West Virginia
7 Best Towns in West Virginia to Visit in 2024
West Virginia is located in the Eastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to its North, and Virginia to its East. The population of the state currently is 1,766,107 residents. Its most populous cities are Charleston, with 48,864 residents, and Huntington, with 46,842. The state is composed of 55 counties, with the current state capitol of Charleston in Kanawha County.
June 20th, 1863 was the date West Virginia became the thirty-fifth state to join the American Union. This date was the culmination of a several decades-long effort to secede from the state of Virginia. The legitimacy of this secession effort would be recognized by the American Supreme Court in 1870, in the case Virginia v. West Virginia.
All across West Virginia are locales that tell their unique story. There are many attractions across the state, from historical monuments to natural scenic wonders. As the summer months approach the calendar here are the seven best towns in West Virginia that you need to visit in 2024.
Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs is situated in Morgan County, in the Northeastern corner of the state. It was officially established on December 6, 1776, through the authority of Lord Fairfax. Today, Berkely Springs is a town of beauty and history.
Berkely Springs State Park dates back to the early 18th century. It was here that the early European settlers noticed the appeal of the local springs. Today visitors can take advantage of the multiple bathouses on the premises, with waters as warm as 74.3 degrees.
Rocks-N-Glass is a local shop that specializes in handcrafted items. The shop owner, Khosrow Javid, has spent decades working on his craft. Javid’s creations are well worth exploring, as they were inspired by his time in the Middle East.
The Morgan County Observatory is local to Berkeley Springs. With its Celestron telescope and interactive exhibits, visitors are entertained for an evening. The observatory’s purpose is to foster an interest in the stars. Upcoming events at the observatory include Public Star Gazing Evenings on May 11th, 2024, and June 15th, 2024.
Prospect Peak is a local overlook. Visitors arrive at this point following a trail from Cacapon State Park. Its view captures the Potomac and Great Cacapon valleys and is widely recognized for its natural beauty.
Berkeley Castle is a 9,300-square-foot property built by businessman Samuel Taylor Suit. The historic structure consists of a grand staircase, a secret passageway, and a breathtaking view. After centuries of different ownership, today, the castle has become a premiere local landmark.
White Sulphur Springs
White Sulpher Springs sits inside Greenbrier County in the southeastern region of West Virginia. The name was inspired by the mineral springs reported to be within the region in the late 18th century. The town was once a battleground for the American Civil War. In August 1863, Confederate troops attempted to stop a marching Union force. Today visitors to White Sulphur Springs are greeted with a lovely experience featuring generations of history and great places for cuisine.
The Greenbrier Resort is a crown jewel in White Sulphur Springs. For over two centuries, the premises have been a perfect place for visitors. The resort is stuffed with modern amenities, from an adventure course to a gaming arcade, and is set in a beautiful region of the state.
There are several restaurants in West Sulphur Springs that provide a long list of dining options. One such place is the Local Cafe. Having opened recently, the establishment has already become popular amongst the locals. Visitors can enjoy a nice cup of coffee, and a variety of dessert options, including Ice Cream. A second local dining establishment is The Lunch Box. For over a decade, they have provided all patrons with a lovely selection of sandwiches, and salads. Guests come for a lovely natural atmosphere and enjoy the delicious handcrafted selections. The Lodge Outdoor Pool Cafe is a popular dining establishment. Visitors can relax with a great view of the nearby Snead Golf Course. While enjoying the outdoors they can sample from a diverse menu of options, including the Pool Burger. It features applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, and pickles.
There are several ways to enjoy the outdoors in White Sulphur Springs. At Lynch Field Park guests can spend the day accessing the two available pickleball courts. There are multiple local pools to enjoy as well. The White Sulphur Springs community pool is new to the neighborhood, as visitors can spend a day enjoying the cool water, and slide. The Summit Swimming Pool is another location, providing a cool relaxing experience within the scenic beauty of the Allegheny Mountains. The Snead Course is the premiere Golf Course within the region. The 18-hole course is named after local PGA alumnus Samuel Snead. It is a lovely scenic course, with each hole providing a unique challenge for those who play.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown is located in Jefferson County, along the Potomac River, in the northeast corner of the state. It is widely considered the oldest town in the state. The first local settlements date back to the early 18th century. More would follow when the founder of the town, Thomas Cochran Shepherd acquired 222 acres of land. Over the centuries Shepherdstown has witnessed many chapters of American History, developing a reputation as the “Most haunted town in America” in the process.
