11 Things You Can Only Find In West Virginia And Nowhere Else In The World
To the uninformed, it’s easy to sit back and say, “There isn’t anything to do in West Virginia!” However, there’s more than meets the eye in The Mountain State. There’s an immense amount of history here, and some amazing things and people hail from this excellent state. There are all sorts of things you’ll only find in West Virginia, and some of them are almost unbelievable. Explore all that The Mountain State has to offer and you’ll surely fall in love. Check out some of our claims to fame:
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
1. World's Largest Teapot in Chester, West Virginia
Now this is a roadside attraction like no other. The World's Largest Teapot sits near the banks of the Ohio River, towering 14 feet in height. Find it near the intersection of Caroline Ave. & Old US Hwy 30 in Chester, WV 26034.
This incredible "Pumpkin House" is decorated with tons of carved pumpkins each year. This last season, there were over 3,000 pumpkins! The community even comes together to have children come and carve pumpkins. How original! Visit this spooky cool spot at 748 Beech St, Kenova, WV 25530.
This crazy awesome museum will absolutely blow you away! Their webpage says that you will see the laws of gravity defied underneath this unusual little place. The Mystery Hole can be found at 16724 Midland Trail, Ansted, WV 25812.
The Mothman originates from Point Pleasant, WV! The first known sighting of the Mothman is November 12, 1966, by five men who were digging a grave at a cemetery. The men allegedly saw a creature fly low from the surrounding trees over top of their heads. Just days later, two couples told police that they saw a big creature who had glowing red eyes. They supposedly saw the creature just outside of the town in an area called the "TNT Area," which is the site of a former WWII munitions plant. The following few days, there were multiple sightings. There were around 100 sightings of the Mothman, and undoubtedly many more that were too afraid to report their sighting. Check out the Mothman Statue and Marker at 201 4th St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550.
5. Marx Toy Museum, located in Moundsville, West Virginia, has over sixty years of Louis Marx and Co. toys on display.
This museum is the largest collection of Marx Toys in the world! It's located right around the corner from the Glen Dale Marx Factory, so its location is truly appropriate. Find it at 915 2nd St, Moundsville, WV 26041.
6. Hillbilly Hot Dogs, located in Lesage, West Virginia
This unusual restaurant is definitely original to West Virginia! Hillbilly Hot Dogs has burgers, sandwiches, and hotdogs, one of which is named the Homewrecker. Can you eat this massive one pound hot dog? Put yourself to the test at 6951 Ohio River Rd, Lesage, WV 25537.
7. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails, which are located in several counties!
The trails wind through Logan, Kanawha, Wyoming, McDowell, Mercer, Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo, and Boone counties! This is a nationally known trail, spanning over 300 miles when it first opened in the year 2000. In 2002, the trails expanded by 100 miles, and in 2004, the trail system added another 100 miles which made it the second largest off-road vehicle trail in the world, second to the Paiute ATV Trail in Utah. Now there are over 600 miles of trails with plans to expand to 2000 miles! WOW! Start your adventure at 34 Oakwood Heights Road, Williamson, WV 25661.
8. America's Oldest Five and Dime, located in Harrisville, West Virginia!
How amazing... This Five and Dime turned 100 in 2008! Berdine's 5 & Dime has old school charm and friendly service, plus a community-centric feel that you just can't replicate. Find it at 106 N Court St, Harrisville, WV 26362.
9. The Green Bank Telescope, located in Green Bank, West Virginia
The Green Bank Observatory continues its studies to this day, a legacy of six decades of radio astronomy research. Their iconic Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope is the first-ever fully steerable radio telescope, and it's a sight like no other. At a height of 485 feet, this snow-white structure is hard to miss. You can spot it at 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944.
10. The Homer Laughlin China Company, located in Newell, West Virginia
The Homer Laughlin China Company was the largest pottery company in the world in the 1920s. The China Company is most famous for producing the Fiesta line of dinnerware, which began in 1936. Visit The Homer Laughlin China Company at 672 Fiesta Dr, Newell, WV 26050.
11. The most magnificent Fall season in the world.
Pictured above is a view in Babcock State Park, which is in Fayette County, WV. This 4,127 acre landscape is tucked into the New River Gorge, where its iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill is among the most photographed landmarks in The Mountain State. Find the park at 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831.
Amazing! These mountains have so much to offer, and you don’t even have to look that hard. Can you think of any other things you’ll only find in West Virginia? Comment below!
Address: 16724 Midland Trail, Ansted, WV 25812, USA
Address: 201 4th St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, USA
Address: 915 2nd St, Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
Address: 6951 Ohio River Rd, Lesage, WV 25537, USA
Address: 34 Oakwood Heights Road, Williamson, WV 25661, USA
Address: 106 N Court St, Harrisville, WV 26362, USA
Address: 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944, USA
Address: 672 Fiesta Dr, Newell, WV 26050, USA
Address: 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things You'll Only Find in West Virginia
November 01, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Is West Virginia a great place to live?
The Mountain State is a unique place to call home, and it’s home to all sorts of natural wonders that nature lovers can’t get enough of. If you love rolling mountains, quaint towns where everyone knows your name, and all sorts of natural beauty, then West Virginia would be a great place for you to call home.
What are the weirdest things about West Virginia?
Arguably, the weirdest thing about our state is our identity. West Virginia was admitted to the Union in 1863 after it formally broke away from Virginia, due in part to its population being rather different than its eastern neighbors.
What unique words and phrases do people in West Virginia say?
Looking for words you’ll only find in West Virginia? Here, we call shopping carts buggies, and we put our pokes (or bags) in said buggy. Stay here for a spell and we promise you’ll get used to our vernacular!
Address: Old US Hwy 30, Chester, WV 26034, USA
Address: 748 Beech St, Kenova, WV 25530, USA
Address: 16724 Midland Trail, Ansted, WV 25812, USA
Address: 201 4th St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, USA
Address: 915 2nd St, Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
Address: 6951 Ohio River Rd, Lesage, WV 25537, USA
Address: 34 Oakwood Heights Road, Williamson, WV 25661, USA
Address: 106 N Court St, Harrisville, WV 26362, USA
Address: 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944, USA
Address: 672 Fiesta Dr, Newell, WV 26050, USA
Address: 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA
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