I don’t know about you, but I’ve always thought of fall as the perfect opportunity to tick those often-overlooked destinations off my bucket list.
You know, the ones that promise all the peaceful charm and coziness you crave this time of year with none of the noise and chaos of bigger hubs.
And, apparently, I’m far from the only one to feel this way.
A record-breaking 75 million people traveled to West Virginia this past year, which, with its jaw-dropping scenery and laid-back vibes, might just be the ultimate fall hotspot in the entire country.
I know that’s a big claim, but just take a look at everything the Mountain State has to offer and tell me you don’t see yourself living out all your cocoa-sipping, apple-picking dreams here!
There’s More To West Virginia Than What Meets The Eye
Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia has long been overlooked in favor of bigger, glitzier places, but at a time when travelers are seeking peace, quiet, and untouched natural views, there’s no better place to be than right here.
‘Cause as far as scenery goes, you really can’t beat New River Gorge National Park – which, while usually stunning, this time of year becomes downright breathtaking, with hues of gold, orange, and red taking over the entire landscape.
And West Virginia has much more to offer than just amazing picture backdrops.
Those big on history will love Harpers Ferry, a small yet fascinating town where you’ll find some of the best-preserved 19th-century buildings in the country, complete with fantastic live demonstrations.
Truth be told, though, cities like Hapers Ferry, while beautiful, are usually best visited on day trips.
If you want to spend some more time taking in the local culture and city scene, you’ll want to go to Charleston, the state capital with its distinctive gold dome (found on top of the West Virginia Capitol).
Aside from sightseeing and people-watching, here, you’ll also get to indulge in the region’s massively underrated food scene – ramp dishes and biscuits and gravy are must-tries.
The Perfect Fall Weather
One of the main reasons why traveling in the fall can be so tricky is that you have to get the weather just right.
You want it to be cool enough to get into the seasonal mood but not so cold that your plans are ruined; and as long as there aren’t any sudden abnormalities, West Virginia’s climate offers just that.
Daytime temperatures will range between 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C) – perfect for a long sightseeing session or a refreshing hike, while at night, they’ll drop to around 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C) so you can curl up with a cup of cocoa or enjoy a warm meal out in the city.
The choice is yours!
An Incredible Fall Getaway On A Budget
One amazing perk of thinking a bit outside the box when choosing your next travel destination is that you’ll likely end up saving a ton of money (money which, by the way, would be very well spent on a pampering ski trip later on in the year!).
Most hotels in Charleston hover just a little over the $100-a-night mark – I especially love Holiday Inn Express because of the incredible location!
If you’re driving to West Virginia, though, you can always get a cheaper place in some smaller town and travel back and forth between cities as needed.
That way, you get to sleep someplace great and peaceful for cheap (Skyline Lodge is perfect for that) while also pushing yourself to explore as much of the state as possible.
Eating out is incredibly affordable around here, too (Wheeling, for example, was named the 2nd cheapest place in the country to get fast food), so cut back on that travel budget and rest assured that you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
And You Won’t Have To Miss Out On Fun Things To Do, Either
The idea that you have to go somewhere loud and busy to have fun is nothing more than a myth.
This season, in particular, you won’t want to miss out on all the Bridge Day celebrations (coming October 19th, 2024) as well as a couple of visits to both the historic Keith-Albee Theatre and the Huntington Museum of Art.
Remember, these are just some of the many, many events you can enjoy in the state right now, so definitely check out this calendar for more in-depth information.
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