Small towns in West Virginia offer spectacular locales and rich history that rival destinations twice their size. West Virginia is the 10th smallest state, yet visitors can explore everything from the luxurious Berkeley Springs to quirky attractions like the Mothman Museum and the Greenbrier Bunker. These nicest towns in West Virginia feature picture-perfect main streets, diverse dining, and outdoor adventures that make them some of the best small towns in West Virginia to experience. One town even earned the title of coolest small town in America. Here are 13 must-visit places to visit in West Virginia in 2026.
Lewisburg – The Coolest Small Town in America
Image Source: wvtourism.com
What Makes Lewisburg Special
Budget Travel recognized Lewisburg as “America’s coolest small town” and Thrillist and Travel + Leisure mentioned it. This historic community of 3,930 residents sits at the crossroads of U.S. 60 and U.S. 219 in the Greenbrier Valley. A 236-acre area in the heart of town received designation as a National Register Historic District in 1978. The walkable downtown has dozens of boutique shops and antique stores along picturesque Washington Street. Carnegie Hall stands as one of only four Carnegie Halls still in continuous use as a performance venue worldwide. The Greek-revival structure was built in 1902 with funds from steel baron Andrew Carnegie. It hosts live performances and art exhibits that serve more than 75,000 patrons annually.
Things to Do in Lewisburg
The Greenbrier River Trail stretches 78 miles along a former railroad line and provides uninterrupted hiking and biking through remote wilderness. Lost World Caverns offers self-guided tours with rock formations, while Organ Cave presents another underground adventure. The declassified bunker at The Greenbrier Resort once served as a secret congressional hideout during the Cold War. This 112,544-square-foot facility could accommodate 1,100 people during nuclear fallout. The Greenbrier Valley Theater operates as West Virginia’s state professional theater and presents live performances and musical concerts. The North House Museum, built in 1820, displays Civil War artifacts and General Robert E. Lee’s horse Traveler’s training saddle.
Dining and Shopping Options
Downtown Lewisburg won USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice for Small Town Food Scene four times. The French Goat serves European-inspired, farm-to-table cuisine, while Stardust Cafe focuses on organic ingredients. Hill and Holler bakes Neapolitan pizzas in a 700-degree brick oven with 23 beers on tap. Del Sol has served fresh Latin cuisine since 1994. Shopping options include The Lewisburg Surf Shop with luxury brands like Marni and Proenza Schouler. Robert’s Antiques and Wine Shop lets visitors sample wines while browsing oriental rugs.
Where to Stay
The Historic General Lewis Inn has 23 rooms in restored 1834 and 1928 buildings. Each suite has distinct period antiques and art. The inn has operated continuously since 1929 and serves contemporary Southern cuisine in its dining room. The Greenbrier Resort, welcoming guests since 1778, offers 20 dining options and a private casino with championship golf courses.
Shepherdstown – Historic Riverside Charm
Image Source: Shepherdstown, WV
What Makes Shepherdstown Special
Mecklenburg was founded in 1762 and later became West Virginia’s oldest town, Shepherdstown. The historic district covers 386 contributing resources concentrated along German Street, the main commercial corridor. Federal style brick houses from the late 18th century line the streets. You’ll find 19th-century metal fences, mounting blocks and wooden pumps throughout. The town sits on a limestone bluff above the Potomac River. Shepherd University adds cultural energy to the community. Town Run meanders through the town for over 3 miles and is fed by more than 6 natural springs. It flows under houses and beneath streets before emptying into the Potomac. James Rumsey showed a steamboat on the Potomac River here in 1787. This earned him recognition as a pioneer of steam navigation.
Things to Do in Shepherdstown
The 75-foot granite James Rumsey Monument overlooks the Potomac River and was completed in 1915. Visitors can access the C&O Canal towpath at Mile 72.7, which stretches 185.4 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland. Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle offers bike and kayak rentals with shuttle service. Visitors can paddle the river and return by foot. The Contemporary American Theater Festival showcases six new American plays each summer. The whole town served as a field hospital for over 8,000 Confederate soldiers following the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War.
