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I don’t know about you, but I’ve always seen fall as the perfect opportunity to check those often overlooked destinations off my bucket list.
You know, the ones that promise all the peaceful charm and coziness you crave this time of year, without the noise and chaos of bigger hubs.
And apparently I’m not the only one who feels this way.
A record breaking one 75 million people traveled to West Virginia this past year, which with its breathtaking landscapes and laid-back atmosphere might just be the ultimate autumn hotspot in the entire country.
I know that’s a big statement, but just look at everything the Mountain State has to offer and tell me you don’t see yourself living out all your cocoa-sipping, apple-picking dreams here!
There is more to West Virginia than what meets the eye
Nestled in the Appalachians, West Virginia has long been overlooked in favor of bigger, glitzier places, but in an age when travelers are looking for peace, quiet, and pristine natural views, there’s no better place to be than here.
Because when it comes to scenery, you really can’t beat the New River Gorge National Park – which, while usually stunning, becomes downright breathtaking this time of year, with shades of gold, orange and red taking over the entire landscape.
And West Virginia has much more to offer than just fantastic photo backdrops.
Those big on history will enjoy Harpers Ferry, a small but fascinating town home to some of the best-preserved 19th-century buildings in the country, complete with fantastic live demonstrations.
But the truth is that towns like Hapers Ferry, while beautiful, are usually best visited on day trips.
If you want to spend a little more time admiring the local culture and city life, head to Charleston, the state capital with its signature gold dome (found atop the West Virginia Capitol).
Besides sightseeing and people-watching, you can also enjoy the region’s vastly underrated food scene here – disaster dishes and biscuits and gravy are a must-try.
The perfect autumn weather
One of the main reasons why traveling in the fall can be so difficult is that you have to ensure the right weather.
You want it to be cool enough to get into the seasonal spirit, but not so cold that your plans fall apart; and as long as there are no sudden deviations, West Virginia’s climate offers just that.
Daytime temperatures range between 16°C and 21°C (60°F to 70°F) – perfect for a long sightseeing session or a refreshing walk, while at night they drop to around 40°F to 50°F (4 °C to 10°C), so you can curl up with a cup of cocoa or enjoy a hot meal in the city.
The choice is yours!
An incredible fall getaway on a budget
A great benefit of thinking a little outside the box when choosing your next travel destination is that you’ll likely save a lot of money (money that, by the way, could very well be spent on a pampered ski trip later in the year). the year!).
Most hotels in Charleston hover just above $100 per night – I especially love Holiday InnExpress because of the incredible location!
However, if you drive to West Virginia, you can always find a cheaper place in a smaller city and travel back and forth between cities if necessary.
This way you can sleep cheaply in a great and quiet place (Skyline Lodge is perfect for that), while also forcing yourself to explore as much of the state as possible.
Eating out is also incredibly affordable here (Wheeling was mentioned for example the 2nd cheapest place in the country to get fast food), so cut back on that travel budget and rest assured that you’re getting your money’s worth.
And you don’t have to miss any fun things either
The idea that you need to go somewhere crowded and crowded to have fun is nothing more than a myth.
This season especially, you won’t want to miss all the Bridge Day celebrations (coming October 19, 2024), as well as a few visits to both the historic Keith-Albee Theater and the Huntington Museum of Art.
Don’t forget, these are just a few of the many, many events you can enjoy across the state right now, so be sure to check them out this calendar for more in-depth information.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
