alt

Rachel Whetstone

Rachel Whetstone is a West Virginia-based writer who covers the Mountain State for Only In Your State with the genuine pride of a proud West Virginian. An avid hiker and food explorer, she spends her weekends discovering new trails and restaurants across WV — the same places she then shares with readers. Rachel's writing reflects a firsthand, boots-on-the-ground love for wild and wonderful West Virginia.

Trips & Routes
Day Trips

6 Incredible West Virginia Day Trips You Can Take By Train

Discover some of the best train trips in West Virginia, highlighting unique towns and scenic views.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jun 9
Historic red brick train station with a curved platform, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and cloudy skies.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

10 Of The Very Best Day Trips You Can Take In West Virginia

Discover the best day trips in West Virginia, featuring historic towns, nature spots, and unique attractions.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jun 1
Historic stone building under a dramatic sky, featuring intricate architecture and a grassy foreground.
Nature
Waterfalls

These 3 Waterfall Swimming Holes In West Virginia Are Perfect For A Summer Day

Discover some of the best waterfall swimming holes in West Virginia for a refreshing summer experience.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jun 1
A serene waterfall cascades into a rocky pool, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.
Stays
Camping

The Breathtaking Campground In West Virginia Where You Can Watch Wild Horses Roam

Twin Hollow Campground in Gilbert, West Virginia offers a unique outdoor adventure with ATV trails and the chance to see wild horses.

by Rachel Whetstone
on May 14
A group of horses, including black and white ones, stands in a grassy field against a colorful sunset backdrop.
Nature
Waterfalls

This Magical Waterfall Campground In West Virginia Is Unforgettable

Camp Creek State Park in West Virginia offers a unique camping experience with two easily accessible waterfalls.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Apr 10
A serene forest scene featuring a small waterfall cascading over rocks into a calm stream surrounded by lush greenery.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small Town In West Virginia You’ve Never Heard Of But Will Fall In Love With

Pickens, West Virginia, offers a charming small-town experience with strong community ties and unique local festivals.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Mar 24
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

You’ll Never Run Out Of Things To Do In This Tiny West Virginia Town

Shepherdstown, WV, offers a variety of dining, historical sites, and outdoor activities, making it a vibrant small town to visit.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Mar 19
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Most People Have No Idea There’s an Underwater Ghost Town Hiding in West Virginia

Discover the story of Gad, the submerged West Virginia town hidden beneath Summersville Lake, and learn what remains can still be seen today.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jun 1
Views from an overlook of boats on Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia.
Experiences
Attractions
Markets

You Could Easily Spend All Week At This Enormous West Virginia Flea Market

Rt. 340 Harpers Ferry Indoor/Outdoor Flea Market in West Virginia offers a vast array of antiques and treasures with both indoor and outdoor vendors.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Mar 10
A store interior showcasing various furniture, antiques, and vintage items, with a large promotional banner overhead.
Experiences
Attractions
Markets

Everyone In West Virginia Should Visit This Epic Flea Market At Least Once

The Giant Flea Market & Antique Show at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg offers a treasure trove of items for shoppers twice a year.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Mar 13
Aerial view of a fairground with rides, food stalls, and a large parking area filled with vehicles in the background.
Experiences

The Unique Village In West Virginia That’s Unlike Any Other In The World

Snowshoe in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is a charming ski resort community with diverse activities and dining options.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 19
A snowy street in a resort area with shops, people walking, and a person sitting on a bench.
Experiences
Attractions
Shops & Boutiques

The Oldest Five And Dime Store In America Is Right Here In West Virginia

Berdine's Five & Dime in West Virginia offers a nostalgic shopping experience with whimsical toys, penny candy, and unique gifts.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 19
A storefront of Berdine's Five & Dime, featuring a green awning and large windows displaying various items.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Fascinating Town In West Virginia That Is Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

Berkeley Springs in West Virginia is a charming small town known for its historic mineral springs and artistic attractions.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 16
alt
Experiences
Attractions
Antiques Shops

Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring West Virginia’s Best Antique Stores

Discover a journey through West Virginia's best antique stores, historic hotels, and nostalgic restaurants.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 9
A storefront labeled "ANTIQUE" with flags and a classic brick building in a small town setting.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You West Virginia Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

Explore the stunning natural wonders of West Virginia, particularly in the Monongahela National Forest.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 5
Map showing a scenic route through West Virginia, highlighting attractions like Blackwater Falls and Dolly Sods Wilderness.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Abandoned Small Town Of Kaymoor In West Virginia Is Eerily Beautiful

Kaymoor WV is a historic coal mining ghost town known for its preserved ruins and challenging hike.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Sep 21
alt
Experiences

What This Drone Footage Captured At This Abandoned West Virginia Hotel Is Truly Grim

Hilltop House Hotel in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is an abandoned historic luxury hotel with plans for restoration.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 2
alt
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

Take A Thrilling Road Trip To The 7 Most Abandoned Places In West Virginia

Explore fascinating abandoned places in West Virginia, each with unique histories and eerie atmospheres.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Sep 23
Map highlighting a road trip route to abandoned places in West Virginia, with key locations marked along the way.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Step Inside The Creepy, Abandoned Town Of Kayford In West Virginia

Kayford, WV, once a thriving coal mining community, is now an eerie ghost town due to Mountain Top Removal mining.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jan 27
A person stands on rocky ground near the ruins of a dilapidated building, surrounded by autumn foliage and trees.
Food

Cool Springs Park In West Virginia Is One Of The Most Unique Restaurants In America