Seated in Shepherdstown is a momument to James Rumsey. The inventor made history on December 3, 1787, when he showcased his hydraulic-propelled steamship. Many historical figures attended the event, including George Washington. Today, a 75-foot monument stands above the Potomac River, commemorating Rumsey’s legacy.
The Contemporary American Theater Festival is an annual local event. Started in 1991, the festival occurs over a four week period at the local university. Over the years, many writers have had their works shown at the festival, from Joyce Carolyn Oates to Cherylene Lee. So be ready for July, as a new list of highly acclaimed plays comes out for 2024.
The Shepherdstown Opera House was built back in 1910 and commissioned by the mayor at the time, Upton Scott Martin. For its first few years of operation, the theatre primarily showed silent moving pictures. Following a change of ownership, the theatre embraced the rise of motion entertainment and became a public staple for several decades afterward. Today, after having undergone recent renovations the theatre is open to the public for a night of entertainment.
Harpers Ferry
The town of Harpers Ferry is located in Jefferson County in the Eastern corner of the state. Its founder, Robert Harper, established It in the mid-18th century. The town has been the setting for many chapters in history. In October 1859, abolitionist John Brown led an unsuccessful raid on the armory. Today, Harpers Ferry still stands, awaiting visitors looking to learn about the local history.
John Brown’s fort is a historic monument first constructed in 1848. In 1859, the structure served as a final defensive stand for John Brown and his men during their infamous attempted raid. Following the raid, the fort served as a prison during the American Civil War. Today, it stands tall, 150 feet from its historic location.
St. John’s Episcopal Church was completed in 1852. The building served as a hospital and military barracks during the Civil War. Subsequent damages to the church were later fixed in future rebuilding efforts. By 1907, the structure had begun to deteriorate. In 1961, the National Park Service began stabilizing the existing structure to maintain what still stands today.
True Treats is a unique local candy store. Established in 2010, the store celebrates the universal love for candy. They do this by serving treats dated throughout world history. For example, visitors can order authentic Turkish Delight and learn that it was first designated as medicine before becoming the treat many people love.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg, West Virginia, is located in Greenbrier County to the west of White Sulphur Springs. The town was named after eighteenth-century surveyor Andrew Lewis. It was officially incorporated in 1782 and subsequently became the county seat of Greenbrier County. On May 23, 1862, Lewisburg was the setting of a twenty-seven-minute Civil War skirmish. Today, Lewisburg is a nationally recognized town with plenty of history.
The Confederate Cemetery is a historic local landmark. It is here that the bodies of more than 90 soldiers were buried following the bloody Civil War battle. Union General George Crook refused to let the deceased Confederate soldiers be buried in a region known for being sympathetic to the Confederates. The Mass grave would be created after the war; now, the cemetery is a piece of American history and can be accessed via a walking trail near the Greenbrier County Public Library.
For over a century, the Lewisburg Carnegie Hall has entertained local residents with live art performances. The building is named after philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Today Visitors can book tickets for a variety of live entertainment. Upcoming on the schedule is a live showing of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, from July 25th to July 27th 2024.
Lost World Caverns was founded officially in 1942. Situated 120 feet below the ground, visitors can explore the beauty found underneath the surface of the earth. The Caverns are known for their unique stalactite and stalagmite formations. One of the stalagmites, known as the “War Club,” is infamous in history. In 1971, Mr. Bob Addis earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by sitting on the stalagmite for 16 days.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant is located in Mason County along the Ohio River. The region was first surveyed by Pierre-Joseph Celoron de Blainville. This was through an expedition that he led, down the Ohio River. Settlers began moving into the region, and by 1833 Point Pleasant was officially incorporated. Today visitors can explore a lovely town, with its own unique local culture featuring a popular urban legend.
The Mothman Museum is dedicated to the story of the local urban legend. During the 1960s, there were many sightings of a unique insect-looking figure. The museum is the only place with all the details about this period in local history. From eyewitness testimonials to an adjoining gift shop for enthusiasts, this museum features many things.
Tu-Endei-Wei State Park is home to an 84-foot granite monument commemorating the October 10, 1774 skirmish. Historians consider this battle a key moment at the start of the American Revolution. Today, visitors can observe the monument and learn about this chapter in early American history.
