See the best of West Virginia when you travel to the best places in it.
written by Kaitlyn Eichelberger, Adrian Kiger & Devin Lacy
photographed by Carla Witt Ford & Nikki Bowman Mills
As hard as we try, no one knows our West Virginia communities better than the people living in them: our dedicated WV Living readers. That’s why, each year, we ask you to nominate and vote on your favorite people, places, businesses, and more! You’ve done the work—now see the results as we proudly announce the 2024 Best of West Virginia.
ATV-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS
GOLD
TWIN HOLLOW CAMPGROUNDAND CABINS
This Southern West Virginia ATV resort offers over 300 miles of trails and adventure. Located in the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region, Twin Hollow is equipped with on-site rentals and parts as well as off-road towing and recovery. Make a weekend of it and stay close to the action by booking one of its mountaintop cabins or campsites. Enjoy direct access to some of the region’s most popular trail systems, like Rockhouse and Buffalo Mountain. 703 Twin Hollow, Gilbert, twinhollowcampground.com, @twinhollowcampgroundandcabins on FB
SILVER
APPALACHIAN OUTPOST
101 Appalachian Outpost Trail, Lyburn, appalachianoutpost.com, @appalachianoutpost on FB
BRONZE
WV ATV RESORT AND RENTALS
288 Sagamore Road, Rock, wvatvrentals.com, @wvatvresort on FB
BED AND BREAKFAST/INN
GOLD
THE INN AT LOST RIVER
A restored farmhouse from the 19th century, the Inn at Lost River is bursting with history and character but doesn’t shy away from a more modern touch. Enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts, an on-site café and general store, and stunning views you can only find when you get lost. There is so much to discover nearby, too! This inn—and the Potomac Highlands region it calls home—is a must-visit destination for any West Virginian or nature enthusiast. 7015 State Road 259, Lost River, innatlostriver.com, @theinnatlostriverandgeneralstore on FB
SILVER
THOMAS SHEPHERD INN
300 West German Street, thomasshepherdinn.com, @thomasshepherdinn on FB
BRONZE
IT’S ATIE!
HILLBROOK INN
4490 Summit Point Road, Charles Town, hillbrookinn.com, @hillbrookinn on FB
GENERAL LEWIS INN
1236 Washington Street East, generallewisinn.com, @generallewisinn on FB
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
GOLD
BAVARIAN INN, RESORT & BREWING COMPANY
A must-stay destination in quaint Shepherdstown, The Bavarian Inn, Resort & Brewing Company is a European-style boutique hotel that offers world-class comfort and service. Located right on the Potomac River, it offers outdoor recreation, an infinity pool, and a bar, as well as brewpub tours and tastings. Enjoy Shepherdstown’s nearby coffee shops, pedal and paddle boat rentals, and hiking on the C&O Canal Trail when you aren’t relaxing in West Virginia paradise. 164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, bavarianinnwv.com, @thebavarianinn on FB
SILVER
THE BLENNERHASSETT HOTEL & SPA
320 Market Street, Parkersburg, theblennerhassett.com, “The Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa” on FB
BRONZE
IT’S ATIE!
HOTEL MORGAN
127 High Street, Morgantown, hotelmorgan.com, @thehotelmorgan on FB
THE SCHOOLHOUSE HOTEL
125 Schoolhouse Way, White Sulphur Springs, theschoolhousehotelwv.com, @theschoolhousehotelwv on FB
CAMPGROUND
GOLD
SUMMERSVILLE LAKE RETREAT & LIGHTHOUSE
Summersville Lake is one of the largest lakes in West Virginia, so you’ll need plenty of time to explore it. Give yourself that time by booking a stay at Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse. This six-time BOWV winner is a favorite among voters, offering cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. The activities are plenty, such as climbing, boating, fishing, and hiking the 57 acres of property. Don’t forget to check out the lighthouse while you’re there! 278 Summersville Lake Road, Mount Nebo, summersvillelakeretreat.com, @summersvillelakeretreat on FB
SILVER
RIVER RIDERS FAMILY ADVENTURE RESORT
408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, riverriders.com, @riverridersharpersferry on FB
BRONZE
MOUNTAIN LAKE CAMPGROUND AND CABINS
1898 Summersville Airport Road, Summersville, mountainlakecampground.com, @mountainlakecampgroundwv on FB
CASINO
GOLD
HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT CHARLES TOWN RACES
