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This Weekend Itinerary Is Perfect For Exploring Ripley in West Virginia

Discover a weekend itinerary in Ripley, West Virginia, featuring kayaking, unique dining, and local attractions.

Published Dec 14, 2021

Written by 

Rebecca van Sambeck

Ready for a unique and interesting weekend trip in West Virginia? Head over to Ripley, a quaint and charming city with so much to offer in the state. Follow this weekend itinerary in Ripley to make the most out of your visit to this interesting place!

Ripley is a charming, smaller city in West Virginia that's perfect for a weekend visit.

A small town square with a courthouse, trees, and traffic lights, featuring a mix of vehicles and pedestrians.
Google Maps

It has everything: unique shopping, access to beautiful nature, and delicious restaurants.

Start off your day with a kayaking trip on Mill Creek, the river Ripley sits on.

A person paddles a yellow kayak on a calm lake surrounded by greenery.
BackyardProduction via Getty Images

Mill Creek Water Trail is 20 miles long and is truly beautiful. Plus, it's a good workout!

Celebrate your kayaking success with a trip to Appalachian Distillery.

A rustic wooden distillery building with a porch, featuring patriotic decorations and a sign for Appalachian Distillery.
Google/The Hunter
Shelves filled with various bottles of flavored spirits, labeled with names like "Apple Pie" and "Blackberry."
Kurt Tarvis/Google Local

You can taste test incredible whiskey here and learn more about the whiskey-making process.

Or if you're looking for something a bit more unusual, try Fairplain Yacht Club.

A rustic building with a red metal roof, surrounded by parked motorcycles and a pickup truck on a gravel lot.
Google/Richard Vielhaber
A plate with a baked potato, cornbread, steak, and onion rings, alongside a glass of cola and a menu on the table.
Google/Kevin Nutter

It's been named one of West Virginia's most unique restaurants thanks to its inventive dishes. Or, stick with a classic like meat and potatoes!

Finish off your day with a meal at The Downtowner.

Exterior of the Downtowner Restaurant, featuring a red sign, open window, and a bench outside.
Google/cam
A toasted sandwich with melted cheese and a golden-brown crust, served on a black tray.
Google/deborah edgar

This cheerful, classic American restaurant has excellent breakfast and lunch options.

The following day, start off your morning with a trip to West Virginia Artisans Market.

A storefront with a sign reading "6 DOLLAR LUNCH" and banners for Jackson Home Health and local gifts.
Shari Leavitt/Google Local

Peruse the shop and search for interesting, handcrafted goods!

Then head over to Las Trancas for some increcible Mexican cuisine!

Sign for "Las Trancas Mexican Cuisine" on a restaurant building under a partly cloudy sky.
Google/Varun Palaniswamy
Three stacked plates of nachos topped with grilled chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a creamy sauce.
Las Trancas/Facebook

The Mexican food here is fantastic and served in massive portions. You'll definitely want to get plates to share.

If you're weighed down by all the food, catch a fim at the Alpine Theatre.

The Alpine building at dusk, featuring a marquee and bright lights, with a welcoming entrance and decorative plants.
Facebook/Ripley, WV Convention & Visitors Bureau

This historic movie theater has been around for decades.

If you'd like to experience more nature, head to Cedar Lakes Conference Center.

A serene lake surrounded by trees, reflecting a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds and autumn foliage.
Chris Keaton/Google Local

The grounds here are absolutely gorgeous.

And that's just scratching the surface of what you can do with this weekend itinerary in Ripley. There is a historic home, a beautiful covered bridge, and more interesting shops and restaurants, if you'd like to add on to your weekend trip here. Safe travels!

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