Located just outside of Point Pleasant is the TNT Area. An 8,000-acre region of land, it was used during the Second World War to build ammunition. By the 1980s, the region (now known as the McClintic Wildlife Management Area) was rediscovered. Today, visitors are drawn to the region to witness the destructive nature of human warfare.
Hinton
Hinton lies within Summers County. The town is named after John Hinton, a lawyer from the region. Hinton began as simple farmland before the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway purchased the land in the 1870s. The town has had a history in Hollywood Entertainment. It was one of the locations for the 1994 film “Lassie.”
The Hinton Railroad Museum is the place to explore a chapter in the history of the town. Visitors can walk across the premises and browse exhibits that date back to the early days of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. These exhibits include model trains and tools from that period in history.
For nearly a century, the Ritz has entertained people. With a 310-seat hall, the Theatre is the perfect location for a night out at the movies. Upcoming features at the Ritz include the movie “IF.” Showcases occur from May 24th to 27th, 2024.
Wild Water Express is the perfect spot in Hinton for those wanting to enjoy a lovely warm day outdoors. The park includes a public swimming pool and multiple water slides! For those not interested in the water, volleyball, and basketball courts are located on the premises. Wild Water Express opens to the public for another summer season on May 25th, 2024.
The state of West Virginia is filled with adventure. There are countless towns within the state’s borders, each providing its unique history and culture. A special adventure is guaranteed so plan your visit now!
It’s almost over!
That seems to be the dominant feeling swirling around the 2026 Republican Primary.
Almost to a man (or woman), people I have spoken to about this primary have all expressed the same sentiment – they can’t wait until it is over.
That is not that unusual to hear from the candidates, the media covering the election, or your average resident. Running for office is difficult. Campaigning can be exhausting. Meanwhile, voters have grown weary of the advertisements invading their social media, mailboxes, televisions, and radio.
This is especially true this year, in what has become one of the most contentious and expensive primary elections anyone can remember. That is certainly true for a Republican Party that has had the majority in both chambers of the legislature since 2014.
As of May 8, seven Political Action Committees had poured $4.97million into the legislative primary races. Most of that money came from PACs associated with Governor Patrick Morrisey and funded by out-of-state interests.
Morrisey-associated PACs have spent nearly $3 million on legislative races, flooding voters with campaign material, often attacking their political opponents.
The attacks being levied in the ads would lead you to believe West Virginia voters were at a crossroads, forced to pick between a staunch conservative and a radical liberal. One mailer that stood out informed me that this particular candidate “will have my back” when the radical left comes for my guns.
Good to know.
I just wish someone could tell me who the radical left is in West Virginia and where they are coming from.
Many of the attack ads may be technically true, but lack any context or nuance and mislead the voters. Pointing out a candidate’s record, for instance, opposing Governor Morrisey’s $250 million tax cut plan, is certainly fair game. However, it misleads the voter when that same candidate voted in favor of a $150 million tax cut in the most recent legislative session and previously voted for the largest income tax cut in the state’s history.
With that context, the voter gets a very different perspective of the candidate, a perspective that is purposefully omitted from campaign rhetoric.
The purpose of the mailers and other campaign materials attacking candidates is to motivate supporters to go to the polls. Chris Stirewalt pointed out in a 2022 article he penned for the American Enterprise Institute that the political parties are “very much arranged around the idea of motivation over persuasion.”
He continued to point out that the parties have created an atmosphere that “has pushed previously apathetic voters into action.”
Will it work?
It’s hard to say.
Recent polling by State Navigate looked at several key senate races and determined that most of them are neck and neck battles.
Secretary of State Kris Warner reported that early voting totals were actually about 8 percent higher than early turnout for the last off-year primary in 2022.
At least by this time Wednesday, it will all be over… for now.
West Virginia
West Virginia delegate candidates in Wood County split on top issues, from manufacturing to health care rules
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – Candidates running for seats in the West Virginia House of Delegates in Wood County say their top priorities if elected range from job creation and workforce development to health care policy changes and infrastructure, as they make their case to voters ahead of the election.
Incumbent Delegate Vernon Criss, a Republican running in House District 12, said jobs would be his top focus, arguing Wood County has been left out of state efforts to attract manufacturing.
“It would be jobs,” Criss said. He pointed to what he described as $340 million available through a high-impact, jobs-related manufacturing fund for companies returning to West Virginia, saying the governor “has refused to use these dollars to help the county.” Criss also cited restoring highway funding and funding for drinking water and sewer projects as priorities.
