海角社区

No matter the season, West Virginia has something for everyone: biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, or merely driving through its spectacular scenic routes, capturing the beauty of fall or spring's wildflowers. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is home to many historic places and markers, Nature Parks and Preserves, and full-flowing rivers and waterfalls. West Virginia and its 10 most stunning small towns offer mountainous surroundings, friendly locals, and warm welcomes.

Harpers Ferry

When visitors arrive at Harpers Ferry, on the convergence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, they are immediately transported back to the 19th century. The houses and shops still maintain their original architecture from the 1800s when the town was a prime location in the Civil War and a transportation and industrial center. Today, Harpers Ferry is listed as a National Historic District. The Harpers Ferry National Historic Park has many hiking trails, like the Appalachian Trail, through incredible landscapes of the Blue Ridge Hills and passing historic places like John Brown's Fort and St. Peters Church. At the point of the two rivers, cross the bridge into Maryland just for fun or stand on Jefferson Rock, where Thomas Jefferson once stood, and feel the power of nature of the rivers. Visiting the African American History Museum and the Civil War Museum on High Street gives much insight into the town's fascinating past.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a stunning small town in West Virginia with an active community that hosts events throughout the year. The town has green and gold markers that indicate historic landmarks, like Carnegie Hall, the Barracks, many houses dating back to the 1700s, and the Old Barber Shop and invite visitors to walk through the town. Lewisburg is part of the Greenbrier River Trail, once a C&O railroad along 78 miles of the free-flowing Greenbrier River. The trail covers the breathtaking natural forest and landscape. However, Lewisburg's beauty goes beyond the natural environment abovegroun d. The Lost 海角社区 Caverns is a half mile of unbelievable, magnificent caves, stalactites, and stalagmites, such as The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton stalactite, or the War Club, a 28-foot stalagmite. Whether above or below ground, Lewisburg is awe-inspiring.

Charles Town

Aptly named after George Washington's younger brother Charles, Charles Town perfectly blends old and new architecture. The town has several historic landmarks, including The Jefferson County Museum, with 2500 items such as John Brown's wagon that took him to his death, Major Martin Delany's birthplace, and Charles Washington's house, Happy Retreat. The Old Opera House Theatre is over 100 years old and as elegantly restored as the whole town. The theatre company showcases six stage performances year-round. Like all West Virginia towns, Charles Town is surrounded by nature's extravagant beauty. Cool Spring Nature Preserve comprises 74 acres of forest, meadow, and marshland. The preserve is home to the Chinkapin Oak trees and 114 bird species, such as bald eagles, eastern screech-owls, and pileated woodpeckers, making it a must-visit for bird watchers. The Bullskin Run stream borders one side of the preserve, adding to its splendor.

Philippi

Scenic Philippi is an old town with modern amenities. Surrounded by stunning farmlands with the 118-mile-long meandering Tygart River flowing through Philippi, the small community continues to maintain its historical value, as did its ancestors. Landmark places, such as The Barbour County Historical Museum, formerly the B&O railway station, include Civil War Artifacts, the first prosthetic leg invented by James E. Hanger, farming and mining equipment, and, most notably, two mummies. Adding to Philippi's aesthetic landscape is the Covered Bridge, initially built in 1852 and restored after fire damage in 1989. It is the only dual-barreled bridged in the federal highway system and links Philippi with Fairmont. The elegant Adaland Mansion, built among rolling hills and luscious green pastures, is a visit to a time past that culminates in Philippi's essence.

Shepherdstown

Settled alongside the Potomac River, Shepherdstown, about thirty years older than the US, celebrates its history and love for nature with festivals and activities year-round, including battle sites, re-enactments, and an informative museum. During the Civil War, every building in Shepherdstown became a hospital. The Little House, the Florence Shaw Demonstration House, is the cutest historical building ever. This 10-feet-tall house, built from 1928 to 1930, is fully furnished, has a functional fireplace and lights, and includes a miniature farm. History lives on in Shepherdstown at the O'Hurley's General Store, founded over 100 years ago; the current owner was born in the house in 1941. The store has several rooms; one with shelves lined with old-fashioned toys and vinyl records and another with a fireplace, rocking chairs, and books. Guests can enjoy a few moments, or hours, relaxing with a book like their predecessors once did. The oldest stone tobacco building in West Virginia is the 1797 Mecklenburg Tobacco Warehouse on the Potomac River bank; it's a pretty old building complimenting Shepherdstown's stunning small-town appeal.

