West Virginia
7 Most Charming River Towns In The Southern United States To Visit In 2024
Southern charm is not simply a stereotype. It is reality below the Mason-Dixon line. One needs to look no further than small Southern communities to see the charm in their scenery, historical sites, quaint businesses, and friendly people. Rivers are the nuclei of Southern charm, as they host many of the region’s oldest communities and supply natural splendor. Thus, we have selected seven riverside settlements to inspire a charm hunt in the Southern United States.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
West Virginia is considered either the southernmost northern state or the northernmost southern state. Since it is south of the Mason-Dixon line, we are going with the latter and choosing Harpers Ferry, one of the northernmost settlements in the northernmost southern state.
Harpers Ferry sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, which is also the confluence of the states of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. This unique location shaped its history, molding it from a ferry hub into a military armory into the site of John Brown’s slave revolt into the precarious prize of a Confederate/Union tug of war. Today, Harpers Ferry is a cemetery of its past lives. Memorials include the Industry Museum, Master Armorer’s Quarters, John Brown’s Fort, and the Civil War Museum. Those historic haunts supplement a multi-riverside oasis that also serves as the headquarters for the Appalachian Trail.
Natchez, Mississippi
What is a list of Southern river towns without mention of the Mississippi? The second-longest American river birthed many iconic communities, one of the first of which was Natchez. Now in a state named for the river, Natchez was founded by the French as Fort Rosalie before being ceded to the British via the 1763 Treaty of Paris. The Spanish assumed ownership two decades later, making Natchez not just one of the oldest but also one of the culturally richest communities in Mississippi. Many of its colonial buildings still stand. The House on Ellicott’s Hill was built circa 1798 during Spanish rule, while King’s Tavern was reportedly built in 1769 during British rule, but there is some doubt over that claim. Regardless, it dates to the latter half of the 18th century.
Naturally, Native Americans lived in Natchez long before Europeans, which can be verified by a trip to the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. The 128-acre park contains three precolonial Native American mounds. After surveying several centuries of pre-American habitation, you can visit modern marvels like Choctaw Hall, a bread & breakfast built around 1836, and Rosalie Mansion and Gardens, a museum on a manor dating to 1823. Such ravishing antebellum retreats helped make Natchez 16th on the New York Travel Guides’ list of the 140 most romantic small towns in America.
Tallulah Falls, Georgia
Tallulah Falls is easy to fall for. This tiny Georgia town is on a section of the Tallulah River where six waterfalls combine for a scenic spectacle revered by tourists. The section is called Tallulah Gorge, which is roughly two miles long, nearly 1,000 feet deep, and is managed as Tallulah Gorge State Park. It can be hiked and biked, as well as viewed from an 80-foot-high suspension bridge, but a maximum of 100 permits to visit the floor of the gorge are handed out each day. On busy days, such as when the gorge’s luxuriant foliage changes color in the fall, these permits run out in the early morning. After getting in at the ground floor of the gorge, visitors can gorge themselves at Tallulah Adventures & The Edge Cafe and grab a souvenir from The General Store.
Augusta, Kentucky
The less populated but more picturesque Augusta of the South, Augusta, Kentucky, has just 1,000 residents but 1,000 reasons to visit. First is the Ohio River, which runs along the town and provides amazing views plus fun activities like fishing, boating, and taking one of the oldest ferry services in Kentucky. Lining the river are myriad commercial haunts such as Beehive Augusta Tavern, The Rosemary Clooney House, and the Augusta Distillery, which makes the best bourbon in the world as per the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Lastly, Augusta straddles the Ohio border, so you can experience both the North and South from this riverside community.
Stuart, Florida
Stuart is on the St. Lucie River, which is technically an estuary since it flows from the Atlantic Ocean. However, it became connected to the ocean only when residents dug an inlet in the late 19th century. St. Lucie and Stuart are part of the larger Indian River Lagoon, which is said to be the most biologically diverse estuary in North America. Some 2,200 species of animals and 2,100 species of plants inhabit the area. Arguably, the most charming Stuart species are sea turtles, which you can see captive at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center or wild on the beaches during nesting season. Humans are the second-most spectacular species in Stuart, as they built historic sites like the Stuart Heritage Museum and businesses like Stuart Boathouse that attract thousands of other humans during tourist season.
