Here are the WV Living reader-favorite restaurants, shops, travel destinations, lodging, towns, and people in 2023—the Best of West Virginia.

written by Elizabeth Howard, Pam Kasey, & Devin Lacy
photographed by Carla Witt Ford & Nikki Bowman Mills

Looking for tips on where to eat next time you’re in the Eastern Panhandle—fun places in the southern part of the state for a weekend getaway—best Mountain State shops for books, clothes, gifts, furniture, art? We have recommendations from the experts: West Virginians across the state. Here are the WV Living reader-favorite restaurants, shops, travel destinations, lodging, towns, and people in 2023—the Best of West Virginia.

CASINO

HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT CHARLES TOWN RACES

Located in the Eastern Panhandle, the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is known for its engaging entertainment and top-notch accommodations. This Vegas-style casino offers 1,900 slot machines, 74 table games, live poker, and sports betting—plus an event center that seats 1,200 people and three distinctive restaurants. 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com, @hollywoodcctr on FB

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THE CASINO CLUB AT THE GREENBRIER

101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, greenbrier.com/casino, @thegreenbrier on FB

MARDI GRAS CASINO & RESORT

1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, mardigrascasinowv.com, @mardigrascasinohotelwestvirginia on FB

BED & BREAKFAST / INN

It’s a Tie!

THE GENERAL LEWIS INN

Since 1929, this historical hotel has been a shining gem of the region. History and modern comforts come together for a stay unlike any other. Newly renovated specialty rooms offer simple beauty with an Old World charm that is sure to delight. Enjoy a scratch-made dinner in the dining room before ending the night with a stunningly crafted cocktail from the hotel’s Thistle Lounge right next door. 1236 Washington Street East, Lewisburg, generallewisinn.com, @generallewisinn on FB

THOMAS SHEPHERD INN

This lovely 1868 structure with an early history as a church parsonage has been welcoming overnight guests since 1984. The Thomas Shepherd Inn wows our readers with its step-back-in-time atmosphere and its thoughtful amenities. Relax in the parlor and lounge, peruse the library, or step outside to enjoy the quaint and well-maintained garden. Enjoy historic Shepherdstown knowing you have the perfect place to rest your head. 300 West German Street, Shepherdstown, thomasshepherdinn.com, @thomasshepherdinn on FB

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THE GUEST HOUSE INN ON COURTHOUSE SQUARE

419 2nd Avenue, Hinton, guesthousewv.com, @guesthousewv on FB

CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

JEFFERSON COUNTY CVB

Rich in history and natural beauty, Jefferson County is one of the most visited parts of the state. So when you need information on historic Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, or Shepherdstown or want to plan time on the Potomac or Shenandoah river or the Appalachian Trail—and don’t forget horse racing and gaming, arts events and destinations, and great shopping, dining, and lodging—the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau has you covered. 37 Washington Court, Harpers Ferry, wherealmostheavenbegins.com, @visitjeffersoncountywv on FB

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SUMMERSVILLE CVB

3 Armory Way, Summersville, summersvillecvb.com, @summersvilleconventionandvisitorsbureau on FB

VISIT MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY CVB

341 Chaplin Road, Morgantown, visitmountaineercountry.com, @visitmountaineercountry on FB

CAMPGROUND

SUMMERSVILLE LAKE RETREAT & LIGHTHOUSE

Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse offers everything you need to build your perfect camping trip. Whether you’re into tent camping or prefer a fully equipped cabin, enjoy your stay in this beautiful location and experience it in more ways than one. Take in the scenic views by renting a boat, trekking to the top of the lighthouse, hiking or rock climbing, and more. 278 Summersville Lake Road, Mt. Nebo, summersvillelakeretreat.com, @summersvillelakeretreat on FB

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RIVER RIDERS FAMILY ADVENTURE RESORT

408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, riverriders.com, @riverridersharpersferry on FB

