Beckley, WV: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Beckley sits high in the southern West Virginia coalfields, where the Appalachians run at their hardest. The Exhibition Coal Mine takes you underground in an authentic man car, and that is the reason most people stop here at all. Tamarack, out on the turnpike, is the state’s craft showcase and it is worth the exit. New River Gorge is a short drive north of town and Winterplace is a short drive south of it. Winter bites.

Looking for a vacation spot in West Virginia? Beckley is the answer, a charming city with plenty to see and do. History buff, outdoor enthusiast or someone who takes food seriously, all three are covered here.

Tickling Your Taste Buds in Beckley. One of the real strengths of this city is the food scene. Classic Southern comfort food through to farm-to-table cooking, and the range is wider than you expect. Do not miss the local specialties, the pepperoni rolls and the ramp dishes in particular.

Unearthing Beckley’s Rich History. Beckley carries a long past, with museums and historic sites to work through. The city’s coal mining years are laid out at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum, and the Raleigh County Veterans Museum covers the other side of it. Whatever the interest, something here will hold it.

Key Takeaways

Beckley has something for everyone, from foodies to history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts.
The city’s food scene is not to be missed, with plenty of local specialties to try.
Beckley’s rich history is on full display at its many museums and historic sites.

Tickling Your Taste Buds in Beckley

On food, Beckley has a lot to offer. Traditional Appalachian cooking through to international flavors, and the craving gets met. These are a few places to check out:

Dining at The Char

You cannot visit Beckley without stopping at The Char. This classic steakhouse has been serving cuts of meat since 1959. The menu runs filet mignon through to prime rib and the portions are generous. The room is cozy, with wood-paneled walls and low light. And do not skip the famous salad bar, which comes with every entree and carries a real range of greens, toppings and dressings.

Pizza Party at King Tut Drive-In

For something casual, head to King Tut Drive-In. This retro-style restaurant has been a local favorite since 1956. The menu is simple and it works, with pizza as the main event. Order a whole pie or a slice, and the toppings run long. The crust is crispy and the sauce is tangy. And the atmosphere is laid-back, with picnic tables and a playground for the kids.

Savoring Salads at Dobra Zupas

For something lighter, check out Dobra Zupas. This cozy cafe does fresh salads, soups and sandwiches. The menu changes with the season, so there is always something new. The salads are the standout, with combinations like the “Beetnik”, which is roasted beets, goat cheese and pecans, and the “Thai One On”, which is shredded chicken, cabbage and peanut dressing. The room is bright, with colorful murals and funky decor.

Appetizing Appetizers and Craft Beer

For a night out with friends, head to Appalachian Ale House. This gastropub runs a wide selection of craft beer on draft alongside a menu of appetizers. The standout is the “Ale House Nachos”, piled with pulled pork, pico de gallo and queso. The room is lively, with plenty of TVs for the sports. And there is live music on the weekends.

Whatever the mood, Beckley will feed it. So go ahead and eat your heart out.

Unearthing Beckley’s Rich History

History buffs are in the right place in Beckley. The city is full of stories that take you straight back. These are the sites not to miss:

Journey Through Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

You cannot visit Beckley without the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. This National Register of Historic Places site runs underground tours through the history of West Virginia’s coal mining industry. You ride an authentic “man car” through the dark passages and get the daily life of a coal miner as you go. It is not an experience you forget.

Hatfields and McCoys: A Tale of Two Families

You have probably heard of the infamous feud between the Hatfields and McCoys, and Beckley is a good base for the history of it. The city sits near the site of the famous feud, and the McCoy House Museum holds artifacts and the story of the families. There are guided tours out to the places where it happened.

Alfred Beckley: The Man Behind the Name

Beckley is named after Alfred Beckley, a genuinely interesting figure in West Virginia history. He was a soldier, an explorer and a politician, and he played a real part in the development of the state. The Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center holds a statue of him and the rest of the story.

Put these sites on the itinerary when you visit Beckley. You come away understanding the city and the people who built it.

