West Virginia Map With Counties
West Virginia is a state full of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a foodie, adventure seeker or culture vulture, West Virginia has something to offer everyone. In this travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in West Virginia.
Top Attractions in West Virginia
West Virginia has a lot of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the top attractions include the New River Gorge Bridge, Seneca Rocks, Blackwater Falls State Park, and the Greenbrier Resort. The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world and offers spectacular views of the New River Gorge. Seneca Rocks is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers, while Blackwater Falls State Park is known for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails. The Greenbrier Resort is a luxurious hotel that has hosted presidents, celebrities, and world leaders.
Hidden Gems in West Virginia
West Virginia is full of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. Some of the lesser-known attractions include the Lost World Caverns, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, and the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. The Lost World Caverns are home to unique rock formations, while the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a creepy abandoned mental hospital that offers ghost tours. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is an underground coal mine that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a coal miner.
Food Scene in West Virginia
West Virginia has a diverse food scene that is influenced by its Appalachian roots. Some of the must-try dishes include pepperoni rolls, biscuits and gravy, and ramps. Pepperoni rolls are a popular snack that can be found in bakeries throughout the state, while biscuits and gravy are a breakfast staple. Ramps are a wild onion that is only available in the spring and are often used in dishes like ramp frittatas and ramp pesto.
Budget-Friendly Tips in West Virginia
West Virginia can be an affordable destination for travelers on a budget. Some money-saving tips include camping instead of staying in hotels, visiting state parks instead of theme parks, and taking advantage of free attractions like hiking trails and museums. Many of the state parks offer camping and RV sites, and some even have cabins for rent.
Outdoor Adventures in West Virginia
West Virginia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top outdoor activities include white-water rafting, hiking, and skiing. The state is home to some of the best white-water rafting in the country, with the New River and Gauley River offering Class V rapids. Hiking is another popular activity, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. In the winter, visitors can hit the slopes at resorts like Snowshoe Mountain and Canaan Valley.
Family-Friendly Activities in West Virginia
West Virginia has plenty of activities for families with kids of all ages. Some of the top family-friendly attractions include the West Virginia State Museum, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, and the Mountain State Miniature Golf and Gameroom. The West Virginia State Museum offers interactive exhibits that explore the state’s history, while the Clay Center has a planetarium, art galleries, and a science museum. The Mountain State Miniature Golf and Gameroom has mini-golf, arcade games, and a laser maze.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in West Virginia
For travelers who want to get off the beaten path, West Virginia has plenty of unique experiences to offer. Some of the top off-the-beaten-path experiences include visiting the Mothman Museum, exploring the abandoned town of Thurmond, and taking a ghost tour of Harpers Ferry. The Mothman Museum is dedicated to the legend of the Mothman, a winged creature that was reportedly sighted in the area in the 1960s. Thurmond is a former railroad town that is now a ghost town, and Harpers Ferry is a historic town that is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Civil War soldiers.
Natural Wonders in West Virginia
West Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. Some of the top natural wonders include the New River Gorge, the Cranberry Glades, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness. The New River Gorge is a deep canyon that offers stunning views of the river below, while the Cranberry Glades are a unique ecosystem that is home to rare plants and animals. The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a high-altitude plateau that is known for its stunning views and challenging hiking trails.
Vibrant Nightlife in West Virginia
West Virginia has a vibrant nightlife scene that is centered around its college towns. Some of the top nightlife destinations include Morgantown, Charleston, and Huntington. Morgantown is home to West Virginia University and has a lively bar scene, while Charleston has a growing craft beer scene. Huntington is home to Marshall University and has a thriving music scene.
Local Markets in West Virginia
West Virginia has a number of local markets where visitors can sample local produce and artisanal goods. Some of the top markets include the Charleston Capitol Market, the Morgantown Farmers’ Market, and the Shepherdstown Farmers’ Market. The Charleston Capitol Market has a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, while the Morgantown Farmers’ Market has live music and food trucks. The Shepherdstown Farmers’ Market is held in the town’s historic district and has vendors selling organic produce and homemade baked goods.
Beaches and Mountains in West Virginia
West Virginia is a state of contrasts, with both beaches and mountains to explore. Some of the top beaches include Sandstone Falls and Summersville Lake, while the top mountains include Snowshoe Mountain and Spruce Knob. Sandstone Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls that are perfect for swimming, while Summersville Lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing. Snowshoe Mountain is a popular ski resort in the winter, while Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and offers stunning views from the summit.
Cultural Immersion in West Virginia
West Virginia has a rich cultural history that is worth exploring. Some of the top cultural attractions include the West Virginia Culture Center, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The West Virginia Culture Center has exhibits that explore the state’s art, music, and literature, while the Wheeling Suspension Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Ohio River. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a living history museum that tells the story of the town’s role in the Civil War.
Art and Music Scene in West Virginia
West Virginia has a thriving art and music scene that is influenced by its Appalachian roots. Some of the top art and music destinations include the Tamarack Artisan Center, the Purple Fiddle, and the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. The Tamarack Artisan Center has a variety of handmade crafts and artwork for sale, while the Purple Fiddle is a music venue that features live performances by local and national acts. The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame honors the state’s contributions to music, with exhibits and memorabilia from musicians like Bill Withers and Kathy Mattea.
Walking Tours in West Virginia
West Virginia has a number of walking tours that are a great way to explore the state’s history and architecture. Some of the top walking tours include the Charleston Historic District Walking Tour, the Shepherdstown Historic District Walking Tour, and the Harpers Ferry Civil War Walking Tour. The Charleston Historic District Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the city’s historic district, while the Shepherdstown Historic District Walking Tour takes visitors through the town’s well-preserved colonial and antebellum architecture. The Harpers Ferry Civil War Walking Tour tells the story of the town’s role in the Civil War.
Architectural Marvels in West Virginia
West Virginia has a number of architectural marvels that are worth seeing. Some of the top architectural marvels include the West Virginia State Capitol, the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, and the Blennerhassett Hotel. The West Virginia State Capitol is a beautiful building that features a gold dome and marble accents, while the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is a historic wooden bridge that dates back to 1852. The Blennerhassett Hotel is a historic hotel that has been restored to its former glory.
Historical Sites in West Virginia
West Virginia is full of historical sites that tell the story of the state’s past. Some of the top historical sites include the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the West Virginia Independence Hall, and the Fort New Salem Living History Museum. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park tells the story of John Brown’s raid on the town, while the West Virginia Independence Hall is the site where West Virginia seceded from Virginia in 1863.