Whether you’re looking for apparel, outdoor gear, or locally made products, these stores have you covered.
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.
BANK
GOLD
PENDLETON COMMUNITY BANK
Some banks talk about community, but Pendleton Community Bank simply is community. Established in Franklin and now serving towns across the region, PCB has never lost sight of what matters most: people. Its team knows names, remembers stories, and celebrates milestones right alongside their customers. Pendleton Community Bank’s modern tools and old-fashioned integrity provide banking that feels personal, dependable, and proudly West Virginian. 128 North Main Street, Franklin, yourbank.bank, @yourbank on FB
SILVER
CITIZENS BANK OF WEST VIRGINIA
Six locations across the state, citizenswv.com, @citizensbankofwestvirginia on FB
BRONZE
CLEAR MOUNTAIN BANK
11 locations across the state, clearmountain.bank, @clearmountainbank on FB
GIFT SHOP
GOLD
IT’S A TIE!
TAMARACK MARKETPLACE
This hub of West Virginia artistry showcases work from hundreds of local makers—potters, painters, glassblowers, and gourmet food artisans among them. Each piece tells a story of mountain pride and masterful skill. One Tamarack Place, Beckley, tamarackwv.com, @tamarackwv on FB
CROWN DECOR & GIFTS
Step into this Parkersburg business and you’ll be dazzled by the displays. Hand-poured candles, artisan mugs, and cozy home accents fill the shop alongside greeting cards and seasonal surprises. The team takes pride in curating pieces you’ll want to give—and maybe keep for yourself. 1933 Ohio Avenue, Parkersburg, crownflorals.com, @crown.florals on FB
SILVER
LOST RIVER GENERAL STORE & CAFÉ
7015 State Road 259, Lost River, innatlostriver.com/lost-river-general-store, @theinnatlostriverandgeneralstore on FB
BRONZE
VINTAGE LADY
196 High Street, Harpers Ferry, @vintageladyharpersferry on FB
DOWNTOWN SHOPPING (TOWN)
GOLD
SHEPHERDSTOWN
Shepherdstown’s downtown streets are made for wandering. Each storefront invites a closer look with quirky boutiques and galleries that showcase local talent. The scent of fresh coffee drifts from corner cafes, and music often spills into the streets. Historic architecture and a creative spirit blend seamlessly here, turning a simple shopping trip into a full-day adventure filled with personality. shepherdstown.info
SILVER
LEWISBURG
BRONZE
THOMAS
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
GOLD
PLOT TWIST BOOKS
A beloved West Virginia bookstore, Plot Twist feels like a story waiting to be told in an atmosphere that invites you to linger. It’s the kind of place where reading lists grow longer by the minute and conversations spark between strangers. Community events, author talks, and the perfect cup of coffee make Plot Twist a page-turner of its own. 209 D Street, South Charleston, plottwistbooks.com, @plottwistbookshop on FB
SILVER
FOUR SEASONS BOOKS
114 West German Street, Shepherdstown, fourseasonsbooks.com, @fourseasonsbooks on FB
BRONZE
IT’S A TIE!
THE BOOK STORE
161 North Street, New Martinsville, wetzelcountybookstore.com, @wetzelcountybookstore on FB
TAYLOR BOOKS
226 Capitol Street, Charleston, taylorbooks.com, @taybooks on FB
INDEPENDENT FINE JEWELRY STORE
GOLD
S & S DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELRY
S & S Diamonds & Fine Jewelry is the place to go for pieces that feel both timeless and personal. From custom engagement rings to delicate bracelets, the team works closely with every customer to craft exactly what they envision. Browsing the showroom, it’s easy to imagine the celebrations, anniversaries, and everyday joys each piece will witness. Jewelry here isn’t just a transaction—it’s thoughtfully created and cherished. 315 North State Route 2, New Martinsville, sandsdiamonds.com, @sandsdiamonds on FB
SILVER
CALVIN BROYLES JEWELERS
1042 North Eisenhower Drive, Beckley; 24 Scott Way, Hurricane; 4708 MacCorkle Avenue, South Charleston; calvinbroyles.com, @broylesjewelers on FB
BRONZE
JEFFERSON ESTATE JEWELERS
76 Somerset Boulevard, Charles Town, jeffersonestatejewelers.com, @jeffersonestatejewelers on FB
LOCAL FLORAL SHOP
GOLD
JORDAN & HESS CO.
