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Unlike its bigger and more popular neighbor states like Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio, West Virginia often does not get highlighted much in travel recommendations or blogs. In a way, its low-key reputation is a beam for travelers who want an off-the-beaten-path experience on their trip. With its rich history, restoration projects, and natural beauty, this state is a great pick for your next Mid-Atlantic vacation!

Want to know the best way to get to know the towns in West Virginia? Simple: explore its Main Streets. From historical architecture to vibrant shops and beautiful landscapes, the downtowns in West Virginia’s small towns are picturesque and exciting in every sense of the word. Let this list transport you to the best downtown areas in the beloved Mountain State of the United States!

Harpers Ferry

Not only is Harpers Ferry a beautiful town surrounded by stunning river views and lush trees, but it also has a historical significance to the United States’ Civil War past. Luckily for American history buffs, many of its historical sites are gathered downtown, from John Brown’s Fort—West Virginia’s most visited tourist site—to the John Brown Wax Museum and the Harpers Ferry Ghost Tour.

Other notable tourist spots downtown are the Restoration Museum, filled with restored and preserved items from the town’s past; the Black Voices Museum for African American history, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center. The Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast is a strategic accommodation choice if you want to be close to Harpers Ferry’s downtown at all times, given how the entire place is essentially a big museum!

Berkeley Springs

Popular as a resort destination in West Virginia, Berkeley Springs is known as America's First Spa thanks to its surrounding mineral springs. Thankfully, you do not have to go too far from the town center to experience its spa amenities, as the Berkeley Springs State Park is on the popular Washington Street. Soak in the Old Roman and Main Bathhouse to enjoy the water’s purported healing properties and take a peek at George Washington’s Bathtub, who was said to be fond of Berkeley Springs’ water.

Then, tour the Museum of Berkeley Springs to learn more about the town’s spring history, and go shopping for antique souvenirs at the Berkeley Springs Antique Mall. End your Berkeley Springs tour on a high note with some hearty food from The Country Inn. There is nothing like a warm meal after a soak in the springs!

Elkins

With a historic railroad attraction and an active downtown committee, Elkins has revitalized its tourism, starting with its Elkins Depot Welcome Center, which gives pamphlets and maps to visitors to easily explore its downtown. Start with the West Virginia Railroad Museum to educate yourself about Elkins’ railroad history, then go on a vintage train tour with the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad.

Once back, stretch your legs with the Elkins Main Street Downtown Quilt Trail.This trail lets you explore downtown while learning about quilt patterns and the significance of quilts in America’s history. Recharge some of your lost calories with CJ Maggie’s good ol’ American eats, before heading to Big Timber Brewing Company for some drinks while overlooking the Tygart Valley River.

Charles Town

Proud to name itself historically hip, Charles Town’s downtown combines interesting historical sites and fun little restaurants and shops. Pass by the Jefferson County Courthouse, a historical building where John Brown had his trial after his Harpers Ferry raid. Then, head to Jefferson County Museum, which houses artifacts and info on events that helped shape the county and the country’s history.

After your history trip, drop by Ortega's Taco Shop for some fire tacos and grab uniquely flavored beers, like blackberry ales and one with lavender and peaches, at the Abolitionist Ale Works. Catch a play at the Old Opera House Theatre before retiring to a 19th-century bed and breakfast at The Carriage Inn.

Buckhannon

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, Buckhannon’s downtown is a sight to behold for its array of 19th-century buildings in different architectural styles. Start your Buckhannon stroll with Main Street Antiques-Collectibles for trinkets, vintage collectibles, and even an extensive wine and beer selection. Next door is Stone Tower Brews, which prides itself on its West Virginia craft beer and brewed coffee.

A little down Main Street is Artistry on Main, a wonderful art shop that showcases art and handcrafted items from local artists and crafters. If you are feeling peckish, Mama Roma is the go-to Italian place on Main Street, while Fish Hawk Acres is a great brunch spot for lazy mornings. Stay at the Bicentennial Inn to be close to Buckhannon’s downtown and the Buckhannon River.