Dining and Shopping Options
Shepherdstown features one of only two James Beard Award finalists in West Virginia. Blue Moon Café serves an eclectic menu in a former gas station with outdoor garden seating. The Press Room offers pasta, seafood and meat dishes. Shepherdstown Sweet Shop Bakery operates in a 200-year-old building and specializes in whole-grain artisan bread. O’Hurley’s General Store stocks enamelware, cutlery and dry goods in a building over 120 years old. Four Seasons Books carries new and classic novels, while Admiral’s Analog Audio Assortment sells vinyl records.
Where to Stay
The Bavarian Inn holds AAA Four Diamond status with 72 rooms overlooking the Potomac River. The property features an infinity pool, craft brewery and formal dining. The Thomas Shepherd Inn offers five guest rooms with private baths in the historic district. This Federal style building was completed in 1868.
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Harpers Ferry – Where History Meets Nature
Image Source: National Park Service
What Makes Harpers Ferry Special
Harpers Ferry sits at the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia come together. This unique geography makes it the easternmost town in West Virginia and the state’s lowest point above sea level. The population stood at 269 residents in the 2020 census. John Brown’s Fort ranks as West Virginia’s most visited tourist site. The town serves as headquarters for the Appalachian Trail, whose psychological midpoint passes through here. The community also houses one of four National Park Service training centers. Storer College, a historically Black institution founded during Reconstruction, became a center of the civil rights movement.
Things to Do in Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park includes nearly 4,000 acres of parkland with battlefields, 20 miles of hiking trails, and a restored historic district. The Point gives you views where the two rivers meet, visible from three states at once. Jefferson Rock provides another scenic overlook you can reach via the 1810 Stone Steps. Museums and exhibits throughout Lower Town explore John Brown’s 1859 raid, Civil War battles, industrial heritage, and African American history. The Appalachian Trail passes through town with easy riverside walks and eight-mile mountain adventures. River activities on both the Potomac and Shenandoah include tubing, rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
Dining and Shopping Options
The Rabbit Hole serves craft beer and burgers with loaded pork fries made from Pecanwood smoked pork butt. Almost Heaven Pub and Grill sits in an 1830s building and offers pub-style food with locally crafted beer. Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee features sausage and gravy, ham-and-cheese pastries, and cinnamon buns with caramel, bacon, and walnuts. Harpers Ferry Brewing sits on the Potomac River and serves pizza, soft pretzels, and seasonal ice cream with traditional brews and hard seltzers. True Treats Historic Candy operates as the nation’s only research-based historic candy store that specializes in sweets from early history through the mid-1900s. The Vintage Lady offers jewelry, accessories, and locally made souvenirs.
Where to Stay
Hillbrook Inn consists of three buildings on the main estate and two companion properties located two miles from town. The Main House suites feature clawfoot tubs, hardwood floors with oriental carpets, and custom duvets. Four cottage suites have freestanding soaking tubs, gas fireplaces, and private porches. The Gatehouse Spa houses two suites with large soaking tubs and gas fireplaces. A USD 25.00 resort service fee plus tax applies to all guest bills.
Thomas – Mountain Town with Character
Image Source: Bethesda Magazine
What Makes Thomas Special
Thomas sits along the North Fork of the Blackwater River and stands out among West Virginia tourist attractions with European-influenced architecture rare in Appalachia. The population reached 623 at the 2020 census. Unlike other coal towns in West Virginia, Thomas was not a company-built town. Buildings and homes in the historic district represent investments by residents themselves. This created unique features like balconies and overhanging porches that reflect European culture. The town was founded in 1884 when the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railway arrived. Immigrants from Italy, Poland, Russia and Austria came to work in coal mines operated by the Davis brothers. The Thomas Commercial Historic District received National Register listing in 1998 because of its significance in settlement, commerce and association with European immigration.
