and even scuba diving. You can also take a swim at Battle Run Public Beach during the day, then refuel and recharge your batteries with a meal at nearby Long Point Grille and Bar.
Discover Big Charm in the Small Corners of West Virginia
It’s easy to see why John Denver described West Virginia as ‘almost heaven’, where every road winds through the Appalachian Mountains. Scattered throughout the rolling hills are delightful little towns that have their own unique voice. From the live music of Elkins to the bathhouses of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia is full of surprises. So, the next time you’re looking for a mountain adventure, hop off the freeway and roam the backroads to one of these charming little communities.
