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West virginia regions.
Though almost entirely mountainous, or at least very hilly, West Virginia is spectacularly diverse. Mountain ranges of varied character and settlement patterns of varied periods, and peoples have combined to create a strongly regionalized geography. These twelve West Virginia regions taking into account geography and culture. Boundaries may overlap, and subdivisions exist within each.
- Allegheny Highlands Region
- Bluestone Region
- Eastern Panhandle Region
- Greenbrier Valley Region
- Hatfield & McCoy Region
- Heartland Region
- Metro Valley Region
- Mid-Ohio Valley Region
- Monongahela Valley Region
- New River Gorge Region
- Northern Panhandle Region
- Potomac Branches Region
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How Many Tourist Regions Are There In West Virginia?
Published: November 19, 2023
Modified: January 3, 2024
by Gena Earls
- Plan Your Trip
Introduction
West Virginia, a picturesque state nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is a hidden gem for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, West Virginia offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors.
When planning a trip to West Virginia, it’s important to understand the different tourist regions that make up this beautiful state. These regions are distinct areas that showcase the unique geography, attractions, and local communities of West Virginia.
Exploring West Virginia’s tourist regions allows visitors to tailor their adventures to their interests, whether it be outdoor activities like hiking and white-water rafting, immersing themselves in the rich Appalachian culture, or indulging in the state’s delicious culinary offerings.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the various tourist regions in West Virginia, highlighting some of the key attractions, activities, and natural wonders each region has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler looking to delve deeper into the treasures of West Virginia, this article will serve as your ultimate guide to the state’s diverse tourist regions.
So, grab your map, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on a journey through the enchanting regions of West Virginia !
Understanding Tourist Regions
Before we dive into exploring the tourist regions of West Virginia, it’s essential to understand what exactly defines these regions and how they are categorized. Tourist regions are designated areas that showcase specific characteristics and attractions, catering to different types of travelers. These regions are typically defined by geographic, cultural, and historical factors.
West Virginia is divided into nine distinct tourist regions, each with its unique charm and appeal. These regions were created to help visitors navigate and explore the vast offerings of the state more effectively. By organizing West Virginia into these regions, travelers can easily plan their itineraries based on their interests and desired experiences.
The boundaries of the tourist regions are determined by a combination of factors, including geographical features, cultural heritage, and administrative divisions. By emphasizing the distinct qualities of each region, West Virginia’s tourism industry aims to provide visitors with a more immersive and tailored experience.
The tourist regions of West Virginia showcase the state’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the lush forests and rolling hills of the Eastern Panhandle to the majestic mountains and picturesque lakes of the Mountain Lakes region. Each region offers a different blend of outdoor adventure, historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and local cuisine.
Understanding the tourist regions of West Virginia allows travelers to plan their itineraries strategically, ensuring they make the most of their visit to the state. By exploring multiple regions, visitors can get a comprehensive taste of West Virginia’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality.
In the following sections, we will delve into each tourist region, highlighting its key features, attractions, and activities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a culture lover, West Virginia’s tourist regions have something to offer for everyone.
Factors Affecting Tourist Regions in West Virginia
Several factors influence the formation and characteristics of tourist regions in West Virginia. These factors shape the unique landscapes, cultural heritage, and attractions that make each region distinct. Understanding these factors can provide insights into why certain areas are designated as specific tourist regions and help visitors make the most of their trip to West Virginia.
Geography plays a significant role in determining the tourist regions of West Virginia. The state is known for its diverse topography, ranging from the rugged mountains of the Appalachian range to the picturesque lakes and rivers. The natural features of the land have a direct impact on the outdoor activities and attractions available in each region. For example, the Potomac Highlands region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, making it a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and skiing.
Cultural heritage is another vital factor that contributes to the formation of tourist regions. West Virginia’s rich history and Appalachian culture are deeply intertwined with the local communities. Each region has its own unique traditions, festivals, music, and crafts, providing visitors with an immersive cultural experience. The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region, for instance, is renowned for its rich folklore and historical sites related to the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud.
Economic and infrastructure factors also influence the development of tourist regions. Access to transportation, accommodations, and amenities play a role in attracting visitors to specific areas. Regions with well-developed infrastructure and a range of hospitality options tend to be more appealing to tourists. The Metro Valley region, which includes the capital city of Charleston, benefits from its urban amenities and accessibility.
Environmental preservation and conservation efforts also come into play when designating tourist regions. West Virginia takes pride in its natural beauty and aims to protect its pristine landscapes. Some regions, like the New River-Greenbrier Valley, are known for their commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable practices, making them popular among nature enthusiasts.
Lastly, historical significance and landmarks contribute to the formation of tourist regions. West Virginia has a rich historical background, including sites related to the Civil War, coal mining, and industrial heritage. The Northern Panhandle region, with its historical architecture and strategic location along major waterways, attracts history buffs and those interested in exploring the state’s industrial past.
By considering these factors, visitors can gain a better understanding of the diverse tourist regions in West Virginia. Whether it’s the natural landscapes, cultural heritage, economic factors, environmental efforts, or historical significance, each region offers a unique and enriching experience that should not be missed.
Exploring the Tourist Regions of West Virginia
West Virginia is divided into nine distinct tourist regions, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. From the picturesque mountains of the Potomac Highlands to the scenic lakes of the Mountain Lakes region, there is something for everyone to discover in West Virginia’s diverse landscapes. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tourist regions:
1. Eastern Panhandle: Located in the northeastern part of the state, this region is known for its charming small towns, historic sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the vibrant arts scene in Berkeley Springs, learn about the state’s history in Harpers Ferry, or enjoy hiking and fishing in Cacapon State Park.
2. Potomac Highlands: This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its rugged mountains, sprawling national forests, and scenic drives. Highlights include Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and Canaan Valley, which offer activities such as rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing.
3. Mountain Lakes: As the name suggests, this region is home to numerous beautiful lakes, including Summersville Lake and Stonewall Jackson Lake. Outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and camping are popular here. The region also boasts scenic state parks, such as Watoga State Park and Hawks Nest State Park.
4. Metro Valley: Situated in the western part of the state, the Metro Valley region encompasses the capital city of Charleston. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, visit historical landmarks like the West Virginia State Capitol, or enjoy outdoor activities along the Kanawha River.
5. Hatfield-McCoy Mountains: This region is famous for its rugged mountainous terrain, rich coal mining history, and the Hatfield-McCoy ATV trail system. Visitors can experience the thrill of off-roading, immerse themselves in Appalachian culture, and explore historic sites related to the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud.
6. Mid-Ohio Valley: Located in the northwestern part of the state, this region is characterized by a blend of history, natural beauty, and charming river towns. Visitors can explore the historic Blennerhassett Island, take a leisurely cruise along the Ohio River, or enjoy outdoor activities in North Bend State Park.
7. Mountaineer Country: Home to West Virginia University, this region offers a vibrant mix of college town charm, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore Morgantown’s lively downtown, cheer on the Mountaineers at a football game, or hike through the scenic Coopers Rock State Forest.
8. New River-Greenbrier Valley: Known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures, this region is home to the New River Gorge—one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. Visitors can go white-water rafting, rock climbing, or take in the breathtaking views from the New River Gorge Bridge.
9. Northern Panhandle: Located in the northernmost part of the state, this region is steeped in history and industrial heritage. Visitors can explore historic towns such as Wheeling, visit the iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, or learn about the state’s coal mining past in the Wheeling Heritage Area.
Each of these tourist regions in West Virginia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat in the mountains or an exploration of West Virginia’s rich history, there is a region waiting to be discovered.
Region 1: Eastern Panhandle
The Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia encompasses the northeastern part of the state, bordering Maryland and Virginia. This region is renowned for its charming small towns, rich history, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
One of the highlights of the Eastern Panhandle is Berkeley Springs, a town famous for its natural mineral springs and soothing spas. Visitors can unwind in the warm waters of the historic Berkeley Springs State Park, which has been attracting visitors since colonial times. The town also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, shops, and the annual Berkeley Springs Studio Tour showcasing the works of local artists.
Harpers Ferry, another historic town in the Eastern Panhandle, is a must-visit destination for history buffs. This picturesque town, situated at the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, played a significant role in the Civil War. Visitors can explore the well-preserved town, visit the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and hike up to the stunning viewpoint from Maryland Heights.
In addition to its cultural attractions, the Eastern Panhandle offers ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cacapon State Park, located just outside of Berkeley Springs, features over 6,000 acres of woodlands and offers activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and golfing. The park also has cozy cabins and a lodge for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Shepherdstown, a charming college town in the Eastern Panhandle, is known for its historic sites, boutique shops, and vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore the Shepherd University campus, visit the historic Shepherdstown Opera House, and indulge in delicious food at the town’s many restaurants and cafes.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, the Eastern Panhandle offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and bird watching in places like the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The region is also home to several scenic golf courses, including The Woods Resort Golf Course and Cress Creek Golf and Country Club.
As you can see, the Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia is a treasure trove of history, culture, and outdoor experiences. Whether you’re soaking in mineral springs, exploring historic sites, or enjoying the natural beauty of the area, this region offers a delightful blend of relaxation and exploration.
Region 2: Potomac Highlands
The Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia is a captivating area defined by its rugged mountains, sprawling national forests, and breathtaking natural beauty. Situated in the eastern part of the state, this region offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape into nature.
One of the highlights of the Potomac Highlands region is Seneca Rocks. This towering rock formation, rising 900 feet above the surrounding landscape, is a mecca for rock climbers and hikers. The adventurous can test their skills on the challenging Via Ferrata trail, while others can simply marvel at the stunning panoramic views from the observation platform.
Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia, is another must-visit destination in the Potomac Highlands. Visitors can hike to the summit and be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Monongahela National Forest. The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area also offers camping, fishing, and scenic drives.
For those who love winter sports, the region is home to Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Timberline Four Seasons Resort. These ski resorts boast a variety of slopes catering to all skill levels, as well as other winter activities such as snowboarding, tubing, and cross-country skiing.
The Potomac Highlands region is also known for its abundant wildlife and natural wonders. Dolly Sods Wilderness, a unique high-altitude plateau, offers stunning views, highland bogs, and a diverse array of flora and fauna. Visitors can hike through the wilderness, camp under the starlit sky, and observe rare plant species.
The region offers opportunities for scenic drives, such as the Highland Scenic Highway, where travelers can witness the changing colors of the forested mountains in the fall. The Monongahela National Forest, which covers much of the Potomac Highlands, provides endless trails for hiking and backpacking, often leading to hidden waterfalls, peaceful streams, and tranquil mountain lakes.
Notable towns in the Potomac Highlands include Davis and Thomas, known for their lively arts and culture scenes. These towns offer a mix of galleries, artisan shops, music festivals, and delicious farm-to-table dining options.
Whether you choose to explore Seneca Rocks, scale the peaks of Spruce Knob, or simply immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the region, the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Region 3: Mountain Lakes
The Mountain Lakes region of West Virginia is a picturesque area known for its scenic lakes, rolling hills, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Situated in the central part of the state, this region offers a tranquil escape into nature and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
One of the highlights of the Mountain Lakes region is Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia. This stunning body of water is a paradise for water enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding Summersville Lake Wildlife Management Area provides ample hiking opportunities and wildlife viewing.
Another gem in the region is Stonewall Jackson Lake, a peaceful reservoir nestled in the rolling hills. This lake is perfect for fishing, with abundant bass, walleye, and catfish. Visitors can also rent boats, enjoy lakeside picnics, and explore the beautiful Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park.
The Mountain Lakes region is home to several state parks that showcase the natural beauty of West Virginia. Watoga State Park, the largest state park in the state, offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping. Hawks Nest State Park, situated above the New River Gorge, features stunning views, an aerial tram, and hiking trails.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities for hiking and backpacking in the region. The Greenbrier River Trail, a 77-mile long trail following an old railroad bed, offers a scenic path for walking, biking, or horseback riding. The trails of Holly River State Park and Kumbrabow State Forest provide further options for exploration.
The Mountain Lakes region is also known for its charming small towns. Lewisburg, often considered one of the coolest small towns in America, features a vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and delicious farm-to-table dining options. Visitors can explore the historic downtown, attend performances at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, or visit the impressive Greenbrier Resort nearby.
When visiting the Mountain Lakes region, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the local cuisine. West Virginia is famous for its hearty comfort food, and this region boasts numerous restaurants and diners serving up mouthwatering dishes such as pepperoni rolls, Appalachian-style biscuits, and country fried steak.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, exhilarating outdoor adventures, or a taste of small-town charm, the Mountain Lakes region promises a memorable experience in the heart of West Virginia.
Region 4: Metro Valley
The Metro Valley region of West Virginia is located in the western part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Charleston. This vibrant and bustling region offers a mix of urban amenities, historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.
Charleston, the largest city in West Virginia, serves as the heart of the Metro Valley region. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history by visiting the West Virginia State Capitol, a magnificent building with striking golden dome and beautiful grounds. The state capitol complex also houses the West Virginia State Museum, where visitors can delve into the state’s cultural heritage.
The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences is another must-visit attraction in Charleston. This multi-purpose venue features a performing arts center, art galleries, a planetarium, and interactive exhibits for both children and adults. The Clay Center hosts a range of cultural performances, including music concerts, theatrical productions, and art exhibitions.
The Metro Valley region is known for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide array of restaurants and eateries offering both local and international cuisine. From farm-to-table establishments to barbecue joints and craft breweries, food enthusiasts will find plenty to satisfy their taste buds in this region.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the Metro Valley region has to offer. The Kanawha State Forest, located just outside of Charleston, encompasses over 9,000 acres of diverse forested terrain, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities. Along the Kanawha River, visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply take a leisurely walk along the riverfront trails.
The region also offers a variety of museums and historical sites. The West Virginia State Museum in Charleston provides a comprehensive overview of the state’s history, while the West Virginia Cultural Center showcases art exhibitions and hosts cultural events throughout the year.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts community of the region. Festivals and events like FestivALL Charleston, the Symphony Sunday performance, and the West Virginia Dance Festival highlight the artistic talents of the area and bring the community together.
Whether you’re exploring the rich history of Charleston, enjoying the arts and culinary scene, or embracing the outdoor beauty of the region, the Metro Valley of West Virginia offers a dynamic blend of experiences for visitors.
Region 5: Hatfield-McCoy Mountains
The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region, located in the southern part of West Virginia, is a captivating area known for its rugged mountainous terrain, rich coal mining history, and the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud. This region offers a unique blend of Appalachian culture, outdoor adventure, and historical significance.
The Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trail System is one of the region’s major attractions. Spanning over 800 miles of trails, it is the largest off-road trail system in the United States. ATV enthusiasts can explore the picturesque mountains, winding through forests, crossing streams, and enjoying breathtaking views. With a range of difficulty levels, the trail system caters to both beginners and experienced riders.
For history buffs, the Hatfield-McCoy feud is an intriguing part of the region’s heritage. Visitors can delve into the captivating story of the infamous feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families at the Hatfield-McCoy Historic Site in Williamson. The site includes a museum, exhibits, and informative displays that shed light on the feud and its impact on the region.
Winding through the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains, visitors will find charming towns and communities that offer a glimpse into the Appalachian way of life. These towns, such as Williamson and Matewan, exhibit the region’s rich cultural heritage through their historic architecture, local festivals, and music traditions.
In addition to exploring the history and culture, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of activities in the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains. From hiking and camping in the scenic state parks like Chief Logan State Park and Beech Fork State Park, to fishing and boating in the rushing rivers and serene lakes, there are endless opportunities to connect with nature.
The region is also known for its panoramic overlooks and scenic drives, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Visitors can take a leisurely drive along the Hatfield-McCoy Historic Driving Tour to absorb the region’s beauty and discover hidden gems along the way.
When it comes to dining, the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region showcases hearty Appalachian cuisine. Sample traditional dishes like ramps, cornbread, beans, and apple butter, or savor mouthwatering barbecue at local eateries that reflect the region’s culinary traditions.
Whether you’re exploring the Hatfield-McCoy ATV trails, learning about the feuding families, immersing yourself in the Appalachian culture, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains, the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region offers a unique and captivating experience in West Virginia.
Region 6: Mid-Ohio Valley
The Mid-Ohio Valley region of West Virginia is a charming area situated in the northwestern part of the state. With its blend of scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and charming river towns, this region offers a delightful mix of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
One of the highlights of the Mid-Ohio Valley region is the historic town of Parkersburg. Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, Parkersburg boasts a rich history and architectural beauty. Visitors can explore the city’s Victorian-era homes and well-preserved downtown, which is home to unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
While in Parkersburg, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. This island on the Ohio River is home to the beautifully restored Blennerhassett Mansion, where visitors can step back in time and experience life in the early 19th century. The island also offers outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and boat tours.
The Mid-Ohio Valley region is known for its picturesque riverfronts and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks or bike rides along the riverfront trails, go fishing or kayaking on the Ohio River, or take a relaxing boat cruise to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
For history enthusiasts, the region offers several historical sites and landmarks. The Oil and Gas Museum in Parkersburg showcases the region’s rich petroleum history, while the Henderson Hall Plantation offers a glimpse into the lives of 19th-century families with its beautifully preserved mansion and grounds.
Nature lovers will appreciate the region’s proximity to beautiful state parks. North Bend State Park, located along the Ohio River, offers opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The park’s scenic overlooks provide breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Mid-Ohio Valley also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The Parkersburg Homecoming Festival celebrates the city’s culture and history with live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages. The West Virginia Sweet Corn Festival in Cairo is a popular event that showcases the region’s agricultural heritage.
Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in the local flavors of the Mid-Ohio Valley. From farm-to-table restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients to family-owned eateries offering regional specialties, there are plenty of dining options to satisfy every palate.
With its blend of history, scenic beauty, and lively riverfront towns, the Mid-Ohio Valley region of West Virginia offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors. Whether you’re exploring the rich heritage, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply immersing yourself in the area’s charm, this region is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Region 7: Mountaineer Country
Located in the north-central part of West Virginia, Mountaineer Country is a region known for its vibrant college town, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage. This region is home to West Virginia University and offers a lively blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and Appalachian charm.
The city of Morgantown serves as the heart of Mountaineer Country. As a college town, Morgantown offers a lively atmosphere, with a vibrant downtown, diverse dining options, and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore the shops, galleries, and restaurants, or catch a game at the WVU Coliseum or Milan Puskar Stadium.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the region’s close proximity to outdoor adventures. Coopers Rock State Forest, just a short drive from Morgantown, offers hiking trails with stunning panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, bird-watching, and camping in this beautiful forested area.
Cheat Lake, a popular recreational spot in Mountaineer Country, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. The lake is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Fans of history and culture can explore the rich heritage of the region. The Monongalia County Historical Society explores the local history through its exhibits and presentations, while the Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum showcases the region’s coal mining heritage. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Appalachian arts and crafts at the West Virginia Artisan Center.
Mountaineer Country is also known for its festivals and events. The West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival and the MountainFest Motorcycle Rally attract visitors from across the state and beyond. These events showcase the region’s love for live music, culinary delights, and unique cultural experiences.
Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in the flavors of Mountaineer Country. The region offers a wide range of dining options, from farm-to-table restaurants offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients to cozy cafes and diners serving up Appalachian classics such as pepperoni rolls and ramps.
With its blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and cultural offerings, Mountaineer Country provides a well-rounded experience for visitors. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Morgantown, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the region’s rich heritage, Mountaineer Country has something for everyone.
Region 8: New River-Greenbrier Valley
The New River-Greenbrier Valley region of West Virginia is an enchanting area known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled in the southern part of the state, this region offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
The crown jewel of the New River-Greenbrier Valley region is the New River Gorge. Designated as a National River, it boasts breathtaking views, world-class white-water rafting opportunities, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can marvel at the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, go rock climbing on the sandstone cliffs, or simply take in the splendor of nature in this scenic wonderland.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the region’s state parks. Babcock State Park, known for its iconic gristmill and picturesque Glade Creek Falls, offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. Hawks Nest State Park, situated along the New River, offers stunning views of the river gorge, aerial tram rides, and hiking trails through lush woodlands.
The region is also home to the Greenbrier Resort, a world-renowned luxury resort nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. This historic resort offers championship golf courses, a luxurious spa, fine dining, and a range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, fly fishing, and horseback riding.
In addition to outdoor pursuits, the New River-Greenbrier Valley region is steeped in history and culture. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine allows visitors to step back in time and explore a real coal mine, providing insight into the region’s coal mining heritage. The Tamarack Artisan Center, located near Beckley, showcases the work of local artisans and offers a taste of Appalachian crafts and cuisine.
Throughout the year, the region hosts a variety of festivals and events that celebrate its unique culture and traditions. The Appalachian String Band Music Festival, the Bridge Day celebration where base jumpers and rappellers descend from the New River Gorge Bridge, and the Chocolate Festival in Lewisburg are just a few examples of the vibrant events that take place in this region.
Culinary delights await visitors in the New River-Greenbrier Valley region. From farm-to-table restaurants serving fresh local ingredients to traditional Appalachian cuisine like ramps and pepperoni rolls, food enthusiasts will find an array of flavors to satisfy their palate.
With its unbeatable natural scenery, thrilling outdoor adventures, rich history, and distinct cultural experiences, the New River-Greenbrier Valley region of West Virginia is an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive and unforgettable vacation.
Region 9: Northern Panhandle
The Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia is a captivating area situated in the northernmost part of the state, bordering Pennsylvania and Ohio. This region offers a blend of history, industrial heritage, scenic beauty, and a rich cultural tapestry.
One of the highlights of the Northern Panhandle is the historic city of Wheeling. Steeped in history, Wheeling was once the capital of West Virginia and played a significant role in the state’s early development. Visitors can explore the Victorian architecture of the Wheeling Historic District, visit the beautifully restored Capitol Theatre, or take a stroll along the scenic Ohio River waterfront.
Wheeling Island is another must-visit destination in the region. This scenic island offers a range of activities, including a casino, a dog racing track, and the charming Victorian-era Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. Visitors can enjoy gaming, live entertainment, and dining while taking in views of the Ohio River.
The region is also known for its rich industrial heritage. The West Virginia Penitentiary, located in Moundsville, provides a glimpse into the state’s prison system history through tours of the former maximum-security prison. The Marx Toy Museum in Moundsville showcases the history of the iconic Marx toy company, while the National Imperial Glass Museum in Bellaire, Ohio, just across the border, displays stunning examples of the region’s glassmaking tradition.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Oglebay Park, a 1,700-acre park located in Wheeling. The park features beautiful gardens, golf courses, hiking trails, and a zoo, providing a range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The panoramic views from the park’s overlooks are especially breathtaking in the autumn months.
For those interested in history, the National Road Heritage Park offers a glimpse into the early days of transportation. This corridor of the historic National Road showcases restored buildings, including taverns, inns, and shops, providing a sense of what life was like for travelers along this important route.
The Northern Panhandle region is also home to a variety of cultural festivals and events. The Wheeling Heritage Port Sternwheel Festival celebrates the region’s riverboat heritage with live music, food vendors, and fireworks. The Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival in Wheeling is a popular event showcasing the region’s Italian-American heritage through music, dancing, and authentic cuisine.
Delicious culinary options await visitors in the Northern Panhandle region. From savory Italian dishes to hearty Appalachian fare, the region offers a diverse range of dining experiences for every taste.
With its rich history, industrial heritage, scenic beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, the Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia invites visitors to embark on a journey through time and experience the unique charm of this captivating region.
West Virginia’s diverse tourist regions offer a wealth of experiences for visitors to explore. From the rugged mountains of the Potomac Highlands to the picturesque lakes of the Mountain Lakes region, the state showcases a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures.
Understanding the factors that shape these tourist regions, such as geography, cultural heritage, and historical significance, allows visitors to plan their itineraries strategically and make the most of their time in West Virginia. Each region offers a distinct atmosphere and a range of attractions, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether it’s exploring the charming small towns and spas of the Eastern Panhandle, embarking on thrilling ATV rides through the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains, or indulging in outdoor adventures in the New River-Greenbrier Valley region, West Virginia’s tourist regions cater to a variety of interests and preferences.
The state’s rich history is showcased in attractions like Harpers Ferry and the West Virginia Penitentiary, while its natural wonders take center stage in places like Seneca Rocks and the New River Gorge. Alongside the region-specific attractions, West Virginia’s warm hospitality and delicious culinary offerings further enhance visitors’ experiences.
By venturing into the tourist regions of West Virginia, travelers can immerse themselves in the state’s unique culture, discover hidden gems, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat in nature, West Virginia’s tourist regions offer something for every traveler.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an adventure through the enchanting regions of West Virginia. From the majestic mountains to the charming small towns, there’s no shortage of beauty and exploration waiting to be discovered in the Mountain State.
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19 surprisingly cool things to do in west virginia.
From the newest national park in the U.S. to the Mothman Museum, West Virginia is increasingly intriguing.
The Top Things to Do in West Virginia
Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism
"Almost Heaven, West Virginia."
The state that inspired John Denver's now-classic American anthem, does, in fact, feel a bit like Heaven (or at least what we imagine it to be). Yet it isn't a destination at top of many bucket lists, if it even has a place on those lists at all. It's time to change your mind.
Read on to discover the top things to do in West Virginia.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Glen Jean
Getty Images
If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Born out of a COVID-19 relief bill, New River Gorge became the nation's 63rd national park in December 2020. The area – which spans more than 70,000 acres – has long been a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 53-mile stretch of the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers in the world) is famous for whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours and rapids up to Class V, widely considered some of the most challenging to navigate.
Of course, the park also offers other ways to take in its otherworldly landscape – think scenic driving routes, hiking, biking, climbing, fishing and free ranger-led activities including junior ranger programs. Accommodation options inside the park are limited to camping, but there are plenty of hotels and resorts within a short drive.
Bridge Walk: Lansing
Whatever you do in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, don't miss the one-of-a-kind Bridge Walk, where guided tours are offered on a catwalk beneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge towers 876 feet above the New River, but don't worry – guests are securely fastened to a cable, and tours move at a relaxed pace so you can feel comfortable (and stop for scenic views and photo ops along the way). Previous visitors say the Bridge Walk is a must in West Virginia, with some calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants must be at least 8 years old.
If you're feeling extra brave after mastering this walkway, you can even come back for Bridge Day, West Virginia's largest single-day festival, where thousands gather every October to watch daredevils jump off the bridge into the gorge below.
Address: 57 County Route 85/9, Lansing, WV 25862
Hatfield-McCoy Trails
The infamously bizarre Hatfield-McCoy Feud that lasted nearly 30 years (and even inspired a dinner show in Pigeon Forge ) actually took place in West Virginia and Kentucky. Today, the region in which the feud took place is now the largest trail system on the East Coast, with 1,000 miles of wooded pathways, rolling hills and quintessential Appalachian towns to explore.
Waterfall Trail
In June 2022, West Virginia launched a statewide Waterfall Trail, allowing travelers to more easily navigate some of the state's 200-plus waterfalls with a free mobile passport – plus the chance to win prizes along the way. As of 2023, there are 38 trail stops in total. These include the famous Blackwater Falls, where the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles tints the water. Not surprisingly, it's one of West Virginia's most photographed destinations.
Read: The Best Places to Hike in the U.S.
Watoga State Park
Watoga State Park was named a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2021, along with the adjacent Calvin Price State Forest and nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. Travelers who want to catch a glimpse of the nighttime light show can opt for tent camping or cabin accommodations, spring through fall.
Address: 4800 Watoga Park Road, Marlinton, WV 24954
Adventures on the Gorge: Lansing
Courtesy of Adventures on the Gorge
The ultimate experience in West Virginia, Adventures on the Gorge, is an award-winning adventure outfitter and resort on the rim of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The destination resort offers a dizzying array of outdoor activities, the most popular of which is whitewater rafting. Travelers rave about the half- and multi-day excursions for various skill levels, noting that the guides are friendly, helpful and all-around great. Adventure seekers can also enjoy zip lining and canopy tours (including a nighttime MoonTrek), rappelling, mountain biking, guided hikes, horseback riding, cave tours, laser tag and paintball. On Summersville Lake (the largest in West Virginia), there's kayaking, standup paddleboarding and multi-sport excursions that include a little bit of everything.
After an action-packed day, visitors can grab a bite to eat at any of the three on-site restaurants and retreat to their choice of accommodations, which include everything from cozy cabins to glamping tents with views of the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding forest.
