This Is West Virginia's Quirkiest Little Town

Fayetteville, West Virginia, is a town where barefoot climbers grab beers after a day on the rocks, chickens have names, and coffee is served under stained-glass windows in a repurposed church.

Home to fewer than 3,000 residents, this quirky mountain suburb fully embodies its unique personality. You will find mural-covered walls, an indie pizza joint with a national following, and a chalkboard in the local gear shop that doubles as the town message board. Set on the edge of the New River Gorge, Fayetteville draws thrill-seekers from across the country. No surprise, Budget Travel once named it one of America’s Coolest Small Towns; there is truly no place else like it.

A Brief History with a Twist

Fayetteville was founded in the early 1800s and named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution. While the name might suggest a refined European flair, the town’s early years were anything but gentle. Life here was rugged, shaped by isolation, timber, and the steep hillsides that later proved rich with coal.

During the Civil War, Fayetteville became a point of fierce strategic interest. Perched high above the New River, it changed hands multiple times between Union and Confederate forces, each leaving its mark. The surrounding forests once echoed with cannon fire, and some locals still claim you can feel the past lingering on quiet mornings in town.

By the late 19th century, Fayetteville grew quickly thanks to the booming coal mining industry. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway brought workers, businesses, and boarding houses to the area, giving rise to the town’s Victorian homes and red-brick buildings, many of which still stand today.

Fayetteville’s Most Iconic Landmarks

The Fayette County Courthouse, a towering structure of sandstone and red brick, was completed in the 1890s. Still in use today, it is the second-oldest courthouse in West Virginia and anchors the town’s National Historic District. Its Romanesque Revival architecture sets the tone for a downtown steeped in character.

Just around the corner, the Historic Fayette Theater brings the community together with live plays, independent films, and the occasional offbeat performance. Its old-school marquee lights up Court Street like something out of a small-town movie set.

Even Fayetteville’s art scene leans unconventional. At the Love Hope Center for the Arts, you will find Appalachian-inspired installations inside a former church, complete with vaulted ceilings and stained-glass shadows cast over contemporary sculpture.

Outdoor Adventures Around Every Corner

No visit is complete without a stop at the New River Gorge Bridge. Rising 876 feet above the river, it is one of the tallest vehicular bridges in the world, and every October, it becomes the launchpad for Bridge Day, a festival where daredevils BASE jump into the gorge below while thousands of spectators cheer from the deck.

For those who prefer their thrills on two wheels, Arrowhead Bike Farm is part mountain biking HQ, part campground, and part open-air beer garden. You can rent a bike, take a ride through the woods, then return for a bratwurst and a pint, all while goats casually graze nearby.

And, of course, there is the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve itself. Declared a national park in 2020, it offers miles of scenic trails, world-class whitewater, dramatic overlooks, and plenty of quiet corners where you can soak in the view or find your next Instagram moment.

On a smaller scale, Fayetteville’s First Fridays bring the community together with live music, open mic nights, art pop-ups, and local vendors spilling out onto the sidewalks.

Then there is the New River Gorge Festival, a three-day bash usually held around mid-May dedicated to paddling culture and outdoor adventure. Expect bluegrass bands, gear swaps, stand-up comedy, and contests that range from genuinely impressive to hilariously unhinged.

Where to Eat, Sip, and Shop in Style

In Fayetteville, even the coffee shops have backstories. Cathedral Café, perhaps the town’s most iconic eatery, lives inside a former church. Locals also love the Pies & Pints, the funky pizzeria that helped put Fayetteville on the foodie map. Known for its craft beer selection and creative toppings (think grape and gorgonzola or sriracha shrimp), it is a favorite hangout after a long day on the river. And then there is Water Stone Outdoors, the local outfitter and unofficial town square. It is both a gear shop and the locals' gathering place.

Experience Fayetteville Like a Local

To catch Fayetteville in full color, plan your visit in early fall, when the foliage peaks. Skip the chain spots and explore downtown on foot. Independent businesses line the streets, offering everything from handmade jewelry to climbing gear and vintage maps. Do not be surprised if you stumble on a porch concert or a sidewalk chalk mural halfway through your walk.

Locals are laid-back but passionate, especially about the gorge, their coffee, and their town chickens. Ask for recommendations, and you will get a story. From the art-filled walls of the Love Hope Center to the goat-grazed lawns of Arrowhead Bike Farm, Fayetteville is worth a visit for travelers looking beyond the usual.