Magnolia Springs, Alabama
The Magnolia River runs through the namesake town of Magnolia Springs in extreme southern Alabama. Like most riverside communities, Magnolia Springs relies on its river for commerce and entertainment. But unlike every other community in America, Magnolia Springs relies on its river for year-round mail delivery.
The town is considered the only residential place in America with year-round USPS water delivery. That means residents get their mail by motorboat, a system that has been in place for over 100 years. On land, Magnolia Springs is equally charming. Oaks with sprawling, storybook-style limbs have created a canopy called the Tunnel Of Trees over aptly titled Oak Street. Attractions shaded by the twisted trees include Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast and St Paul’s Episcopal Chapel.
Wimberley, Texas
Wimberley is a central Texas community built around the Blanco River and Cypress Creek. The latter flows into Blue Hole Regional Park, an in-town oasis centered by the titular blue-hued swimming hole. Just outside of town is another improbable oasis fed by Cypress Creek. It is called Jacob’s Well Natural Area and contains an artesian spring and arguably the longest underwater cave in Texas.
In between the glistening holes, Wimberley shines with commercial attractions like EmilyAnn Theatre, 7A Ranch, Cowboy Museum, Art on 12, The Leaning Pear, and CreekHouse Kitchen & Bar.
The Southern United States, while already famous for its charm, is most charming around rivers. These waterways inject history, scenery, vitality, and industry into their companion communities. Prime examples are Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Natchez, Mississippi; Tallulah Falls, Georgia; Augusta, Kentucky; Stuart, Florida; Magnolia Springs, Alabama; and Wimberley, Texas. But do not take our word for it. Discover these Southern charms for yourself.
West Virginia residents may continue to see a rise in utility costs, according to a recent report by Move.org. The report ranks West Virginia as the state with the highest average utility bill, at $734 per month in 2025, surpassing the national average. Missouri and Alaska follow with $679 and $658, respectively. West Virginians are paying about $42 more per month compared to last year.
Delaney Eddy, state coordinator for West Virginia 211, a United Way helpline, noted the increased demand for utility assistance. “I can definitely tell you that the calls for utility assistance have definitely been high, that is one of our top needs that individuals call in for,” Eddy said. “We are seeing that individuals are needing assistance with that and have heard some individuals that have voiced that they have had an increase in their bills in the last couple of months for those utilities.”
The report also highlights that West Virginia residents face the highest water bill in the country, at $121 per month, well above the national average of $49. This increase may be due to a distribution improvement charge aimed at upgrading water quality.
Eddy encourages residents facing utility bill issues to reach out for help. “If people have questions about their utility bills and they have that termination notice, I would simply encourage them to dial 211 or they can text the zip code to 898211, speak with a call specialist and see what resources might be available to you,” Eddy said. “Also see if you might qualify for the dollar energy fund and we can provide that information to them and go from there to see about getting assistance on those bills.”
West Virginia
West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Lotto America on Jan. 3, 2026
Are you looking to win big? The West Virginia Lottery offers a variety of games if you think it’s your lucky day.
Lottery players in West Virginia can choose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Other games include Lotto America, Daily 3, Daily 4 and Cash 25.
Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here’s what experts say to do first.
Here’s a look at Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
18-21-40-53-60, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
03-04-05-25-42, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 3 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
1-3-9
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
6-5-7-4
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
- Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
John “Nolan” Hays
John “Nolan” Hays of Mineral Wells, West Virginia, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, at the age of 79.
Known as Nolan to his family and many of his friends, as John to most people he met while living in Mineral Wells or through business connections, none of these were as meaningful to him as his titles of Husband, Grandad, Father, Brother, Cousin, and Friend.
