things to do in west virginia

West Virginia is a beautiful state with a rich history, stunning natural scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are some things to do in West Virginia:

Outdoor Activities:

1. New River Gorge Bridge: Take a thrilling walk across the world’s third-highest steel span bridge, offering breathtaking views of the gorge below.
2. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Explore the historic town of Harpers Ferry, where John Brown’s raid took place in 1859.
3. Seneca Rocks: Hike to the top of this iconic rock formation for stunning views of the North Fork Mountain Trail.
4. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Ride the historic railroad and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
5. Blackwater Falls State Park: Hike to the stunning Blackwater Falls, a 62-foot waterfall in the Monongahela National Forest.

History and Culture:

1. The Greenbrier: Visit this historic resort, which was built in 1778 and has hosted numerous presidents, including Harry Truman.
2. West Virginia State Capitol: Take a tour of the historic Capitol building in Charleston, featuring a stunning gold dome.
3. Morgantown Art Museum: Explore the diverse art collection at this museum in Morgantown.
4. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences: Discover art, science, and history at this unique museum in Charleston.
5. The Appalachian Trail: Hike a section of the famous trail, which passes through West Virginia.

Food and Drink:

1. Try a Pepperoni Roll: Sample this iconic West Virginia snack, a pepperoni-filled bread roll.
2. Visit a Local Brewery: West Virginia has a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries like Mountain State Brewing Company and Blackwater Brewing Company.
3. Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Meal: West Virginia is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, with many restaurants serving fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
4. Try a Country Store: Visit a traditional country store, like the ones found in rural West Virginia, for homemade treats and local goods.
5. Sample Appalachian Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like country ham, fried chicken, and sweet potato pie.

Winter Activities:

1. Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at resorts like Snowshoe Mountain, Winterplace, and Canaan Valley Resort.
2. Ice Skating: Enjoy outdoor ice skating at the Charleston Ice Rink or the Morgantown Ice Rink.
3. Snowshoeing: Explore the beautiful winter landscapes on snowshoes, a great way to experience the state’s natural beauty.
4. Sledding: Find a nearby hill and grab a sled for a fun day of sliding down the snowy slopes.
5. Winter Hiking: Put on your warmest clothes and hike through the snow-covered trails, taking in the peaceful winter scenery.

Other Attractions:

1. The Country Roads Scenic Byway: Drive along this stunning route, which takes you through the state’s picturesque countryside.
2. The West Virginia State Fair: Attend this annual fair, featuring live music, food vendors, and animal exhibits.
3. The Appalachian Power Park: Catch a minor league baseball game at this stadium in Charleston.
4. The Clay Center’s IMAX Theater: Watch a movie on the massive IMAX screen at this unique theater.
5. The West Virginia University campus: Visit the beautiful campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, featuring stunning architecture and scenic views.

These are just a few of the many things to do in West Virginia. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, history, culture, or food, there’s something for everyone in the Mountain State.