If you’re looking to roll the dice, you can do that at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Discover year-round live thoroughbred horse racing and a Vegas-themed gaming atmosphere with slots, sports betting, table games, and so much more. Catch live entertainment like concerts and comedy shows, too. The excitement doesn’t have to end when the night is through—book a luxurious stay in one of its 150 rooms. 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com, @hollywoodcctr on FB
SILVER
MARDI GRAS CASINO & RESORT
1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, mardigrascasinowv.com, @mardigrascasinohotelwestvirginia on FB
BRONZE
WHEELING ISLAND HOTEL-CASINO-RACETRACK
1 South Stone Street, Wheeling, wheelingisland.com, @wheelingislandcasino on FB
CHAIN HOTEL
GOLD
HAMPTON INN & SUITES CHARLES TOWN
Just across the street from the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and minutes from the historic town of Harpers Ferry, this centrally located hotel has all the amenities you look for in a getaway stay. Take a dip in the indoor pool, work out at the fitness center, or enjoy a complimentary breakfast before heading out for a day of adventure. Pet-friendly rooms are available for booking, so don’t forget to bring Fido along for the family fun! 157 Pimlico Drive, Charles Town, charlestownsuites.hamptoninn.com, “Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town, West Virginia” on FB
SILVER
MORGANTOWN MARRIOTT AT WATERFRONT PLACE
2 Waterfront Place, Morgantown, marriott.com, @waterfrontplacehotel on FB
BRONZE
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON CHARLESTON
300 Court Street, Charleston, hilton.com, @embassysuitescharlestonwv on FB
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
GOLD
JEFFERSON COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Jefferson County CVB, housed at the beautiful Welcome Center, has everything you need to make your visit to Jefferson County the most memorable. The team is passionate about their community and its history, encouraging others to come discover the area and all the wild and wonderful things it has to offer. Visitors love the services provided by the JCCVB, their warm welcome, and their deep knowledge of the area. 37 Washington Court, Harpers Ferry, wherealmostheavenbegins.com, @visitjeffersoncountywv on FB
SILVER
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
91 South High Street, Romney, cometohampshire.com, @cometohampshire on FB
BRONZE
SUMMERSVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
3 Armory Way, Summersville, summersvillecvb.com, @visitgreatersummersville on FB
DISC GOLF COURSE
GOLD
OGLEBAY
With four golf courses to choose from, Oglebay offers well-designed courses, varied levels of challenge, and marvelous views. Custom golf packages are available, as well as classic passes, memberships, and leagues. Enjoy the practice facility or try a lesson—they have them for all ages. Kick back and enjoy an Arnold Palmer at the Speidel Grill, which overlooks the 18th hole on the Jones Course, when you’ve finished your round. 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, oglebaygolf.com, @oglebaygolf on FB
SILVER
THE GREENBRIER
101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, greenbrier.com/golf, @thegreenbrier on FB
BRONZE
STONEWALL RESORT
940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, stonewallresort.com, @stonewallresort on FB
HIKING TRAIL
GOLD
SENECA ROCKS TRAIL
One of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia, the dramatic, fin-shaped Tuscarora quartzite rock formations of Seneca Rocks seem to scrape the sky—truly a sight to behold. Hiking your way to the top gives you a view of Pendleton County that is well worth the climb. Want to cool down after your hike? You can also relax and explore the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center to learn more about the area before heading off. Seneca Rocks, fs.usda.gov—navigate to the Monongahela National Forest, then search keyword “Seneca Rocks”
SILVER
APPALACHIAN TRAIL TO JEFFERSON ROCK
Harpers Ferry, nps.gov/hafe, @harpersferrynps on FB
BRONZE
LONG POINT TRAIL AT SUMMERSVILLE LAKE
Airport Road, Summersville, choose Download Part 1 at summersvillecvb.com/guides
MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL
GOLD
SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT
When it comes to mountain biking, voters think Snowshoe Bike Park deserves to take home the gold. The park offers 40 trails to be explored with over 1,500 feet of descent, so there is something for both novices and pros to enjoy. Looking to learn? Sign up for group or private lessons with skilled instructors for riders of all ages. Competitive riders should keep an eye out for upcoming races and events. Get your 2025 season pass now! 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, snowshoemtn.com, @snowshoemountainresort on FB
SILVER
CACAPON RESORT STATE PARK
818 Cacapon Lodge Drive, Berkeley Springs, cacaponresort.com
BRONZE
ARROWHEAD BIKE FARM AND CAMPGROUND
8263 Gatewood Road, Fayetteville, arrowheadbikefarm.com, @arrowheadbikefarm on FB
PLACE FOR A SCENIC VIEW
GOLD
HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Harpers Ferry’s stunning Eastern Panhandle location gives it views unlike anything you can find elsewhere in the state—and voters agree! You can enjoy a scenic panorama view of the Shenandoah River and its confluence with the Potomac River at Jefferson Rock, watch the landscape roll out for miles from numerous trail overlooks, or view the town from a whole new perspective on Loudoun Heights Trail. Harpers Ferry, nps.gov/hafe, @harpersferrynps on FB
SILVER
NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
Visitor centers in Beaver, Lansing, Sandstone, and Thurmond, nps.gov/neri,@newrivergorgenps on FB
BRONZE
DOLLY SODS WILDERNESS
Grant, Randolph, and Tucker counties, fs.usda.gov—navigate to the Monongahela National Forest, then search keywords “Dolly Sods Wilderness”
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE BUSINESS
GOLD
RIVER RIDERS FAMILY ADVENTURE RESORT
Water adventures, snow adventures, even ziplining adventures—River Riders has excursions for all! It offers group rates and packages, even a summer camp for kids. As its name suggests, it has plenty of opportunities to get out on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. Seasonal activities, like snow tubing, keep the excitement flowing all year ‘round. Create lasting memories with a weekend in their selection of vacation rentals, or set up camp at the on-site campground. 408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, riverriders.com, @riverridersharpersferry on FB
SILVER
ACE ADVENTURE RESORT
1 Concho Road, Oak Hill, aceraft.com, @ace.adventureresort.westvirginiavacations on FB
BRONZE
ADVENTURES ON THE GORGE
219 Chestnutburg Road, Lansing, adventuresonthegorge.com, @adventuresonthegorge on FB
PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
IT’S A TIE!
GOLD
POTOMAC EAGLE SCENIC RAILROAD
What better way to sate your child’s curiosity and treat them to an excursion they won’t soon forget than by booking tickets for the Potomac Eagle? From canyon journeys to sunset travels and beyond, this railroad has everything you need for the ultimate family adventure. In addition to exploring the wonders of the train itself, little ones have the opportunity to see West Virginia from a brand new perspective. 149 Eagle Drive, Romney, potomaceagle.com, @potomaceagle on FB
OGLEBAY GOOD ZOO
Speaking of train rides, taking the train through the wilds of the Good Zoo at Oglebay is fun for kids and grownups alike. With 68 species of animals, there are many new friends to make at this Association of Zoos and Aquariums–accredited zoo—cheetahs, red river hogs, lemurs, porcupines, and so many more! It’s a memorable adventure for the whole family. You can even go behind the scenes or have an animal encounter for an experience the kids won’t forget. 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, oglebay.com/good-zoo, @oglebaygoodzoo on FB
SILVER
RIVER RIDERS FAMILY ADVENTURE RESORT
408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, riverriders.com, @riverridersharpersferry on FB
BRONZE
HOVATTER’S WILDLIFE ZOO
291 Wagner Lane, Kingwood, westvirginiazoo.com, “Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo” on FB
VACATION RENTAL
GOLD
COUNTRY ROAD CABINS
Looking for a place to get away? Check out Country Road Cabins. Its secluded, fully equipped cabins are nestled in the heart of the New River Gorge region as a truly unique experience for couples, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Glamping tents, yurts, and treehouses are also available, allowing you to choose how you would like to experience the surroundings. The nearby communities of Summersville and Fayetteville provide plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as shopping and dining. 1508 Sunday Road, Hico, wvcabins.com, @countryroadcabins on FB
SILVER
IT’S A TIE!