Address: 219 County Route 60/5, Lansing, WV 25862
The Greenbrier: White Sulphur Springs
Courtesy of Greenbrier County CVB
A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and World War II. In 1778, it became "America's Resort," first hosting wealthy Southerners, then celebrities, U.S. presidents and even royalty. You don't have to be a guest of the luxury resort (or an A-lister) to get a glimpse of it – guided hotel tours are offered – but overnight guests enjoy upscale accommodations ranging from signature guest rooms to estate homes, a roster of activities for all ages, golf, a spa, restaurants, a casino, retail shops, seasonal events and more. Whether you splurge for an overnight stay or not, don't miss the Bunker Tour, where you'll discover a former emergency fallout shelter and top-secret government relocation facility for Congress from the Cold War period.
Address: 101 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
Lost World Caverns: Lewisburg
Go 120 feet underground to explore stalagmites (some of which measure up to 80 feet tall) and stalactites at Lost World Caverns. Self-guided tours typically take about 45 minutes and are appropriate for all ages, while the Wild Cave Tour for ages 10 and up takes visitors to undeveloped parts of the caverns over the course of several hours. This attraction, which was first discovered in 1942, also includes a museum and gift shop. Previous visitors highly recommend Lost World Caverns, cautioning that the caves can be slippery and difficult to traverse in some areas, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket .
Address: 907 Lost World Road, Lewisburg, WV 24901
Harpers Ferry
Perhaps the most well-known destination in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is more than a quaint 19th-century town. It's a National Historic Park with Civil War sites including battlefields, remnants of campsites and, most notably, John Brown's Fort and the John Brown Museum. If you don't remember this one from history class, John Brown is the abolitionist credited with leading what's now known as the Harpers Ferry Raid, in which he attempted to start an armed revolt of enslaved people in 1859.
Harpers Ferry is also known as the psychological midpoint of the 2,178-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail and, as such, attracts thru-hikers to the historic Lower Town's restaurants and nearby vacation rentals. Other highlights in Harper's Ferry include The Point, where you can see the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers; crossing the Potomac on a pedestrian bridge to access the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath; and, better still, getting out on the waters in a river tube, cold drink in hand.
Read: The Best Places to Celebrate Black History Month
Berkeley Springs State Park: Berkeley Springs
Soak in the soothing springs of this state park, known for its warm waters, which maintain a comfortable temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and its bathhouses, where available spa services include massages and mineral baths. The springs date back centuries, first flourishing as a health mecca for Native Americans, then drawing European settlers beginning in 1730. Several years later, George Washington discovered the healing powers of the springs and began visiting them regularly. It is largely because of him that the place now known as Berkeley Springs State Park remains the popular wellness destination it is today. Visitors praise the park and surrounding town, noting that you can see the historic Berkeley Springs Castle (reserved for private events only) from here.
Address: 2 S. Washington St., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Mothman Museum: Point Pleasant
In 1966, two grave diggers in Clendenin, West Virginia, reported the sighting of a strange winged figure with red eyes. Shortly after the incident, local residents began to make similar claims, with many blaming the massive creature, nicknamed the Mothman, for the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse and subsequent death of 46 people. The story was so bizarre it captured the attention of Hollywood (resulting in "The Mothman Prophecies" movie, based on a book of the same name) and inspired the Mothman Museum in the town of Point Pleasant, where the mythical creature is said to reside. The museum features original newspaper clippings, handwritten police reports, props used in the 2002 film and more. The Mothman Statue stands 12 feet tall outside of the museum, and the Mothman Festival is hosted every September. Previous patrons of the museum say it's fun and interesting, and that admission – less than $5 for adults – is cheap.
After you explore this eerie museum, spend some time in Point Pleasant, an attraction in itself with great restaurants, shopping, seasonal events and the historic (and supposedly haunted) Lowe Hotel.
Address: 400 Main St., Point Pleasant, WV 25550
World's Largest Teapot: Chester
If you're road-tripping through West Virginia, consider making a stop at this quirky attraction, which measures 12 feet high and 44 feet wide. Before achieving fame, the "World's Largest Teapot" was created as a giant keg for Hires Root Beer and then installed as a snack stand at a mini-golf course in Pennsylvania. In 1938, a man named William "Babe" Devon brought it to Chester, West Virginia. He added a spout, lid and handle so he could use the newly revamped structure to promote the region's then-booming pottery industry, selling teapots and other souvenirs from its window. The teapot went out of business around 1980, was restored by the Chester City Council in 1990, and has sat at the junction of U.S. Route 30 and State Route 2 ever since.
Tips on Trips and Expert Picks
Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.
West Virginia Penitentiary: Moundsville
During its 100-plus years in operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary saw riots, homicides and executions including public hangings. So it's no surprise that when the storied prison decommissioned in 1995, former prison guards began offering tours to the public. Current tour options include a Public Ghost Hunt and Private Paranormal Investigations, as the prison is said to be haunted by former inmates. You can even try your hand at an escape room game. Previous visitors confirm the prison tours are all at once creepy, informative and enjoyable. The West Virginia Penitentiary is so spooky that it's been featured in Netflix's "Mindhunter" (along with the town of Moundsville) and Hulu's "Castle Rock," among other TV shows and movies.
Address: 818 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, WV 26041
Read: Hauntingly Abandoned Places You Can Still Visit
West Virginia State Museum: Charleston
Located in the charming state capital of Charleston, the West Virginia State Museum features informative and interactive exhibits that pay homage to the culture and history of the Mountain State. Notable artifacts on display include a pair of Billy the Kid's leather chaps and the telescope George Washington used to survey the state's lands. Previous visitors say this Charleston museum is truly impressive, with some advising you'll need a few hours to see everything it has to offer. Bonus: As a state-operated attraction, the museum is free to enter. The West Virginia State Museum also manages a few historic sites throughout the state, including West Virginia Independence Hall and Camp Washington-Carver.
Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E #435, Charleston, WV 25305
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine: Beckley
Courtesy of Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
A small, family-operated coal mine and camp from roughly 1890 to 1910 that later became a commercial endeavor until it closed in 1953, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is now a highly rated attraction in West Virginia. Previous visitors say both kids and adults enjoy exploring the former coal mines with veteran miners, who lead guided tours in authentic "man trips," the cars used in mining operations. When you emerge from the tunnels, explore the Coal Camp, with restored original buildings including the Pemberton Coal Camp Church and the Helen Coal Camp School, then stop by the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, which features a planetarium and a recreated homestead from the late 19th century. Admission includes the tour and access to the camp and museum. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is open from April to November, but bring a light jacket no matter when you visit as the mines can get chilly.
Address: 513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801
Twin Falls Resort State Park: Mullens
Escape to Twin Falls Resort State Park, a destination resort with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails (where you can see the park's namesake waterfalls), an indoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course and a restaurant. Overnight lodging options include camping (tents or RVs), cabins and hotel rooms. The park also features a reconstructed pioneer homestead, where guests can learn about frontier life at the attraction's working farm and gardens. Recent guests have left positive reviews of the resort, commenting that it's both beautiful and clean.
Monongahela National Forest
Another nationally protected region in West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest spans more than 919,000 acres in 10 counties over elevations that range from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Areas of interest include Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, which features the highest peak in West Virginia, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness, notably the Bear Rocks trail. Both areas offer some of the best views in the state. Throughout the vast national forest there are ample hiking and biking trails, scenic driving routes, and places to stop for a picnic lunch. You can also go swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding and, if you'd like to stay a few days, camping in tents, RVs or on-site cabins. A visit in the winter affords opportunities for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
NROCKS Outdoor Adventures
With so much rugged mountain landscape, it's no surprise that West Virginia has a Via Ferrata (a mountain route with permanently installed steel rungs and cables). Located near the Monongahela National Forest, NROCKS Outdoor Adventures offers guided rock-climbing tours of the Via Ferrata. Participants aged 13 and up gain 1,085 feet in elevation, cross a suspension bridge that is 150 feet high and 200 feet long, and reach exposed heights of 280 feet during the roughly 1-mile trek, which takes about 3.5 hours. Recent tourgoers say the experience is thrilling, though not for the faint of heart. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, nighttime tours are offered on select dates throughout the year.
Address: 141 County Route 28/5, Circleville, WV 26804
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Cass
A remote destination in Pocahontas County, Cass was once a company town for loggers, who transported lumber via what's now known as the Cass Scenic Railroad. Climb aboard a historic steam-driven locomotive (operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad) for a scenic ride to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia. The train ride , which affords panoramic views of the Appalachians, lasts about 4.5 hours round trip and includes lunch. For those visiting Cass Scenic Railroad State Park with kids, previous visitors recommend the two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a former logging camp. Some travelers also suggest a visit in the fall to enjoy the colorful foliage . Within Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, visitors can explore the former lumbering town as well as a gift shop, restaurant, museum and theater. Overnight cabin accommodations are also available.
Address: 12363 Cass Road, Cass, WV 24927
You might also be interested in:
- The Best Hotels in West Virginia
- The Top Things to Do in Virginia
- The Most Romantic Getaways in Virginia
- The Top Things to Do in Ohio
Tags: Travel , US Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations
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Courtesy of WV Tourism
West Virginia
Ready for rugged East Coast adventuring with a gorgeous mountain backdrop? Then set your car toward wild and wonderful West Virginia, a state often overlooked by both American and foreign travelers. It doesn't help that the state can't seem to shake its negative stereotypes. That's too bad, because West Virginia is one of the prettiest states in the Union. With its line of unbroken green mountains, raging white-water rivers and snowcapped ski resorts, this is an outdoor-lovers' paradise.
Best Things to Do
Best neighborhoods, your next trip starts here.
Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.
Attractions
Must-see attractions.
