West Virginia is the Best Summer Spot for Solo Travelers

West Virginia’s beautiful mountain towns provide the perfect getaway for those traveling solo. The scenic landscapes with few distractions makes it effortless to escape the stress of everyday life and experience peace and relaxation. Spend time alone in Almost Heaven and add to the nearly 11 million Instagram posts using #solotravel. 

Wardensville

Less than two hours from D.C. you can find the quaint, mountain town of Wardensville. Although it may be small in size with just a few hundred residents, it is sure to leave a big impression on first time visitors. 

🧳 Enjoy a luxury stay in a tiny house rental from Lost River Vacations. These cute and cozy homes are set apart by their modern edge and are nestled within 22 serene acres.

🍷 Stop by the Lost River Trading Post to shop a variety of locally-made gifts, American wines and hand-crafted beers.

🍅 Take your coffee just up the street to see the Wardensville Garden Market. Here you’ll find organically grown produce and tasty bakery treats.

📖 Find the perfect read at the town’s newest attraction, WordPlay. This cozy bookstore offers games, puzzles and an atmosphere that will make you want to ‘sit and stay awhile’.

☕ Drifter’s Cafe is an exceptional spot for breakfast, brunch and lunch. From warm cappuccinos and perfectly blended frappes to fresh-stuffed wraps and bagels filled with homemade veggie cream cheese, this cafe is a must-visit this summer.

🍴 Mack’s Bingo Kitchen serves up elevated dishes using seasonal ingredients from their personal organic farm as well as from other local farms nearby. From fried green tomatoes and roasted beets to a whole grilled trout and local pork plate, this spot will surely leave your tastebuds singing.

🥾 Just a few miles away from the town limits, you’ll find Lost River State Park where you can catch spanning, breathtaking views atop Cranny Crow overlook.

Fayetteville

This charming town sits only a few minutes from the nation’s newest national park, the New River National Park and Preserve. Its surrounding mountains are a favorite retreat for hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers. With unique shops and delicious restaurants, it’s easy to see why Fayetteville was named one of the Coolest Small Towns in America.

🧳 Stay overnight in Lafayette Flats, where four vacation rentals are found in one historic building. In walking distance to the entire town of Fayetteville, these rentals mix the upscale design of a boutique hotel with the local, unique flavor of the town. 

🧇 Once a beautiful church, Cathedral Cafe now serves up delicious breakfast and lunch. This spot is best by locals for having the best coffee in town, along with homemade desserts, soups, pastries and more tasty bites that pair perfectly with a solo escape.

🍕 For dinner, try Pies and Pints for unique and mouthwatering pizza creations, as well as local brews.

🥪 Devourer piled-high creative combinations at Secret Sandwich Society. The delicious toppings and homemade spreads are sure to blow your mind.

🌄 Take in the bridge from multiple viewpoints by hiking Long Point and Endless Wall Trail. Stroll along the structural beams – 851 feet above the New River with a Bridge Walk tour. A unique belay system keeps you harnessed at all times while your guide educates you on the history of the New River Gorge. 

Lewisburg

Shopping, dining, theater and history can all be found here in historic Lewisburg. One of the state’s most walkable cities, you’ll find dozens of boutique shops, antique stores and art galleries lining its lovely main street.

🧳 Treat yourself to an overnight stay in The Historic General Lewis Inn. Welcoming guests since 1929, this inn offers indulgent amenities, expertly crafted cuisine and picturesque views all around.

🔦 Explore hidden gems below the earth’s surface at Lost World Caverns. First discovered in 1942, this intricate cave system is full of stalagmites and stalactites with formations up to 80 feet tall. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour through the formations or opt for an even more adventurous excursion on the Wild Cave Tour.

🚲 Take a walk or bike ride on the Greenbrier River Trail, the 78-mile former railroad line. The trail cuts through some of the most remote areas in the state making this the perfect activity to clear your head.

🍴 Enjoy fine dining and upscale cuisine at Stardust Cafe or The French Goat. For a more casual meal, check out The Asylum and Hill and Holler. 

🎟️ Top off your day with a live performance at Carnegie Hall or catch a flick on the big screen at the Lewis Theatre, an old-time theater from the 1930s. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre also boasts live theatrical performances, musical concerts, literary events and art exhibits.

Discover even more Almost Heaven solo destinations with the help of our 2025 Vacation Guide.

This post was last updated on April 30, 2025