When you need to say it with flowers, Jordan & Hess Co. always finds the perfect words. Known for elegant, expressive designs, this Martinsburg florist turns stems and petals into storytelling. Brides, friends, and families alike trust their artistry for life’s most meaningful occasions. Equal parts creative studio and neighborhood gathering place, Jordan & Hess Co. fills the Eastern Panhandle with color, care, and a touch of magic. 202 South Queen Street, Martinsburg, flowersunlimitedwv.com, @jordanandhessco on FB
SILVER
YOUNG FLORAL CO.
215 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, youngfloral.com, @youngfloralco on FB
BRONZE
SPENCER FLORAL
211 Main Street, Spencer, spencer-floral.com, @spencerfloral on FB
LOCAL FURNITURE SHOP
GOLD
OUR FAMILY CRAFT SHOP
A destination for shoppers who value quality and character, Our Family Craft Shop’s showroom is filled with solid wood tables, benches, and cabinets, all crafted by local hands. Families, new homeowners, and collectors all visit to touch, sit, and explore before choosing the perfect piece. Knowledgeable staff guide each selection with care, crafting an experience as warm and welcoming as the furniture itself. 706 Venture Drive, Morgantown, ofcsamishfurniture.com, @ourfamilycraftshop on FB
SILVER
WELLS HOME FURNISHINGS
101 Bowers Road, Charleston, wellshome.com, @wellshomefurnishings on FB
BRONZE
POP’S FURNITURE
17 South Florida Street, Buckhannon, @popsfurniturellc on FB
LOCAL OUTDOOR / GEAR SHOP
GOLD
SERENITY NOW OUTFITTERS
In Lewisburg, adventure starts at Serenity Now Outfitters. Step inside, and you’re greeted not just by shelves of top-quality gear but by staff who know every trail, river, and ridge firsthand. They’ll help you find the right boots, the best pack, and maybe even your next destination. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or brand-new to the outdoors, Serenity Now will get you back out on the path in no time. 779 South Court Street, Lewisburg, serenitynowoutfitters.com, @serenitynowoutfitters on FB
SILVER
SHEPHERDSTOWN PEDAL & PADDLE
115 West German Street, Shepherdstown, thepedalpaddle.com, @shepherdstownpedalpaddle on FB
BRONZE
THE SKI BARN
Four locations across the state, skibarn.net, @theskibarn on FB
LOCAL PLACE TO BUY MEN’S APPAREL
GOLD
IT’S A TIE!