Things to Do in Thomas
The Purple Fiddle anchors the arts scene as a music venue that showcases Appalachian bluegrass and mountain music. The Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail extends 10.5 miles from Thomas to Hendricks along uneven gravel, dirt and rock surfaces. A riverfront trail passes remnants of coal-mining history that include coke ovens and mines. Historic markers explain the town’s industrial past. Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park sit nearby and provide hiking trails and waterfalls.
Dining and Shopping Options
TipTop Coffee serves nitro cold brew and bagel sandwiches with chamomile-lavender chocolate bars. Mountain State Brewing features draft beers, flatbread pizza and West Virginia’s official state food: pepperoni rolls. Purple Fiddle prepares deli-style menu items like Montreal grilled cheese. Shopping options include Santangelo to find locally made ceramics and paintings, Nellie Rose to browse Japanese-inspired handmade clothing, Ella and Co. to discover antiques and home goods, and Ranger Jane’s to shop screen-free toys.
Where to Stay
Dandy Flats provides the highest-rated accommodations in Thomas. These historic building suites feature fully-equipped kitchenettes, bathrooms, living areas and queen beds.
Davis – West Virginia’s Highest Elevation Town
Image Source: Outside Magazine
What Makes Davis Special
At 3,520 feet elevation, Davis ranks as the highest incorporated town in West Virginia. The 2020 census recorded a population of 595. You can access pristine public lands from this mountain town, including Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area, Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley state parks, the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and portions of the Monongahela National Forest. Rugged mountain biking and hiking trails surround the town. Notable routes include the Plantation Trail, Hoo Doo Hustle, and Moon Rocks. The Revenge of the Rattlesnake race draws cyclists to one of the country’s toughest bike races. Three ski resorts operate within ten miles in Canaan Valley.
Things to Do in Davis
White Grass Ski Touring Center maintains over 50 kilometers of groomed trails each winter. The facility opened in 1959 as Weiss Knob Ski Area and reopened as White Grass in 1979 with a cross-country focus. Blackwater Falls State Park features waterfalls framed by seasonal colors and family hiking trails. Dolly Sods Wilderness protects high-altitude wetlands perfect for wildlife viewing and nature photography. Mountain bike races happen here annually. The 24 Hours of Canaan introduced groundbreaking 24-hour racing formats.
Dining and Shopping Options
Milo’s Cafe & Restaurant occupies a historic 1896 building on William Avenue and serves breakfast and dinner with blueberry pancakes. Sirianni’s Cafe prepares Italian cuisine and pizza with Italian sausage. Stumptown Ales operates as the locals’ favorite brewery with hop-focused beers. Hellbender Burritos features unique burrito creations. Wicked Wilderness Pub serves family-friendly comfort food and homemade desserts.
Where to Stay
The Inn at Canaan holds top ratings among Davis accommodations. The Billy Motel offers mid-century style rooms. Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge provides renovated rooms and cabins.
Wardensville – A Step Back in Time
Image Source: Blue Maple
What Makes Wardensville Special
Thomas Warden, the settlement’s first merchant, gave his name to this town that was originally chartered as Trout Run in Virginia during 1832 and incorporated in West Virginia in 1879. The population reached 265 at the 2020 census. Garden & Gun Magazine spotlighted the town’s thriving farming scene. Travel + Leisure recognized local restaurants to celebrate culinary excellence. Antique stores, art galleries and a craft brewery populate the streets. Wardensville sits at the Cacapon River’s confluence with Trout Run, west of the Great North Mountain range. West Virginia’s largest natural lake, Trout Pond, lies 12 miles south.
Things to Do in Wardensville
Lost River State Park provides cabin lodging and outdoor recreation on 3,712 wooded acres. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests border the town and offer hiking trails with nature paths. Dakota Glass Works features hand-blown glass art with classes available to create your own pieces. Warden Lake Wildlife Management Area sits seven miles north. Two additional wildlife management areas operate within 12 miles. The Cline Blacksmith Shop and Town Jail, erected around 1830, stands as a historic stone structure on Main Street.
