A weekend outing to Harpers Ferry, that quaint hiking and rafting town, is practically required traveling for Washington-based explorers. This spring, keep going. Venture farther into West Virginia and you’ll find scenic peaks — it’s the only state that lies completely within the Appalachian Mountains region — and ample recreation activities. “We’re the opposite of the congestion and stress inside the Beltway,” says West Virginia tourism commissioner Chelsea Ruby, who relocated to West Virginia from the District eight years ago. “It’s a place where you can escape the daily grind. We’ve got everything from outdoor recreation, music and dining, to true Appalachian culture in mountain towns with unrivaled charm.” Here are three such spots worth a weekend trip.
Berkeley Springs
In 1748, George Washington visited this tiny mountain town — population: under 1,000 — and was so taken with it that he visited regularly for years. Berkeley Springs was originally named Bath after the spa city in England, and it’s known for sparkling mineral springs where the water remains 74 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. (Stop by a pumping station with a jug and take some home for free.) At Berkeley Springs State Park (2 S. Washington St.), enjoy a soak in the main bathhouse, where private baths are filled with hundreds of gallons of heated mineral water from the springs. Splurge on a hot stone massage, or luxuriate in a sauna or whirlpool. Then dip your feet into George Washington’s Bathtub, a replica of the outdoor thermal pool that Washington visited in the hopes that it would heal his fever and other ailments. “It’s a very walkable town, with a charming, relaxed atmosphere,” Ruby says.
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Just under 300 miles from the District, in West Virginia’s northern panhandle, is Wheeling — a vibrant Victorian town nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, along the Ohio River. Ruby recommends checking out the dramatic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, which was the largest in the world from 1849 until 1851. Drive across, or walk and seize all the photo ops. Later, check out historic Centre Market (2200 Market St.), a collection of antiques shops, boutiques, art galleries and eateries. Another must-see is the Oglebay Good Zoo (465 Lodge Drive), which houses more than 50 species of animals, including 20 that are rare or endangered. Residents of note include a Burmese python, an albino alligator and a few southern three-banded armadillos.
This charming town — just over 200 miles from the District — is packed with history and activity. “It lies at the edge of the beautiful Monongahela National Forest, and it’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts — there’s biking, hiking, fishing,” Ruby says. And trains. The region is home to the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, and excursion trains offer scenic rides that are popular with locals and visitors. Climb aboard the New Tygart Flyer, for example, for a 46-mile round-trip voyage through mountain wilderness and an “S” curve tunnel, with a 30-minute stop at an 18-foot-high waterfall. Another option, the Cheat Mountain Salamander, offers stunning views of mountain vistas, plus frequent wildlife sightings (think bald eagles and black bears).
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