Are you craving a slower pace surrounded by breathtaking beauty? West Virginia offers the ultimate escape within the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Renowned for its “almost heaven” charm, the Mountain State is home to small towns that showcase the true spirit of Appalachia. From the historic cobblestone streets of Shepherdstown to the eclectic art scene in Thomas, there is something for everyone in West Virginia. Whether hiking the iconic Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry or experiencing the thrill of whitewater rafting in Fayetteville, these adorable small towns in West Virginia offer an unforgettable getaway in 2024.

Lewisburg

Blending historic charm, a vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty, Lewisburg stands out as one of the most adorable small towns to visit in 2024. The downtown area boasts historical architecture, including the town’s Carnegie Hall. Built in 1902, it is one of only four continuously operating Carnegie Halls in the country, showcasing art galleries and musical performances. Just a short stroll from downtown, the North House Museum offers insights into the town’s rich Civil War history, while the nearby Barracks, built in 1799, provide a glimpse into the early days of Lewisburg. For a unique experience, enjoy a pint at the Livery Tavern, a 19th-century horse stable turned cozy tavern.

Nature enthusiasts will be enchanted by the “almost heaven” beauty of the area. The Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile route along a former railroad line, is perfect for hiking, biking, and soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. For an unforgettable adventure, visit the Lost World Caverns, where a subterranean journey 120 feet below the surface reveals stunning cave formations.

Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown has been one of the most adorable small towns in the state since being founded on December 23, 1762. As one of the oldest towns in the state, Shepherdstown offers a perfect blend of historical charm and relaxation. Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, nature lovers enjoy peaceful strolls along the trails in Riverfront Park, with easy access to the tranquil waters. Outdoor enthusiasts can also walk or bike along the eight-mile stretch of the C&O Canal on the Potomac Heritage Trail, which spans from Shepherdstown to Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Since it is one of the oldest towns in West Virginia, history buffs will find much to explore in Shepherdstown. The Historic Shepherdstown Museum, located in the historic downtown area, tells the story of the town’s unique past. Its 2024 Speakers Series shares the stories of African Americans, Native Americans, and the National Historic Road in Shepherdstown. More history is on display in the National Historic District, including the Shepherdstown Opera House. Built in 1910, visitors can enjoy live music, movies, and shows in this charming setting.

Berkeley Springs

Steeped in history and natural wonders, Berkeley Springs is the ultimate West Virginia retreat, offering soothing mineral springs and health spas. For centuries, visitors have traveled to this enchanting town to experience the rejuvenating properties of its mineral springs. Berkeley Springs State Park is home to historic mineral spas and bathhouses that have been in use since colonial times. In fact, George Washington began visiting the spa as early as 1748. Today, visitors can view the George Washington Bathtub and enjoy a soak in the Old Roman and Main bathhouses.

For more history, explore the eccentric Berkeley Springs Castle. Built between 1885 and 1891 by 100 German masons, this 9,300-square-foot castle sits on a hilltop and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While enjoying the town’s historical buildings, relax by watching a movie or concert at the historic Star Theatre. Originally built as a garage in 1916, it was transformed into an adorable theater in 1928.

Thomas

This tiny town of just 600 residents is one of the most adorable small towns in the Allegheny Mountains. Thomas is known for its vibrant arts scene, centered around the historic Front Street. Enjoy live music, along with views of the rolling hills, at the popular music venue, the Purple Fiddle. Explore local shops and art galleries, such as Invisible, for a unique taste of the town’s eclectic character. For the full art experience in Thomas, explore various galleries and enjoy local art exhibits during the 2024 Artober Fest from October 4-6.

While downtown Thomas offers art, music, and local shops, the town is also a haven for outdoor adventures. Explore the nearby Blackwater Falls State Park, famous for its stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views. Thomas also offers a tranquil escape for those seeking peace and quiet in 2024. Visitors can hike or bike along the scenic trails in Thomas City Park, soaking in the serenity of the mountains and pristine waters of the Blackwater River.

Fayetteville

Perfectly situated near the stunning New River Gorge, Fayetteville is a gateway to outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality. The New River, one of North America’s oldest rivers, is ideal for picnicking, swimming, or simply relaxing by its calming waters. Fayetteville’s historic downtown adds to its small-town charm. Enjoy a show at the Fayette Theater, originally built in 1938, or savor a meal at the Cathedral Cafe, a former church featuring stunning stained glass windows.

Adventure seekers can explore New River Gorge National Park, a 70,000-acre haven for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking through lush forests and dramatic cliffs.

The area is also home to the historic New River Gorge Bridge. Built in 1977, this architectural marvel is one of the highest and longest arch bridges in the world, standing 876 feet high and spanning 3,030 feet. For a unique experience, visit on October 19, 2024, for Bridge Day, when you can witness BASE jumping off the bridge and enjoy a festival celebrating its completion.

Harpers Ferry

Rich in history and scenic landscapes, Harpers Ferry is one of the most adorable small towns in West Virginia to visit in 2024. Visit John Brown’s Fort where the namesake fought against slavery in a precursor to the Civil War. Explore restored buildings in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and stroll down historic High Street. Perched atop a scenic hill, High Street is home to local stores, the John Brown Wax Museum, and “almost heaven” scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains.

For nature enthusiasts, the Appalachian Trail offers hiking with a side of rugged beauty. Outdoor lovers and history buffs alike will want to take the Trail through town to view the ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which served as a hospital and barracks during the Civil War. More outdoor adventures await in the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Rent a kayak and glide through the pristine waters, or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting for an adrenaline rush. As the day winds down, savor a delicious meal at The Rabbit Hole, a local favorite known for its stunning river and mountain views.

