If you have lived in West Virginia a long time, it may very well seem like you have been everywhere and done everything, but think again. There is quite a lot of things to do in West Virginia if you know where to look. When all the obvious choices are spent, it’s time to go obscure. Hopefully, these 15 options will point you in the right direction.
- Go for a drive on Route 32 and take in the scenery.
Flickr/Jeff Turner You won’t regret it. Begin your jounery in Harman and conclude in Thomas. Along the way, you can visit Canaan Valley State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park and Cannan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, not to mention a number of charming little towns along the way. And who knows, you might even find some hidden gems along the way.Find out more at this link.
- Visit Pinnacle Rock State Park.
waymarking/lumbricus Sometimes, there are places that we never knew existed unless we happen to stumble upon them. Pinnacle Rock is one such place. Located along route 52 in Mercer County, this large rock formation is bound to get your attention. Aside from a trail that leads to the overlook at the top, this park offers several hiking trails and a fishing lake.Find out more at this link.
- Visit the multi-themed Inn at Mountain Quest.
The Inn at Mountain Quest/Facebook This beautiful Inn is probably the most unusual place you will ever spend a night. Aside from the Activity Room, the two story library, the jacuzzi and the complimentary breakfasts, the strongest pull of this Inn is the themed rooms. There is a variety of themes to choose from, such as safari, space and nautical. No matter which one you choose, this is a hotel unlike any other you have experienced.Find out more at this link.
- Take a ride on the Mountain Explorer Dinner Train.
Mountain Explorer Dinner Train Departing from Elkins, this four hour excursion takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer while enjoying a four course meal and a bottle of wine. Along the way, you can step outside at a scenic waterfall on the Cheat River to stretch your legs and enjoy the view. It is truly an experience well worth the $81 ticket price.Find out more at this link.
- Visit Holly River State Park.
WikiMedia/ http://www.ForestWander.com West Virginia is full of state parks, but Holly River’s unique foliage makes it stand out from the rest. Surrounded by tall mountain peaks and comprised of dense woods with lush vegetation, the park feels like a different part of the world. It is peaceful, serene and otherworldly.Find out more at this link.
- Visit the Swiss town of Helvetia.
Helvetia Library Deep in the mountains of Randolph County, there is a little town with a population of just 59 people. What make Helvetia so unique is that it was founded by Swiss settlers and the traditions of their homeland remain alive to this day. The town’s history and traditions are kept alive, both through the architecture and culture. Helvetia has many fairs and parades throughout the year that celebrate the Swiss roots of its resident.Find out more at this link.
- Go underground at Seneca Caverns.
Facebook/Seneca Caverns WV Just eight miles from Seneca Rocks, Seneca Caverns is a huge cave system that was once used by the Seneca Indians for ceremonial purposes. Today, it is open for all to see. Inside you will see stalactites, stalagmites and even underground pools as an experienced tour guide leads you through the cavern 165 feet underground. To have the complete experience, be sure to visit the gift shop and do some Gem mining before you leave.Find out more at this link.
- Visit the historic town of Berkeley Springs.
The Town of Berkeley Springs Berkeley Springs is not your typical West Virginia town. Its charming downtown area offers many unique shots with distinctive facades, but that is only part of the charm. You can also “do as the Romans do” and visit the Roman baths. But you cannot leave until you visit the most unique destination of all: Berkeley Castle, standing on a hill overlooking the town.Find out more at this link.
- Take in a show at the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington.
Google photos/Keith Albee Theatre Built in 1928, the Keith-Albee is one of the most amazing theaters in the state. The interior lobby is decorated with baroque architecture and the theatre itself is designed to look like an outdoor courtyard you might find somewhere in Europe. For many years, it was a movie theatre with three screens, but it was renovated back into a single theater in 2006 for the premiere of We Are Marshall starring Matthew McConaughey.Find out more at this link.
- Go zip lining at Glade Springs.
The Resort at Glade Springs/Facebook The resort at Glade Springs is great for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. The Tree Tops Canopy Tour is a series of 10 zip lines that leads visitors through the resort’s most beautiful scenery. You can also try other zip lines, one of which is the longest on the entire east coast.Find out more at this link.
- Have a fine meal at the Elk River Inn and Restaurant.
TripAdvisor/management Located just off the Seneca trail in Slaty Fork, this restaurant is truly a hidden gem. The chefs use fresh ingredients from the local area, some of which are even grown on the property. The restaurant is open for dinner on select dates in summer and fall, and each delectable meal is prepared with a “fall harvest” theme. Be sure call and make a reservation in advance ((304) 572-3771.Find out more at this link.
- Visit a hidden castle in Morgantown.
Flickr/Zach McCormick Surprisingly, Berkeley Springs isn’t the only town with a castle. For those in the know, there is also a castle in Morgantown. This 3,400 square foot structure was built by an Italian immigrant in 1928. Even though the interior fell into disrepair a while back, the current owners have been making renovations over the years.Find out more at this link.
- Visit a paranormal museum.
Archive of the Afterlife “the National Museum of the Paranormal”/Facebook Interest in ghosts and hauntings is not anything new in West Virginia, but what you may not know is that there is an entire museum in Moundsville dedicated to the paranormal. The National Museum of the Paranormal has a number of pictures and objects that are said to be haunted. The museum also offers walking tours on the weekends.Find out more at this link.
- Take a paranormal road trip.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook If a single museum is not enough for you, then consider instead a day long road trip across West Virginia to sate your need for the dark and creepy. Starting in Shepherdstown, our haunted road trip will take you to the most haunted places in the state, including the West Virginia State Penitentiary, Parkersburg, Point Pleasant, Flatwoods and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.Find out more at this link.