DANIEL’S OF MORGANTOWN
Ask where to go for timeless menswear, and you’ll hear one name: Daniel’s. This locally owned shop has outfitted generations with impeccable style and service to match. From custom-tailored suits to sharp casual jackets, Daniel’s delivers refinement without pretension. Classic brands and a dedication to detail turn every visit into a master class in good taste. 2908 University Avenue, Morgantown, danielsofmorgantown.com, @danielsofmorgantown on FB
RUTTENBERG’S
Ruttenberg’s makes shopping for men effortless and enjoyable. Suits, sport coats, and everyday essentials are displayed alongside the ties, belts, and shoes that will pull every outfit together. Staff take the time to understand each customer’s needs, resulting in a personalized shopping experience where quality, selection, and expertise come together seamlessly in a welcoming, professional environment. 238 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, @ruttenbergsstore on FB; 247 Main Street, New Martinsville, “Ruttenberg’s New Martinsville” on FB; ruttenbergsstore.com
SILVER
TONY THE TAILOR
822 Virginia Street East, Charleston, bestmastertailor.com, @tonythetailorwv on FB
BRONZE
OTTER & OAK
302 2nd Avenue, Hinton, otterandoak.com, @otterandoakwv on FB
LOCAL PLACE TO BUY WOMEN’S APPAREL
GOLD
LOST ANCHOR BOUTIQUE
Lost Anchor Boutique is stylish, confident, and full of personality, just like the women it dresses. This boutique curates trendy yet wearable pieces that turn every outfit into a new favorite. The staff’s knack for pairing comfort with flair has earned a loyal following—and its second Best Of win. Step through the door, and you’re met with laughter, encouragement, and that instant spark of “This is so me.” 28 Bounds Lane, Mount Nebo, lostanchorboutique.com, @lostanchorboutique on FB
SILVER
SWEETPEA HILL BOUTIQUE
1303 Athens Road, Princeton, sweetpeahillboutique.com, @sweetpeahillboutique on FB
BRONZE
TRIBAL MOUNTAIN
503 Broad Street, Summersville, tribalmtn.com, @tribalmtn on FB
LOCAL PLACE TO BUY WEST VIRGINIA–MADE PRODUCTS
GOLD
TAMARACK MARKETPLACE
There’s no better showcase for a local maker’s talent than Tamarack Marketplace. From intricate wood carvings to small-batch jams, everything here is proudly crafted in West Virginia. Visitors can chat with artisans, watch live demonstrations, or discover new must-haves to take home. More than a shopping stop, Tamarack is a living gallery—a celebration of Appalachian creativity and tradition and the people who keep both alive. One Tamarack Place, Beckley, tamarackwv.com, @tamarackwv on FB
SILVER
LOST RIVER GENERAL STORE & CAFÉ
7015 State Road 259, Lost River, innatlostriver.com/lost-river-general-store, @theinnatlostriverandgeneralstore on FB
BRONZE
IT’S A TIE!
OWL CREEK MARKET
9511 Mall Road, Morgantown, @owlcreekmarket on FB
CARDINAL MARKET
2399 Meadowbrook Road, Bridgeport, “Cardinal Market-Bridgeport” on FB; 100 Grand Central Mall, Vienna, @cardinalmarketwv on FB
WEST VIRGINIA–BASED ONLINE STORE
GOLD
NORTH FORK JEWELRY DESIGN
West Virginia–based North Fork Jewelry Design delivers handcrafted pieces with character straight to your mailbox. Its online-only retail store showcases jewelry made with natural stones, cultured pearls, sterling silver, and real intention. Founder Tina Rush emphasizes uplifting women in rural Appalachia, and each order contributes to that mission. Shopping there is more than a purchase—it’s a connection to place, people, and purpose. northforkjewelrydesign.com, @northforkjewelry on FB
SILVER
LOVING WV
219 Monroe Street, Fairmont, lovingwv.com, @lovingwv on FB
BRONZE
HIPPIE’S DAUGHTER
St. Albans, thehippiesdaughter.com, @hippiesdaughter on FB
WEST VIRGINIA–MADE PRODUCT
GOLD
COUNTRY BABY SOAPERY
What started as an Etsy store in the late 2010s has become a fast-growing favorite. Country Baby Soapery crafts small-batch soaps, scrubs, and lotions from simple, nourishing ingredients, each one made with care and a dash of love. The result? Products that smell amazing, feel luxurious, and celebrate local craftsmanship. It’s West Virginia wellness at its sweetest: clean, pure, and beautifully made. 2 Crossroads Mall, Mount Hope, countrybabysoap.com, @countrybabysoapery on FB
SILVER
CSC’S CANDLE BAKERY
261 Mercer Mall Road, Bluefield, candlebakery.store, @csccandlebakery on FB
BRONZE
BLENKO GLASS CO.
9 Bill Blenko Drive, Milton, blenko.com, @blenkoglass on FB
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