Cool Springs Park in Rowlesburg, West Virginia, offers a unique dining experience with historic charm and family-friendly attractions.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jan 22
alt
State Pride
Fun Facts

8 Crazy Laws in West Virginia That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head In Wonder

West Virginia has several strange and outdated laws that range from prohibiting whistling underwater to banning walking big cats on leashes in Alderson.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jan 4
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

You’ll Want To Visit The Snowiest Town In West Virginia This Season

Terra Alta in West Virginia is the snowiest town in the state, making it a perfect winter destination with attractions like Alpine Lake Resort.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jan 1
A serene winter landscape with frosted trees and a calm lake reflecting a snowy hillside.
Experiences

Stay Away From West Virginia’s Most Haunted Road, Route 901, Or You May Be Sorry

West Virginia Route 901 is a haunted road known for ghostly encounters, particularly involving a Confederate soldier.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 13
A full moon partially obscured by dark clouds in a black and white night sky.
Trips & Routes

Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See West Virginia Like Never Before

A road trip through West Virginia offers some of the best fall foliage views in the state.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jul 15
Map highlighting a West Virginia fall foliage road trip route with key locations and travel time.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

8 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In West Virginia Before You Die

Discover the best road trips in West Virginia, each offering unique experiences and scenic views.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Dec 2
alt
Nature
Hiking

11 Picturesque Trails In West Virginia That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking

Discover 11 beautiful winter hiking trails in West Virginia that offer unique and scenic experiences.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Nov 19
A snowy landscape featuring a river surrounded by bare trees and falling snowflakes.
Experiences
Events

9 Christmas Light Displays In West Virginia That Are Pure Magic

Discover seven must-see Christmas light displays in West Virginia that capture the holiday spirit.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Oct 6
A beautifully lit Christmas tree surrounded by festive lights at night, with a grand building in the background.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through West Virginia That’s Nothing Short Of Magical

A Christmas road trip in West Virginia showcases the best holiday light displays across the state.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Oct 20
alt
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Winter Horseback Riding Trail At Autumn Breeze Stables In West Virginia Is Pure Magic

Experience the beauty of West Virginia's snowy landscapes with a winter horseback riding adventure at Autumn Breeze Stables.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Oct 18
Five people on horseback ride through a snowy landscape with frosted trees in the background.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

These 5 Charming Pumpkin Patches In West Virginia Are Picture Perfect For A Fall Day

Explore eight top pumpkin patches in West Virginia for fall 2023, each offering unique activities and experiences.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Aug 20
A vintage orange tractor in front of a barn, with pumpkins and a sign for a pumpkin patch and maze.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Warm Water Lake in West Virginia You Need To Visit

Discover why Mount Storm Lake in West Virginia stays warm all year and why it's a favorite destination for boating, fishing, and outdoor adventure.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jun 4
Mount Storm Power Station sitting on the edge of Mount Storm Lake under a cloudy, gray sky in West Virginia.
Nature
Waterfalls

The Hike In West Virginia That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls

Twin Falls Resort State Park in West Virginia offers an easy hike to two beautiful waterfalls, perfect for a family outing.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jul 31
A serene waterfall cascades over rocky cliffs into a calm pool, surrounded by lush greenery.
Nature
National & State Parks

These 7 State Parks In West Virginia Still Won’t Cost You A Dime

West Virginia state parks remain free to the public, offering various outdoor activities and scenic views.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 26
A serene waterfall cascades over moss-covered rocks into a tranquil pool, creating swirling patterns in the water.
Nature
National & State Parks

9 Under-Appreciated State Parks In West Virginia You’re Sure To Love

Discover lesser-known state parks in West Virginia that offer unique historical sites, outdoor activities, and beautiful scenery.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Feb 11
A serene river flows through a lush green forest, with rocky banks and gentle ripples on the water's surface.
Experiences
Activities

The Most Epic Indoor Playground In West Virginia Will Bring Out The Kid In Everyone

Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Charleston, West Virginia, offers a variety of indoor activities for both kids and adults, including sports, rock climbing, and obstacle courses.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Jan 22
Exterior of a Sky Zone trampoline park building with a prominent logo and orange awning.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Story Behind This Haunted Island In West Virginia Is Truly Creepy

Blennerhassett Island in West Virginia is a haunted historical site with a tragic past and ghostly apparitions.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Oct 30
A serene river scene featuring a small island surrounded by calm water and lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Food
Restaurants

There’s No Restaurant In The World Like This One In West Virginia

Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia offers a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic views, making it a perfect destination for adventurers.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Oct 30
A two-story building surrounded by trees and a grassy area, with a volleyball net in the foreground.
Food
Restaurants

The Quirkiest Restaurant In West Virginia That’s Impossible Not To Love

Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, West Virginia, offers creatively named hot dogs and quirky decor, making it a unique dining destination.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Oct 2
A rustic display of vintage items and memorabilia on a wooden structure, with a sign for "Billy Hot Dogs."
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

This Hidden West Virginia Castle Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairytale

A hidden stone castle in Morgantown, West Virginia, built in 1928, is being restored by Calvary Chapel Morgantown after years of abandonment.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Sep 11
alt
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

There’s A Restaurant On This Remote West Virginia Farm You’ll Want To Visit

Hudson Farms offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience with fresh, locally grown vegetables and artfully designed meals.

by Rachel Whetstone
on Aug 21
A dining area with guests seated at long tables, illuminated by warm lights, surrounded by greenery.