The perfect fall day in West Virginia

Apple cider. Pumpkin carving. Corn mazes. Bonfires. Fall is one of the best times of the year, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in West Virginia.

Here’s your ultimate fall day in West Virginia:

Morning

Wake up on a crisp autumn morning with a hot pumpkin spice latte from Charleston’s Taylor Books. Paired with a seasonal cranberry apple scone, the warm flavors will get your day started on the right note. Then, head to Milton in search of the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch before getting lost in the Corn Maze at Cooper Family Farms. If you time it right, you might catch the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival where you can marvel at all the pumpkin crafts, activities and treats – including the favorite pumpkin ice cream from Huskey’s Dairy Bar.

Afternoon

If you really want to get into the “spirit” of things, pair lunch with a seasonal sip. Try a Hawk Knob hard cider made with West Virginia-grown apples. Try North End Tavern & Brewery’s Pumpkinsheimer spiced autumn brew made with real pumpkins. Or warm up with a sweet spiced wine from the Forks of Cheat Winery. Afterward, take a stroll through the Capitol to check out the multicolored leaves or take the Carriage Trail, a picturesque trail that winds through the woods of the South Hills. If you’re in town during Charleston’s FestivALL Fall, you’ll be treated to a weekend of music, arts, dance, theater and family fun.

Evening

Fill up on a seasonal pie at Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar, all followed by their crowd-favorite “hot pumpkin cobbler topped with Austin’s pumpkin cheesecake ice cream, caramel sauce and candied walnuts.” Head to Gritt’s Farm in Buffalo for kid-friendly games, a hayride and apple slingshots! Afterward, if you’re feeling creative, take a stab at some pumpkin carving during community-sponsored events in Barboursville and Charleston. And what’s Halloween without a flickering jack ’o lantern or two? Stop by the annual C-K AutumnFest, includes all the usual festival attractions like parades, crafts and food vendors, but a trip to Ceredo-Kenova isn’t complete without a visit to the famous Pumpkin House with its dazzling display of over 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins.

Other fall events around the state:

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center hosts hay rides and spooky night tours at its facility near Buckhannon. The zoological park houses a collection of native and introduced species that visitors can view along a stroller-friendly interpretive trail through the woods.

Orr’s Farm Market in Martinsburg hosts pumpkin patch field trips for elementary-age kids. Students can learn about the different varieties of pumpkins and apples, take a hayride, play games in the pumpkin patch, and sample some crisp, flavorful apples or fresh-squeezed apple cider.

Visit our Best of Fall page for more fall activities and fall foliage updates. While you’re out celebrating the season, be sure to take lots of pictures and share them on social media with #AlmostHeaven.

This post was last updated on March 11, 2024