GREENBRIER RIVER CAMPGROUND, CABINS AND RIVER TRIPS

4316 Highland Trail, Alderson, greenbrierriver.com, @greenbrierrivercampground on FB

VACATION RENTAL

COUNTRY ROAD CABINS

This category always gets voters talking, and they agreed that Country Roads Cabins is the best. This collection of 21 deluxe log cabins, yurts, treehouses, and glamping tents is sure to wow, especially with its proximity to the beautiful New River Gorge and all its outdoors recreation opportunities. Family-owned and -operated, Country Road Cabins is the perfect getaway for any occasion. 1508 Sunday Road, Hico, wvcabins.com, @countryroadcabins on FB

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SUMMERSVILLE LAKE RETREAT & LIGHTHOUSE

278 Summersville Lake Road, Mt. Nebo, summersvillelakeretreat.com, @summersvillelakeretreat on FB

SMOKE HOLE CAVERNS & LOG CABIN RESORT

8290 North Fork Highway, Cabins, smokehole.com, @smokeholeresort on FB

SPORTS / RECREATION COMPLEX

MYLAN PARK

Over two decades, Mylan Park has grown from four baseball and softball fields to offer 14 indoor and outdoor facilities comprising over 60 acres of athletic field space and more than 180,000 square feet of indoor sport, recreation, and event venues. Take a dip at the Aquatic Center, attend a fitness class, schedule a sports tournament, or even plan a wedding reception or concert at the park pavilion. 500 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown, mylanpark.org, @mylanpark on FB

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SHAWNEE SPORTS COMPLEX

1 Salango Way, Dunbar, shawneesports.com, @shawneesportscomplex on FB

THE BRIDGE SPORTS COMPLEX

400 Forrester Boulevard, Bridgeport, thebridgewv.com, @bridgewv on FB

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS

POTOMAC EAGLE SCENIC RAILROAD

Since 1991, the Potomac Eagle has been whisking riders away on a journey through the West Virginia mountains. This adventure is sure to delight riders of all ages, no matter which scenic excursion you select. When you go, be sure to keep an eye on the skies as you travel along the historic tracks—you just might see a bald eagle soaring overhead! 149 Eagle Drive, Romney, potomaceagle.com, @potomaceagle on FB

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OGLEBAY GOOD ZOO

465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, oglebay.com/good-zoo, @oglebaygoodzoo on FB

CASS SCENIC RAILROAD STATE PARK

12363 Cass Road, Cass, wvstateparks.com

UNIQUE TOURIST ATTRACTION

POTOMAC EAGLE SCENIC RAILROAD

Outdoor adventurists, railroad enthusiasts, and families from across the region all love the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. This historic excursion train has been taking riders between Greenspring and Petersburg via the South Branch Valley Railroad since 1991. Take the 1.5-hour trip for a quick ride—or get on board for the full 8 hours to Petersburg. Check out the railroad’s holiday experiences for some winter magic. 149 Eagle Drive, Romney, potomaceagle.com, @potomaceagle on FB

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GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY

155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, greenbankobservatory.org, @greenbankobservatory on FB

TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUM

71 Asylum Drive, Weston, trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com, @talawv on FB

CHAIN HOTEL

MORGANTOWN MARRIOTT AT WATERFRONT PLACE

With a name showcasing one of its many amenities—a riverside location—the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place offers guests a variety of tastefully designed rooms and suites, a fitness center, an indoor pool and hot tub, Starbucks, and its signature Bourbon Prime restaurant. This Marriott is pet-friendly, offers seasonal packages, and has over 70,000 square feet of meeting and event space. 2 Waterfront Place, Morgantown, marriott.com, @waterfrontplacehotel on FB

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EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON CHARLESTON

300 Court Street, Charleston, hilton.com, @embassysuitescharlestonwv on FB

SLEEP INN & SUITES

8 Walmart Drive, Moundsville, @sleepinnmoundsville on FB

SKI RESORT

SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Experience snowy bliss in the Appalachian Mountains at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Occupying the second-highest point in the state, Snowshoe offers 257 acres of skiable terrain and so many other winter activities. After a day of exhilarating skiing on any of its 60 trails, hit Snowshoe’s “island in the sky” village to warm up at a cozy restaurant—then stay the night at one of the multiple lodging options. Snowshoe epitomizes wintertime excitement and happiness—no surprise that readers voted it Best Ski Resort. 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, snowshoemtn.com, @snowshoemountainresort on FB