Seneca Rocks
A striking rock formation rising 900ft above a fork of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks is one of the most recognizable natural features in the state. Rock…
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Halloween is the busy season at this former mental hospital, when ghost tours of the massive facility will scare the living daylights out of you. The…
New River Gorge Bridge
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Completed in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge is the third-highest bridge in the US and the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Made…
Dolly Sods Wilderness
Red spruce trees, windswept boulders, valley views and boggy forests set a striking scene in the northern reaches of this remote but popular wilderness…
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Harpers Ferry
Historic buildings and museums are accessible to those with passes, which can be found, along with parking and shuttles, north of town at the Harpers…
Coopers Rock State Forest
One of the most photogenic spots in all of West Virginia is the main overlook at Coopers Rock. Picture a stone-and-log fence wrapped around a sandstone…
Beartown State Park
A wooden boardwalk drops, climbs and twists for a half-mile through a wonderland of moss-covered boulders in a leafy forest. On the slopes of Droop…
Green Bank Observatory
The enormous Green Bank Telescope is a radio telescope, so you won't be looking at the stars through any lenses here. But you can learn about radio…
Top picks from our travel experts
19 wild and wonderful west virginia adventures.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
The largest ski resort in the region, Snowshoe attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the country with 59 trails across three ski areas. Twelve…
NROCKS Outdoor Adventures
The thrills begin the moment you clip into your harness for this rugged via ferrata adventure, a fixed-anchor guided rock climb that scrambles up and over…
Hatfield-McCoy Trails
Six-hundred miles of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails are marked and patrolled in and around Williamson and Matewan. In Williamson, you'll see ATVs…
Purple Fiddle
One of those great mountain stores where bluegrass culture and hipster day-trippers from the urban South and Northeast mash up into a stomping good time…
Cathedral Café
Start the day with breakfast and coffee under stained-glass windows at this inviting cafe and former church. Local staff all seem to either work in, or…
Mystery Hole
See gravity and the known limits of tackiness defied at the Mystery Hole, one of the great attractions of roadside America. Everything inside this…
Stardust Cafe
The magic in the signature Trust Me Salad is the homemade granola. Or maybe it's the just-right mix of chevre and avocado. Oh heck, maybe it's the hearty…
Berkeley Springs State Park
Don't let the locker-room appearance deter you from the Berkeley Springs State Park's Roman Baths – it's the cheapest spa deal in town. Fill your water…
Pies & Pints
Oooh baby. Let's talk about the Gouda Chicken. Topped with gourmet cheese, chipotle crema, apple-smoked bacon and grilled yard bird, this decadent pizza…
Hawks Nest State Park
There are hiking trails, a nature center and an aerial tram, which runs from the lodge down to the river's edge for jet boat tours of the river and views…
Carnegie Hall
Industrialist Andrew Carnegie helped fund this 1902 Colonial Revival performance hall, one of only four Carnegie music halls still in continuous use. Stop…
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
This mine in Beckley, 22 miles south of Fayetteville, is a museum about the region's coal heritage. Visitors can ride a train 1500ft into a former coal…
West Virginia State Museum
The voice of billionaire governor Jim Justice welcomes guests to this engaging museum, where a path winds past exhibit areas spotlighting key moments and…
Wow. The bird's-eye view of the New River from the catwalk running below the river's namesake bridge is amazing. And it's eerie to hear traffic rattling…
Greenbrier Bunker Tour
If you're in southern West Virginia, don't miss this unique guided tour. A top-secret relocation center was built at the resort in the 1950s for Congress…
Adventures on the Gorge
How many experiences does this reputable outfit offer? Well, their catalog is 63 pages long and covers everything from white-water rafting on the New and…
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Secret Sandwich Society
If you're a connoisseur of sandwiches, or just super hungry, this easygoing spot is a must. The eatery has sandwiches slathered in tasty toppings,…
C&O Canal National Historic Park
The 184.5-mile towpath passes along the Potomac River on the Maryland side. From the historic downtown you can reach it via the Appalachian Trail across…
Cranberry Glades Boardwalk Trail
A half-mile boardwalk trails meanders through a mesmerizing swath of peat bogs, home to orchids and carnivorous plants. You'll want to photograph the…
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West Virginia
Explore travel.
West Virginia
Almost heaven.
West Virginia is the perfect backdrop for your next chapter.
Noted for its mountains, rolling hills and many state parks, West Virginia offers a variety of outdoor recreational options that include hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, hunting and whitewater rafting. The state’s strong economy is led by aerospace, chemical research, plastics, biometrics and medicine. West Virginia is also a leading energy-producing state with rich natural resources.
Where to Live Now
Best places to live in west virginia.
Looking for an affordable lifestyle with lots of outdoor adventure? Escape to the Mountain State and discover the best places to live in West Virginia.
Livability Advantage Valley, WV
This digital edition of the Livability Advantage Valley, WV is sponsored by Advantage Valley and is supported by the West Virginia Development Office .
Quick Facts
Best Things About Living in West Virginia
Food Scenes
8 regional pizza styles across the us that you might not know about.
Experiences & Adventures
Where to find the 5 best cat cafés in america, west virginia businesses & brands to know.
ZMM Architects & Engineers Create Adaptive Designs
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Places We Love In West Virginia
- Wheeling, WV
- Huntington, WV
- Morgantown, WV
- Clarksburg, WV
- Beckley, WV
- Fairmont, WV
- Charleston, WV
- South Charleston, WV
Cities in West Virginia on Livability.com
- Bluefield, WV
- Bridgeport, WV
- Brookhaven, WV
- Buckhannon, WV
- Charles Town, WV
- Cheat Lake, WV
- Cross Lanes, WV
- Grafton, WV
- Hurricane, WV
- Martinsburg, WV
- Moundsville, WV
- New Martinsville, WV
- Oak Hill, WV
- Parkersburg, WV
- Pea Ridge, WV
- Princeton, WV
- Ranson corporation, WV
- St. Albans, WV
- Teays Valley, WV
- Weirton, WV
Advantage Valley: An Outdoor Lovers’ Paradise
Whether you’re visiting for a 3-day weekend or recently moved here, you’ll quickly fall in love with all this stunning region in West Virginia has to offer.
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Kickback this summer with stellar poolside views.
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Eat your way through America the beautiful with our guide to the official food of every state.
7 Feast-Worthy Restaurants in Advantage Valley, WV
While in West Virginia, be sure to enjoy these must-visit stops in Charleston, Huntington and Hurricane.
Healthy Places
Advantage Valley Offers Excellent Health Care Options
Industry is also a major player in this West Virginia region’s economy by employing more than 28,000 people.
Affordable Places to Live
What are the Cheapest States for Home Renovation?
Looking for a fixer-upper of your own? Here are the most affordable places to make it happen.
Long to Live in a Small Town? Look to the Advantage Valley
The vibrant and bustling communities of West Virginia offer affordability, great quality of life, career opportunities and so much more.
Make Your Move
Moving to a New City? Meet the People, Programs and Organizations Working Hard to Help Get You There
Your new city is ready to roll out the red carpet for you. You just have to know who to ask.
5 Reasons to Move to Advantage Valley, WV Right Now
Find out what’s drawing people to this stunning and bustling region of West Virginia.
Love Mountains and Nature? Work Remotely From Here
But this spot offers so much more than stunning scenery. Find out why the Advantage Valley of West Virginia may be the perfect spot for your next career step.
Education, Careers & Opportunity
Unique Program Draws Young Talent to West Virginia
With opportunities to work, volunteer and explore, these fellows make a big impact on the state (and many stay after completing the 12-month program)
Advantage Valley Innovators Advancing the Way We Live
This West Virginia region is a prime destination for world-class research and entrepreneurial enterprises.
Aspiring Entrepreneur? Find Your Advantage Here
New businesses enjoy success in Advantage Valley, West Virginia, thanks to an excellent network of incubators and coaches.
Love Where You Live
The Most Romantic City In Every State
This Valentine’s Day hit the open road with your honey and explore the most romantic cities around the country.
The Official 2022 State-Specific Gift Guide
This year we’re taking ‘shop local’ to the next level with the best gifts from each state to give your loved ones.
Soccer Events Score Tourism Revenue for Advantage Valley
Thanks to recent college championships, people are more aware of region’s stellar fields, which are attracting tournaments.
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Events Calendar
Discover fall in almost heaven.
Featured Destinations
From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.
Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.
Featured Road Trip
Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route.
Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....
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Culture & Lifestyle
Check Out These Charming Small Towns in Almost Heaven
Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route, a memorable trip through the potomac highlands.
Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.
Explore Some of West Virginia's Most Stunning Sights
Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway.
You Can Take a Drive and a Dip Along This Historic Loop
Travel regions, parks and public lands.
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Vacation Homes & Rentals
Explore lodging.
Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away.
Current Season
The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe.
Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.
Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.
Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.
- History & Heritage
- Things to Do /
- Culture & Lifestyle /
Featured Itinerary
Begin your trip in Huntington with fresh-brewed coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Butter It Up , located in The Market. Then, take a step back in time at Heritage Farm Museum and Village for a living history demonstration of Appalachian culture. Next, visit the nearby Museum of Radio & Technology which houses 10,000 square feet of displays telling the story of entertainment technology from the 1920s to present. Chow down for lunch at the Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe before heading East on I-64 to Charleston where you can take a self-guided tour of the West Virginia State Museum and walk the vibrant grounds at the State Capitol. In late afternoon, walk the Sunrise Carriage Trail before dining at one of the many local restaurants on Capitol Street. End your day with a stay at the Brass Pineapple Inn for a quaint and charming night.
Follow Route 119-S to Madison and take a mid-morning tour of the Coal Heritage Museum. Continue to Logan to connect with nature at Chief Logan State Park then grab a bite to eat at Morrison’s Drive Inn . In the afternoon, continue south to Williamson for a brief stop at the Hatfield-McCoy Museum before making your way east to Matewan. Take a self-guided walk along the historic flood wall or tour the famous Coal House before feasting on BBQ at Wingo’s Grill . When you’re ready to rest, check in to the Matewan Bed & Breakfast for a comfortable night’s sleep.
