West Virginia Travel Guide
Where can you escape the city and immerse yourself in small-town charm, independently owned shops and restaurants, and incredible natural beauty?
The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia is the answer.
I was lucky to be invited by the West Virginia Department of Tourism to visit this beautiful area that could have come straight out of a fairy-tale book with my family over a long weekend.
You can base yourself in any of the towns in the area, however, I’d recommend Charles Town as it was central and easy to get around to all the historical towns. So here’s a round-up on my West Virginia Getaway!
HOW YOU’LL GET THERE
Visiting this area on a self-guided trip is so relaxing and scenic that your vacation begins as soon as you jump into your car. Fun fact, West Virginia is located within a day’s drive of more than two-thirds of the U.S. population, venturing into Almost Heaven is made easy.
The closest major airport to Charles Town is Dulles International Airport, which is a one-hour drive. There are direct flights to the airport from all over the USA and across the world, so my friends in Canada, the United Kingdom and beyond can enjoy this incredible trip too.
For those looking to start their West Virginia trip elsewhere you’re in luck and can fly straight into the capital city of Charleston via West Virginia International Yeager Airport.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Hillbrook Inn
Looking at the steep roofs, wooden beams and surrounding greenery of this hotel, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into the Black Forest in Germany. It really is like living in a fairy-tale.
The classic, cozy, yet contemporary décor of the rooms makes you feel at home straight away. They have a variety of rooms and suites in different sizes and with different features. From The Bramford Suite to the Spring Cottage, you can filter the choices so you get the bed, fireplace and floor, and specify if you’d like a porch. You can even bring your pets when staying in one of the four cottages.
I began my stay here with a trip to the spa. You can pick and choose from a list of massages and treatments, or book a package of them to get off to a relaxing start. I had the Swedish massage while I waited for my room to be ready. It was a great way to start my trip and refresh for the next day.
TO DO
No matter what region you are heading to in West Virginia there are so many beautiful towns and scenic locations to visit Here are some of the things the West Virginia Department of Tourism recommended to me, and the towns they are in.
Visit Harpers Ferry
Twenty minutes from Charles Town sitting on the edge of the Shenandoah River, this quaint little town is a must on your West Virginia getaway itinerary.
I spent the day taking in all the beautiful sights of the river. The most popular location for this is The Point, however, Shenandoah River Falls and Bridge Pylons are also great places to visit, listening to the water moving around the river and landscape is the ultimate relaxation technique.
I also visited some wonderful independent stores, including Tenfold Fair Trade Collection, Ture Treats Historic Candy and The Vintage Lady. The Vintage Lady was a treasure trove of trinkets and treats made locally by artists and makers, you’ll find different items every time you visit.
New River George National Park and Preserve
A West Virginia getaway wouldn’t be complete without visiting a national park, and this one has been newly appointed. If you love adventure, West Virginia is home to the greatest density of whitewater in the USA, there are 1,000s of miles of ATV trails and countless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and caving.
The park is a 4.5-hour drive from Charles Town, so I’d recommend staying there for a night or two.
Visit Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown is also twenty minutes away by car and is sat on the Potomac River. When I arrived, I headed straight to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This canal runs along the side of the river, and walking along it is a unique experience. Walking between the river and the canal immerses you fully in nature.
There is so much to learn about the history of this town. You can start with the Historic Shepherdstown Museum, and then take a walking tour to meet the ghosts of the town.
If that isn’t your thing, then the town also has many wonderful independently owned shops. Mountaineer Popcorn, O’Hurley’s General Store and Four Seasons Books to name a few.
TO EAT
Bavarian Inn
On our first night, we decided to continue the fairy-tale vacation and visit the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown.
Their Potomac Room has stunning views over the beautiful grounds and Potomac River, and in the summer you can eat outside on the patio and terrace. Their menu offers the best of German and American cuisine and they treat guests to a Four Diamond dining experience.
Whether you are looking for somewhere for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Bavarian Inn has something for everyone.
Maria’s Taqueria
Also, in Shepherdstown, Maria’s Taqueria has everything you’d want on a Mexican menu. There’s a huge variety of tacos, burritos and “other yummy stuff”. It’s bright, quaint and has lively music, and is frequented by locals, giving it a great atmosphere.
If you need a quick bite to eat, or you want to relax and soak up the atmosphere, this is a great place to hang out.
The Rabbit Hole
Wander down The Rabbit Hole in Harpers Ferry. If you didn’t know where to find it, you could easily miss the entrance to this gastro pub, or just as easily stumble upon it by accident.
Their menu features “mouth-watering, health-focused” food and aims to accommodate as many dietary requirements as possible. In the winter you can stay cozy in an igloo on the terrace, or in the summer you can bask in the sunshine with a cocktail and watch the world go by.
Your Kitchen
Eat local on your West Virginia Getaway! If you have accommodation with a kitchen, this state has the highest percentage of family-owned farms in the country. There are regular farmer's markets across the state, where you can find fresh ingredients to make any number of your favorite dishes.
Thank you to the West Virginia Department of Tourism for sponsoring this trip.
Are you ready to plan your own Almost Heaven getaway? Click here to learn more and start planning. I can’t wait to go back for a fall or winter adventure!