Art and Culture in Beckley

Are you an art lover? Do you care about craft? Then Beckley will suit you. Local artists through to good galleries, this city covers both. These are the best places to go for it:

Exploring Beckley Art Center

For art, the Beckley Art Center is where to go. This center exists to promote and show the work of local artists. The range runs paintings through to sculpture and everything between. And there are workshops and classes for anyone wanting to make something rather than look at it.

Time Travel at Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia

Want a trip back in time? The Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia is where to take it. This museum preserves the history of the coal mining industry in West Virginia. You get what it was like to work in a mine and the hardships the miners faced. And the interactive exhibits make the history land for children as well as adults.

Shopping Spree at Tamarack

For shopping, Tamarack is the place. It is the one-stop shop for everything West Virginia. The craft runs woodwork, textiles, pottery, jewelry and musical instruments, all of it made in the state. And there is Appalachian cooking at the restaurant on site.

So there you have it. Beckley has more art and culture than its size suggests. Fine art, local artists or craft, all three are covered. So pack the bags, grab the camera, and go and look at it.

Outdoor Adventures in Beckley

Are you an outdoor enthusiast after some adventure? Beckley, West Virginia is the answer. With its parks, its hiking trails and its winter sports, this city covers the range.

Hiking Trails in New River Gorge

Strap on the hiking boots and head to New River Gorge, which holds some of the best hiking trails in the country. With over 70,000 acres of wilderness, there is more ground here than you can use in a week. Easy strolls through to hard treks, and there is a trail at every level.

Fishing in Little Beaver State Park

Grab the fishing rod and head to Little Beaver State Park, where the fishing is among the best in the state. With over 18 miles of streams and 18 acres of lake, something will come up. Seasoned angler or complete beginner, this is the place to spend a slow day by the water.

Rock Climbing at Outside-In Climbing Gym

For the adrenaline, head to Outside-In Climbing Gym and test yourself on some of the harder walls in the area. With over 8,000 square feet of climbing space, there is room to push it. Beginner or experienced climber, both find their level.

Winter Fun at Winterplace Ski Resort

When the snow comes, head to Winterplace Ski Resort. With over 90 acres of skiable terrain, Winterplace works for every level of skier or snowboarder. A leisurely cruise down the slopes or something faster, both are on the mountain.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and use the outdoor side of Beckley properly.

The coal mine earns the fuss it gets. You go down in the same car the miners used, through the dark passages, and what you come out with is the daily life of a coal miner rather than a display case. Tamarack is the other one, a state-funded showcase of West Virginia craft with no real equivalent elsewhere. Between them, those two buildings explain the place. The gorge does the rest.

Beckley’s Entertainment Scene

Looking for entertainment in Beckley? The city has a real range, live performances through to miniature golf.

Live Performances at Theatre West Virginia

For live entertainment, head to Theatre West Virginia. The programming runs dramas through to musicals. And the best part is the setting, because the theatre is outdoors, so you get the fresh air with the show. Bring bug spray.

Miniature Golf at Mountain State Miniature Golf

Looking for something more laid-back? Check out Mountain State Miniature Golf. This course works for a day with friends or family. It is well-maintained and the holes are genuinely challenging. And with luck, a hole-in-one.

Whatever the mood, Beckley has something. So go out and enjoy an evening. You have earned it.

Where to Stay in Beckley

On finding somewhere to stay in Beckley, you have options. Luxury or something more homely, both are here. These are the two to consider:

Luxury at The Resort at Glade Springs

For a luxurious stay, The Resort at Glade Springs is the pick. This resort runs everything you need for a comfortable few days. With a range of rooms and suites, there is an option at most levels.

The resort also runs activities and amenities through the stay. Golfing and skiing through to spa treatments and fine dining, all of it on site. And the views out over the surrounding mountains do the rest.

Homely Comforts at Local Properties

If you would rather something more homely, there are plenty of local properties. A cozy bed and breakfast or a spacious vacation rental, both are available in Beckley.

Many of these properties run the full comforts of home, full kitchens and comfortable living areas and outdoor space to sit in. And with friendly hosts, you settle in fast.