Dining and Shopping Options
Wardensville Garden Market functions as a nonprofit farm selling fresh produce and baked goods while hosting culinary classes with live entertainment. Mack’s Bingo Kitchen prepares American cuisine with seasonal and organic ingredients. Lost River Grill serves comfort foods that include meatloaf, hand-cut steaks and cream pies. Lost River Trading Post operates as a modern mountain general store featuring craft beer and an antique gallery with an eclectic café. Word Play, an independent bookstore, stocks games and puzzles.
Where to Stay
Capon Springs and Farms offers golf, spa services, a spring-fed swimming pool and game courts. Guesthouse at Lost River features 18 rooms with on-site fine dining. Lost River State Park provides cabins and campsites.
Hinton – Victorian Railroad Heritage
Image Source: West Virginia Tourism
What Makes Hinton Special
The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway built Hinton’s depot in 1905 as a division terminal and transformed this southern West Virginia location into a booming railroad hub. The station exhibits a unique engineering quirk: eastbound trains pass southwest through the facility while westbound trains travel northeast because the tracks follow a bend in the New River. Victorian-era buildings line the brick streets of the National Historic District and reflect the town’s prosperity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when coal trains assembled here before heading east to Hampton Roads, Virginia. The city views itself as a living museum of that railroad era. Then Amtrak’s Cardinal route still stops at the historic depot and maintains the town’s rail connection from Chicago to New York.
Things to Do in Hinton
The Hinton Railroad Museum houses an extensive collection of C&O Railway memorabilia, uniforms, lanterns and ticket stubs in a former department store building on Temple Street. A hand-carved wooden depiction of railroad construction crews stands as a highlight. The Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House, built around 1875, ranks as the town’s oldest residential structure. The Ritz Theater was constructed in 1929 and restored 80 years later. It screens current films. Veterans Memorial Museum displays artifacts from major American conflicts.
Dining and Shopping Options
The Market on Courthouse Square serves flame-grilled burgers and brick oven pizza. Kirk’s Market & Cafe provides home-cooked meals with outdoor patio seating that overlooks the New River. Cantrell’s River City Grill features pub food with waterfront deck seating. Otter & Oak sells upscale clothing and outdoor gear in a restored historic building. West Virginia artisan creations are also available.
Where to Stay
The Guest House Inn on Courthouse Square occupies an 1897 building that was restored in 2007. It offers boutique accommodations in the heart of the walkable historic district. Bluestone State Park provides 26 year-round cabins, while Pipestem features cabins and lodges that are accessible by aerial tramway.
Elkins – Old-Fashioned Mountain Flair
Image Source: West Virginia Tourism
What Makes Elkins Special
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Elkins serves as base camp for the Monongahela National Forest, with nearly a million acres to explore. This mountain community of 10,000 people earned recognition as one of the Best Small Towns in America and the 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America. Davis and Elkins College anchors the cultural scene. The Mountain State Forest Festival, held every October, ranks as West Virginia’s oldest and largest festival. It attracts 100,000 people and fills every hotel room within an hour’s drive. The Augusta Heritage Festival runs for seven weeks with workshops and concerts that highlight American folk culture, with themes ranging from bluegrass to Cajun music.
Things to Do in Elkins
The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad runs scenic train rides through rugged wilderness aboard the New Tygart Flyer and Cheat Mountain Salamander. The Allegheny Highlands Trail extends 24.5 miles along the original West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway route. The West Virginia Railroad Museum preserves railroad history in the historic Darden Mill, which operated as a grain mill from 1902 to 1943. Artists At Work showcases work from more than 20 regional artists.
Dining and Shopping Options
Smoke on the Water serves BBQ with pulled pork and brisket. C.J. Maggie’s has casual American fare. El Gran Sabor features Latin American fusion. Big Timber Brewing Company pays homage to Elkins’ lumberjack history. The Elkins Farmers Market provides fresh produce, meats, eggs and baked goods.
Where to Stay
The Graceland Inn, a National Historic Landmark built in 1892, has Victorian elegance. Tygart Hotel blends history with luxury and earned mentions from National Geographic. The Forks Inn features guest rooms with scenic mountain views.
