Why International Travelers Will Absolutely Love West Virginia

Monday, Feb 10, 2025 0

West Virginia is a place that offers visitors a stark contrast to the more crowded and sometimes pricier destinations up and down the East Coast of the United States. The combination of awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage and opportunities for outdoor adventure make it an easy recommendation for international tour operators, especially if they’re looking to create unique and memorable itineraries for clients in search of authentic American experiences.

Natural Wonders Await

West Virginia has earned its reputation as an outdoor adventurer’s dream come true. Rugged mountains, lush pine forests and winding rivers ideally suited for rafting and kayaking dominate the Mountain State’s wild landscapes.

West Virginia’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, is a UNESCO-designated site and a must-visit for hikers, climbers, whitewater enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers. Marvel at the arched New River Gorge Bridge, an engineering marvel and the longest steel span in the Western Hemisphere — truly, a sight to behold.

If your groups prefer a more relaxed pace, the Monongahela National Forest is ideal. Its hundreds of miles of trails offer endless opportunities to commune with nature, and its pristine streams and rivers abound with some of America’s premier gold- and blue-ribbon trout waters.

Look Up in Awe

For travelers that enjoy a more celestial experience, West Virginia offers not one, but three International Dark Sky Parks: Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, proving beyond any shadow of any doubt that West Virginia truly is almost heaven.

Find more ways to explore the great outdoors in The Mountain State

Iconic Attractions

Imagine visiting attractions and points of interest without having to buy a “skip the line” pass. Well, that’s what West Virginia has to offer. Here’s a small sampling of things to see and do in the Mountain State:

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
This historic hamlet sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and is central to the story of America’s struggle for freedom. Visitors can explore Civil War-era sites, hike the nearby Appalachian Trail or stroll quaint and charming streets.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Imagine riding a steam-driven train and snacking your way through spectacular vistas while enjoying scenery, history and the rhythmic clack-clack of steel wheels meeting the rails below. The calming and hypnotic cadence of the rails has the power to not just move people but to transport passengers back to a bygone era.

Spruce-Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
Rising 900 feet above the North Fork River, the Rocks are an imposing landmark that have attracted climbers and sightseers for generations. At the summit, survey the gorgeous canopy of the Monongahela National Forest for miles in every direction.

Berkeley Springs State Park

Since colonial times, this historic mineral spa has been attracting travelers seeking rejuvenation and relaxation. Berkeley Springs is renowned for its warm mineral springs, which flow at 23.6 degrees Celcius year-round. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of spa services, including massages, saunas and baths, at the Old Roman and Main bathhouses. After your treatment, be sure to browse the surrounding grounds and learn more about the history of this legendary locale.

Artistic Endeavors

West Virginia’s unspoiled landscapes and natural beauty have inspired artists for centuries, and as a result, gave rise to an eclectic art scene spread out over dozens of quaint towns and communities throughout the state. Performing arts are also a big draw, with audiences delighting in symphonies, plays, operas or theater company productions in venues such as Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg and the Apollo Civic Theatre in Martinsburg.

Unique Appalachian Cuisine

West Virginia’s food scene offers a variety almost as staggering as the state’s diverse landscape. Appalachian fare served up with modern, innovative twists creates dining experiences that are comforting, nostalgic and unexpected.

From hearty comfort foods found along charming main streets to dining in the clouds, West Virginia has more than enough culinary intrigue to entice even the most refined of palates. Head to Fairmont and savor the mouthwatering burgers and sugar-spiking milkshakes at the iconic Poky Dot, a 1950s themed diner beloved by locals. Book a table at one of Capitol Market’s award-winning farm-to-table dinners to sample flavors from farmers and purveyors from around the state. Or treat yourself to a multicourse dinner overlooking the nearby mountain ranges at The Wonder Bar Steakhouse in Clarksburg.

Of course, a state with so many outdoor activities to enjoy must have a requisite number of places to quench a well-earned thirst. And that’s where the Mountain State’s award-winning craft breweries, distilleries and wineries come in, each an incubator for creating regionally inspired wine, beer and spirits that reflect local traditions and make full use of the natural bounty that surrounds them.

Find more places to eat and drink in West Virginia

New Direct Flights to West Virginia

The recent addition of direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to West Virginia International Yeager Airport has further simplified travel for international visitors, offering seamless connections from major UK hubs. Now, designing itineraries that include off-the-beaten-path destinations won’t require any logistical gymnastics on the part of tour operators wanting to give their clients something different.

West Virginia is a destination with much to offer in terms of culture, adventure, genuine hospitality and unmatched natural beauty. To learn more about West Virginia, visit WVTourism.com.