A true community hub in Fayetteville, Cathedral Cafe is an old church turned year-round cafe serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and desserts. Owned by former raft guides who still spend their free time on the river, it’s a local favorite. The cinnamon bun latte is legendary, and the French toast, smoked salmon bagel, and fresh cinnamon rolls are worth every bite.

Rising 876 feet above the river, the New River Gorge Bridge is the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and a must-see in West Virginia. Visit in October for Bridge Day, when the span opens to pedestrians and daring BASE jumpers. The rest of the year, try a guided Bridge Walk, where you’ll clip into a harness and cross the catwalk beneath the bridge while hearing stories of its history.

If you want the money shot of the New River Gorge Bridge, this is your hike. Long Point Trail in Fayette County is 3.2 miles round trip with a dramatic payoff: a rocky outcrop that gives you a straight-on view of the bridge framed by the endless green of the gorge. This moderate trek is perfect for snapping a few photos and soaking in the view that puts West Virginia on so many Instagram feeds.

Think of ACE Adventure Resort like a summer camp on steroids, with 1,500 acres of wild fun just outside New River Gorge National Park in Oak Hill. Famous for its whitewater rafting trips, ACE also offers zip lining, rock climbing, mountain biking, and a giant inflatable water park on a spring-fed lake. Stay for the day or make it a weekend with options ranging from rustic campsites to luxe cabins.

Arrowhead Bike Farm proves bikes and brews are a match made in West Virginia heaven. Beginners can book a lesson with certified instructors, while seasoned riders can rent a Trek and hit the trails immediately. The Handle Bar + Kitchen serves post-ride burgers, chicken tenders, and local brews like the Orange Oswald IPA. Bikes, beer and burgers? It’s the perfect day.

Come hungry, leave with a new favorite president. Secret Sandwich Society names every sandwich after a commander-in-chief, like the Hoover (fried chicken, honey butter, and pickles on a potato roll) or the Truman (turkey, peach jam, and blue cheese spread). Their brussels sprouts with feta and hot honey are borderline addictive, and the pimento cheese fries? Let’s say they’ve attracted celebrity chefs like Top Chef’s Carla Hall.

If West Virginia had a single postcard image, it would be the Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park. Tucked beside a rushing stream and surrounded by forest, it’s one of the most photographed spots in the state. You can tour the working mill, hike the trails, and even book a stay in a cozy cabin. Come summer, dip your toes in the river. In the fall, watch the trees burst into gold and orange.

In Lewisburg, descend 120 feet into Lost World Caverns, a cool 52-degree underground wonder filled with colossal stalagmites, delicate curtains, and the 30-ton Snowy Chandelier. A self-guided half-mile loop takes about 45 minutes, with highlights like the 28-foot War Club and glittering Bridal Veil. Adventurers can push farther on the Wild Cave Tour, crawling through undeveloped passages by headlamp. Whether strolling or spelunking, the formations here feel more sci-fi than subterranean.

Fresh, local, and unapologetically creative, Humble Tomato is a downtown Lewisburg gem for Italian-inspired fare. The Newton’s Law pizza pairs dried figs, prosciutto, grilled apple, and goat cheese in a flavor combo you didn’t know you needed. Or go classic with chicken parm done right. The patio is perfect for warm evenings, while the interior (set in a historic 1787 building) is the ultimate throwback.

Rolling hills, a sunny patio, and small-batch cider made right on site, Hawk Knob is an afternoon well spent. Their Hard Cherry Cider brings a tart pop with almond notes, while the traditional barrel-aged variety tastes like autumn in a glass. Sip pondside, chat with the owners about their craft, and take a bottle (or two) home with you!

Class is definitely in session at The Schoolhouse Hotel, once White Sulphur High School and now West Virginia’s first fully accessible hotel. This boutique beauty with 30 guest rooms still retains charming details from its academic past (each room is themed after a school subject). Dine at the onsite Varsity Bar & Grill for elevated Southern comfort food, then head to the rooftop bar for cocktails and sweeping views of downtown.