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Buckhannon – Arts and Culture Hub
Image Source: West Virginia Tourism
What Makes Buckhannon Special
Arts and culture define this Upshur County town, where locally owned galleries, specialty shops, and West Virginia hospitality create a walkable downtown experience. The city values arts programming and incorporated public art into city planning, with many sites throughout corporate limits. Buckhannon earned recognition for having the best Main Street shopping district in the state. Each spring, the West Virginia Strawberry Festival fills eight days with horse-and-carriage parades, quilt shows, draft horse pulls, and strawberry recipe competitions.
Things to Do in Buckhannon
Artist Ron Hinkle has crafted glassworks for more than 40 years. He creates tumblers and vases that swirl with color. Artistry on Main operates as an artist cooperative with handcrafted items by 30 different juried artists and classes in basket weaving and needle felting. The Colonial Arts Center, built in 1924 as the Colonial Theater, now serves as a community arts hub. Lascaux Micro-Theater screens independent films, foreign flicks, and documentaries. The West Virginia Wildlife Center, located 12.80 miles away, features native animals like bears and elk in natural habitats.
Dining and Shopping Options
C.J. Maggie’s serves homemade sausage, wood-fired pizza, and Cake-in-a-Jar desserts in glass keepsakes. Fish Hawk Market prepares farm-to-table daily specials from local growers, plus homemade bread and pepperoni rolls. 88 Restaurant and Lounge features live music every Friday with no cover charge.
Where to Stay
Bicentennial Inn sits on Main Street with complimentary beverage service, landscaped gardens, and the 88 Lounge on premises.
Berkeley Springs – America’s First Spa Town
Image Source: West Virginia Tourism
What Makes Berkeley Springs Special
Warm mineral springs flowing at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees have drawn visitors’ attention since colonial times. Berkeley Springs was founded in 1776 and matches historic charm with restorative wellness. George Washington frequented the area. His bathtub remains a celebrated landmark. This Morgan County destination sits within a two-hour drive of Washington DC, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia and is a convenient escape from city life. Major travel publications recognized the town, including Thrillist, as America’s First Spa.
Things to Do in Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs State Park anchors the town center with a Roman Bathhouse that has therapeutic massages, mineral baths heated to 102 degrees, and hot stone sessions. The Museum of Berkeley Springs displays historical artifacts and geological exhibits. Cacapon Resort State Park spans 6,000 acres. It has hiking, an 18-hole golf course, mountain bike trails, and a lake. The Washington Heritage Trail has nearly 80 miles of scenic byways.
Dining and Shopping Options
Lot 12 Public House works with local farmers for seasonal, foraged ingredients. Proof on Washington has whiskey selections in a historic setting. The Vine Trattoria serves contemporary Italian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Berkeley Springs Antiques Mall houses 30 dealers across 7,000 square feet.
Where to Stay
The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs has 60 unique guest rooms with a Renaissance Spa. Cacapon Resort’s 124-room lodge sits at the mountain’s foot. The Mendenhall 1884 Inn earned recognition as Best Boutique B&B in West Virginia.
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Fayetteville – Adventure Town Near New River Gorge
Image Source: National Park Service
What Makes Fayetteville Special
Fayetteville sits on the rim of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The town serves as base camp for outdoor adventures that span 70,000 acres. Budget Travel magazine named this West Virginia tourist attraction one of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America. Blue Ridge Outdoors recognized it as Best River Town. The annual Bridge Day attracts up to 100,000 visitors who watch hundreds of base jumpers launch from the New River Gorge Bridge. Readers of WV Living magazine selected Fayetteville as Best Adventure Town twice.
Things to Do in Fayetteville
World-class whitewater rafting features class III to IV-plus rapids on the New River. The Kaymoor Miners Trail descends 821 wooden steps to abandoned coal mine remnants. Long Point Trail provides views of the iconic bridge. Arrowhead Bike Farm has hiking and biking trails. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center documents the gorge’s geology and history. Rock climbing, ziplining and the Bridge Walk tour under the bridge’s steel arch draw adventure seekers.
