Celebrating the artists, makers, and performers bringing beauty to everyday life.
photographed by Carla Witt Ford & Nikki Bowman Mills
No one knows the Mountain State better than the people who call it home. Each year, we ask our readers—our boots-on-the-ground taste-testers, personal shoppers, and connoisseurs of fun—which people and places are the best at doing what they do. Here are your favorite restaurants, shops, destinations, and more, the ones that bring us back time and time again—the 2025 Best of West Virginia.
ART GALLERY
GOLD
TAMARACK’S DAVID L. DICKIRSON FINE ARTS GALLERY
This fine arts gallery is home to the works of more than 500 juried artisans from the Mountain State. Themed exhibitions, such as the January 2026 “Dreamscapes” and March 2026’s “Patchwork Appalachia,” give visitors a glimpse into the varied directions imagination and creativity can take us and draw art connoisseurs to Beckley from a wide region. The current exhibition, “Small Packages,” is a beloved recurring event—on display through January 3, 2026. One Tamarack Place, Beckley, tamarackwv.com, @tamarackwv on FB
SILVER
SOUTH SIDE STUDIOS
126 South Main Street, Petersburg, southsidestudioswv.org, “South Side Studios WV” on FB
BRONZE
THE RIVER HOUSE
24 Rickie Davy Lane, Capon Bridge, theriverhousewv.org, @theriverhousewv on FB
ARTIST
GOLD
KELSON THORNE
Vivid color and bold patterns turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, thanks to Petersburg native Kelson Thorne. His dynamic murals and street art bring the community to life, blending local themes with striking visual storytelling. Thorne’s work encourages viewers to see the familiar in unexpected ways, creating public spaces that are both inspiring and immersive. Every piece is a celebration of creativity, energy, and the Mountain State’s artistic spirit. kelsonthorne.com, @artjunkie123 on FB
SILVER
ROBERT SINGLETON
rsingleton.net, @robertsingletonart on FB
BRONZE
ROSALIE HAIZLETT
rosaliehaizlett.com, @illustrationbyrosalie on FB
BOOK AUTHOR
GOLD
ANN PANCAKE
Appalachia’s landscapes and communities pulse through the pages of Ann Pancake’s work. From her acclaimed novel Strange as This Weather Has Been to thought-provoking essays, she examines the social, emotional, and environmental effects of mining and mountaintop removal. Pancake’s lyrical yet unflinching voice illuminates the struggles and resilience of the region, creating stories that linger in the mind and celebrate the deep connections between people and the land.
SILVER
JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT
jenniferlarmentrout.com, @jenniferlarmentrout on FB
BRONZE
JEANNETTE WALLS
@jeannettewalls on FB
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
GOLD
PURPLE FIDDLE
This cozy, eclectic venue is where music lovers come to linger. It hosts everything from bluegrass and folk performers to indie, rock, and experimental sounds, spotlighting both local talent and touring acts. With a stage just steps from the bar, intimate seating, and a welcoming vibe, the Purple Fiddle turns every show into an experience—a mountain-town favorite for live music and community gathering. 96 East Avenue, Thomas, purplefiddle.com, @thepurplefiddle on FB
SILVER
THE RIVER HOUSE
24 Rickie Davy Lane, Capon Bridge, theriverhousewv.org, @theriverhousewv on FB
BRONZE
EVENT CENTER AT HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT CHARLES TOWN RACES
750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com, @hollywoodcctr on FB
MUSEUM
GOLD
HUNTINGTON MUSEUM OF ART
A place where art meets nature, the Huntington Museum of Art invites exploration and discovery. Its galleries showcase more than 16,000 works from American, European, and East Asian traditions, while a tropical plant conservatory and nature trails provide moments of calm and inspiration. Educational programs, workshops, and community events add even more to the experience, creating a space that’s as engaging for art lovers as it is for nature enthusiasts. 2033 McCoy Road, Huntington, hmoa.org, @huntingtonmuseumofart on FB
SILVER
MOTHMAN MUSEUM
400 Main Street, Point Pleasant, mothmanmuseum.com, @mothmanmuseum on FB
BRONZE
MORGANTOWN HISTORY MUSEUM
175 Kirk Street, Morgantown, themorgantownhistorymuseum.com, @morgantownhistory on FB
MUSICIAN / BAND
GOLD
KEY TO ADAM
Violinist Kiara Williams and fingerstyle guitarist Adam Moyer are the beloved performing duo behind Key to Adam. Together they blend intricate melodies and soothing harmonies, creating ambient soundscapes that are perfect for weddings, events, or quiet listening. With a reputation for professionalism and creativity, they offer performances that are intimate, engaging, and unforgettable, earning them repeated recognition as one of West Virginia’s favorite musical acts. keytoadam.com, @keytoadam on FB
SILVER
DAVISSON BROTHERS BAND
davissonbrothersband.com, @davissonbros on FB
BRONZE
KENNY ZARA
kennyzara.com, @kennyzaramusic on FB
PROFESSIONAL SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHER
GOLD
DAVE GREEN
Mountains shrouded in mist, rivers rushing through valleys, and sunsets set ablaze with color come alive through Dave Green’s photography. Featured in multiple galleries and publications and even by NASA and the National Park Service, his images blend technical precision with a poetic touch, inviting viewers to see West Virginia’s landscapes in fresh, unexpected ways. Each photograph reflects his deep love for light, nature, and storytelling, capturing both the drama and serenity of the Mountain State. dave-has-a-camera.com, @dave.green.73 on FB
SILVER
S.C. SHANK, SON OF SQUATCH PHOTOGRAPHY
sonofsquatch.com, @sonofsquatchphotography on FB
BRONZE
JESSE THORNTON
reflectioninapool.com, @jesse.thornton3 on FB
TOWN FOR THE ARTS
GOLD
PRINCETON
Princeton’s historic downtown is filled with galleries, artist studios, and unique performance spaces, while murals and public art bring color to every corner. Year ’round festivals, engaging workshops, and live performances celebrate local talent and creativity, drawing visitors from across the region. With a strong community commitment to the arts, Princeton blends small-town charm with big-city cultural energy. cityofprinceton.org
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