HARMAN’S LUXURY LOG CABINS
10042 North Fork Highway, Cabins, wvlogcabins.com, @wvlogcabins on FB
MOUNTAINAIRE LUXURY CABIN
948 Twin Flower Lane, Capon Bridge, cabin-luxury.com, @mountainaireluxurycabin on FB
BRONZE
CAMP POTOMAC PEAK
3865 Cacapon Road, Berkeley Springs, camppotomacpeak.com, @camppotomacpeak on IG
RESORT
GOLD
OGLEBAY
Earl Oglebay left his beloved Waddington Farm to the city of Wheeling for the purposes of recreation. A gorgeous, elegant retreat, Oglebay offers all kinds of activities, from the Adventure Center to horseback riding to the Good Zoo, as well as beautiful cottages and the newly renovated Wilson Lodge to stay in while you play. Dining options are plenty with the Trace Chophouse, Skyline Kitchen & Bar, Hickman Lounge, and more. 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, oglebay.com, @oglebay on FB
SILVER
BAVARIAN INN, RESORT & BREWING COMPANY
164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, bavarianinnwv.com, @thebavarianinn on FB
BRONZE
CAPON SPRINGS AND FARMS
3818 Capon Springs Road, High View, caponsprings.net, @caponspringsandfarms on FB
SKI RESORT
GOLD
SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT
“Part pure adventure, part cushy comfort, 100% fresh-mountain-air happiness” is the name of the game at the beloved Snowshoe Mountain Resort—a 12-time champion in this category. For 50 years, Snowshoe has been bringing top-notch skiing opportunities to West Virginia as a premier winter destination. When you aren’t on the slopes, The Village offers a whole new world of adventure, with plenty of opportunities to play, dine, and relax. 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, snowshoemtn.com, @snowshoemountainresort on FB
SILVER
CANAAN VALLEY RESORT STATE PARK
230 Main Lodge Road, Davis, canaanresort.com, @canaanvalleyresort on FB
BRONZE
TIMBERLINE MOUNTAIN
254 Four Seasons Drive, timberlinemountain.com, @timberlinemountain on FB
SPA
GOLD
POMONA SALT CAVE & SPA
Try reducing your stress in an entirely new environment—a Himalayan salt cave in White Sulphur Springs. When they say salt, they mean it: 13,000 pounds of it in the cave alone. The air is rich with negative ions, which have been shown to have many health benefits, including reducing stress, boosting your immune system, and aiding in respiratory health. The spa offers other ways to rejuvenate, too, with nail care, massages, and facials. 6705 Pocahontas Trail, White Sulphur Springs, thesaltcaveandspa.com, @pomonasaltcaveandspa on FB
SILVER
HYGEIA BATH HOUSE & SPA
3818 Capon Springs Road, Capon Springs, caponsprings.net/spa, @hygeiabathhouseandspa on FB
BRONZE
THE WEST SPA AT OGLEBAY
465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, oglebay.com/the-west-spa, @oglebay on FB
SPORTS/RECREATION COMPLEX
GOLD
MYLAN PARK
With over 400 acres of mixed-use recreation, including a sports complex and a beautiful Aquatic Center, Mylan Park has been serving its community as a top-notch place to recreate for 25 years. Memberships for individuals and families are available for monthly and annual use of the facilities. Mylan Park also holds community events, sports programs, camps, and clubs, as well as offering rentals for birthday parties and gatherings. 500 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown, mylanpark.org, @mylanpark on FB
SILVER
THE BRIDGE SPORTS COMPLEX
400 Forrester Boulevard, Bridgeport, thebridgewv.com, @bridgewv on FB
BRONZE
HIGHLANDS SPORTS COMPLEX
225 McCormick Way, Triadelphia, highlandssports.com, @highlandssports on FB
STATE PARK/FOREST/NATURE ATTRACTION
GOLD
BLACKWATER FALLS
One of West Virginia’s main attractions, Blackwater Falls, found at the aptly named state park in Davis, is a rush for your senses. The 57-foot waterfall—fed by the Blackwater River—is tinted by the tannins of hemlock and spruce needles, rushing over the erosion-resistant Connoquenessing sandstone that has stood the test of time. Gaze in wonder at the scene before you from one of boardwalk’s viewing platforms. Davis, blackwaterfalls.com
SILVER
NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
Visitor centers in Beaver, Lansing, Sandstone, and Thurmond, nps.gov/neri, @newrivergorgenps on FB
BRONZE
SUMMERSVILLE LAKE
Summersville, summersvillecvb.com
UNIQUE TOURIST ATTRACTION
GOLD
POTOMAC EAGLE SCENIC RAILROAD
What better way to sate your child’s curiosity and treat them to an excursion they won’t soon forget than by booking tickets for the Potomac Eagle? From canyon journeys to sunset travels and beyond, this railroad has everything you need for the ultimate family adventure. In addition to exploring the wonders of the train itself, little ones have the opportunity to see West Virginia from a brand new perspective. 149 Eagle Drive, Romney, potomaceagle.com, @potomaceagle on FB
SILVER
TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUM
50 South River Avenue, Weston, trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com, @talawv on FB
BRONZE
GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY
155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, greenbankobservatory.org, @greenbankobservatory on FB
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S WINTER 2024 ISSUE
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