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9 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in West Virginia

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9 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in West Virginia


In West Virginia, small towns are often the setting for relaxing and serene weekends where tourists can immerse themselves in nature. Known as the Mountain State, nearly seventy-five percent of the landscape is forested or mountainous. The small towns beckon exploration, from the spa-like setting of Berkeley Springs State Park to the luxury of The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs or General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg. No matter your chosen town, any weekend spent in these nine West Virginia towns offers a perfect escape.

Berkeley Springs

Berkeley Springs street view during the day. Image credit Alejandro Guzmani via Shutterstock.

If you intend to visit Mountain State for an extended weekend, one of the stops you might consider is Berkeley Springs. This location uniquely blends history, outdoor recreation, and one-of-a-kind entertainment. Outdoor enthusiasts might be the most excited to take a trip to this town, as it is best known for the Berkeley Springs State Park, America’s First Spa. Another landmark you should watch for on this trek is George Washington’s Bathtub, a recreated stone-soaking bath modeled after the first president’s actual one.

The shops and eateries throughout Berkeley Springs also lean into the region’s natural wonders, with stops like Mountain Laurel Artisans for outdoor-inspired gifts. Lot 12 Public House is a local favorite place to grab a bite to eat, where they are proud to gather as much local produce and ingredients as possible in their dishes. When you are looking for a long-standing local accommodation to support, check out the renowned Country Inn of Berkeley Springs for its comfortable lodging and proximity to the area’s top attractions, like Cacapon Resort State Park.

White Sulphur Springs

Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Those looking to experience ‘wild and wonderful’ West Virginia often choose White Sulphur Springs for the Greenbrier Resort. This nationally-known parcel of property combines luxury with the grandeur of nature in The Mountain State, making it the best possible accommodation on your trip to the town. The property itself has many amenities worth mentioning that could keep you occupied over a long weekend away, such as rejuvenating in the Greenbrier Spa, hitting the links at world-class golf courses, eating at the upscale restaurant Prime 44 West (honoring West Virginia University and NBA great Jerry West), or taking a tour of a bunker that has been there since the Cold War.

Explore the wild side of nature with the Greenbrier State Forest’s hiking and biking trails. Plentiful fishing spots are teeming with your next catch on the Greenbrier River. You can use this body of water for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and swimming as well, depending on where you access the river.

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Davis

The stunning view of Blackwater Falls in Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com.
The stunning view of Blackwater Falls in Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com.

For a weekend full of nature, attractions, and activities, tourists should consider Davis. This is one of the best places in West Virginia for outdoor action, as it is literally nestled amid the Appalachian Mountains. One of the best locations you can reach from this town to begin your exploration of the state’s natural appeals is the Blackwater Falls State Park, with renowned paths like the Elakala Trail to see views of waterfalls and overlook the dense forestry. The Monongahela National Forest and Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is also nearby for more hiking, biking, wildlife photography, and exploration.

An attractive resort offering cush amenities amid this beautiful natural backdrop is the Canaan Valley Resort, which is as comfortable as it is convenient to reach the area’s parks. When you are ready to check out Davis, ensure you do not leave without having one of the famous creations at Hellbender Burritos or the Smokehouse at Blackwater Falls.

Moundsville

Monument on top of the Moundsville mound. Image credit Myrrdent via Shutterstock.
Monument on top of the Moundsville mound. Image credit Myrrdent via Shutterstock.

If you are heading into the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia for your weekend getaway plans, you should stop in Moundsville. Here, you blend adventure, history, and even some paranormal hijinks. There is plenty to keep you busy throughout Marshall County, but within the city limits, you have the legendary West Virginia Penitentiary, a massive gothic structure that now sits empty apart from its daily tours and occasional paranormal investigation teams. Across the street from this iconic location is the namesake of Moundsville, the Grave Creek Mound, a former burial site for the indigenous Adena people (which happens to be one of the country’s most enormous mounds of its kind.)

When you set up your accommodations at the long-standing Moundsville Plaza Motel, you have quick access to the sites listed above (only a few blocks by foot), as well as a short drive to Ohio Valley favorites like DiCarlo’s Pizza (known for square slices and cold cheese) in abutting Glen Dale or Bob’s Lunch for authentic, comforting diner food. You also have a short drive to one of the area’s most visited attractions, Grand Vue Park, with zip lining, hiking trails, and on-site lodging and dining.

