Craving scenic mountain views, small-town charm, and rich Appalachian culture? Head to Bluefield, West Virginia! Nestled in the southern hills of the state, Bluefield offers hiking, history, and cool summer escapes. Whether you're chasing mountain air or hidden gems, this town delivers cozy, laid-back vibes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bluefield is from late spring to early fall (May through October). Mild weather is perfect for hiking, outdoor festivals, and exploring nearby parks. July is especially popular for the city’s “coolest” claim—when temps hit 90°F, locals get free lemonade!
How to Get There
- By Car: Bluefield is located along I-77 and U.S. Route 460, about 2.5 hours from Roanoke, VA and 3 hours from Charleston, WV.
- By Plane: The nearest major airports are Raleigh County Memorial Airport (1 hour) and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (2.5 hours).
- By Train: Amtrak’s Cardinal Line stops in nearby Hinton or Prince, WV, for travelers coming from Chicago, Cincinnati, or Washington, D.C.
Where to Stay
- Bluefield Inn – Historic Southern charm meets elegance in this beautiful 1904 mansion-turned-B&B.
- Comfort Inn Bluefield – A convenient and budget-friendly stay near downtown and local attractions.
- Quality Hotel and Conference Center – Spacious rooms, mountain views, and a central location for business or leisure travel.
Top Attractions
- East River Mountain Overlook – Breathtaking panoramic views at the top of the mountain pass.
- Lotito City Park – Stroll the walking trails, enjoy a picnic, or cool off in the splash pad.
- Bluefield Area Arts Center – Watch a live show or browse rotating art exhibits in a restored downtown building.
- Historic Downtown Bluefield – Explore quaint shops, murals, and dining spots with small-town charm.
⮕ Ridge Runner Train
Ride through scenic hills and enjoy a fun, affordable family attraction.
Situated in Lotito City Park, the Ridge Runner Train is a family-friendly attraction that runs from spring through early autumn. The locomotive has an interesting history, and first had its maiden trip atop East River Mountain in 1964 and survived plans to make it a static display downtown before hundreds of supporters intervened to help restore it and bring back to its former glory. Now the train is back on track for new generations. The train operates from 12 pm to 6 pm Saturdays and Sundays weather-permitting and tickets are $2 per person. Other nearby park attractions include walking and bike trails, Yakkity Yak playground, tennis courts and more.
1780 Stadium Drive, Bluefield, WV 24605, Phone: 304-327-2401
Where to Eat
⮕ Captain D’s
Grab fried seafood and relax with a cheap, easy meal for kids.
Seafood lovers head to this local favorite for memorable meals. Captain D’s restaurant which saw the opening of its first location in Tennessee back in 1969 remains a go-to for good food. The eatery is best known for its Batter Dipped Fish as well as its Full Meal Deals whether it’s Shrimp Skewers, Battered Tilapia and the Supreme Sampler. As for the sides, there are hush puppies, loaded baked potato, mac and cheese, to name a few. Families in town on vacation will also enjoy the Family Meals and Kids Meals selections such as the Seafood Feast and Kids Popcorn Shrimp.
551 Bluefield Ave., Bluefield, WV 24701, Phone: 304-325-3125
⮕ Buffalo Trail Cabins & Restaurant
Stay in rustic cabins and savor hearty meals during a weekend trip.
From rustic treehouses to cottages and other accommodations, Buffalo Trail Cabins & Restaurant caters to ATV riders and their families in town visiting the Pocahontas Trail Road of the Hatfield/McCoy Trail System in the town of Bluewell. Just off Route 71, the site offers many amenities including free Wi-Fi, linens, and housekeeping, along with full hookup RV sites, parking and more in the peaceful wooded setting. The restaurant and bar are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. and serves burgers, steaks and other savory dishes.
190 Buffalo Trail, Bluefield, WV 24701, Phone: 304-324-3204
⮕ Mountaineer Bowling Lanes
Bowl with friends and enjoy classic arcade fun on an exciting evening out.
Family fun and entertainment are ready to be had at the Mountaineer Bowling Lanes, a long-standing favorite of Bluefield’s community. For 58 years, Mountaineer Lanes has made family-oriented activities easy and possible for the Four Seasons Country, and they do this through their 28-lane synthetic bowling center. Each lane features an automatic scoring system for seamless bowling fun. Mountaineer Bowling Lanes is also home to a pro shop, a few billiard tables, and a snack bar with easy to eat and delicious food for hungry bowlers. For visitors staying a while, the alley hosts tournaments and leagues to participate in, and classes are also offered for beginner or novice bowlers.
3224 Cumberland Road, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701, Phone: 304-325-7037
More Places to Eat
- The RailYard – Trendy gastropub offering craft beer, burgers, and a cozy urban feel downtown.
- David’s Downtown – Upscale Southern-inspired meals inside the historic Bluefield Arts Center.
- Patty Joe’s Restaurant – Homestyle cooking and hearty breakfasts in a laid-back, friendly setting.
If you are interested in local events
- Bluefield Lemonade Festival (July) – Celebrate the town’s cool summer tradition with music, vendors, and free lemonade when it hits 90°F.
- Bluefield Holiday of Lights (November–December) – One of the region’s best Christmas light displays, held in Lotito Park.
- Downtown Bluefield Street Festivals – Seasonal events featuring local crafts, food, and live entertainment.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Bluefield, West Virginia
- Pinnacle Rock State Park (15–20 min) – Climb to the summit for stunning views and enjoy wooded hiking trails.
- Bramwell (10–15 min) – Tour historic coal baron mansions or explore the Coal Heritage Trail.
- Hatfield-McCoy Trails (30 min) – Off-road adventure with ATV trails through rugged Southern WV terrain.
- Camp Creek State Park (30 min) – Hike scenic trails, go trout fishing, or relax near waterfalls and forests.
- Mercer County War Museum (15–20 min) – Learn about local military history in nearby Princeton.
- Glenwood Recreational Park (20–25 min) – Ideal for hiking, disc golf, and spotting local wildlife in a peaceful setting.
FAQ
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Why is Bluefield, West Virginia, called the “Gateway to the Southern Coalfields”?
- Known as the “Gateway to the Southern Coalfields,” Bluefield, West Virginia, has a long history of railroading and mining.
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What is unique about Bluefield’s climate?
- The destination is also known as the Four Seasons Country for its mild climate, and the Chamber of Commerce is known for serving free lemonade on the rare occasion temperatures reach 90 and above.
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What activities can visitors enjoy in Bluefield?
- Visitors have a variety of options whether it’s indulging in decadent barbecue, ATVing, or checking out historic attractions. There is certainly something for all ages in this friendly town.
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