West Virginia has quite the reputation of being full of illiterate, inbred hillbillies. While I cannot vouch for all of us, the majority of us are average Americans living pretty average lives. However, here are just a few things that make our state unique. Here are 12 unique things you’ll only find in West Virginia. What others do you think we could add to the list?

1) Hillbilly Hotdogs, located in Lesage, WV, has some of the most original hotdogs that one will ever encounter. Try out the Home Wrecker, a fifteen inch long hot dog!
Matt/Flickr
Here in West Virginia, we love our food! Which leads me to my next point...
2) A true West Virginia hot dog! Our dogs here in WV typically come topped with mustard, chopped onions, chili, and coleslaw. Yum!
Mike McCormick/Flickr
Check out our previous article for all the details about Hillbilly Hotdogs.
3) The Mystery Hole, located in Ansted, WV, is an attraction that brings in guests both young and old.
langsm/Flickr
Visit the Mystery Hole April through October to witness first-hand some of the most unusual things that will leave you wondering!

Learn more by checking out our previous article.
4) Ah yes, how could I not mention the "Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia"?
Keith/Flickr
The Whites are a family from Boone County, WV, that never fail to amaze people. Depending on where you go and who you ask, you will get a wide spectrum of opinions on the White family. Personally, I believe that this family is your stereotypical "West Virginia" family, which is actually an incorrect stereotype! Not all West Virginians are unusual (to say the least), the majority of us are average Americans with daytime jobs, running vehicles, and normal marriages. We don't normally get that upset over some sloppy eggs! If we were all unique like the Whites, there wouldn't be a documentary specifically about this family. We would have a movie about our state... oh wait, we do! Wrong Turn!
5) Tudor's Biscuit World! Tudor's is a restaurant that actually began in Nitro, West Virginia and is most commonly found here.
James/Flickr
The chain has now expanded to Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. Tudor's has country cookin' like biscuits made from scratch and homestyle breakfasts and dinners. Again, a true West Virginian knows their food!

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details.
6) Blenko Glass Company, located in Milton, WV, is known for its stunning hand-blown glass pieces.
MountainMadeWV Handmade Art/Flickr

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7) The town of Richwood, WV, holds an annual ramp festival every April. It has been dubbed the "Feast of the Ramson!" Richwood's nickname is "The Ramp Capital of the World!"
Wild West Virginia Ramps
Be sure to visit their website for more information.
8) The Hatfields and McCoys: two famous families that feuded in the late 1800s.
Wikimedia Commons
The anger between these two families lasted decades, and it all started because of the murder of a McCoy that some Hatfields were believed to have been behind. The Coffin Quilt, a novel by Ann Rinaldi, is actually set in Kentucky (where the McCoys actually lived) but is about the feud between the two families, through the eyes of a young McCoy. All in all, four Hatfields, seven McCoys, and a Deputy Sheriff ended up losing their lives. These two family names are now famous across the states.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details.
9) The Coal House, located in Williamson, WV, is a building made of coal masonry. It was the only of its kind when it was built in 1933, but in 1959 there was a second coal house built in Lewisburg.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
In 2010, the Williamson Coal House actually caught fire (Who would have thought?) but ended up only suffering minimal damage to the outside structure. It reopened in September of 2011.

Be sure to check out our previous article for more information.
10) In Kenova, WV, resides the famous Pumpkin House. Owner Ric Griffith, the town mayor, hand carves over 3000 pumpkins each year every Halloween season. Talk about some dedication!
Frank Pierson/Flickr
Check out our previous article for more information.
11) The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope is the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope, and its right here in WV! How fascinating!
Erik Dunham/Flickr
Check out our previous article for more information.
12) How many rednecks does it take to eat roadkill? Two. One to eat, the other to watch for cars!
Emmett Unlimetted/Flickr
The Annual West Virginia Road Kill Cook-off is one of the more unique things that WV has to offer, to say the least. If you've never been, you're in for a treat. Check their website for updates on when the next festival will be held.

I’ve lived in West Virginia my entire life, and I can honestly say that I have experienced every single one of these unique things about our state. I’ve watched the White family’s documentary, I’ve been to a “Critter Dinner,” and I have certainly been to Tudor’s my fair share! Who wouldn’t love those homestyle biscuits and gravy?! What are some things that you think make our mountain state unique? Let us know in the comments below!

For more unique things you’ll only find in West Virginia, be sure to check out this words and phrases you’ll only hear here!

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More to Explore

Unique Things In West Virginia

Jackie Ann | February 19, 2021

What unique tours in West Virginia can I take?

With West Virginia’s state history beginning in 1861 and natural history sites dating back to the Paleozoic Era, The Mountain State offers an exciting range of tours and excursions. Natural and cultural history buffs alike will be thrilled with the activities at Seneca Caverns outside of Riverton. There, West Virginia explorers can tour the karst caves and wander the ancient ceremonial grounds of the Seneca Indians. For a more bone-chilling outing, tour the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston. Take a haunted or historical tour of this former mental hospital rumored to be among the most haunted spots in the United States. In Moundsville, tourists marvel at the semi-precious stones, intricately carved wood, colorful stained glass, and gold leaf decor of The Palace of Gold. Ranked as one of eight religious wonders in the country, this New Vrindaban temple offers unforgettable and unique access to breathtaking treasures.

What are the most unique places to spend the night in West Virginia?

You don’t need to plan a long vacation to get out and explore the many unique stays offered across West Virginia. At Thorny Mountain, spend the night in an old fire tower which affords guests stunning 360-degree mountain and valley views of the Monongahela National Forest and Seneca State Forest. In historic Harper’s Ferry, the 225-year-old Light Horse Inn was once a destination for travelers seeking the Western Frontier. The inn’s spacious suites make this an excellent home base for touring the town’s fascinating past. Nestled inside Stonewall Jackson Lake Wildlife Management Area, Roanoke’s Stonewall Resort offers a wide range of amenities, from hiking trails, a golf course, and delicious fine dining.

What can I do with kids in West Virginia?

Family-friendly, kid-approved activities are in abundance across our state and parents will find no shortage of ideas for fun-filled outings. Get some fresh air with your little ones and explore the sights of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, ranking as the longest hiking trail in the world. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for all the native plants and wildlife. outside Lewisburg, kids adore exploring the stalagmites and underground waterfalls at Lost World Caverns. For a fun and educational day out, The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston will excite the imaginations of parents and kids alike. This expansive 240,000-square-foot facility offers fascinating exhibits and activities dedicated to the arts and sciences. For more inspiration, check out this list of kid-friendly state parks in West Virginia!

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Hillbilly Hot Dogs, 6951 Ohio River Rd, Lesage, WV 25537, USA
Mystery Hole, 16724 Midland Trail, Ansted, WV 25812, USA
3071A University Ave, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
9 Bill Blenko Dr, Milton, WV 25541, USA
Richwood, WV 26261, USA
The Coal House, 73 E 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661, USA
Kenova's Pumpkin House, 748 Beech St, Kenova, WV 25530, USA
Green Bank Telescope, 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944, USA