Dining and Shopping Options
Cathedral Cafe serves breakfast in a converted cathedral. Pies and Pints creates gourmet pizzas with unique toppings. Bridge Brew Works and Freefolk Brewery pour craft beers. The Hobbit Hole specializes in vintage antiques and ephemera. Water Stone Outdoors stocks rock climbing gear with a sock monkey scavenger hunt.
Where to Stay
Accommodations range from Hill Hall Hotel and Quality Inn New River Gorge to The Historic Morris Harvey House Inn bed and breakfast. Lafayette Flats has boutique vacation rentals in a restored 1904 bank building. Bear Mountain Cabins, Rifrafters Campground and The Outpost provide camping options near Fayetteville.
Bramwell – Millionaire’s Town of the Past
Image Source: Historic Bramwell
What Makes Bramwell Special
Coal wealth created an extraordinary phenomenon in this Mercer County municipality. Bramwell claimed the largest number of millionaires per capita of any town in America during the late 1800s and peaked at 17 millionaires in the early 1900s. The Bank of Bramwell earned recognition as the richest bank in America after its charter in 1889. J.H. Bramwell, a civil engineer, gave his name to the town when it was founded in 1888. The town served as capital for the Pocahontas coalfields that hired over 100,000 miners. Norfolk & Western Railroad stopped here 14 times daily. The whole town received National Register of Historic Places designation in 1984. Victorian and Tudor mansions remain preserved along brick-paved streets, and the current population stands at 272.
Things to Do in Bramwell
The Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center showcases relics and exhibits of West Virginia’s coal history on Station Square. Historic home tours occur during spring and Christmas. They feature the Thomas House, Hewitt House, Pack House, Perry House, Mann House and Goodwill House. Bramwell sits 0.3 miles from the Pocahontas trailhead of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System and offers access to over 700 miles of ATV trails. Pinnacle Rock State Park lies southeast.
Dining and Shopping Options
The Corner Shop Diner serves millionaire burgers, shakes and ice cream from an antique soda fountain in a former pharmacy. Honeycomb Cafe Bramwell prepares pastries, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast sandwiches.
Where to Stay
Bramwell Corner Suites features three-bedroom units on Main Street. Main Street Suites occupies the historic Collins Building. River View Inn provides two vacation rentals. WV ATV Lodging sits one minute from the Pocahontas trailhead.
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Romney – West Virginia’s Oldest Town
Image Source: West Virginia Tourism
What Makes Romney Special
Romney was chartered in 1762 and shares the difference of being one of West Virginia’s two oldest towns. This Hampshire County seat sits on a river terrace overlooking the South Branch of the Potomac River, and its first establishments appeared in the 1730s. Romney changed hands at least 56 times during the Civil War, making it second only to Winchester, Virginia, in wartime activity. The population reached 1,722 at the 2020 census.
Things to Do in Romney
The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad provides three-hour narrated trips through the Trough, where bald eagles appear more than 90 percent of the time. Fort Mill Ridge features one of the best-preserved Civil War entrenchments in the country. Union soldiers built it in 1863. The David History House contains period furnishings and Civil War memorabilia. River activities include rafting, tubing, kayaking, and fishing along the Potomac.
Dining and Shopping Options
Anderson’s Corner has operated as a family business for over 40 years, specializing in custom jewelry with wine tastings. The White House on Main Boutique carries Vera Bradley and Kendra Scott brands. The Barefoot Farmer and Spring Valley Farm & Orchard offer farm-fresh produce less than one mile apart. The Brass Rail serves as a casual sports bar with live music and pub fare.
Where to Stay
The Koolwink Motel first opened in 1936 and features Mid-century Modern decor with wireless internet. South Branch Inn provides continental breakfast, exercise facilities, and suite options.
