3 holiday road trips to make gift shopping exciting

Mine the mountains for handcrafted gifts!

Only Santa could fly through all of West Virginia, but these road trips hit some of the best stops. Follow along— we’ll show you where to find edible, drinkable and memorable gifts!

1. Potomac Highlands

Lost River Trading Post

Lost River Trading Post has an eye for all things quirky and humorous, and high standards. You’ll find repurposed goodies (like toilet paper hangers made from western horse bits and lamps made from bed springs) and local artistry.

Unique antiques and vintage goods fill every corner, alongside locally made jam, beer and beauty products. Consider that shopping list done! There’s even an espresso, so you can treat yourself, too!

Lost River Artisans’ Cooperative

At the Lost River Artisans’ Cooperative, there’s no shortage of traditional artistry. Browse shelves of woodwork, ceramic mugs and primitives. The co-op’s band of neighborly artists ensures everything is truly one of a kind.

Once you’re finished, check out the on-site museum’s growing collection of Lost River antiques, farming implements, vintage photos and artifacts.

The Inn at Lost River & General Store

Poke around this ol-time stop for jewelry, glass ornaments, country gifts and home decor. Then, walk a few steps over to the cafe for lunch! The barbecue pork is especially delicious, but you can also order up paninis, soup, espresso and ice cream.

The Inn at Lost River has cottages and a charming Main House, so you can settle in here for the evening.

Redwood & Co.

The mixologist on your list will stir up a smile for the cocktail mixes and sophisticated syrups at Redwood & Co. They also have an extensive line of organic body care products. Sort through bars of goat-milk soap, aloe lotion and scents made with therapeutic-grade oils.

Kac-Ka-Pon Restaurant

This diner’s charm is in its cheery service and comfort food. Order anything from burgers and fries to flounder, mashed potatoes and steak. Everything is made to order and fresh, too. If you can manage it, finish with a slice of the homemade pie.

Antique shop at Centre Market, Wheeling, WV

2. Northern Panhandle

ThistleDew Farm

Give a gift comb-crafted by bees. ThistleDew Farm harvests hives and creates beeswax, candles, body products and honey of all kinds: creamed, flavored, raw unfiltered and comb. You can even find gourmet mustard and vinegar.

Take a peek at these industrious insects when you visit ThistleDew’s Mountain Craft Shop Co. There’s a glassed-in display where you can watch the bees in action! Assemble your own gift basket, try some samples and shop for kids— there are plenty of folk toys for sale.

1853 Centre Market

This West Virginia attraction is older than the state itself! Centre Market has an art gallery, bakeries, boutiques, kids’ science center and used book store. And if you need fuel to hit all those stops, several restaurants and cafes will serve you up something sweet, savory or caffeinated.

Wheeling Artisan Center

The Wheeling Artisan Center has 3 floors open for exploration. Shop at The Emporium for glasswork, textiles, toys and delicacies like preserves and candy. You can also wander around the exhibits and grab a bite to eat.

Recycled art pig sculpture, West Virginia

3. Southern WV

Downtown Lewisburg

Dig into America’s older artistry in the carefully curated Brick House Antiques. Little book shops, cookware stores, galleries— find it all in a few square blocks in one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns.” You won’t see the same things twice!

Smooth Ambler Spirits

There’s nothing like handcrafted West Virginia whiskey! Smooth Ambler Spirits makes each batch from grains to glass, just like folks did centuries ago. Sample their award-winning barrel-aged gin, rum and vodka.

Tamarack

At Tamarack “The Best of West Virginia” gallery, you can find handcrafted everything— cereal bowls, cutting boards, soap, quilts, shoes and candy. There are original paintings, sculptures and handmade musical instruments, too.

Stop into the gourmet food court while you shop, too. Chefs, top-trained at the prestigious The Greenbrier resort, craft upscale all-Appalachian favorites.

Downtown Fayetteville

Stop into another of “America’s Coolest” towns in the New River Gorge. Dig through odd treasures in the Hobbit Hole, or get top-quality gear for the adventurers on your list at Water Stone Outdoors. Fuel up with an artisanal coffee pick-me-up and farm-fresh meal from Cathedral Cafe or Pies & Pints.

This post was last updated on September 5, 2023