After a hot B&B breakfast, begin your morning journey on Route 52 East for an up-close view of West Virginia’s coal towns. Arrive in the charming town of Bramwell and take a driving tour along “Millionaire Row,” a section of affluent homes that are a picturesque reminder of the area’s rich history. Enjoy a light lunch at The Corner Shop then drive to neighboring Princeton for countless historic sites including the Princeton Railroad Museum , Mercer County War Museum and the Clay Memorial Park . Finish the day with fine dining at David’s Downtown then spend the night at The Baker’s Hill Inn in Bluefield before returning home in the morning.
Trip Guides
Heritage trails, charleston convention and visitors bureau (cvb).
800 Smith Street
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 209-7015
Travel Berkeley Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
127 Fairfax St.
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Phone: (800) 447-8797
Huntington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
210 11th Street
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: (304) 525-7333
National Coal Heritage Area Authority
100 Kelly Avenue
Oak Hill, WV 25901
Phone: (304) 465-3720
Ranson Convention and Visitors Bureau
216 N. Mildred Street
Ranson, WV 25438
Phone: (304) 724-3862
Jefferson County CVB
37 Washington Court
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Phone: (304) 535-2627
McCoy's Grand Theatre
121 N. Main Street
Moorefield, WV 26836
Phone: (304) 530-7115
Jackson Cemetery
554 S. Linden Ave.
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Laurel Hill Civil War Battleground
Belington CVB
Belington, WV 26250
Phone: (304) 823-3327
Lewisburg Historic District
200 W. Washington Street
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Phone: (304) 645-1000
Locust Creek Covered Bridge
Secondary Route 31 South
Hillsboro, WV 24946
Phone: (800) 336-7009
Mothman - Point Pleasant
Main Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-3844
MacFarland-Hubbard House
1310 Kanawha Blvd. East
Phone: (304) 346-8500
Mannette Steel Drums
166 Dents Run Rd.
Granville, WV 26501
Phone: (304) 241-5691
Mason Dixon Historical Park
79 Buckeye Rd.
Core, WV 26541
Phone: (304) 879-4101
McNeel Mill
McNeels Mill
Mill Point, WV 24946
Phone: (304) 653-8843
Memorial Park
Memorial Boulevard
Phone: (304) 696-5954
Bulltown Campground
1 Burnsville Lake Rd
Napier, WV 26331
Phone: (304) 452-8006
Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau
261 Health Center Dr.
Union, WV 24983
Phone: (304) 772-3003
Monroe County Quilt Trail
Multiple locations
Phone: (304) 772-3094
Busted ATV Resort
7661 Coal Heritage Road
Bramwell, WV 24715
Morgantown Historic Audio Walking Tour
127 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 292-0168
Mount Iser Cemetery
Butcher Hill Historic District
Beverly, WV 26253
Phone: (304) 637-7424
Mt. Tabor Baptist Church
203 W Foster St.
Phone: (800) 833-2068
Nellis Archives & Historic District
160 Memorial Dr.
Nellis, WV 25142
Phone: (304) 836-5379
Old Central City
444 14th Street West
Huntington, WV 25704
Olivet Cemetery
192 Olivet Dr.
Phone: (304) 530-3786
Philippi Covered Bridge & Historic District
Philippi Historical Society Museum / 200 N. Main St.
Philippi, WV 26416
Phone: (304) 457-4846
Carnifex Ferry Cabins
617 Carnifex Ferry Crossing
Summersville, WV 26651
Phone: (304) 984-6123
Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site & Visitor Center
4 Court St.
Shepherdstown Historic District
P.O. Box 1786
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Phone: (304) 876-0910
South Side Depot
126 S. Main St.
Petersburg, WV 26847
Phone: (304) 257-9264
Spencer Heritage Park
116 Court St.
Spencer, WV 25276
Phone: (304) 927-1640
West Virginia State Capitol Complex
WV Division Culture
Charleston, WV 25305
Stonewall Jackson Birthplace
208 Court St.
Clarksburg, WV 26302
Phone: (304) 622-2157
Strawberry Inn
3300 Harvey Rd.
Phone: (304) 522-1244
Tawney Farm, LLC
286 Arnette Road
Phone: (304) 619-7332
The James Wylie House Bed and Breakfast
208 East Main Street
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
Thomas Shepherd Inn
300 W. German St.
Phone: (304) 876-3715
Thurmond Depot
New River Gorge National River, 104 Main St.
Glen Jean, WV 25846
Phone: (304) 465-0508
Town of Harpers Ferry
Highway 340
Phone: (304) 535-2030
Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (formerly Weston State Hospital)
50 S. River Ave.
Weston, WV 26452
Phone: (304) 269-5070
Booker T. Washington Boyhood Cabin
4104 Malden Drive
Malden, WV 25112
Virginia’s Chapel and Slave Cemetery
Off East Dupont Ave.
Cedar Grove, WV 25039
Walking Tour of Historic Franklin
P.O. Box 737
Franklin, WV 26807
Phone: (304) 358-3884
Walking Tour of Historic Lewisburg
Downtown Lewisburg
Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway Welcome Center
229 E. Martin St.
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone: (304) 264-9977
Wildlife Diversity Program
WV Division of Natural Resources
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: (304) 637-0245
Woman's Club of Fairmont
300 First St.
Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone: (304) 365-0491
World War II Memorial
Glenville, WEST VIRGINIA 26351
World's Largest Tea Pot
Chester City Hall/Tepot 600 Indiana Ave.
Chester, WV 26034
WVU Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center
160 WVU Jackson Mill
Weston, WV 26452-8011
Phone: (800) 287-8206
WVU Jackson's Mill Farmstead & Heritage Programs
Phone: (304) 406-7023
The Barn at York Hill
1583 Ridge Rd.
Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442
Phone: (304) 582-1477
Z. D. Ramsdell House
Ceredo, WV 25507
Bramwell Soda Fountain and Corner Shop
171 Main Street
Phone: (304) 248-7632
Alpine Theatre
210 W. Main St.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 372-1637
Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center
100 Station Square
Princeton Railroad Museum
99 Mercer Street
Princeton, WV 24740
Phone: (304) 487-5060
Pearl S. Buck Birthplace
8129 Seneca Trail
Phone: (304) 653-4430
International Mother's Day Shrine
11 E. Main Street
Grafton, WV 26354
Phone: (304) 265-1589
Fostoria Glass Museum
511 Tomlinson Avenue
Moundsville, WV 26041
Phone: (304) 845-9188
Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex
801 Jefferson Avenue
Phone: (304) 843-4128
The Cockayne Farmstead
1111 Wheeling Avenue
Glen Dale, WV 26038
Phone: (304) 845-1411
Matewan Depot Replica Museum
100 Bridge St.
Matewan, WV 25678
Phone: (304) 426-5744
Matewan Floodwall
Phone: (304) 426-4522
Blue Goose Inn
11 Mate Street
Phone: (304) 426-5110
Strand Theatre
804 5th Street
Phone: (304) 845-2773
Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center
1201 Locust Avenue
Phone: (304) 367-4403
Woodlawn Cemetery
335 Maple Avenue
Marion County Vietnam Memorial
East Marion Park--EXIT 136 OFF I-79
Phone: (304) 363-2969
Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike
100 Kirk St.
Phone: (304) 368-1123
Graves Of The Pierponts
336 Maple Ave.
Marion County Genealogical Club
321 Monroe St.
Fairmont, WV 2655
Phone: (304) 366-1210 ext. 112
Battlefields Inn Vacation Rental - Harpers Ferry
194 Alstadts Hill Road
Phone: (304) 671-7102
Beachamp - Newman Museum
29 Beauchamp Dr / P.O. Box 621
Elizabeth, WV 26143
Phone: (304) 275-3569
Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce
245 North Kanawha St.
Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: (304) 252-7328
River House Lodge
43 E. Main St.
Rowlesburg, WV 26425
Phone: (304) 454-2095
Old Hemlock Foundation
17098 Brandonville Pike
Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
Phone: (304) 379-7505
Yeager House Vacation Rental
49 Old Pike Road
Bartow, WV 24920
Phone: (304) 456-5029
Beekeeper Inn B&B
Helvetia, WV 26224
Phone: (304) 924-6435
Belle Boyd House
126 E. Race St.
Phone: (304) 267-4713
Bramwell Train Depot Visitor Center
1000 Simmons Street
Phone: (304) 248-8595
Friends of Old Main
405 Old Main Drive, PO Box 782
Summersville, WV 26651-0782
Phone: (304) 872-6205
Elk Theatre
132 Main St.
Sutton, WV 26601
Phone: (304) 765-2519
Reed's Mill
1331 Second Creek Rd.
Secondcreek, WV 24974
Phone: (304) 772-5665
Berkeley County Historical Society
136 E. Race St.
Jim Surkamp Tours
PO Box 1035
Phone: (304) 279-4796
112 W German Street
Phone: (304) 876-8477
Brewstel Hostel
120 Davis Ave
Phone: (304) 997-4769
Brooke County Visitors Center
945 Main Street
Wellsburg, WV 26070
Phone: (304) 737-1551
The Bunker at The Greenbrier
300 West Main Street
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia 24986
Phone: (304) 536-7810
Bulltown Historic District
1 Burnsville Lake Rd.; Burnsville Lake / Army Corps of Engineers
Burnsville, WV 26335
Phone: (304) 452-8170
Burning Springs Park
Phone: (304) 275-3510
Camden Park
5000 Waverly Rd (Rte. 60 W).
Phone: (304) 429-4321
Camp Allegheny 1861-1862
P.O. Box 67
Phone: (304) 456-3335
Campbell Mansion
7229 Main St.
Bethany, WV 26032
Phone: (615) 327-1444
City of Dunbar Shawnee Regional Park
Institute, WV 25112
Phone: (304) 766-0243
City of Moundsville
800 Sixth Street
Phone: (304) 845-6300
Governor's Mansion
1716 Kanawha Blvd.
Phone: (304) 558-4839
City of Nitro
2009 20th Street
Nitro, WV 25143
Phone: (304) 755-0705
Harpers Ferry
485 Fillmore St.
Phone: (304) 535-6029
Chamber of Commerce of the Mid Ohio Valley
501 Avery Street, 9th Floor
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 422-3588
Confederate Cemetery
McElhenney Rd.
