9 Offbeat West Virginia Towns To Visit In 2025

West Virginia's magnificent mountains and views earned it the nickname the “Mountain State.” Many people visit West Virginia for weekend getaways and camping trips. The state’s offbeat towns add a different kind of charm for travelers. Entirely landlocked, West Virginia lies near the East Coast of the United States, bordering Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. West Virginia is known for slogans such as “Almost Heaven,” a reference to the work of country singer John Denver, or their tourism slogan: “Wild and Wonderful.” West Virginia was a part of Virginia until the outbreak of the American Civil War, and in 1863, it chose to form their own state.

Ansted

Ansted is located in the southern part of West Virginia and is known for a quirky feature: the Mystery Hole, a popular tourist attraction and optical illusion. The place makes for a welcome rest stop from a long drive, and is a fun place the whole family can enjoy. Ansted also has Hawk's Nest Lodge and Restaurant, serving up classic American cuisine. J&J's Main Street is a local shop selling handmade wooden goods from all over West Virginia. West Virginia was a hub for Italian immigration, and Ansted reflects this rich heritage, with numerous Italian restaurants.

Parkersburg

Located in the northwestern part of the state, Parkersburg is a short distance from Ohio and a great town to visit. Parkersburg was renamed in 1810 and chartered in 1820. In 1870, the Parkersburg Bridge opened, the longest rail bridge in the world at the time. Parkersburg later grew economically due to abundant local oil and gas reserves.

Julia-Ann Square, which is the oldest historic district in West Virginia, features extravagant stately homes and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Parkersburg also boasts the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, a popular spot to visit today.

Davis

Davis was once a logging town. Today, it attracts skiers and outdoor enthusiasts with its proximity to Canaan Valley, Timberline, Dolly Sods, and the Monongahela National Forest. The woodlands include Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak, at 4,863 feet. All of these attractions make Davis a great location for anybody interested in nature or wintertime mountain sports. For the thirsty, a stop at Stumptown Ales offers various types of refreshing local beer. For a hearty local meal, stop by Sirianni’s Café, a long-standing pizza and pasta spot popular with hikers and skiers.

White Sulphur Springs

White Sulphur Springs sits in southeastern West Virginia near the Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The town is known for its resorts and scenic location. The town’s exceptional claim to fame is the Greenbrier Resort, a historic luxury destination for visitors to relax (and splurge). Numerous natural springs inspired the town’s nickname, "Queen of the Watering Places." Golfers can enjoy a round at The Greenbrier’s historic courses, which continue the town’s golfing legacy dating back to the 19th century. This town was also the site of a Cold War congressional relocation bunker, in case Washington, D.C., was ever attacked. White Sulphur Springs also features the Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile-long trail that follows a former railroad bed.

Martinsburg

Martinsburg is located in eastern West Virginia, within easy driving distance from Washington, DC. It is also close to the stunning Shenandoah Valley and surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, a range of mountains running parallel with the East Coast of the United States. Isabella “Belle” Boyd, a spy for the Confederacy during the Civil War, lived in this town. She wrote a memoir called Belle Boyd, in Camp and Prison, which dramatized some of her exploits.

The Belle Boyd House is a popular destination here. Also, be sure to check out the Apollo Civic Theatre, a historic theater that still functions today. For hikers, Martinsburg put together an official guide covering the Tuscarora Trail, the Beacon Trail, and the Pee Wee Point Trail, all of which make a trip here worthwhile.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry, in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, is best known for John Brown’s 1859 raid. Brown hoped to spark a revolt that would free enslaved people. John Brown’s Fort is available for tourists to see today.

The town’s surroundings include dramatic mountains, which hide the Bolivar Heights Trail, so named after Venezuelan hero Simon Bolivar, who was a deep admirer of the American Revolution. In addition, there is a Bolivar Heights Battlefield maintained by the National Park Service. Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park encompasses 22 miles of trails and sites, all of which showcase the town’s history.

Princeton

Princeton, in southern West Virginia, appeals to travelers who enjoy dog-friendly spaces. Bark Park is a place where visitors and locals can bring their dogs and mingle. The town grew quickly in the 20th century as a rail and shipping hub. The Princeton Railway Museum now preserves that history for visitors of all ages. Each June, Princeton hosts the Celebrate Princeton Street Fair, bringing together local vendors and visitors to showcase the town's diverse range of crafts. Princeton offers attractions for both railroad enthusiasts and dog owners traveling through West Virginia.

Barboursville

Barboursville calls itself the “best little town in the state” of West Virginia. Located near Ohio, the town has connections to the legendary American frontiersman Daniel Boone and is known for its pioneer spirit. For shoppers, the Huntington Mall is the largest shopping space in the state. The Huntington Mall provides a convenient option for completing holiday shopping in one place. For rest, Beech Fork State Park offers scenic views for visitors to relax from shopping or enjoy the day. The town also hosts events such as Civil War Days, a draw for history enthusiasts and reenactors.

Fairmont

Fairmont is a college town located in northern West Virginia. It is home to Fairmont State University and is known for the influence of Italian immigrant communities that settled in the area. The town boasts its own unusual hallmark: Fairmont pepperoni rolls are famous and sold at pizzerias around the town. One of the most iconic ones is Country Club Bakery, which claims to be the home of the original pepperoni roll.

For history buffs, Prickett's Fort State Park is a place where visitors engage with reenactors depicting life in the 18th century. It is an excellent place for families with young children waiting to see history come alive. For nature lovers, Valley Falls State Park offers scenic views and waterfalls, making it a pleasant family outing destination.

In West Virginia, Offbeat and Classic Charms Come Together

West Virginia is a natural gem and a magnificent, if sometimes quirky, place to visit. Places like Ansted’s Mystery Hole typify the state’s curious features, which also include unexpected beauty and surprising cultural touchpoints, such as the state’s famous pepperoni roll. The state’s mountains and fresh air invite walkers, hikers, and nature lovers. Combined with historic architecture and preserved sites, West Virginia’s offbeat towns leave a lasting impression.