West Virginia Getaway: Exploring the Potomac Highlands

Recently, we traveled to West Virginia for the first time to explore Hardy and Hampshire Counties in the Potomac Highlands. In this northwestern portion of the state, we took in stunning mountain vistas, explored charming small towns, and enjoyed farm-to-table Appalachian cuisine.

If you’re looking for a refreshing weekend getaway, this is a wonderful place to visit, especially in spring when everything around you is bursting with new life. It’s no wonder many call West Virginia “Almost Heaven,” because the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make you feel like you just might be there! We hope this short travel guide will be helpful as you plan your own West Virginia getaway.

In partnership with West Virginia

How to get there

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The Potomac Highlands of West Virginia are very close to both Washington D.C. and Baltimore—about two hours away by car. Driving from Philadelphia, it takes just under four hours to get there. And since West Virginia is located right in the middle of the East Coast, it’s also within a day’s drive for almost two-thirds of the entire US population!

We flew into DC, and from there drove two hours to Capon Bridge, a lovely little town where we stayed for the weekend.

During our time in Capon Bridge, we had the pleasure of staying at the Basswood, a historic home that was recently remodeled. The Basswood offers five separate suites, and each of them is uniquely designed and displays work by local artists. On the second floor of the building, the Sassafras Suite features original posts and beam construction timbers, exposed brick walls, and antique furniture. We loved this room and its charm!

In addition to having fascinating architecture and a beautiful interior design, the Basswood sits on land right above the Cacapon River. The small yard provides a peaceful green space with several spots, including a wide front porch and gazebo in the back, to relax and enjoy the day. 

Conveniently, you can find several cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the house. If you explore a bit, you’ll also find that almost everyone knows one another in this small town. The Basswood in Capon Bridge is the perfect place for a quiet weekend getaway!

things to do in West Virginia

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Explore Wardensville

West Virginia is home to many charming small towns. With a population of less than 300, Wardensville is one of those towns, and it’s definitely worth a visit! Main Street is dotted with interesting shopping and dining options, including antique stores, art galleries, and a craft brewery. Wardensville is also just a short drive away from both Lost River State Park and George Washington National Forest. If you’re planning to explore these beautiful natural areas, Wardensville’s rustic cabins and romantic bed and breakfasts provide great lodging options.

Lost River Trading Post

This place is a must-visit! Lost River Trading Post is a general store in a historic building that used to be a feed store. Among the many things it offers are an art gallery featuring work from local artists, an in-house bakery, and a wine bar. Here you can enjoy some delicious coffee and a bite to eat while sitting on the building’s rustic front porch. We highly recommend trying the breakfast sandwich! You can also shop for goodies made by local artisans. 

The Wardensville Garden Market

This is another great spot for coffee and baked goods. Also, make sure to pick up some local produce!

Word Play

Word Play is a lovely independent bookstore on Main Street in Wardensville. When you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a display featuring books on local geography—really helpful when exploring the area for the first time! The staff here is also very friendly.

explore romney

Romney is one of the oldest towns in West Virginia. It was founded in 1762, and it played a significant role in the American Civil War, trading hands between the Union Army and Confederate States Army ten times. One great thing to do in this highly walkable town is take a self-guided tour of the historic downtown. You can visit Taggart Hall Civil War Museum, Literary Hall, home of Romney’s literary society, Liberty Hall, traditionally referred to as Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s headquarters, and many other interesting sites and buildings. 

Romney Diner is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch. This family-owned diner serving great comfort food has been a favorite among locals for many years. Just be sure to have some cash on hand, as they don’t accept credit cards.

Enjoy a train ride on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

The Potomac Eagle offers a variety of routes with different themes and durations through the beautiful West Virginia countryside. If you’re looking for a full-day excursion, the eight-hour trip to Petersburg might be perfect for you. If you’re looking for a shorter trip, Potomac Eagle also offers a 3-hour sunset ride and a 1.5 hour ride to Green Spring, among other options.

Four classes of meal service are available: Standard Coach, Standard Dining (a lunch box), Premium Dining (3-course meal), and Superior Dining (4-course meal). You’re free to choose your own unique adventure and food options!

We chose the Trough Trip. This 3-hour journey took us through the Trough, a canyon in a remote section of the South Branch of the Potomac River, to Sycamore Bridge and back again. While traveling through the Trough an expert guide helped us spot eagles perched high up in trees along the canyon wall. 

During your trip, we recommend visiting the open-air car and the gondola to fully enjoy the surrounding scenery and feel the wind in your hair. Also, make sure to bring binoculars or a telephoto camera lens to spot a few eagles along the way!

Hike to the Cranny Crow Overlook

There are several great hiking spots in the Potomac Highlands. If you only have time for one hike, we recommend taking the White Oak Trail to Cranny Crow Overlook in Lost River State Park.

You can find a small parking lot near the trailhead at Hidden Trails Stables. This moderately challenging out-and-back route takes about 2 hours to complete, not including time spent at the overlook. Once you reach the top, Cranny Crow Overlook offers sweeping views of rolling hills to the southwest. If the weather is agreeable, it’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset! 

shop local

Whether you’re seeking a souvenir for yourself or a gift for someone else, you can’t leave West Virginia empty-handed. There are simply too many specialty boutiques, one-of-a-kind shops, flea markets, and antique stores to do that! Here are a few spots where you can find art, crafts, and other items made by local artisans:

• Lost River Trading Post
• The Wardensville Garden Market 
• Lost River General Store + Cafe 
• Bent River Trading Co

Eat all the food

The Potomac Highlands in West Virginia is an amazing place for foodies! You can find hip coffee shops, small-town diners, one-of-a-kind eateries serving homestyle food, and high-quality farmers markets all within a small area. And since the Mountain State has the highest percentage of family-owned farms in the nation, local farmers markets and restaurants offer fresh and highly varied produce selections. 

Here are a few spots we recommend visiting:

West Virginia is a wonderful destination for a getaway, especially in spring, but really any time of year. We hope this travel guide will help you plan your own adventure in the Mountain State!