Comparison Table
| Town | Population (2020 Census) | Key Difference/Recognition | Notable Attractions | Dining Options | Places to Stay |
| Lewisburg | 3,930 | America’s Coolest Small Town (Budget Travel); USA Today’s 10Best Small Town Food Scene (4x winner); National Register Historic District (236 acres) | Carnegie Hall, Greenbrier River Trail (78 miles), Lost World Caverns, Organ Cave, The Greenbrier Resort bunker, North House Museum | The French Goat, Stardust Cafe, Hill and Holler, Del Sol | Historic General Lewis Inn (23 rooms), The Greenbrier Resort (operating since 1778) |
| Shepherdstown | – | West Virginia’s oldest town (founded 1762); Historic district with 386 contributing resources; One of two James Beard Award finalists in WV | James Rumsey Monument, C&O Canal towpath (Mile 72.7), Contemporary American Theater Festival, Civil War field hospital site | Blue Moon Café, The Press Room, Shepherdstown Sweet Shop Bakery, O’Hurley’s General Store | Bavarian Inn (AAA Four Diamond, 72 rooms), Thomas Shepherd Inn (5 guest rooms) |
| Harpers Ferry | 269 | Confluence of Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers; WV’s most visited tourist site (John Brown’s Fort); Appalachian Trail headquarters; WV’s lowest point above sea level | Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (4,000 acres), The Point, Jefferson Rock, 20 miles of hiking trails, Appalachian Trail | The Rabbit Hole, Almost Heaven Pub and Grill, Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee, Harpers Ferry Brewing, True Treats Historic Candy | Hillbrook Inn (3 buildings plus 2 companion properties) |
| Thomas | 623 | European-influenced architecture; National Register Historic District (1998); Not a company-built coal town | Purple Fiddle music venue, Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail (10.5 miles), Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park | TipTop Coffee, Mountain State Brewing, Purple Fiddle | Dandy Flats (highest-rated accommodations) |
| Davis | 595 | Highest incorporated town in WV (3,520 feet elevation) | White Grass Ski Touring Center (50+ km trails), Blackwater Falls State Park, Dolly Sods Wilderness, 3 ski resorts within 10 miles | Milo’s Cafe & Restaurant, Sirianni’s Cafe, Stumptown Ales, Hellbender Burritos, Wicked Wilderness Pub | The Inn at Canaan, The Billy Motel, Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge |
| Wardensville | 265 | Originally chartered 1832; Featured in Garden & Gun Magazine and Travel + Leisure; Largest natural lake (Trout Pond) 12 miles south | Lost River State Park (3,712 acres), Dakota Glass Works, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Cline Blacksmith Shop | Wardensville Garden Market, Mack’s Bingo Kitchen, Lost River Grill, Lost River Trading Post | Capon Springs and Farms, Guesthouse at Lost River (18 rooms), Lost River State Park |
| Hinton | – | C&O Railway depot built 1905; National Historic District; Amtrak Cardinal route stop; Living museum of railroad era | Hinton Railroad Museum, Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House (1875), Ritz Theater (1929), Veterans Memorial Museum | The Market on Courthouse Square, Kirk’s Market & Cafe, Cantrell’s River City Grill, Otter & Oak | Guest House Inn on Courthouse Square (1897 building), Bluestone State Park (26 cabins), Pipestem |
| Elkins | 10,000 | Base camp for Monongahela National Forest (nearly 1 million acres); Best Small Towns in America; Mountain State Forest Festival (100,000 attendees) | Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Allegheny Highlands Trail (24.5 miles), WV Railroad Museum, Artists At Work | Smoke on the Water, C.J. Maggie’s, El Gran Sabor, Big Timber Brewing Company | Graceland Inn (National Historic Landmark, 1892), Tygart Hotel, The Forks Inn |
| Buckhannon | – | Best Main Street shopping district in WV; Arts and culture hub; West Virginia Strawberry Festival (8 days each spring) | Ron Hinkle glassworks, Artistry on Main (30 artists), Colonial Arts Center, Lascaux Micro-Theater, WV Wildlife Center | C.J. Maggie’s, Fish Hawk Market, 88 Restaurant and Lounge | Bicentennial Inn (Main Street location) |
| Berkeley Springs | – | America’s First Spa Town (founded 1776); Warm mineral springs (constant 74.3°F); George Washington’s bathtub landmark | Berkeley Springs State Park (Roman Bathhouse), Museum of Berkeley Springs, Cacapon Resort State Park (6,000 acres), Washington Heritage Trail | Lot 12 Public House, Proof on Washington, The Vine Trattoria | Country Inn of Berkeley Springs (60 rooms), Cacapon Resort (124-room lodge), Mendenhall 1884 Inn |