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CANAAN VALLEY RESORT STATE PARK

230 Main Lodge Road, Davis, canaanresort.com, @canaanvalleyresort on FB

TIMBERLINE MOUNTAIN

254 Four Seasons Drive, Davis, timberlinemountain.com, @timberlinemountain on FB

RESORT

OGLEBAY

Our readers have experienced all of the wonders that Oglebay has to offer any time of year, and they’ve told us all about it! This “always in season” resort contains a plethora of activities, from the Crispin Center Outdoor Pool to the Nutting Winter Sports Complex. Guests can also dine in style at restaurants for every occasion and let their worries melt away at The West Spa. 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, oglebay.com, @oglebay on FB

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THE GREENBRIER

101 West Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, greenbrier.com, @thegreenbrier on FB

BAVARIAN INN, RESORT AND BREWING COMPANY

164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, bavarianinnwv.com, @thebavarianinn on FB

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE BUSINESS

RIVER RIDERS FAMILY ADVENTURE RESORT

Our readers love adventure and the great outdoors, and what better place to combine the two than River Riders? Hit the whitewater on a raft or tube, soar through the trees with the zipline canopy tour, or get your blood pumping on the Aerial Adventure Park. Can’t—or don’t want to—decide which experience to have? Snag a Full Day Adventure Pass and try it all. 408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, riverriders.com, @riverridersharpersferry on FB

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ADVENTURES ON THE GORGE

219 Chestnutburg Road, Lansing, adventuresonthegorge.com, @adventuresonthegorge on FB

ACE ADVENTURE RESORT

1 Concho Road, Minden, aceraft.com, @ace.adventureresort.westvirginiavacations on FB

BOUTIQUE HOTEL

THE BLENNERHASSETT HOTEL

This boutique 86-room hotel is a Parkersburg landmark. The Blennerhassett Hotel is well-known for its charm and history. Its distinctive style and elegance are loved by many across the state. The Blennerhassett sits just blocks from Parkersburg’s Arts District and is surrounded by independent retail stores and multiple dining options. If you want to experience timeless luxury in the heart of a West Virginia downtown, this is the place to do it.320 Market Street, Parkersburg, theblennerhassett.com, @theblennerhassett on FB

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BAVARIAN INN, RESORT AND BREWING COMPANY

164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, bavarianinnwv.com, @thebavarianinn on FB

THE SCHOOLHOUSE HOTEL

125 Schoolhouse Way, White Sulphur Springs, theschoolhousehotelwv.com, @theschoolhousehotelwv on FB

SPA

POMONA SALT CAVE & SPA

Taking home its second win in this category, Pomona Salt Cave & Spa is the destination for a weekend of relaxation and pampering that will leave you feeling like a brand new person. Treat yourself to a plethora of treatments and services for a well-earned day of self-care. With special services for men and expecting moms, there is truly something for everyone at Pomona. 6705 Pocahontas Trail, White Sulphur Springs, thesaltcaveandspa.com, @pomonasaltcaveandspa on FB

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HYGEIA BATH HOUSE & SPA

53 Spa Drive, High View, caponsprings.net/spa, @hygeiabathhouseandspa on FB

BERKELEY SPRINGS SALT CAVE

19 Greenway Trail, Berkeley Springs, berkeleyspringssaltcave.com, @berkeleyspringssaltcave on FB

DISC GOLF COURSE

PIPESTEM RESORT STATE PARK

A new category for the fast-rising interest in disc golf across the state, this first-year honor of Best Disc Golf Course goes to Pipestem Resort State Park. Established in 2012, the 18-hole course offers a variety of holes that weave through the Pipestem Adventure Zone. Don’t have your own gear to play this family-friendly sport? Don’t fret—discs and a carrying case are included in your admission price. 3405 Pipestem Drive, Pipestem,wvstateparks.com

