These 6 Towns In West Virginia Feel Like Home

Referred to as the Mountain State, West Virginia is the only state entirely contained within the Appalachian Mountains. 75% of the region is covered in forests, making it the third most forested state in the country. It holds six national parks and 36 state parks and is home to one of the oldest rivers in the country. There is a rich mining heritage here, and coal production was the leading industry for many years. Now other industries are gaining momentum, such as tourism, which is now considered a primary driver of West Virginia's economy.

The lush landscape attracts visitors from afar, who are drawn to its natural beauty and the small towns within it. Darling historic main streets with beautiful architecture leave a lasting impression, while celebrated entertainment venues instill an energetic scene. Locals take pride in their Appalachian heritage and share it with guests with open arms. Stretching from the banks of the Potomac River to deep in the Appalachian Mountains, discover six towns in West Virginia that feel like home.

Shepherdstown

Sitting on the scenic Potomac River in the lower Shenandoah Valley, Shepherdstown is a vibrant community with a historic atmosphere. The welcoming community is considered West Virginia's oldest town and is the birthplace of the steamboat.

The town celebrates its storied past by commemorating the inventor of the first steam engine-powered boat, James Rumsey. The James Rumsey Monument, a tall granite column, is dedicated to the inventor and overlooks the Potomac River with sweeping views of the region. In town, the Rumsey Steamboat Museum features a replica of the original steamboat and offers exhibits on steam navigation, one of the most important technological advancements in history.

The natural beauty of the region can be appreciated at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, a preservation of America’s early transportation years. A point of interest is the Shepherdstown Lock 38, the only waterway lock named after a town. The lift lock was built to help boats navigate elevation changes.

White Sulphur Springs

Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, White Sulphur Springs is a health-conscious community with a long history as a health resort town. People seek out the mineral springs, which are believed to have healing powers.

The Greenbrier Resort is a town treasure and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Royalty, heads of state, celebrities, and business moguls have stayed here. The resort also holds historical significance and served as a World War II hospital and a secret congressional bunker during the Cold War.

The welcoming spa town is near the Greenbrier Resort and the Lost World Caverns, a popular destination to explore a natural series of underground caverns.

Lewisburg

In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Lewisburg is a charming community with a buzzing art scene. The 18th and 19th-century architecture downtown houses art galleries, antique stores, and cultural institutions.

Lewisburg is home to Carnegie Hall, one of four Carnegies left in the world that is still an active performance venue. It's a regional cultural center for the performing arts, hosting renowned musicians and attracting visitors from afar. Lewisburg also prides itself on its literary heritage, preserving one of the most iconic libraries in the state. Every year, the Lewisburg Literary Festival takes place, featuring nationally recognized writers and authors.

There's no shortage of beauty in this tranquil town. Lewisburg rests along the Greenbrier River, one of the longest rivers in West Virginia. It offers kayaking and boating, and is a popular spot to fish for Smallmouth Bass and Trout.

Harpers Ferry

At the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River, Harpers Ferry is a historic community filled with Appalachian charm. It’s in the Shenandoah Valley, right where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet.

The town played a pivotal role in the abolitionist movement and celebrates John Brown, who stood against slavery. The Harpers Ferry National Historic Park preserves the historic site of the 1859 raid, which brought the nation closer to the outbreak of the Civil War. Another popular spot is John Brown’s Fort, an armory building that served as a stronghold for Brown and his raiders.

Beyond its historic roots, the town is known for welcoming hikers who seek to complete the Appalachian Trail. Harpers Ferry is considered the symbolic halfway point. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters showcases adventurers who have completed the entire trail, spanning from Georgia to Maine.

Beckley

In the Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia, Beckley boasts a rich coal mining history, which dates back to the late 1800s. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a town treasure, showcasing a historic underground coal mine and a recreated coal camp.

Beckley is a major shopping and entertainment hub for rural communities in the region and is sought after for its performing arts venues. Many travelers visit here for a day trip and pay a visit to Theatre West Virginia, an outdoor theater in nearby Grandview National Park.

There are plenty of unforgettable scenic drives to take in the wondrous landscape. New River Gorge National Park is one of the country's newer National Parks and offers world-class whitewater rafting. It's home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the United States. It is the third-highest bridge in the country and the longest steel span in the western hemisphere.

Buckhannon

In central West Virginia along the Buckhannon River, Buckhannon is a charming college town with a nostalgic feel. It boasts one of the best-preserved historic main streets and has kept open one of the few remaining Dairy Queens with a walk-up window for ordering.

The community is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College, which creates a vibrant and youthful energy through numerous community events. For example, the Strawberry Festival, which takes place in May, celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage, dating back to the 1930s.

There’s plenty of green space in Buckhannon and state parks to visit. Nearby Audra State Park offers picturesque views of the Middle Fork River, which can be enjoyed while hiking the Alum Creek and Cave Trail.

The Heart of Mountain State Communities

From the performing arts scene in Lewisburg to the steamboat legacy in Shepherdstown, these West Virginia towns showcase the region’s depth of history and culture. Their main streets preserve the architecture of earlier centuries, while local festivals and traditions sustain a living Appalachian heritage. In places like White Sulphur Springs and Harpers Ferry, natural features such as mineral springs and mountain trails link community life to the surrounding landscape. Together, these towns represent the enduring character of West Virginia: resilient, grounded, and closely tied to the land.