Criss said he would also push for foster care legislation in the next session, noting the governor vetoed a foster care bill this year that he said would have helped families and relatives caring for children in the system.
In House District 13, Republican candidate Melissa McCrady said her leading priority is repealing the state’s certificate of need program, which she said restricts medical facilities and practices from opening in the state.
“The main issue that I would prioritize is the repeal of the certificate of need,” McCrady said, calling it a program that limits a “free market” approach to health care by requiring approvals before certain services can expand.
McCrady said she would also like to repeal the inventory tax on businesses, which she said makes West Virginia less attractive for economic growth. She also said she supports religious and philosophical vaccine exemptions for children and adults in response to future outbreaks.
On education, McCrady said she wants to give teachers and families more voice in Wood County and reduce what she called burdensome requirements and restrictions placed on classrooms. On jobs and cost of living, she said reducing taxes and regulations and allowing the market to develop would create more opportunity for residents.
Incumbent Delegate Scot Heckert, a Republican running in House District 13, said his top issues include “infrastructure, accountability” and school funding.
“Top issues right now is infrastructure, accountability, for the school funding,” Heckert said. He said policy changes depend in part on what he hears from residents, but added he believes the school aid formula should be reviewed and that traditional public schools, homeschooling and charter schools should be held to the same set of rules.
Heckert said the state needs to do more to support teachers and address long-term retirement funding costs. On jobs and workforce development, Heckert said building a workforce is essential and suggested the state should look at incentives and assistance programs to encourage employment.
Asked about transparency and accountability, Heckert said constituents can contact him directly.
“Any constituent of District 13 can call me anytime,” he said, adding, “You can’t have one without the other.”
Criss and McCrady also emphasized transparency as a priority. Criss said the budget process should remain open to the public, while McCrady said she wants to be accessible through office hours and multiple communication channels.
Candidate for House of Delegates district 12 Charles Hartzog was not available to be interviewed.
Voters in Wood County will choose their delegates in House Districts 12 and 13 in the upcoming election. Details on early voting and Election Day locations are available through the county clerk’s office.
Editor’s note: The video for this story will be added once it airs. Please check back for the updated video.
Copyright 2026 WTAP. All rights reserved.
Charleston, W.Va. — An abrupt closure at a Charleston recovery home last week left residents searching for a new place to stay, but members of the local recovery community stepped in to help keep many of them on track.
PAAC House closed its doors Friday after funding issues left employees unpaid for nearly a month, displacing 14 residents, many of whom were still in early sobriety.
For former resident John Boso, the closure came after weeks of uncertainty.
“Services started dropping off, we’d have less counseling, less things going on,” Boso said. “And then before we know it, it’s like, you’ve got to find somewhere else to go.”
Caroline Paxton, a founder of the nonprofit True Freedom, said the sudden disruption raised immediate concerns about residents’ stability.
“I think especially in early sobriety, that’s really stressful for anyone. And so our biggest concern was we want to make sure they were able to continue to stay sober and continue on this like recovery journey,” Paxton said.
Paxton and fellow True Freedom founder Michael Paxton said they already knew many of the men through the nonprofit’s meetings. When they learned the residents had just four days’ notice to find new housing, they began working to secure placements — a process that often involves applications, interviews and fees.
They connected with HopeWorks, a recently opened home, and worked to fast-track interviews the next day. HopeWorks Director Catherine Tyler said she fortunately had many beds open and their transition has been smooth so far.
“They’re doing great so far,” said Tyler. “They are already buddies from the PAAC House, and I think that’s going to be really good for them.”
Six of the men were able to stay together, something former residents said has been critical to their recovery.
“It’s awesome that we’re all together,” one resident said. “Brotherhood was the biggest thing we had going for us. That was the only thing we were sure of.”
The men said despite the sudden closure, due to securing placements they have been able to continue attending meetings and focusing on recovery.
Several residents said they feared the disruption could have pushed them backward in their recovery.
“I was hopeless thought I was going to go right back to the life I was living then bam Mike and Caroline to the rescue it was great,” Alden Smith said.
“I thought I had come all this way for nothing,” said Christian Taylor.
Michael Paxton said helping the men find stability has been worth every effort.
“Just to know these guys, know that they’re safe and they have a place they’re loved. You know, they still have another chance at life,” he said.
Those involved encouraged anyone struggling with addiction to reach out to True Freedom.
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