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GRAND VUE PARK

250 Trail Drive, Moundsville, grandvuepark.com, @grandvueparkwv on FB

CAPON SPRINGS AND FARMS

3818 Capon Springs Road, High View, caponsprings.net, @caponspringsandfarms on FB

PARK / FOREST / NATURE ATTRACTION

HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

So much to see and do here! Wander the 17th century Lower Town and visit the Dry Goods Store and John Brown Fort. Hike the steps to St. John’s Episcopal Church for a view over town, and stand where Thomas Jefferson found a scene “worth a voyage across the Atlantic.” The trails at Virginius Island are studded with ruins of early manufacturing—and there’s so much more. It’s a park to be visited over and over again. 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, nps.gov/hafe, @harpersferrynps on FB

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NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

Visitors centers in Beaver, Lansing, Sandstone, and Thurmond, nps.gov/neri, @newrivergorgenps on FB

BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK

1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, wvstateparks.com

GOLF COURSE

THE GREENBRIER

There are many reasons that The Greenbrier is known as America’s Resort, and its golf selection is one of them. Located in historic White Sulphur Springs, these scenic golf courses are ones to remember. The Greenbrier offers three resort courses, a private course, and a nine-hole, par-3 walking course. In addition to an academy and golf packages, The Greenbrier’s indoor TruGold E6 simulator lets golfers choose from more than 35 courses and 36 modes of play—all in all, a perfect golfer’s getaway. 101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, greenbrier.com/golf, @thegreenbrier on FB

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OGLEBAY

465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, oglebay.com, @oglebay on FB

STONEWALL RESORT

940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, stonewallresort.com, @stonewallresort on FB

HIKING TRAIL

SENECA ROCKS

One of the most spectacular sites in the state, the sheer, jagged tower of Seneca Rocks, part of an upward geological fold that formed more than 200 million years ago, is a must-do for all West Virginia hikers. Although the 1.3-mile path to the observation deck near the top gains around 800 feet in elevation, its switchbacks make for a moderate hike. Leave time to visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center at the trailhead. Seneca Rocks, fs.usda.gov—navigate to the Monongahela National Forest, then search keyword “Seneca Rocks”

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LONG POINT TRAIL AT SUMMERSVILLE LAKE

Airport Road, Summersville, choose Download Part 1 at summersvillecvb.com/guides

ENDLESS WALL TRAIL

Edmond, nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm

MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL

SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Store your skis, dust off your mountain bike, and experience Snowshoe on two wheels. Mountain bike culture has found a home on the mountain with access to a regional trail network, a certified IMBA Ride Center bike park with lift service, and gorgeous backcountry trails for you to explore. No bike, no problem—rent one from The Mountain Adventure Center’s impressive fleet, full face helmet and pads included. 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, snowshoemtn.com, @snowshoemountainresort on FB

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GREENBRIER STATE FOREST

1541 Harts Run Road, Caldwell, wvstateparks.com

ARROWHEAD BIKE FARM

8263 Gatewood Road, Fayetteville, arrowheadbikefarm.com, @arrowheadbikefarm on FB

PLACE FOR A SCENIC VIEW

NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

The New River and its gorge are among the most dramatic scenery in the state and, since 2021, it’s all part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Spectacular views abound: for sunrises, visit the Grandview Main Overlook. To view the New River Gorge bridge, try the Canyon Rim Visitors Center, Long Point Overlook, or Fayette Station Road. For sunsets, head to Endless Wall or Sandstone Falls Overlook—take a good flashlight! Visitors centers in Beaver, Lansing, Sandstone, and Thurmond, nps.gov/neri, @newrivergorgenps on FB

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POTOMAC EAGLE SCENIC RAILROAD

149 Eagle Drive, Romney, potomaceagle.com, @potomaceagle on FB

DOLLY SODS WILDERNESS

Grant, Randolph, and Tucker counties, fs.usda.gov—navigate to the Monongahela National Forest, then search keywords “Dolly Sods Wilderness”