Looking for small-town charm, Appalachian beauty, and vibrant festivals? Head to Buckhannon! Located in the heart of West Virginia, Buckhannon blends historic charm, outdoor adventure, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're hiking mountain trails, browsing boutiques, or joining the fun at the Strawberry Festival, Buckhannon offers a warm and welcoming getaway.
Buckhannon, WV Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Visit the Upshur County Historical Society – Learn about local heritage inside the beautifully restored History Center Museum.
- For Families: Enjoy Jawbone Park – Attend concerts, farmers markets, and festivals in the heart of downtown.
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Explore Audra State Park – Hike along the Middle Fork River and marvel at the Alum Cave rock overhang.
- For Art & Culture Lovers: Walk Main Street’s art installations – View colorful murals, sculptures, and local artwork across downtown.
- For Outdoor Fun: Paddle the Buckhannon River – Rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy a peaceful float through lush Appalachian scenery.
Best Time to Visit Buckhannon, WV
The best time to visit Buckhannon is in the spring and fall (April–May and September–October). Spring brings festival season and blooming landscapes, while fall offers colorful foliage and cool mountain air. Summers are perfect for river fun and outdoor events, and winters are quiet and cozy with occasional snow.
How to Get to Buckhannon, WV
- If you are traveling by car: Buckhannon is located off US-33 and Route 20, about 1 hour from Morgantown and 2.5 hours from Charleston or Pittsburgh.
- By Air: North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Clarksburg is about 45 minutes away, offering regional flights and car rentals.
Where to Stay in Buckhannon, WV
- Recommended for Families: Bicentennial Inn – Comfortable lodging with on-site dining and a convenient location near Main Street.
- For a Cozy Experience: The Baxa Inn – Local favorite with clean, affordable rooms and Appalachian hospitality.
- For Unique Stays: Historic bed & breakfasts or Airbnb cabins – Find charming guesthouses or rustic retreats in the nearby countryside.
Best Things to Do in Buckhannon, WV
1. Embrace Outdoor Adventure and River Fun at Audra State Park
Rating: ★★★★★
© West Virginia State Parks
- Where is Audra State Park located?
- Audra State Park spans 355 acres in West Virginia's Barbour County.
- What historical site is preserved at Audra State Park?
- The park preserves remnants of the historic 19th-century community of Audra, including its former gristmill.
- What recreational activities are available at Audra State Park?
- The park offers opportunities for swimming and kayaking on the Middle Fork River. A 6.6-mile kayak run travels from the park to the Tygart Valley and Buckhannon Rivers.
- Visitors can also hike through the park's forested terrain or capture amazing photos at scenic Alum Cave.
- What facilities are available at Audra State Park?
- The park offers 67 campsites for overnight camping, accessible picnic areas, and a scenic boardwalk.
Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201, Phone: 304-457-1162
2. Savor Comfort Food and Local Vibes at C.J. Maggie's for a Relaxed Meal
© C.J. Maggie's
- Where is C.J. Maggie's located?
- C.J. Maggie's is located in downtown Buckhannon, with a second location in Elkins, West Virginia.
- What type of cuisine does C.J. Maggie's offer?
- C.J. Maggie's specializes in delicious wood-fired pizzas, with options such as Cuban chicken, mushroom and gouda, Thai chicken, and spinach and ricotta.
- They also offer calzones, housemade panko crab cakes, barbecue pork tenderloins, homestyle chicken pot pies, and more.
- What drinks are available at C.J. Maggie's?
- C.J. Maggie's serves classic fountain beverages, hand-spun milkshakes, and fresh-brewed coffee.
- When did C.J. Maggie's open?
- C.J. Maggie's was originally opened in 1992 by Jeannie and CJ Rylands after the closure of the Cheshire Cat Restaurant in Buckhannon.
16 East Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201, Phone: 304-472-2490
3. If You Love Farm-to-Table Freshness, Then Dine at Fish Hawk Acres for Seasonal Delights
© Fish Hawk Acres
- Where is Fish Hawk Acres located?
- Fish Hawk Acres is located in downtown Buckhannon, West Virginia.
- What type of food does Fish Hawk Acres offer?
- Fish Hawk Acres offers a variety of daily specials for lunch and dinner, including specialty deli sandwiches, open-face turkey sandwiches, New Orleans-style shrimp po'boys, and barbecue baby-back rib dinners.
- The market also features homemade baked goods, such as cookies, scones, gluten-free breads, and their famous pepperoni rolls.
- Additionally, a grab-and-go cooler is available with meals and desserts for takeout.
- Who owns Fish Hawk Acres?
- Fish Hawk Acres is owned and operated by longtime best friends Teresa Lipps and Dale Hawkins, who have run the establishment since 2007.
- What makes Fish Hawk Acres unique?
- Fish Hawk Acres sources its fare from local family farms as well as international purveyors, offering high-quality meals with a variety of delicious options, from fresh baked goods to unique sandwiches and platters.
5 W Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201, Phone: 304-473-7741
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