White Sulphur Springs

White Sulphur Spring in the New River-Greenbrier Valley is a cozy small town where strangers are friends and welcomed. Downtown equals the affiliation to nature with pretty flowers, bright awnings, and friendly benches. On the town's outskirts are 100 acres of wilderness for every outdoor enthusiast's pleasure, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. White Sulphur Springs is popular for its mineral springs and the historic Greenbrier Resort around which the town is situated. At the resort is the Falconry. Watch or take a beginner's lesson on these magnificent creatures flying majestically with the Allegheny Mountains in the background. Another major attraction to its natural ambiance is the impressive Salt Cave, an incredible experience of over 18,000 pounds of Himalayan salt. Five miles north of White Sulphur Springs, the 5,144-acre Big Draft Wilderness is popular for hiking, hunting, and fishing.

Clarksburg

"The Jewel of the Hills," Clarksburg, is a stunning small town ideally situated among steep rolling hills along the West Fork River. Downtown is a splendid display of 1800s architecture, like the Clarksburg Publishing Company, The Community Bank Building, and the Waldomore. A highlight for the whole family when visiting Clarksburg is a ride through its spectacular countryside on a coal-burning steam engine at Locust Heights & Western Railroad. For a different nature experience, enjoy the view of Tygart Lake State Park from a lounge chair on the beach or on a giant inflatable. The best outdoor cultural experience is at the Clarksburg Amphitheater, where stage acts, music, and movies entertain.

Buckhannon

Pringle Tree Park is the center and landmark of Buckhannon's existence. Two brothers hid in the hollow of a Sycamore tree after deserting from the French and Indian War. When the war ended, they established the town. A third generation Sycamore tree now stands in Pringle Tree Park, where they lived. Step into Buckhannon's stupendous outskirts and Stonecoal Lake's 2,985 acres of forest for excellent hunting, fishing, and boating. Buckhannon Central Residential Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which explains its charming characteristics. One of the oldest buildings is the History Center Museum, built in 1856. Explore the best of Buckhannon by walking the River Walk Trail alongside the Buckhannon River and passing many landmarks, historic markers, parks, and picnic areas.

Moundsville

Originally a land for Adena Indian burial mounds, Moundsville's past is sacred, and its future is alive. The most significant monument to America's ancient ancestors is the 62-feet-tall conical burial grounds at the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex. A most extraordinary place of interest in Moundsville is the West Virginia Penitentiary. This 1876 Gothic-style building is open for tours except during winter. Tours are for the curious and the brave, including public ghost hunts, private paranormal investigations, and photography tours. Nothing beats viewing beautiful Moundsville from above than a three-hour zip line canopy tour over breathtaking nature at the Grand Vue Park. Beauty of a different kind, the Palace of Gold, a Hindu temple, is secluded in the hills; be amazed by the rose gardens, lotus ponds, swans, and peacocks.

Summersville

Summersville is a year-round paradise amid stunning mountainous lakes. Summersville Lake has crystal clear water for incredible views of sea life when scuba diving. Other activities on the lake include canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, or for the more adventurous, try the two-person WaveRunner. Many hiking trails surround the lake for those preferring dry land. On the edge of the Gauley River Canyon is the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, an official Civil War Discovery Trail site with amenities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, and the Patterson House Museum. Summersville's main attraction is the operational lighthouse. It is 104 feet high with 122 steps to the top for a 360-degree breathtaking panoramic view of Summersville Lake.

No matter where the road takes you in West Virginia, these 10 stunning small towns will inspire, rouse, and incite even the most adverse traveler. Every town is surrounded by beautiful natural forests, lakes, rivers, and historic buildings that remind their guests that sometimes time stands still. The communities are friendly, welcoming, and eager to share their town's history with anyone who will listen. West Virginia is a state proudly boasting its heritage for all seasons.