Cheat Summit Fort
Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore St (mailing)
Phone: (304) 636-1800
Craik-Patton House Museum
2809 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: (304) 925-5341
Doddridge County Museum
100 Chancery St.
West Union, WV 26456
Phone: (304) 873-2444
Dr. Robert B. McNutt House
1522 N. Walker Street
Phone: (304) 487-1502
Eckhart House Tea Room, Tours and Gift Shoppe
810 Main St.
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 232-5439
Elmwood Cemetery
4878 WV-480
Phone: (304) 876-6440
Fayetteville Historic District
P.O. Box 61
Fayetteville, WV 25840
Phone: (304) 574-0890
Fenton Art Glass Company and Fenton Gift Shop
700 Elizabeth Street
Williamstown, WV 26187
First Black School in Charles Town
Liberty and Samuel Streets
Charles Town, WV 25414
Phone: (304) 725-7242
Fish Creek Covered Bridge
Rush Run Rd. near Rt. 7/250
Hundred, WV 26575
Phone: (304) 398-4910
Fort Edwards Foundation, Inc.
Coldstream Road, 4/10 mi. north of US route 50
Capon Bridge, WV 26711
Phone: (304) 874-4291
Fort Gay Library
8608 Rear Broadway
Fort Gay, WEST VIRGINIA 25514
Phone: (304) 648-5338
Fort Mulligan
Phone: (304) 257-1313
Fort Tackett
404 Fourth Avenue
St. Albans, WV 25177
Phone: (304) 727-5972
G. W. Henderson Plantation (Henderson Hall)
517 OLD RIVER ROAD
Phone: (304) 375-2129
Jefferson County Courthouse
100 East Washington St.
Phone: (304) 728-3240
John Brown Fort
171 Shoreline Drive
Phone: (304) 595-6029
John Henry Statue
Hinton, WV 25951
Phone: (304) 466-7113
John Mathias Homestead
State Road 259 & Howards Lick Rd.
Mathias, WV 26812
John Wesley Methodist Church
208 E Foster St.
Phone: (304) 647-3123
Julia-Ann Historic Square District
Juliana Street
Parkersburg, WV 26102
Phone: (304) 422-9861
Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry
P.O. Box 1148, 175 High Street
Phone: (866) 435-5698
Ghost Tours Of Beckley
771 Old Eccles Rd.
Phone: (304) 256-8687
McColloch’s Leap
100-122 National Rd.
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003
Phone: (800) 828-3097
Front Porch Restaurant
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884
Phone: (304) 567-2555
Lake Shawnee Amusement Park
470 Matoaka Rd
Rock, WV 24747
Phone: (304) 921-1580
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
513 Ewart Ave.
Phone: (304) 256-1747
Beverly Heritage Center
Holly river restaurant.
680 State Park Rd
Hacker Valley, WV 26222
Phone: (304) 493-6353
Prickett’s Fort State Park
88 State Park Rd
Phone: (304) 363-3030
Twin Falls Resort State Park
Rte. 97, P.O. Box 667
Mullens, WV 25882
Phone: (304) 294-4000
Watoga State Park
4800 Watoga Park Rd.
Marlinton, WV 24954
Phone: (304) 799-4087
Berkeley Springs State Park
2 S. Washington St.
Phone: (304) 258-2711
The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
One Clay Square
Phone: (304) 561-3570
Fort Boreman Historical Park
Off U.S. 50, Marrtown Road Exit
Phone: (304) 424-8400
Brooke County Historical Museum
600 Main St.
Phone: (304) 737-4060
Beckley Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
1408 Harper Rd.
Beckley, WV 25802
Phone: (800) 847-4898
Braxton County Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB)
208 Main Street
Phone: (304) 765-6533
The Stirrup Gallery of Davis and Elkins College
100 Campus Drive
Phone: (304) 642-6705
Downtown Bluefield Historic District
Main Street Bluefield
Bluefield, WV 24701
Phone: (304) 325-5442
City of Princeton
100 Courthouse Rd.
Phone: (304) 487-5020
Bramwell Historic District
Bramwell Town Hall / 100 Simmons Ave.
Mercer County Railroad Museum
Brass pineapple bed & breakfast inn.
1611 Virginia St. E.
Phone: (304) 344-0748
The Chessie Room Bed and Breakfast
210 11th St, Unit 17
Phone: (304) 546-6594
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
149 Eagle Drive
Romney, WV 26757
Phone: (304) 424-0736
Chief Logan State Park
1000 Conference Center Drive
Logan, WV 25601
Phone: (304) 792-7125
Fairfax Stone State Park
1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd
Davis, WV 26260
Phone: (304) 259-5216
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park
#1 Main Street
Phone: (304) 675-0869
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
683 Droop Park Rd.
Phone: (304) 653-4254
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
1194 Carnifex Ferry Rd
Phone: (304) 872-0825
Watters Smith Memorial State Park
831 RR 3, Duck Creek Rd.
Lost Creek, WV 26385
Phone: (304) 745-3081
Monongahela National Forest
200 Sycamore Street
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
137 Juliana Street
Phone: (304) 420-4800
Country Trails Bikes, LLC./ The Cairo Supply Co.
#173 Railroad St.
Cairo, WV 26337
Phone: (304) 628-3100
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
12363 Cass Road
Cass, WV 24927
Phone: (304) 456-4300
Smoot Theatre
213 Fifth St.
Phone: (304) 422-7529
I-77 North & Southbound Welcome Center
1325 Highland Avenue
Phone: (304) 375-2700
I-81 Northbound Welcome Center
Interstate 81 Northbound Mile Marker 2
Bunker Hill, WV 25413
Phone: (304) 229-8836
I-81 Southbound Welcome Center
Interstate 81 Southbound Mile Marker 25
Falling Waters, WV 25419
Phone: (304) 274-2281
I-79 Southbound Welcome Center
M.M. 159 Southbound
Morgantown, WV 26501
Phone: (304) 328-5261
I-64 Eastbound Welcome Center
I-64 Eastbound Mile Marker 10
Phone: (304) 529-2120
I-64 Westbound Welcome Center
Interstate 64 Westbound Mile Marker 179
Phone: (304) 536-4553
Apollo Civic Theatre
128 East Martin Street, Post Office Box 3120
Martinsburg, WV 25402-3120
Phone: (304) 263-6766
New Era One-Room School Museum
1838 Elizabeth Pike
Mineral Wells, WV 26150
Phone: (304) 489-1670
Artists Marketplace and Museum of Lost River Educational Foundation
PO Box 26; 8937 State Rd-259
Lost River, WV 26810
Phone: (304) 897-7242
Oglebay Institute's Schrader Environmental Education Center
Oglebay Resort
Phone: (304) 242-6855
Jenkins Plantation Museum
8814 Ohio River Rd.
Lesage, WV 25537
Phone: (304) 762-1059
Mountaineer Military Museum
345 Center Ave.
Phone: (304) 472-3943
Alexander's On 7th
508 7th Street
Phone: (304) 845-0582
Stone House Museum
310 W. Myles Ave.
Pennsboro, WV 26415
Phone: (304) 643-2738
West Virginia Independence Hall Museum
1528 Market St.
Phone: (304) 238-1300
Barbour County Historical Society Museum
200 N. Main St.
Attack On Fairmont Civil War Marker
Cleveland Ave. & Madison St.
Battle For The Bridge
Junction of Everest Drive (East) and Water Street
The Flatwoods Monster Museum
208 Main St.
Morgan's Kitchen Museum
MacCorkle Ave near Walnut Street
Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre & Cinema
2118 Market St.
Phone: (304) 242-7700
Hermitage Inn and Taphouse
203 Virginia Avenue
Petersburg, West Virginia 26847
Phone: (304) 530-1841
Mannington Museums
Flaggy Meadow Rd. and E. Main St.
Mannington, WV 26582
Phone: (304) 986-7053
Museum In The Park (Chief Logan)
Phone: (304) 792-7229
Telephone Museum
214 Monroe St.
Andrew Lewis Park
Jefferson Street
Henderson Hall
517 Old River Rd.
St. Albans Historical Society
Phone: (304) 419-5972
The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum
336 Mate Street
Phone: (304) 663-2202
Taggart Hall
91 South High Street
Phone: (681) 231-2400
Arthurdale Heritage
Arthurdale, WV 26520
Phone: (304) 864-3959
Adaland Mansion and Historic Barn at Philippi
324 Mansion Drive, Route 76
Phone: (304) 457-1587
Appalachian Forest Discovery Center
101 Railroad Ave.
Elkins, West Virginia 26241
Phone: (304) 636-6182 ext. 5
Cedar Lakes Conference Center
82 FFA Drive
Phone: (304) 372-7860
Museum of the Berkeley Springs
Museum of radio and technology.