| Fayetteville | – | Base camp for New River Gorge National Park (70,000 acres); Top 10 Coolest Small Towns (Budget Travel); Best River Town; Bridge Day (100,000 visitors) | World-class whitewater rafting, Kaymoor Miners Trail, Long Point Trail, Canyon Rim Visitor Center, Bridge Walk tour | Cathedral Cafe, Pies and Pints, Bridge Brew Works, Freefolk Brewery | Hill Hall Hotel, Quality Inn New River Gorge, Historic Morris Harvey House Inn, Lafayette Flats |
| Bramwell | 272 | Largest number of millionaires per capita in America (late 1800s); Richest bank in America (Bank of Bramwell, 1889); Entire town on National Register (1984) | Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center, Historic home tours, Pocahontas trailhead (0.3 miles), Hatfield-McCoy Trail System (700+ miles) | The Corner Shop Diner, Honeycomb Cafe Bramwell | Bramwell Corner Suites, Main Street Suites, River View Inn, WV ATV Lodging |
| Romney | 1,722 | One of WV’s two oldest towns (chartered 1762); Changed hands 56+ times during Civil War | Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Fort Mill Ridge Civil War entrenchments, David History House, Potomac River activities | Anderson’s Corner, The White House on Main Boutique, The Barefoot Farmer, The Brass Rail | Koolwink Motel (opened 1936), South Branch Inn |
Enjoy Small Towns in West Virginia
West Virginia’s small towns deliver experiences that rival destinations many times their size. These 13 communities offer distinct personalities, from Lewisburg’s celebrated food scene to Berkeley Springs’ restorative mineral waters, from Bramwell’s millionaire mansions to Fayetteville’s outdoor adventures. Each town features walkable historic districts, locally owned shops and farm-to-table dining that showcases Appalachian hospitality. Visitors seek Civil War history, whitewater rapids or a peaceful escape from city life, and these destinations provide authentic experiences without the crowds. West Virginia’s elevation creates cooler temperatures than expected, so pack with that in mind. Each town welcomes travelers ready to find why this mountain state continues earning recognition as one of America’s best-kept secrets.
FAQs
Q1. Which West Virginia town has been recognized as the coolest small town in America? Lewisburg earned the title of “America’s Coolest Small Town” from Budget Travel magazine and has also received recognition from Thrillist and Travel + Leisure. This historic community features a walkable downtown with boutique shops, art galleries, and Carnegie Hall, one of only four Carnegie Halls still in continuous use worldwide.
Q2. What makes Berkeley Springs unique among West Virginia destinations? Berkeley Springs is America’s First Spa Town, founded in 1776, featuring warm mineral springs that flow at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit. The town has attracted visitors since colonial times, including George Washington, whose bathtub remains a celebrated landmark at Berkeley Springs State Park.
Q3. Where can visitors find the best outdoor adventure activities in West Virginia’s small towns? Fayetteville serves as the premier adventure destination, positioned on the rim of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with 70,000 acres to explore. The town offers world-class whitewater rafting with class III to IV-plus rapids, rock climbing, ziplining, and hosts the annual Bridge Day event that attracts up to 100,000 visitors.
Q4. Which West Virginia town sits at the highest elevation? Davis holds the distinction of being West Virginia’s highest incorporated town at 3,520 feet elevation. This mountain municipality provides outstanding access to pristine public lands and sits in the heart of rugged mountain biking and hiking trails, with three ski resorts operating within ten miles.
Q5. What is the historical significance of Harpers Ferry? Harpers Ferry occupies a unique position at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet. John Brown’s Fort, located here, ranks as West Virginia’s most visited tourist site, and the town serves as headquarters for the Appalachian Trail, making it a destination where history meets nature.
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