Shepherdstown

As one of the oldest towns in West Virginia, Shepherdstown’s downtown is full of old buildings now turned into delightful shops and cafes. Begin your Shepherdstown downtown tour along German Street by visiting the Historic Shepherdstown Commission & Museum, a hub for all things historical in Shepherdstown.

The Entler Hotel next door is one of the oldest buildings in town and is currently undergoing restoration. Down the road is The War Memorial building, which houses the Shepherdstown Community Club that does book sales and garden tours for the community. Book a room at the Thomas Shepherd Inn to experience Shepherdstown’s hospitality while staying at an 1868 building!

Thomas

Make your way to the tiny mountain town of Thomas, where nature and a quaint downtown atmosphere merge into a delightful scenic experience. Take in the sights as you meander through Ash Alley and stumble into charming shops like the trinket-filled Riverfront Antique & Thrift, the Santangelo Gallery with its curated ceramics, and the delectable Happy & More Bakery & Cafe.

Up the road, you will find the cozy music venue of the Purple Fiddle, which also doubles as a family-friendly cafe. Check out their website for a list of local artists playing unique music genres (Odessa gangsta folk, anyone?). Next to this adored venue is the Cooper House Bed and Cocktail, which is a unique spin on bed and breakfasts! For a brunch place that uses locally grown ingredients, cross the road to visit Tie One on Taphouse and Fly Shop.

Moundsville

Moundsville seamlessly blends history with modernity, making it a compelling destination for visitors. The town boasts ancient burial mounds, historic sites, and contemporary shops, all set against the stunning Ohio River. Named after the many burial mounds in the area, the town allows easy access to these sites, including the notable Grave Creek Mound, one of the most prominent and accessible. Nearby, the Moundsville Center and West Virginia Penitentiary offer historical tours, with paranormal experiences for enthusiasts. Visitors can walk or drive along Lafayette Avenue to enjoy eateries like Acapulco Mexican, The Avenue Bar and Grill, and the local skating rink, The Roller Derby. A short distance from the downtown area is the Fostoria Glass Museum, a perfect place to find glass souvenirs!

Morgantown

Hailed as one of the best downtowns by CNN Money, Morgantown is a great example of a thriving and bustling downtown for its plethora of avenues for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Scholar Morgantown and Hotel Morgan are two excellent accommodations to choose from when in the city. Surrounding them are shops like the gastropub of Iron Horse Tavern, Old Stone House gift shop, and the burger place Von Blaze, to name a few.

Morgantown's vibrant arts scene thrives with the Metropolitan Theatre and 123 Pleasant Street serving as prime venues for live performances. Slightly outside the downtown area, the Morgantown Farmers Market operates every Saturday, while Hazel Ruby McQuain Park nearby functions as an open-air concert space. Food and craft beer enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the 7th Annual Hops on The Mon celebration in downtown Morgantown.

Final Thoughts On West Virginia’s Downtown Areas

For a period, many cities in the U.S. saw Main Streets fade away. Fortunately, a nationwide movement has emerged to restore and energize these districts. They serve as convenient spots for tourists and highlight each town’s character and charm. In West Virginia, towns boast diverse, lively, and vibrant downtowns that remain underrated and lesser-known. Next time you travel, consider exploring new places and visiting West Virginia. From mineral spring spas and ancient mounds to museum-like downtowns, these Main Streets will impress you with their offerings!

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Brenen Lorient’s third and final stop in his college basketball journey will be in his second season playing for Ross Hodge. Like Jasper Floyd, Lorient transferred from North Texas to WVU weeks after Hodge left UNT for Morgantown.

“He just fits me so well because I am an outspoken guy,” Lorient said. “I am not saying I like confrontation, but I am a guy that if I am doing bad, just yell at me. That’s exactly who he is. But at the end of the day, he always lets you know that he loves you and he cares for you and he wants you to succeed. Coach Hodge, there’s going to be some moments when he is not happy, of course. But at the end of the day, he always has a good heart about what he does.”

Lorient started his college career with a two-year stint at Florida Atlantic. The Ocala, Fla. native averaged 3.5 minutes per game as a freshman and 8.5 minutes per game as a sophomore. Although Lorient played sparingly in his first season, the Owls won the Conference USA Tournament and four games in the NCAA Tournament to reach the Final Four.