1640 Florence Ave
Phone: (304) 525-8890
Alderson Historic District
Roughly, along Monroe St., Riverview Dr., Railroad Ave. and adjacent streets
Alderson, WV 24901
"Those Who Served" War Museum
1500 W. Main St.
Phone: (304) 487-8397
Jefferson County Museum
200 E. Washington St.
Phone: (304) 725-8628
Oil & Gas Museum
119 Third Street
Parkersburg, West Virginia 26143
Phone: (304) 485-5446
Barrackville Covered Bridge
off U.S. Rt. 250 N, County Rt. 21 at the junction of 250/32
Barrackville, WV 26559
Museum of American Glass
230 Main Ave.
Phone: (304) 269-5006
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works
4794 Midland Drive
Malden, WV 25306
Phone: (304) 925-7918
Heritage Farm Museum & Village
3300 Harvey Road
Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History
137 Juliana St
Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101
Seneca State Forest
10135 Browns Creek Road
Dunmore, West Virginia 24934
Phone: (304) 799-6213
Augusta Heritage Center
Davis & Elkins College, 100 Campus Drive
Phone: (304) 637-1209
Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia
509 Ewart Ave.
Phone: (304) 252-3730
I-68 Westbound Welcome Center
Mile Marker 31
Hazelton, WV 26525
Phone: (304) 379-2648
Mother’s Day Shrine
11 East Main Street
John Brown Wax Museum
168 High Street
Phone: (304) 535-6342
Discovery World on Market
900 Market Street
Phone: (681) 588-5800
Veteran's Museum of Mid Ohio Valley
1829 7th Street
Phone: (304) 420-0332
Martinsburg Roundhouse
100 East Liberty Street
Martinsburg, WV 25402
Phone: (304) 260-4141
Ashby's Fort Museum
227 Dan's Run Road
Fort Ashby, WV 26719
Phone: (301) 697-9292
Alderson Memorial Pedestrian Bridge
Rt. 12 and Monroe Avenue
Alderson, WV 24910
Cannon Hill - Rowlesburg
Fort mill ridge civil war trenches.
27970 Northwestern Turnpike
Allegheny Treenware
1922 S Evansville Pike
Thornton, WV 26440
Phone: (304) 892-5008
Mercer County Agricultural Museum
95 Mercer Street
Phone: (304) 425-3682
Hatfield Homeplace & Museum
12790 Jerry West Hwy
Sarah Ann, West Virginia 25644
Phone: (304) 896-1212
Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum
284 Pearl Felton Ln.
Phone: (304) 265-5549
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
171 Shoreline Dr
Mothman Museum
400 Main Street
Phone: (304) 812-5211
Prickett's Fort Memorial Foundation
88 State Park Road
Mountaintop Adventures
703 Twin Hollow
Gilbert, WV 25621
Phone: (304) 664-1234
Museums of Oglebay Institute
13410 National Road
Phone: (304) 242-7272
Trip Inspiration
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The history of #AlmostHeaven
The Maldives Is a Tiny Paradise. Why Are China and India Fighting Over It?
Asia’s two giants are crowding the island nation with building projects, tossing its newborn democracy to and fro.
Malé, the capital and most populous city of the Maldives. Credit...
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By Alex Travelli and Maahil Mohamed
Photographs by Elke Scholiers
Reporting from Malé and Hanimaadhoo in the Maldives
- March 5, 2024
Between a few flecks of coral in the Indian Ocean, a ribbon of highway more than a mile long swoops up from the blue. Since 2018, the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge has connected this archipelago’s hyper-dense capital, Malé, and the international airport — expanded by Chinese companies — one island to the east.
But China is not alone in chasing friendship with the Maldives. A 20-minute walk across the capital, next to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, an even longer sea bridge will link Malé with islands to the west. This one is being built by Indian workers, with money from India.
The Maldives, a tiny tourism-dependent country of 500,000 people, barely registers as a blip alongside India and China, the world’s most populous nations. Yet every blip counts in the two giants’ competition for influence across South Asia, and that has set the Maldives on a zigzagging course between them.
India, at the heart of the vast region, has long been its most powerful economic and military force. Still, China has made significant inroads with its much larger financial resources, signing infrastructure deals and securing access to ports in countries surrounding India.
The Maldives’ location makes it a strategic priority for both of Asia’s superpowers. China needs a military presence on the Arabian Sea to safeguard its access to oil from the Persian Gulf. And India, which has been clashing with China along their Himalayan border, wants to make sure that the Maldives, its island neighbor, doesn’t become too cozy with Beijing.
In January, India found itself in a sudden blowup with the Maldives over a perceived threat to the islands’ tourism lifeblood. But the great-power competition across the Maldives’ sky-blue lagoons has yet to reach a boil. Gains and losses are marked more by the tilts of the Maldives’ own politicians — more pro-India at some points, more pro-China at others — and, most of all, by the money that both sides spend to win Maldivian hearts and minds.
From his high-rise office looking out over Malé’s marina, Mohamed Saeed, the Maldives’ minister of economic development and trade, puts his country’s needs in stark terms. Its economy is now worth about $6.5 billion a year, of which $6 billion is earned by tourism, and most of the rest by fishing tuna. The goal is to make it a $12 billion economy within the next five years.
The Maldives discovered tourist dollars in 1972, and it now draws more than a million visitors a year to the “water villas” that branch out from wooden boardwalks and define its high-end resorts.
The country became a democracy only in 2008, with the election of a charismatic young leader, Mohamed Nasheed. The current president, Mohamed Muizzu, was elected five months ago, in the latest swing of the pendulum between India and China. Mr. Muizzu took office after campaigning on an “India Out” platform, which called for expelling about 80 Indian military personnel stationed across the Maldives to provide support.
Mr. Saeed, a Muizzu appointee, was also a cabinet minister during the last “pro-China” government, when the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge was opened. He oversaw a free-trade agreement with China. But these days he sticks to the line that Mr. Muizzu’s government is pursuing only a “pro-Maldives” policy.
There is no preference for China, he says — “we extend our invitation of free trade to all countries,” because “we would like to get the best value for our tuna.”
Pursuing cordial relations with China and India simultaneously might seem the wisest course. But that became more difficult, said Mimrah Ghafoor, a writer and former career diplomat, as both countries stepped up their influence campaigns just as the Maldives was making its transition to democracy.
Bay of Bengal
LAKSHADWEEP
Hanimaadhoo
Indian Ocean
China has the deeper pockets, with development banks that dwarf India’s. But, Mr. Ghafoor noted, if China “has mostly carrots,” India “has both carrots and the stick.” That is because the Maldives depends on its near neighbor in times of intense need.
Mr. Ghafoor rattled off a list of crises in which Indian help proved indispensable, from fighting back a coup launched from Sri Lanka in 1988 to rescue work after the tsunami of 2004 to a delivery of 1,200 tons of freshwater by airplane and tanker during a shortage in 2014 — a time when the Maldives was led by a China-leaning president.
Beyond money and geography, there is another important difference between India and China as competitors, one that was illustrated during the Maldives’ flare-up with India earlier this year.
Three junior ministers attacked India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, on social media after he had promoted his country’s own paradisal atoll, an even smaller and far less developed archipelago called Lakshadweep. These “India Out” Maldivians inferred a threat to their economy. In the much louder backlash, nationalistic Indians urged a boycott of the islands.
The disruption to relations offered a contrast with China, which exerts supreme message control. That gives it the ability to negotiate effectively with smaller countries behind closed doors. Beijing may be less comfortable with the Maldives’ new democracy than New Delhi is, but it has navigated relations just as adeptly.
One fierce democracy advocate, Eva Abdulla, a high-ranking member of Parliament, is proudly pro-India. But mostly she is anti-oscillation.
“Flip-flopping on foreign policy is clearly not good for us,” she said. Not in terms of security, and “it doesn’t allow for any kind of stability in development projects.”
Ms. Abdulla, a cousin of Mr. Nasheed, the former president, argues that there are many reasons to stand by India as a partner. She mentions their cultural affinities, as South Asian democracies. Along with hospitals and schools on the far-flung islands, India funds things like a cultural center in Malé, to promote yoga and Indian dance.
Mr. Modi’s pro-Hindu policies at home rub many the wrong way in the Maldives, which is supposedly a 100 percent Muslim society. Even so, “we can’t afford a fistfight with India,” Ms. Abdulla said. On this, she and the president, Mr. Muizzu, whose parties will be battling each other in parliamentary elections in April, agree.
Mr. Muizzu has stepped up his calls for a generic Maldivian nationalism, in favor of the islands’ own language and its Islamic values, while steering clear of an anti-India tone. He has reluctantly made good on his promise to expel the Indian military personnel, but India has not quit its development projects.
One of the most visible is a giant expansion of an airport on the island of Hanimaadhoo, an hour’s flight north from Malé. It is home to one of the planes used by the Indian airmen. And it is the kind of project that makes some Maldivians fear that their sovereign territory is being prepared as a potential battleground in somebody else’s war.
Hanimaadhoo, population 2,664, hardly seems to need the extra runways being built by an Indian firm. Nor do the little-touristed islands nearby. Yet digging machines are at work 24 hours a day, in effect re-engineering the delicate island to make it capable of landing enormous aircraft. A similar airport, built by Indians at the opposite end of the country, makes Hanimaadhoo seem like part of a pattern.
Maldivians are not the only ones to think that. An Indian laborer at the site named Ranjit said he thought it was obvious why India needed to build a military-ready facility here. “China is coming,” he said. “Don’t you see the Chinese ships getting ready?”
On Feb. 22, the Xiang Yang Hong 03, officially a Chinese research vessel, pulled into Malé. The Maldives’ government said it was just a port call. But as with the Indian airport projects, the ship left an air of ambiguity about possible military uses in its wake.
Alex Travelli is a correspondent for The Times based in New Delhi, covering business and economic matters in India and the rest of South Asia. He previously worked as an editor and correspondent for The Economist. More about Alex Travelli
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