Born at home in Gilmer County, West Virginia, on July 31, 1946, to his loving parents, John Newton Hays and Floda “Irene” (Groves) Hays, Nolan had a happy childhood on his family farm where he learned by his parents’ example what was important in life, played with his dogs and work horses (Pat and Mike), and school friends, many of whom he remained close to throughout his long life. He often said that he couldn’t have had better parents, better friends, or a better childhood.
Nolan was the only child of his parents’ marriage and had four older sisters-Viona, Jean, Betty Joe, and Marge. He maintained close and loving relationships with each of them and with their families. Nolan’s friends from his time in Glenville and Mineral Wells also became like family to him, and he loved each of them deeply.
Nolan attended Glenville High School, where he graduated in 1964 as a varsity letterman in football, baseball, and basketball. His friends recall that he was an excellent athlete and a wonderful friend.
From Glenville High, he went on to study at Glenville State College, where he met his extraordinary wife, Patricia Ann Greer.
Nolan made what he would call the best decision of his life when he married his wife, Patricia, on May 4, 1968. Their marriage has been a beautiful example of true love to the family, and their devotion to one another was unparalleled. Nolan and Patricia cared tirelessly for each other and remained devoted through each of life’s triumphs and trials for the entirety of their 57 years of marriage.
Soon after marrying, Nolan enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. He remained proud of his service to his country.
Nolan and Patricia had two sons early in their marriage, Joe and Shawn, of whom he was immensely proud. He was a loving, proud, and devoted father who was actively involved in every aspect of his sons’ lives, providing them with yearly family trips, coaching their sports teams, and being a vocal spectator at their events. Some of his most cherished memories were golfing with his sons, and he often said that a game of golf with them was the best gift he could receive. Joe and Shawn loved, respected, and admired their father deeply and felt that they were the luckiest kids in the world to have him as a father.
Nolan was an equally devoted grandfather to his four adoring granddaughters-Morgan, Caroline, Samantha, and Aniston-who esteem him as the best Grandad who ever walked the earth. He will be remembered by his granddaughters as the smell of cigar smoke, a sunny day on a golf course; as someone who would have died for them, who loved his family fiercely; as the best-dressed man in the room, a master of dry humor, a talented golfer, a gifted storyteller, and one of their best friends.
Nolan had a long and fulfilling career in banking and business. Throughout his career, he worked at various banks and savings & loan establishments; he retired from Williamstown National Bank, where he was senior vice president and served on the board of directors. He was known to give people a chance, to give them the gift of their first home or their own business, when no one else would.
Aside from family and friends, Nolan’s greatest passion was golf. He spent countless hours golfing with friends and even played the legendary course at St. Andrews in Scotland, where he traveled with his wife Patricia and friends. Nolan also loved the beach, where he spent much of his time. He loved to travel, and saw much of the world.
At home, he could be found on the front porch on nice days (when not on the golf course), smoking a cigar and talking to the neighbors who passed by. On game days, he could be found watching the Mountaineers play in his chair on the back porch.
Nolan was amazingly generous, unfailingly brave, and so very kind. He exhorted those he loved to be the very best they could be, and he had the kind of voice that people want to listen to.
Nolan was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Hays; his sisters-Viona, Jean, Betty Joe, and Marge; and his brother, Charles Newton, who died in childhood before Nolan was born.
Nolan’s memory is cherished by his peerlessly devoted wife of 57 years, Patricia Ann Hays; his two loving sons, John Joseph Hays and wife Kris (of Clarksburg, West Virginia) and Shawn Patrick Hays and wife Liza Taylor (of Whittier, California); his four adoring granddaughters-Morgan Virginia Hays Riddle, Caroline Olivia Hays, Samantha Jo Hays, and Aniston Patricia Hays Riddle (great-granddaughter); innumerable friends, cherished golfing buddies, and beloved family members; and his pet cat, whom he lovingly called “Pup.”
Nolan was a great man, and his family will carry on his memory and legacy with honor, gratitude, and love.
A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg with Reverend Chuck Furbee officiating.
Visitation will be Tuesday 1-3pm at the funeral home.
Donations may be made in his memory to House to Homes, 827 7th Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LeavittFuneralHome.com.
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