West Virginia
Trip Ideas|Day Trips

The Small Market In West Virginia Boasting World-Famous Pie Is The Sweetest Day Trip Destination

Oliver's Pies in Wheeling, West Virginia, offers the best homemade pies in the state, making it a must-visit destination.

Published Apr 9, 2022

Written by 

Cristy

Is it worth an entire day trip to Wheeling, West Virginia just for some pie? If it's pie from Oliver's Pies in Centre Market, then the answer is a resounding YES. It has, after all, been named the best pie in West Virginia. Hit the road, toad. We're heading on the sweetest day trip in West Virginia. We need a piece of that pie.

The best pie in West Virginia almost wasn't.

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Oliver's Pies / Facebook

The Oliver family of Wheeling, West Virginia didn't set out to open a pie shop. They sort of stumbled into it by accident trying to raise money for unique family opportunity.

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Oliver's Pies / Facebook

But those original, home baked fund-raising pies, sold to friends, family, and neighbors, were so good that requests kept pouring in for more. And more.

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Oliver's Pies / Facebook

Eventually, the Olivers' home kitchen couldn't keep up with the demand, and Oliver's Pies, a small shop in Wheeling's Centre Market, was born.

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Carrie E / Tripadvisor

What makes Oliver's Pies the best in West Virginia? They are homemade the old-fashioned way, using only the freshest, handmade ingredients and secret family techniques handed down from generations of pie-making Olivers.

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Oliver's Pies / Facebook

The fruit pies are loaded with fresh, never-from-a-can fruit. The creme pies are piled high with homemade puddings and custards - no boxed pudding mixes allowed in this shop! And Oliver's Pies also sells rich, delicious cheesecakes.

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Oliver's Pies / Facebook

Plus, Oliver's Pies features an open kitchen so that interested customers can watch the entire pie-making process as it happens - and take a big whiff of the delicious smell of the fresh-baked results!

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Centre Market

Oliver's Pies sells pie by the slice straight from their bakery counter, or you can order whole pies or half-pies with some advance notice.

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Centre Market

Come visit this family-owned pie shop, try a slice or two of pie, and taste for yourself why this is some of the best pie in the Mountain State.

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Oliver's Pies / Facebook

Learn more about how to get some Oliver's Pie for yourself by visiting the Oliver's Pie website. You can also find up-to-date information about the hours and seasonal pies available at Oliver's on Facebook.

Interested in another of the sweetest day trip destinations in West Virginia? Try a trip to DeFluri's Fine Chocolates.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Pierce White / AllTrails

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

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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?

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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!

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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.

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Wikipedia

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

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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.

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Kevin Grove / Google

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

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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.

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Google Maps

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

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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.

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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!

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