1. Step Into Pioneer Life at the Heritage Farm Museum and Village
Location: Huntington, West Virginia
Recommended For: Families, history lovers, school groups, and Appalachian culture enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “A living tribute to Appalachian heritage, where hands-on history and heart meet.”
- Step back in time at this recreated 19th-century village with over 15 historic log buildings.
- Stay overnight in rustic charm with heritage-inspired lodging options—including a train caboose!
- Explore hands-on exhibits like a working blacksmith shop, petting zoo, and children’s discovery zones.
- Discover seven museums ranging from vintage toys to local craftsmanship and Appalachian life.
- Stroll scenic trails and meet artisans crafting traditional Appalachian goods—perfect for all ages.
Cost: Affordable – general admission varies by season, family passes available
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for full outdoor access and events
Local tips: Check the calendar for themed weekends and festivals; guided tours are highly recommended!
How to Get There: Just a short drive from downtown Huntington, accessible via Harvey Road
Address: 3300 Harvey Road, Huntington, WV, Phone: 304-522-1244
2. Journey Underground and Discover Mining History at the Exhibition Coal Mine
Location: Beckley, West Virginia
Recommended For: Families, history buffs, students, and anyone curious about coal mining heritage
What I Love: ♥ “An unforgettable journey underground with real miners sharing real stories of West Virginia’s coal roots.”
- Ride through a vintage underground coal mine guided by veteran miners who share firsthand accounts of life below the surface.
- Step back in time while touring authentic coal camp buildings like a company house, church, and schoolhouse.
- Explore interactive exhibits and displays at the on-site museum that bring coal country history to life.
- Shop coal-themed gifts and local souvenirs at the charming gift shop.
- Seasonal fun for all ages—open spring through fall, with engaging tours and educational programming.
Cost: Moderate – ticketed admission for tours, with discounts for children and seniors
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for full tour access and pleasant weather
Local tips: Arrive early for tours—slots fill fast! Bring a light jacket for the cool underground temperatures.
How to Get There: Located in New River Park, easily accessible from downtown Beckley
Address: 513 Ewart Avenue, Beckley, WV, Phone: 304-256-1747
3. Indulge in Luxury and History at The Greenbrier Resort
Location: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, Cold War buffs, and curious travelers seeking a unique underground experience
What I Love: ♥ “Explore a real top-secret government bunker beneath a luxury resort—hidden in plain sight for decades.”
- Step inside The Bunker, a once-classified Cold War fallout shelter built to house Congress in case of nuclear emergency.
- Take a 90-minute guided tour departing from the Trellis Lobby, led by expert docents revealing the bunker’s covert history.
- View secure rooms and chambers originally constructed in total secrecy under The Greenbrier’s West Virginia Wing.
- Receive discounts on select history-themed books and DVDs following the tour.
- Plan ahead: Children under 10 are not permitted on the tour.
Cost: Moderate – ticket purchase required; available to registered guests and the general public
Best time to visit: Year-round, with daily tours available—reservations recommended during holidays and peak seasons
Local tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and arrive early to check in at the Trellis Lobby
How to Get There: Located on The Greenbrier property in White Sulphur Springs, easily accessible via I-64
Address: 300 W Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, WV, Phone: 855-453-4858
4. Wander Through Blossoming Trails at the West Virginia Botanic Garden
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Recommended For: Nature lovers, gardeners, families, photographers, and those seeking quiet outdoor escapes
What I Love: ♥ “Where a former reservoir blooms into a lush haven of native beauty and peaceful discovery.”
- Stroll through landscaped gardens on the historic 80-acre site of the former Tibbs Run Reservoir.
- Explore inspirational plant collections featuring native West Virginia flora and ornamental displays.
- Enjoy daily access from dawn till dusk with no admission fee.
- Take a themed guided tour—nine options highlight everything from wildflowers to frogs.
- Join a seasonal workshop or walk led by horticulturists and naturalists.
Cost: Free admission; some tours and workshops may have a suggested donation or fee
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for peak blooms and guided walk schedules
Local tips: Wear sturdy shoes for trail walks and bring binoculars for birdwatching. Leashed dogs welcome!
How to Get There: Located on Tyrone Road, a short drive southeast of downtown Morgantown
Address: 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV, Phone: 304-322-2093
5. Explore Hidden Underground Wonders at Lost World Caverns
Location: Lewisburg, West Virginia
Recommended For: Families, geology enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, photographers, and anyone fascinated by natural wonders
What I Love: ♥ “A mystical underground world of glistening formations, prehistoric fossils, and unforgettable cave adventures.”
