Top Cities in West Virginia

West Virginia is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming communities. It has a mix of Southern traditions and Appalachian influences that makes this state unique and diverse. A trip here is the ideal way to steep yourself in history. The state is home to many cities with stunning landscapes and unique charm, whether you are interested in outdoor adventures or cultural experiences.

In this blog, we have some of the best cities in West Virginia that you simply cannot miss.

List of cities in West Virginia

Here is a list of some of the most well-known cities:

1. Charleston

Charleston is the capital of West Virginia, and the biggest city in the state. It is popular for its vibrant culture and rich history, and is home to the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

2. Huntington

Famous for Marshall University, Huntington has a lively arts scene, along with one of the best urban parks in the country that offers trails, gardens, and a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy.

3. Morgantown

Morgantown is a lively college town due to the presence of the famous West Virginia University. The city is situated along the 130-mile-long Monongahela River, adding to its beauty and providing opportunities for various water sports.

4. Wheeling

Wheeling is a city known for the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge and its role in the early days of West Virginia's statehood. The Capitol Theatre is one of the state's biggest venues, featuring various performances.

5. Martinsburg

Martinsburg has a deep Civil War history and a strong railroad heritage. The beautiful 19th-century architecture in the historic downtown area is a popular sightseeing option among tourists.

6. Beckley

Beckley is popular for the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and the Grandview State Park, which provides stunning views of the New River Gorge.

7. Clarksburg

Clarksburg has a strong Italian-American heritage and various cultural festivals. The city's Waldomore is a historic library and museum popular among tourists.

8. Fairmont

This city is the birthplace of the famous pepperoni roll, a popular snack in West Virginia. Prickett's Fort State Park in Fairmont is a living history site showcasing the region's colonial past.

9. Weirton

Located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Weirton is known for its steel industry. The city also boasts Williams Golf and Country Club which offers a scenic place for sports enthusiasts.

Interesting facts about the cities in West Virginia

Here are some interesting facts about the cities in West Virginia:

1. Charleston

• The gold-domed State Capitol building in Charleston is the tallest state capitol dome in the U.S.
• The Kanawha River flows through the city, providing scenic beauty and outdoor activities.

2. Huntington

• It is home to the famous Marshall University, which was featured in the famous 2006 movie We Are Marshall.
• West Virginia's largest art museum is the Huntington Museum of Art.

3. Morgantown

• The city is known for its strong college sports culture, particularly WVU Mountaineers football.

4. Wheeling

• The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, completed in 1849, was once the longest in the world.
• The city was the first capital of West Virginia before the title went to Charleston.

5. Martinsburg

• It is known as the "Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley."
• The Martinsburg Roundhouse, built in the 1860s, was destroyed during the Civil War and was later rebuilt.

6. Beckley

• The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers underground mine tours to educate visitors about the coal industry.
• Tamarack is an arts and crafts centre showcasing the best works of local artisans.

7. Clarksburg

• The city annually hosts one of the largest West Virginia Italian Heritage Festivals.
• Clarksburg was once an important centre for glass manufacturing.

8. Fairmont

• The first Father's Day celebration happened in Fairmont in 1908.

9. Weirton

• It is one of the few U.S. cities stretching across two counties.
• The city is known for its rich steel-making history and proximity to Pittsburgh.

Conclusion

West Virginia consists of cities that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you are drawn to history, natural beauty, or cultural experiences, these cities provide a variety of reasons to explore the Mountain State.

However, before you embark on your journey, you must secure your trip and ensure protection, especially while travelling. Consider investing in good travel insurance that provides financial aid in case of unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or delays. You can also view  travel insurance online to compare different policies and opt for one that best fits your needs.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.