The One West Virginia Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Once a thriving coal mining town, Thomas fell off the map for a period of time before reemerging as a popular vacation destination. Guests can still engage with the coal mining era by visiting the coke ovens littered throughout town. The town has also received immense popularity due to its outdoor adventure scene, which can be experienced at Douglas Falls, Albert Falls, or on the Blackwater Canyon Trail. This tiny Appalachian town is alive with bluegrass music performed live at the Purple Fiddle, and craft brews served at high altitude breweries. Trek out to this historic town in the northeastern corner of the state to see why Thomas is the one West Virginia town everyone should visit at least once.
Outdoor Adventure
One of the most desirable outdoor attractions in Thomas is the cascading 35-foot Douglas Falls. The roaring of the falls continues into Blackwater Canyon, and can be found at the end of the Douglas Falls Trail, roughly a little over a mile round trip on foot. On the path to the falls, adventurers will pass Albert Falls and are invited to swim in the river at its base. Enjoy a cool dip in the waters before continuing to the main attraction. Swimming is also permitted at Douglas Falls, and exploring is encouraged as well. Vantage points can be found all around the waterfall, including behind it for those thrill seekers.
For further outdoor exploration, take a ride or walk down the Blackwater Canyon Trail. Enjoy nature and history as you pass by the coke ovens that heated coal in the late 1800s. The trail provides scenery and solitude as it weaves along the Blackwater River. Mountains line both sides of the canyon, and the roaring river rushes past mountain bikers or hikers enjoying the trail that was historically used to haul lumber and coal. The West Virginia flying squirrel, the Indiana bat, and the Cheat Mountain salamander are all wildlife that have been spotted along the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for these tiny creatures while enjoying the path.
Arts and Entertainment in Thomas
Thomas may be a small town, but it is not short on things to do. Whether it is enhancing your mind, attitude, or wellness, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the arts and be entertained. Purple Fiddle has proven to be one of the hottest spots in town for tourists and locals in the historic downtown. The vacant storefront was soon transformed into a health-conscious deli, public gathering space, and live Appalachian-based acoustic music venue. Since its opening, the Purple Fiddle has hosted live performances every Friday and Saturday by eager, professional acts. Enjoy a sandwich, soup, or hot special paired with one of their 50 available microbrews with the sounds of bluegrass, folk, rock, and more playing in the background.
Partake in a more serene experience at Allegheny Holistic Health Care. The clinic offers alternative treatments for what may ail you and to help with relaxation and meditation. Acupuncture, East Asian medicine, massage, and other wellness services are just a few of the holistic approaches practiced towards healing. Treat yourself to an afternoon of healing your ailments or practicing preventative maintenance with any of these alternative and unique treatments. Continue the laidback tour of the town at Buxton & Landstreet Gallery and Studios. Showcasing the regional art of Appalachian paintings, prints, pottery, and glasswork, this small gallery not only promotes the arts but also provides workshops and custom classes. With a heavy focus on handblown glass and ceramics, the studios also incorporate pottery, printmaking, jewelry, and textile work. Pick up an original piece of work or create your own at this Appalachian-focused gallery and studio.
Drinking and Dining in Thomas
In a town with few options for drinks and dinner, get the best of both at Mountain State Brewing Company. Started by two brothers, with their parents' old brewing equipment and ingredients from the 1970s, the brewery opened in 2005 at over 3,000ft in elevation. The taproom and music hall features live music, special events, and a full menu with a focus on artisan flat bread pizzas. Four flagship beers are available year-round for enjoyment at the brewery or at either of their restaurant locations.
Nearby Towns
Just next door to Thomas is the tiny, outdoor town of Davis. Blackwater Falls State Park has been attracting visitors since the 1800s, and they continue to flock to this park, which includes a sweeping scenic overlook at the tip of the canyon, offering views of Blackwater Falls as well. In recent years, the park has added cabins, a lodge, and fishing facilities. After spending a day exploring the wilderness, kick back and relax with dinner at Mama Mia Pie and Pasta. Roma-style sauces, dough, and meatballs are just a few of the fresh ingredients made daily for its patrons. Enjoy a traditional handcrafted pizza or pasta and experience a taste of Old World Italy.
Continue exploring West Virginia in the town of Parsons, located roughly 20 minutes from Thomas. Parsons is the home of Blackwater Outdoor Adventures. Your one-stop shop for all things adventure! Whitewater raft or spend a day tubing down the river. Fish, kayak, SUP, or canoe your way along the Blackwater River with help from this local outfitter. Experience even more nature by exploring the Fernow Experimental Forest. The 4,700-acre forest is an outdoor laboratory and classroom located in the Alleghany Mountains of the Monongahela National Forest and open to the public. Elevations range from 1,750 feet of shallow soil to 3,650 feet of steep hillslopes to allow visitors to create their own trip.
Slightly further but still under an hour drive from Thomas, Elkins welcomes visitors and tourists to stop in and visit the West Virginia Railroad Museum. With an annually changing exhibit, the museum has featured displays of The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in West Virginia, West Virginia Logging, The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad: West Virginia’s 1st Railroad, and more. Continue learning about West Virginia’s expansive history at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center. Founded in the historic Darden Mill, the center teaches about the area’s rich cultural and forest heritage. Engaging exhibits, a knowledgeable staff, and the discovery center all provide information for eager learners about forest heritage sites.
Outdoor adventurists, thrill seekers, adrenaline junkies, all will find an opportunity to explore the great outdoors in Thomas, West Virginia. Although the town is small, it is packed with forests, mountains, rivers, gorges, and almost any landscape imaginable just waiting to be explored. Come for a day or stay for the weekend and make the most of it with exploration, good food, music, and arts. Visit Thomas and see why it is the one West Virginia town everyone should visit at least once.