Davis

Experience the perfect blend of art and nature in the charming town of Davis. Perched at a lofty 3,520 feet, Davis boasts crisp mountain air and stunning vistas. Explore 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, cascading waterfalls, and colorful flora at Blackwater Falls State Park. In 2024, witness the forest ablaze with color on Timberline Mountain during the Tucker County 2024 Artoberfest, held October 4-6, 2024. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing on the surrounding mountains.

For a tranquil escape, Davis Riverfront Park offers a serene oasis and a glimpse into the town’s logging heritage. In town, anglers can cast a line in the Blackwater River, while art enthusiasts will appreciate the works of local artisans at WVHighlands Artisans Group. Afterward, unwind with a craft beer at Stumptown Ales or indulge in delicious pizza at the Sirianni’s Café, both local favorites.

Summersville

Discover the hidden charm of Summersville in 2024. While the name might suggest a summer paradise,this picturesque town offers a delightful escape throughout the year. Summersville Lake, the state’s largest lake, is a tranquil spot for boating, fishing, and relaxation. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, biking, and even rock climbing at Summersville Lake State Park. For a heart-pounding adventure, the nearby Gauley River is a whitewater rafter’s paradise. Its Class V+ rapids offer an exhilarating challenge for experienced thrill-seekers.

Beyond its natural beauty, Summersville boasts a rich history. Discover the town’s past at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, where a pivotal Civil War battle unfolded. Explore the battlefield, visit the Henry Patterson House Museum, and learn more about the region’s rich heritage. After a day of adventure, unwind in Summersville’s charming downtown. Sip on West Virginia wines at Kirkwood Winery or join the local festivities at the Nicholas County Potato Festival on September 6 and 7, 2024.

Almost Heaven West Virginia Towns

Whether an adventure seeker in Summersville, a history enthusiast visiting Harpers Ferry, or someone simply looking for a peaceful retreat in Davis, West Virginia’s small towns offer something for everyone. These hidden gems are a perfect escape from the ordinary, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking landscapes, discover rich histories, and create unforgettable memories. Unwind, explore, and rediscover the joy of slow living in these adorable West Virginia towns in 2024.

With its mild climate and friendly people, Virginia can be the perfect state to retire. But if you’re interested in doing that, you should know what it means financially. Data shows you need at least $741,000 saved to comfortably retire in the state.

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Here are three reasons and other financial facts you should know before retiring in Virginia.

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1. Virginia Is More Expensive Than Nearby States

It costs an average of $58,627 to live in Virginia per year. That’s meaningfully more than states like:

• West Virginia: $39,386

• Mississippi: $41,361

• Kentucky: $40,355

• Georgia: $52,556

Even small differences in living costs add up over 20 to 30 years of retirement. That’s why you may need to save six figures or more to retire in Virginia over another nearby state.

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2. Social Security Won’t Cover Everything

The average retired American receives around $36,251 yearly in Social Security income. But that’s across all states. Retired people in Virginia take home an average of $21,566.

This means, that if you receive an average Social Security paycheck, you’ll still be responsible for covering $37,060 in annual living costs. Now, multiply that figure by the number of years you want to cover in retirement.

A 20-year retirement, at $37,060 per year, adds up to just over $741,000. That figure increases to $926,500 for a 25-year retirement or about $1.1 million for a 30-year retirement. This is why you need a lot of retirement savings to stay in Virginia — even if you’re counting on Social Security.

3. Inflation May Increase Costs Over Time

Another factor to consider is that living costs go up over time, due to inflation. This means you may want to save even more for retirement in Virginia than you initially think.

For example, Virginia has seen cumulative inflation of 21.4% since January 2021. This has added about $1,142 in monthly costs to the average budget. If your retirement is still years away, these costs are likely to increase further before you get there.

How To Save Money While Retiring in Virginia

Although Virginia is far from the cheapest state to retire in, there are still ways to bring costs down. The key will be finding ways to spend less than the average Virginian on key expense categories.

For example, here’s what the average state resident currently spends on common annual expenses:

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• Groceries: $4,825

• Housing: $12,346

• Utilities: $4,358

• Transportation: $4,577

• Healthcare: $7,675

You can reduce your annual retirement savings requirement by spending less in any of these categories. That’s just not always easy to do — especially as inflation continues. So here are a few additional tips.

Choose Your Retirement City Strategically

First, your retirement expenses vary quite a bit based on which part of Virginia you call home.

For example, Great Falls, Alexandria and Fairfax are among the richest and most expensive places in the state. Housing and other expenses are higher there than in the cheaper cities of Martinsville, Lynchburg and Portsmouth.

So if you want to retire for less in Virginia, pick a part of the state where that’s easier financially. Moving further away from the center of one of Virginia’s most expensive areas could be enough to reach your goals.

Supplement Your Retirement Income

If you feel like you can’t save enough for the retirement you want, maybe you can continue earning money after your career. This would reduce your annual retirement saving requirement by as much as you earn.

For instance, imagine you make $10,000 driving for a rideshare service. You could subtract that $10,000 from the $37,060 the average Virginian retiree spends out of pocket. You’d only use $27,060 of your savings that year. If you could do this for even five years of your early retirement, that may be enough to fix your financial issues.

There are plenty of ways to make extra money in retirement, including:

Try Another State

If you can’t find a way to make retiring in Virginia work financially, consider another state. Nearby West Virginia is one of the most affordable places to retire in the entire country.

There are also plenty of destinations throughout the South that are beautiful and affordable for retirees. You’ll just need to consider which fits your lifestyle preferences and budget while keeping you close to friends and family.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Reasons You Need at Least $741K (Plus Social Security) To Retire in Virginia