Buckhannon

The historic village of downtown Buckhannon. Image credit Malachi Jacobs via Shutterstock
The historic village of downtown Buckhannon. Image credit Malachi Jacobs via Shutterstock

Buckhannon is the home of West Virginia Wesleyan College, with a picturesque campus and miles of walking paths amid its historic structures, lecture halls, and dorms. There is much to delight the outdoor enthusiast here beyond walking paths. Buckhannon is nestled amid its namesake river, allowing for easy access to fishing, kayaking, and other water recreation. Jawbone Park is also essential for the nature lover in your party, as this offers a serene setting and is often used for community events like concerts, so be sure to check the town’s calendar.

Visitors have many choices regarding accommodation, but few have the history and long-running presence of Baxa Motel, a charming bed and breakfast that fuses the charms of rural West Virginia life with the hospitality of its people. Fish Hawk Acres should be one of your stops for dinner, as it offers fresh, farm-to-table dishes that locals love.

If you plan your trip in May, try to line it up with the annual Strawberry Festival or the Fall Fest in September, which is also a loaded weekend of fun and excitement.

Point Pleasant

Sign for The Silver Bridge which collapsed in 1967 in Point Pleasant
Sign for The Silver Bridge which collapsed in 1967 in Point Pleasant. Image credit Rosemarie Mosteller via Shutterstock.

Folklore makes Point Pleasant a popular weekend destination for West Virginia travelers. Positioned along the Ohio River, there might be much to explore on the water with boating and fishing, but the real draw to Point Pleasant is the legend of The Mothman. This mysterious creature has been an eerie presence in the region since the 1960s, which has allowed plenty of time for businesses and attractions to sprout up dedicated to this folklore monster, including its famous statue in the middle of town or the Mothman Museum for all the information known to date about the captivating story.

While there is even more fun when you come to Point Pleasant in September for the Mothman Festival, there is more to this quaint town than its legendary visitors. When you set up at Lowe Hotel in the central part of the downtown area, you can quickly access the bounty of shops and eateries lining the strip, like Village Pizza Inn and The Coffee Grinder. You can also stop at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park to see a monument dedicated to the Battle of Point Pleasant.

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Fayetteville

The New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia.
The New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia.

If you are looking for an action-packed weekend but want to be surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Fayetteville is one of the top places in West Virginia to visit. Most famously, this is the location of the New River Gorge, which draws in thousands of visitors every year for white water rafting, rock climbing, and the annual Bridge Day in October. During this event, BASE jumping off the bridge is popular amid live music, food vendors, and entertainment at this iconic location.

However, Fayetteville also has a lot going on for those who might not be up to the level of action and adventure in the gorge. For example, setting out from a central accommodation like the Quality Inn, you can easily access top local eateries like the Cathedral Café or savory dinner spots like the Secret Sandwich Society.

Harpers Ferry

View of Harpers Ferry and Potomac River from Maryland Heights.
View of Harpers Ferry and Potomac River from Maryland Heights.

The area around Harpers Ferry might have been one of the inspirations for John Denver’s iconic classic “Country Roads,” which has since been used as a traditional victory song for the home crowd for the West Virginia University Mountaineers. Its position amid the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, as well as its access to the famous Appalachian Trail, makes the community one of the most visited in the state for nature enthusiasts. One of the top attractions is the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which features exhibits dedicated to pivotal moments of American history, such as John Brown’s raid, which occurred nearby.

When you want to explore the offerings within town, check out some of the beloved dining establishments like the Country Café and The Rabbit Hole, which offer comforting cuisine. If you set up in The Town’s Inn on High Street, you can get a view of the attractive landscape. If you plan a trip in June or October, book your accommodations well in advance to ensure you do not miss out on annual draws like the Harpers Ferry Outdoor Festival or the John Brown Raid Anniversary.

Lewisburg

Abandoned houses of first settlers and early years miners in Lewisburg West Virginia USA.
Abandoned houses of first settlers and early years miners in Lewisburg.

It is difficult to be named ‘America’s Coolest Small Town’ without having some credentials to back up the claim. Lewisburg has much to offer tourists, from historic structures in the bustling downtown region like Carnegie Hall or Mount Esperance to the epicenter of art in the community like Harmony Ridge Gallery. Those looking to find one of the most famous attractions, which also happens to be a highly regarded lodging for your stay, look to the General Lewis Inn. From its plush accommodation to delectable dishes at the in-house Jefferson Dining Room, this is the ideal base camp to truly appreciate the potential grandeur of Lewisburg.

Lewisburg hosts the State Fair of West Virginia, drawing in thousands and thousands of visitors for a week in August for the festivities. You can also plan a trip to the town in April to take part in the famous Chocolate Festival, showcasing the talents of local vendors, chefs, and retailers.

