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West Virginia

Outdoor adventure is everywhere in West Virginia, where visitors can go whitewater rafting down the Gauley River or in nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and riding ATVs along the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, which includes state parks and forests. Hike and camp in Coopers Rock State Forest. Towns like neighboring Thomas and Davis, known for their craft breweries, and Harpers Ferry, which played a role in the abolitionist movement, are especially lively when autumn leaves change color, generally mid-October through the first week of November.

The New Bridge at the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia

Views of the gorge and iconic New River Bridge can be seen on several hikes throughout the park.

West Virginia Department of Tourism

Overview

Planning Your Trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to West Virginia.

Read Before You Go
The United States Just Got a New National Park
National Parks
The United States Just Got a New National Park
The New River Gorge in West Virginia marks the country’s 63rd national park.
January 05, 2021 05:18 PM
 · 
Sarah Buder
10 Small Towns in the U.S. to Visit This Winter
Weekend Getaways
10 Small Towns in the U.S. to Visit This Winter
December 03, 2019 05:31 PM
 · 
Ashlea Halpern
James Beard Foundation Announces 2019 America’s Classics Winners
Restaurants + Cafés
James Beard Foundation Announces 2019 America’s Classics Winners
February 05, 2019 06:47 PM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
Resources to help plan your trip
Where to Find Charleston’s Best Southern Cooking and Soul Food
Food-lovers and chefs flock to Charleston and many limit their visits to the dining rooms of the latest thing, the just-minted award-winners, but locals (and regulars to town) know that the true taste of Charleston can be found in restaurants that cook from old recipes, making dishes from memories of hot nights, small kitchens, and big flavor.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
The Best Biscuits, Sweets, and Desserts in Charleston
Visiting Charleston without conducting a personal biscuit survey? Not recommended. Leaving town without indulging in a slice of the Peninsula Grill’s coconut pie? Borderline crazy. This city, known for its history and gracious charm, can also put ridiculously decadent carbohydrates on its list of attractions.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
The Best Beer Bars in Charleston
From a bottle of PBR enjoyed on the front patio of the Rec Room to a pint of just-brewed ale tapped at Edmond’s Oast, Charleston loves its beer. A town with so many breweries, brew pubs, and tap houses has a mighty thirst: Charleston Brewery List website said there are 20 tap houses in the city (and that doesn’t factor in the bars and restaurants that have solid lists of craft beer), as well as eight breweries in the city, and 17 in the surrounding area. Pull up a stool with the locals at these great watering holes and find your favorite beer. Or beers.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
Take a Walk in Charleston
Stroll past bridges, churches, colleges ... and museums, former plantations, and beautiful beaches. When you get tired, you can always hop into a horse-drawn carriage, or stop to grab a picnic lunch from Burbage’s.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Angela Fleury
A Perfect Day in Charleston
Make the most of your short stay in Holy City by being strategic: You definitely need some biscuits. And some cocktails. And visits to historic houses and Rainbow Row and Marion Square and a stroll along the waterfront. What about pimento cheese and the Charleston Museum? Happy hour, then you can’t go wrong with dinner at either FIG or Husk and, of course, a nightcap somewhere cozy on King Street. Are you sure one day is enough?
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
The Perfect Weekend in Charleston
Between rapturous meals in Charleston—from just-caught oysters to Chinese food (you may not connect South Carolina with Chinese food yet, but you will after you eat at Xiao Bao Biscuit) to James Beard Award-winning farm-to-table fare at Husk—you may want to partake in other delights the town has to offer. Take a walking tour to see the city’s architectural gems from Rainbow Row to the churches that give Charleston the nickname Holy City to the grand houses along Waterfront Park. Stop and browse the local crafts and food at the Charleston City Market. And learn about the city’s history: from its colonial beginnings to modern times, with a visit to the Edmondston-Alston House, and one of the local plantations, and Fort Sumter, as well as the thriving history taking place at College of Charleston.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
Six Ways to Explore Charleston’s Great Outdoors
Charleston offers travelers some decidedly urban charms, starting with its cobblestone streets, craft cocktail scene, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. But you can complement memorable meals and museum visits with at least as many opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Here’s where to get your heart pumping in the South Carolina Lowcountry, whether you want to hike, kayak, or play a round or two of golf.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Best Places to Eat Oysters in Charleston
Eating oysters in Charleston can be a delicate affair, of course, with open shells served on beds of ice with lemon wedges, but it’s more likely that you’ll be served up a cluster of steamed oysters, pried open in front of you, ready for the slurping. Find the refined—and the local Lowcountry—bivalves at our selection of great restaurants for oysters.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
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