- Descend 120 feet underground into a cavern filled with dramatic stalagmites and stalactites.
- Take a self-guided tour along a half-mile loop with a printed guide for easy exploration.
- Marvel at signature formations like the shimmering Bridal Veil, Snowy Chandelier, and War Club.
- Visit the dinosaur museum and see the skeleton of a prehistoric cave bear.
- Book the Wild Cave Tour for a 4-hour journey into the deepest, muddiest parts of the cave system.
Cost: General admission for self-guided tours; separate fee for Wild Cave Tour
Best time to visit: Year-round – the cave maintains a cool temperature regardless of the weather outside
Local tips: Wear sturdy shoes with grip. The Wild Cave Tour requires reservations and old clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
How to Get There: Located just outside of downtown Lewisburg, accessible via Lost World Road
Address: 907 Lost World Road, Lewisburg, WV, Phone: 304-645-6677
Romantic Things to Do in West Virginia:
6. Ride Historic Steam Locomotives at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Location: Cass, West Virginia
Recommended For: Train enthusiasts, families, history buffs, photographers, and couples looking for a nostalgic retreat
What I Love: ♥ “An immersive ride into Appalachian history aboard steam-powered Shay locomotives, through forested mountains and time.”
- Ride a historic steam train on the same track used in the early 1900s logging industry.
- Step back in time as you explore a restored mountain town with a museum, company store, and vintage train depot.
- Stay in original company houses converted into charming guest accommodations.
- Admire scenic views from open-air railcars as Shay locomotives climb through mountain landscapes.
- Learn about West Virginia’s logging legacy through interpretive displays and guided tours.
Cost: Varies by excursion route; check online or call for seasonal rates and ticketing
Best time to visit: Spring through fall, when the train operates and foliage is at its peak
Local tips: Book tickets early during fall foliage season. Bring a light jacket—it gets cool in the mountains even in summer.
How to Get There: Located off Route 66 in Pocahontas County; parking available near the depot
Address: 242 Main Street, Cass, WV, Phone: 304-456-4300
7. If You Love Artistic Inspiration, Visit the Huntington Museum of Art
Location: Huntington, West Virginia
Recommended For: Art lovers, families, garden enthusiasts, nature walkers, and cultural travelers
What I Love: ♥ “A seamless blend of artistic brilliance and botanical beauty on 52 scenic acres.”
- Explore the region’s largest art museum with nationally accredited exhibits and diverse fine art collections.
- Stroll through curated galleries showcasing everything from American art to Asian ceramics.
- Venture outside to hike the scenic hillside nature trails that surround the museum grounds.
- Visit the C. Fred Edwards Conservatory, a tropical oasis with exotic plants and peaceful ambiance.
- Admire butterflies in the vibrant Steelman Butterfly Garden, ideal for kids and nature photography.
Cost: Affordable general admission; children under 18 typically free. Check for exhibition or special event fees.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for peak outdoor garden and trail experiences; year-round for exhibitions.
Local tips: Don’t miss special exhibitions and art workshops—check the museum calendar in advance.
How to Get There: Easily accessible from I-64; free parking is available on-site.
Address: Huntington Museum of Art, 2033 McCoy Road, Huntington, WV 25701, Phone: 304-529-2701
8. Celebrate Trail History and Adventure at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center
Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Recommended For: Hikers, history buffs, nature lovers, outdoor photographers, and Appalachian Trail enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “A symbolic midpoint of the legendary trail, packed with stories, maps, and memories.”
- Visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters, the iconic landmark known as the trail’s symbolic halfway point.
- Marvel at the 10-foot 3D map of the East Coast showcasing the full stretch of the trail from Georgia to Maine.
- View historic hiking photos—over 25,000 images dating back to 1979, documenting trailblazers and thru-hikers.
- Explore educational exhibits that highlight the trail’s history, natural features, and conservation efforts.
- Shop for trail-themed merchandise in the popular on-site gift shop supporting the Conservancy’s mission.
Cost: Free admission; donations encouraged to support trail preservation.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for optimal hiking and sightseeing; summer months are popular with thru-hikers.
Local tips: Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo at the trail sign—an Appalachian Trail rite of passage!
How to Get There: Located on Washington Street in Harpers Ferry, easily accessed by car or on foot from nearby trails and downtown.
Address: Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and Visitor Center, 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV, Phone: 304-535-6331
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