- Stay at the Café Cimino Country Inn.
Cafe Cimino Country Inn/Facebook Sitting on the banks of the Elk River, the Café Cimino Country Inn serves excellent food for lunch and dinner. The accommodations are top notch with beautiful rooms and elegant settings. And after a good night’s sleep, you can enjoy a three course breakfast fit for a king.Find out more at this link.
These are just a few places that you may not have thought to check out. Can you think of any others? Feel free to leave a comment and let us know.
Flickr/Jeff Turner
You won’t regret it. Begin your jounery in Harman and conclude in Thomas. Along the way, you can visit Canaan Valley State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park and Cannan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, not to mention a number of charming little towns along the way. And who knows, you might even find some hidden gems along the way.Find out more at this link.
waymarking/lumbricus
Sometimes, there are places that we never knew existed unless we happen to stumble upon them. Pinnacle Rock is one such place. Located along route 52 in Mercer County, this large rock formation is bound to get your attention. Aside from a trail that leads to the overlook at the top, this park offers several hiking trails and a fishing lake.Find out more at this link.
The Inn at Mountain Quest/Facebook
This beautiful Inn is probably the most unusual place you will ever spend a night. Aside from the Activity Room, the two story library, the jacuzzi and the complimentary breakfasts, the strongest pull of this Inn is the themed rooms. There is a variety of themes to choose from, such as safari, space and nautical. No matter which one you choose, this is a hotel unlike any other you have experienced.Find out more at this link.
Mountain Explorer Dinner Train
Departing from Elkins, this four hour excursion takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer while enjoying a four course meal and a bottle of wine. Along the way, you can step outside at a scenic waterfall on the Cheat River to stretch your legs and enjoy the view. It is truly an experience well worth the $81 ticket price.Find out more at this link.
WikiMedia/ http://www.ForestWander.com
West Virginia is full of state parks, but Holly River’s unique foliage makes it stand out from the rest. Surrounded by tall mountain peaks and comprised of dense woods with lush vegetation, the park feels like a different part of the world. It is peaceful, serene and otherworldly.Find out more at this link.
Helvetia Library
Deep in the mountains of Randolph County, there is a little town with a population of just 59 people. What make Helvetia so unique is that it was founded by Swiss settlers and the traditions of their homeland remain alive to this day. The town’s history and traditions are kept alive, both through the architecture and culture. Helvetia has many fairs and parades throughout the year that celebrate the Swiss roots of its resident.Find out more at this link.
Facebook/Seneca Caverns WV
Just eight miles from Seneca Rocks, Seneca Caverns is a huge cave system that was once used by the Seneca Indians for ceremonial purposes. Today, it is open for all to see. Inside you will see stalactites, stalagmites and even underground pools as an experienced tour guide leads you through the cavern 165 feet underground. To have the complete experience, be sure to visit the gift shop and do some Gem mining before you leave.Find out more at this link.
The Town of Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs is not your typical West Virginia town. Its charming downtown area offers many unique shots with distinctive facades, but that is only part of the charm. You can also “do as the Romans do” and visit the Roman baths. But you cannot leave until you visit the most unique destination of all: Berkeley Castle, standing on a hill overlooking the town.Find out more at this link.
Google photos/Keith Albee Theatre
Built in 1928, the Keith-Albee is one of the most amazing theaters in the state. The interior lobby is decorated with baroque architecture and the theatre itself is designed to look like an outdoor courtyard you might find somewhere in Europe. For many years, it was a movie theatre with three screens, but it was renovated back into a single theater in 2006 for the premiere of We Are Marshall starring Matthew McConaughey.Find out more at this link.
The Resort at Glade Springs/Facebook
The resort at Glade Springs is great for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. The Tree Tops Canopy Tour is a series of 10 zip lines that leads visitors through the resort’s most beautiful scenery. You can also try other zip lines, one of which is the longest on the entire east coast.Find out more at this link.
TripAdvisor/management
Located just off the Seneca trail in Slaty Fork, this restaurant is truly a hidden gem. The chefs use fresh ingredients from the local area, some of which are even grown on the property. The restaurant is open for dinner on select dates in summer and fall, and each delectable meal is prepared with a “fall harvest” theme. Be sure call and make a reservation in advance ((304) 572-3771.Find out more at this link.
Flickr/Zach McCormick
Surprisingly, Berkeley Springs isn’t the only town with a castle. For those in the know, there is also a castle in Morgantown. This 3,400 square foot structure was built by an Italian immigrant in 1928. Even though the interior fell into disrepair a while back, the current owners have been making renovations over the years.Find out more at this link.
Archive of the Afterlife “the National Museum of the Paranormal”/Facebook
Interest in ghosts and hauntings is not anything new in West Virginia, but what you may not know is that there is an entire museum in Moundsville dedicated to the paranormal. The National Museum of the Paranormal has a number of pictures and objects that are said to be haunted. The museum also offers walking tours on the weekends.Find out more at this link.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
If a single museum is not enough for you, then consider instead a day long road trip across West Virginia to sate your need for the dark and creepy. Starting in Shepherdstown, our haunted road trip will take you to the most haunted places in the state, including the West Virginia State Penitentiary, Parkersburg, Point Pleasant, Flatwoods and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.Find out more at this link.
Cafe Cimino Country Inn/Facebook
Sitting on the banks of the Elk River, the Café Cimino Country Inn serves excellent food for lunch and dinner. The accommodations are top notch with beautiful rooms and elegant settings. And after a good night’s sleep, you can enjoy a three course breakfast fit for a king.Find out more at this link.
For more about what West Virginia has to offer, take a look at these 13 Staggering Photos That Prove West Virginia Is The Most Beautiful Place In The Whole Wide World.
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