Posted in West Virginia December 22, 2016 by

There’s Something Extraordinary About This Small City In West Virginia

Bluefield, West Virginia is a city that’s had some rough days, but it’s been experiencing many exciting changes. Take a look at some of the things that you’ll find in this charming town.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Bluefield, West Virginia was founded in the 18th century, beginning with two pioneer families who settled in the area.
Flickr/born1945
The First Lady of Bluefield, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Miller Davidson, is credited with having said “Oh what lovely blue fields,” as she observed the blue Mountain Chicory blooming in the area where the city would later be.
Bluefield has a reputation for charming hospitality, which is demonstrated by the city's official lemonade days.
Flickr/Rob Bertholf
Since 1938, the Chamber of Commerce has given free lemonade to the public when the temperature is greater than 90 °F.
At the height of the coal boom, Bluefield was called a "Little New York" and had a bustling, big city feel.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
The Great Depression, the decline of the coal industry, and a series of fires hit Bluefield hard. The city declined in population. But recent efforts are focused on bringing the city back to life.
Many small businesses are starting to open in Bluefield's downtown area as part of revitalization efforts.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
The Bluefield Yarn Company is one of the newer shops in the downtown.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
This little shop offers luxurious yarns, as well as classes and tutoring for projects. Address: 313 Federal Street, Bluefield, WV 24701.
The Blue Mountain Mercantile is down the block.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
The Mercantile sells handcrafted items from local artisans.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
The store also regularly offers classes to design your own creative works.
You'll find handmade toys, artwork, ornaments, furniture, clothing, and more here.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
Address: 320 Federal St, Bluefield, West Virginia.
Blue Mountain Apothecary is also located in the building.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
This little shop sells handmade soaps and other indulgent body products, made with all-natural ingredients and scented with essential oils. You can also buy the products here.
Landmark Antique Mall is a three-story antique store filled with vintage treasures.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
You're sure to find something here that will take you back to the good old days.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
Address: 200 Federal St, Bluefield, WV 24701.
Bluefield's restaurant scene is also seeing some great developments.
Patty Joe's Restaurant/Facebook
Patty Joe's serves homestyle meals and fresh seafood. Address: Save 3029 East Cumberland Road, Bluefield, WV 24701.
Portabella's is an Italian restaurant with delicious comfort food and New York style pizzas.
Yelp/Christopher G.
Address: 412 Princeton Ave, Bluefield, WV 2470
The Big Whiskey BBQ Company is an authentic barbecue restaurant with a variety of meats and sauces to choose from.
Big Whiskey BBQ/Facebok
Address: 610 Raleigh Street Bluefield, WV 24701.
Bluefield is celebrating Christmas in a spectacular way with the Holiday of Lights at Lotito City Park. The park has a 1.5 mile drive through the lights, making it one of the biggest displays in the state. Address: 1780 Stadium Drive, Bluefield, WV 24701.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
The park displays nearly a million lights, which take months to set up into all the festive designs.
On special event days, families can take hayrides with Elsa and Olaf through the light displays.
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
There will be Frozen hayrides taking place on December 23 and December 30.
There are also trolley rides available.
Youtube/Visit Mercer County WV
The trolley travels through the light show on a trip to visit Santa.
Youtube/Visit Mercer County WV
The trolley stops at Santa's workshop...
Rachel Whetstone/Only In Your State
... and the children get a chance to go inside and talk to jolly old Saint Nick.
Youtube/Visit Mercer County WV
You'll want to have your camera ready!
The light displays at the park will continue each night until the new year, when once again Bluefield will celebrate in its own special way.
Marie Blackwell/submitted photo from City of Bluefield
On New Year's Eve, Bluefield has its own version of the The Times Square Ball drop, but what drops in the center of town is, of course, a lemon! The symbol of the city's hospitality is sure to bring great things for the new year.
If you need a place to stay to visit all these festivities, consider the Bluefield Inn.
Bluefield Inn and Restaurant 2109/Facebook
This charming bed and breakfast is located in a beautiful historic home built in 1904. Address: 2109 Jefferson St Bluefield, West Virginia. Call (304) 323-2200 for reservations.

Take a look at this video from Mercer County about the Holiday of Lights. The last trolley ride to see Santa will be December 23, 2016, but you can still drive through the lights until January 1. For directions and more information, go here.

For another town in West Virginia that’s coming back to life, check out what’s happening in Princeton.

Address: 1780 Stadium Drive, Bluefield, WV 24701