“That was the best time of my life. I never experienced anything like that. Just the love and support from everybody and that was the first time seeing super-high level basketball and what goes into that. That was really a blessing for me.”

After getting limited minutes with the Owls, Lorient transferred to UNT for his junior season.

“My first two years at FAU, I didn’t play much at the time. I thought it was a problem. But that’s exactly where I needed to be, learning all those good things from those good guys. Coming to North Texas, meeting [Coach] Hodge and coming to West Virginia is just perfect for me because I love to play defense. Coach Hodge is a guy that fits well with that. The culture here is great.”

At UNT, Lorient averaged 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while coming off the bench in all 36 contests. He was named the Sixth Man of the Year in the American Athletic Conference.

“I just came off of two years of not playing. So any opportunity to me was more than enough. That’s all I needed. I was still doing my thing. Coach still believed in me when I went in.”

As returning players in Ross Hodge’s system, Floyd and Lorient can act as extra coaches for players that are getting up to speed. Lorient hopes he can impart knowledge from a different angle.

“To a certain extent, it can become redundant when you’ve got a coach telling you what to do and then you’ve got a player coming up and telling you what to do. I just try to give little tips here and there that helped me just so it doesn’t come off as like I am above you or anything like that.”

The 6-foot-9 forward plays alongside seven-foot center and UNC-Wilmington transfer Harlan Obioha.

“It makes it a lot easier for me. Usually at a smaller level, the guys are not seven-foot. So you’ve got to deal with rebounding for him but I am just as ferocious on the boards as he is. One of us has to get it. It is a blessing. And he is finishing a lot of things around the rim.”

As a native of Florida who later moved to Texas, Lorient admits the environment in Morgantown is much different than the other climates he has lived in.

“I am not used to any mountains, no curvy roads. And it was kind of cold this morning. I am not liking that. Everywhere I have been, it has been like 90 degrees all year round. It is definitely going to be an adjustment. But Morgantown has its own beauty in its own way and I am definitely enjoying that.”

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown and West Virginia University skyline will get an upgrade in the coming months with a new look for the University Water Tower on the Evansdale campus.

“The heartfelt pride we all feel for this University should be physically reflected on our campus grounds which serve as a critical initial introduction for visitors — whether they be prospective students, University supporters or community members,” President Michael T. Benson said.

“The highly visible WVU Water Tower serves as a beacon that reminds us of the important work we are doing each day to prepare our students for the world. It encourages us all to look up with optimism.”

Hope Gas is sponsoring the project to ensure site safety, structural integrity and ease of maintenance after the work is complete.

“Such a recognizable campus fixture must reflect the best of West Virginia’s University and I am grateful for our strong partnership with Hope Gas which will allow us to make necessary improvements,” Benson said.

Crews will mobilize soon to begin cleaning the tank surface and painting/sealing the “Flying WV” logo at the top will follow. The tank was last painted in 2007.

Monongalia County-based City Neon will design the LED lighting that illuminate the University logo for all to see during events across campus.

“There are so many things to celebrate in Morgantown and across West Virginia,” Morgan O’Brien, Hope Gas president and CEO, said. “Hope Gas is proud to support President Benson’s vision of refurbishing an already recognizable fixture in Morgantown to visually celebrate the big wins of Mountaineers.”

The projected timeline for completion of the upgrade work is weather dependent.

O’Brien noted the work would not be possible without partnerships with the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades and the International Union Painters and Allied Trades District Council 53.

“Skilled trades are an essential part of the everyday work conducted at Hope Gas and play an important role in countless projects,” O’Brien said. “The hard work and expertise of our skilled trades partners will bring this project to life and I would like to thank them for their support.”

The water tower has been part of the landscape for the Evansdale area of campus since the 1960s and at one time the 80,000 gallon storage tank served as a “surge tank” for fire suppression systems and drinking water.

“The work of our highly skilled trades men and women will be showcased as we help turn the WVU Water Tower into an asset that will celebrate University successes for many years to come,” said Justin Williams, director of the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades.

“This project highlights the real value partnerships among industry, labor and education can bring to communities across the Mountain State.”

The improvements are funded by the WVU Foundation.