West Virginia
Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Both A Restaurant And A Cave, West Virginia’s Seneca Caverns Is An Underrated Day Trip Destination

Seneca Caverns in West Virginia offers a full day of adventure, food, and scenic views in a unique setting.

Updated May 2, 2023

Written by 

Cristy

There are plenty of good day trips in West Virginia one can take, but one of the best is a versatile option that provides food, views, and at least two forms of adventure all in one convenient setting. It also happens to be one of the most unique places in West Virginia. Can you guess which Almost Heaven destination this might be? Let's explore Seneca Caverns in West Virginia.

Nestled in the trough of Pendleton County's beautiful Germany Valley, surrounded by towering Appalachian Peaks and stunning rock formations, Seneca Caverns is the ultimate West Virginia way to spend the day. Take a country road to this huge gravel parking lot, pull in, park - and prepare for a whole day of fun all in one place.

alt
Seneca Caverns WV/Facebook

First, head over to the main building, where you can purchase tickets to enter Seneca Caverns.

advertisement
alt
Seneca Caverns WV/Facebook

Visitors have been awestruck by the intricate formations inside this underground fairyland since 1928 when it first opened to the public.

alt
Seneca Caverns WV/Facebook

Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for teens and adults, with youngsters 4 and under entering free. Group and student discounts are available.

The hour-long tour (with its many steps down into and up out of the cave) will surely leave you hungry for lunch, so it's a good thing that Asbury Restaurant is located right next door! With indoor and outdoor seating featuring beautiful views of the surrounding mountain-rimmed valley...

alt
Seneca Caverns WV/Facebook

...to hearty, delicious meals, Asbury Restaurant is worth a trip even if you don't plan to tour Seneca Caverns.

advertisement
alt
Seneca Caverns WV/Facebook

Be sure to save room for dessert! Some patrons come just for a slice of this pie.

alt
Seneca Caverns WV/Facebook

If you finish your delicious lunch at Asburys and still aren't quite ready to head home yet, there's still more to do right on-site. Shop the small gift shop or try your hand at gemstone mining. You never know what kind of treasures you might unearth at either place to round out the day.

alt
Seneca Caverns WV/Facebook

Get an aerial view of this gorgeous area:

Have you ever spent the day at Seneca Caverns in West Virginia, experiencing all the location has to offer? Which activity was your favorite? To get the most current information, be sure to head over to the Seneca Caverns website or Facebook page. If you're looking for more activities like this, check out some more of the best day trips in West Virginia.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Happiness Is A Summer Day Trip To This Little-Known Lake In West Virginia

Published Jun 5, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

For me, a perfect summer day includes two things: mountains and water. Give me a West Virginia creek, a West Virginia river, a West Virginia lake! Perhaps that's why I'm so eager to share with you what I've learned about Charles Fork Lake, a beautiful reservoir located near Spencer, West Virginia. Nestled in the rolling hills of Roane County, this serene lake offers visitors like you and me a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

advertisement

The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Anglers will find a variety of fish species in the lake, including walleye, musky, and bass.

alt
City of Spencer, West Virginia / Facebook

Boaters can explore the calm waters and soak up the stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges (only electric trolling motors are permitted on Charles Fork Lake, making this a popular destination for paddlers with their kayaks, paddleboards, and more).

alt
City of Spencer, West Virginia / Facebook

There's also a picnic area and a campground. All in all, it is the perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day by the water.

alt
Dede K / TripAdvisor

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are hiking trails around the lake that offer a chance to admire the local flora and fauna.

alt
Lee Rishel / AllTrails

The Charles Fork Lake Outer Loop Trail, for example, is a moderate seven mile hike that circles the lake. Bird watchers will particularly enjoy the diverse bird species that call the area home.

alt
Pierce White / AllTrails

Charles Fork Lake also hosts the Tour de Lake mountain bike race and various fishing tournaments each year.

alt
Prokop Prusek / Google Maps

Whether you're looking for a peaceful fishing spot, a tranquil paddle on the water, or a scenic hike in nature, Charles Fork Lake near Spencer, West Virginia, has something to offer for everyone. So pack a picnic, grab your fishing gear, and head to this hidden gem in West Virginia for a perfect summer day filled with relaxation and outdoor fun. And tell me, what's your favorite way to spend a summer day in Almost Heaven, West Virginia?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Trip Ideas|Day Trips

You Could Spend Forever Exploring This West Virginia Small Town, But We’ll Settle For A Weekend

Shepherdstown, WV, offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect weekend destination.

Updated Apr 25, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Ann

What would West Virginia be without its small towns? It's nearly impossible to imagine, especially considering that our cities have all the charm and familiarity of small towns. Each offers rich history, cultural significance, and stunning natural wonders just waiting to be explored. Today's feature destination is one that's just begging for a weekend visit: Shepherdstown. For those lucky enough to live in West Virginia, Shepherdstown isn't exactly a hidden gem. Yet for those who have never visited, this small college town promises a beautiful blend of history, natural wonders, and exciting attractions for all ages. So pack your bags -- we're going on a weekend trip to discover all the fun things to do in Shepherdstown, WV!

advertisement

Located in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, Shepherdstown is a gorgeous weekend destination with so much to offer in the way of history, culture, arts, food, and outdoor adventures.

alt
Wikipedia

Shepherdstown is a vibrant college town, home to Shepherd University, which was founded in 1871.

alt
Shepherdstown, West Virginia / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the town, we'd recommend a trip to Rumsey Monument Park, a beautiful park overlooking the river.

alt
Kevin Grove / Google

The famous Rumsey Monument stands in honor of James Rumsey, who pioneered the very first steamboat on the Potomac River.

alt
Acroterion/Wikimedia

As the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown is filled with historic buildings and landmarks. A walking tour of downtown is sure to be an enlightening experience.

advertisement
alt
Google Maps

Looking for some outdoor adventures? No problem! Harpers Ferry is just 12 miles away, offering all kinds of river and hiking adventures.

alt
Visit Jefferson County WV / Facebook

Nearby is the famous Appalachian Trail, a 2,000-mile thru-hike connecting Georgia and Maine.

If you're planning to stay for the weekend, be sure to make a reservation at the Bavarian Inn Resort, a German-inspired restaurant and hotel offering breathtaking views of the town.

alt
Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company / Facebook

Have you ever visited Shepherdstown? What were some of your favorite things to do in Shepherdstown, West Virginia? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you! And, if you need a place to stay, check out these unique vacation rentals in Shepherdstown, WV.

For related content, check out our list of the most charming small towns to visit in West Virginia. There's something on the list for everyone!

If you love small towns in WV, you may also find this footage of the abandoned town of Thurmond, West Virginia to be quite intriguing!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food
Restaurants

Dine for Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Diner in Minnesota

by Trent Jonas
on Sep 13
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Most Iconic View in Iowa Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 13
alt
Food
Restaurants

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in South Dakota That Is Worth the Day Trip

by Tori Jane
on Sep 13
alt
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

This Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Wisconsin Is So Worth Exploring

by Trent Jonas
on Sep 13
alt
Experiences
Activities

Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Attractions and Activities in Oregon

by Megan Todaro
on Sep 12
alt