Small towns offer a delightful look at the history and culture of the entire Mountain State. There is much to discover, from ziplining over the scenic vistas surrounding Moundsville to hiking the Appalachian Trail; nature awaits you. Deeply rooted traditions are also on display, from the folklore you will find when you visit Point Pleasant to the historical sites of Harpers Ferry; there is something new to explore every time you get away in West Virginia.

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West Virginia

Transfer WR Singleton commits to West Virginia

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Transfer WR Singleton commits to West Virginia


West Virginia has added a commitment from Eastern Michigan wide receiver transfer Oran Singleton.

Singleton is coming off a season where he hauled in 64 catches for 639 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also had 23 rushing yards on 6 carries.

The Florida native started his career at Akron but transferred to Hutchinson C.C.

He has one year of eligibility remaining in his career.

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WVSports.com will have more with Singleton in the near future.



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West Virginia Wraps up Nonconference Slate with a Win Over Mercyhurst

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West Virginia Wraps up Nonconference Slate with a Win Over Mercyhurst


Morgantown, WV – West Virginia senior guard Javon Small scored a game-high 19 points while senior center Eduardo Andre put in a Mountaineer career-best 14 points and senior guard Tobi Okani recorded a double double with 13 points and 12 rebounds as the Mountaineers (9-2) extended their winning streak to five with a 67-4 win over the Mercyhurst Lakers (6-9) Sunday afternoon.

Mercyhurst took the early lead, but West Virginia responded with a 7-0 run, ignited with a three from freshman guard Jonathan Powell, and forced Lakers head coach Gary Manchel to take a timeout.

Lakers senior forward Jeff Planutis buried a three out of the break to get back within two. The Mountaineers answered with another 7-0 run with Javon Small opening the run with a midrange jumper and Toby Okani finishing with a backdoor to cut to the rim to cap it off for the 16-7 lead at the 12:27 mark of the first half.

West Virginia struggled to pull away from a Mercyhurst program that jumped up to the Division I level over the summer and did not grab a double-digit lead until 5:50 left in the half after a jumper from senior guard Joseph Yesufu.

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Eduardo Andre gave the Mountaineers their largest first half lead of 14, and the final field goal of the half, for his nine first half points with 3:32 remaining until halftime as the Mountaineers took a 35-22 lead into the break.

After West Virginia went up 16 to begin the second half, Mercyhurst dwindled the Mountaineers lead to nine with a 7-0 run, led by Aidan Reichert putting in the final five consecutive points.

West Virginia broke the game open with a 15-0 run midway through the second half with Toby Okani lead the way with six points as the Mountaineers took a 54-32 lead and coasted to a 67-46 victory.



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Humanities Council’s traveling exhibition, ‘Born of Rebellion: West Virginia’s Statehood and the Civil War,’ on display in Bluefield

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Humanities Council’s traveling exhibition, ‘Born of Rebellion: West Virginia’s Statehood and the Civil War,’ on display in Bluefield


PRESS RELEASE:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Humanities Council’s flagship traveling exhibition, Born of Rebellion:  West Virginia Statehood and the Civil War, is now on display at the Paine Gallery at the Bluefield Arts  Center from now until February 3. Hours and information are available at www.barcwv.org. 

This comprehensive, large-scale experience covers sectional tensions within Virginia preceding the Civil  War, the violence and chaos of the war surrounding West Virginia’s formation and the difficult  aftermath as the new state struggled to forge its destiny during Reconstruction. Born of Rebellion explores this tumultuous and complex era from a wide range of perspectives, including politicians,  common soldiers, women and African Americans. Not simply a story of war and politics, Born of  Rebellion conveys the complexities and pitfalls that accompanied West Virginia’s arduous journey to  separation from Virginia. 

“It has been such a pleasure working with Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation to get Born of  Rebellion in Mercer County for the holidays,” said Council Program Officer Kyle Warmack. “The Paine Gallery is a perfect display space for the exhibit, and we hope its time here provokes discussion about  this part of West Virginia’s experience during the war and our journey to statehood.” 

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For more information about Born of Rebellion, visit wvhumanities.org and click “Traveling Exhibits”  under the Programs menu. For more about the Paine Gallery, its hours of operation and other visitor  information, please contact the Bluefield Arts & Revitalization Corporation at (304) 589-0239. 

The West Virginia Humanities Council, an independent nonpartisan nonprofit, is the state affiliate of the  National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council is supported by the NEH, the State of West  Virginia and contributions from the private sector. The purposes of the West Virginia Humanities Council  are educational, and its mission is to support a vigorous program in the humanities statewide in West  Virginia.



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