Wherever you choose to stay in Beckley, it works. So pack the bags and go and see what this charming West Virginia town has.

Shopping in Beckley

Looking for retail therapy? Beckley has it covered. Antique shops through to gift shops, both ends are here.

Antique Shops

Beckley holds some of the best antique shops in West Virginia. You find unusual things here that do not turn up elsewhere. Collector or someone simply after something for the house, both do well.

Gift Shop at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is the attraction to make in Beckley, and the gift shop holds up alongside it. There are souvenirs and gifts for people back home, plus coal-related items, coal jewelry and coal figurines and even coal candy. Yes, coal candy.

Before the shopping spree, budget sensibly. Nobody wants to run out before the trip does. And bring your bargaining skills, because haggling is a time-honored tradition in antique shops and you might get a deal.

So go ahead and indulge, and find the souvenir that reminds you of Beckley.

The Beckley Experience

Looking for something out of the ordinary in Beckley, West Virginia? The city runs a genuine range. Exploring the Appalachian Mountains through to sitting in one of the parks, both are here.

Exploring the Appalachian Mountains

In Beckley, do not miss the chance to get into the Appalachian Mountains. Take a scenic drive through them for the views out over the New River Gorge. And for something more adventurous, take a hiking trail and get into the mountains up close. Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

Picnic at Beckley’s Parks

What beats a picnic in a park? Beckley has several that suit one. Head to the Lake Stephens Park and eat by the lake. Or, for somewhere more secluded, Little Beaver State Park. And bring a frisbee or a ball for afterward.

Boat Rentals for a Day on the Lake

Looking for something on the water? Rent a boat and take the day on the lake. Lake Stephens runs boat rentals at a reasonable price. Fish, swim, or simply cruise around. Bring sunscreen and a hat.

There you have it, the best things to do in Beckley, West Virginia. An adventurous hike or a slow day by the lake, both are covered. So pack the bags and go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to spend a night out in Beckley, WV?

For a night out in Beckley, you have come to the right place. Head to the Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre for live entertainment, or grab a drink at the Irish Pub. Feeling lucky? The Mountaineer Casino handles that. And for a quieter evening, catch a movie at the Marquee Cinemas.

Where can I find the most delicious grub in Beckley, West Virginia?

Food lovers are in luck, because Beckley runs some genuinely good dining. For classic Southern comfort food, head to King Tut Drive-In. For a fancier night, the Daniel Vineyards Winery and Bistro. And for Mexican, the Mi Cocina de Amor restaurant.

What are some fun indoor activities to do in Beckley?

To escape the heat or the rain, Beckley has indoor options. Head to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum for the history of coal mining in the area. Or, for family fun, the Chuck E. Cheese’s arcade and pizza restaurant. And for something more adventurous, indoor rock climbing at the Mountain State Miniature Golf and Rock Climbing Center.

What are the top outdoor adventures near Beckley, WV?

Outdoor enthusiasts will do well with Beckley’s country. Take a hike on the Grandview Rim Trail for the views out over the New River Gorge. Or, for the water, white water rafting on the New River. And for something genuinely different, the Zipline and Aerial Adventure Park at the ACE Adventure Resort.

What exciting events are happening in Beckley, West Virginia?

Beckley keeps a busy calendar. Check out the Appalachian Festival in August for live music, crafts and good food. Or, for the seasonal version, the Winter Wonderland of Lights in December. And car enthusiasts should not miss the annual Car Show in July.

Where’s the best place to stay for a weekend getaway in Beckley, WV?

For a comfortable weekend stay, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a good option. For something more luxurious, the Glade Springs Resort and Conference Center. And on a budget, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Beckley East does the job.

Frequently asked questions about Beckley, West Virginia

How long does the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine tour take?

Under an hour underground, and rather longer if you add the museum and the restored camp buildings on the same site. Dress warmly, because the mine holds one temperature all year and that is a good deal colder than the surface in summer. Book ahead in the season, because the slots fill. It runs from spring through to the fall.

Which New River Gorge trail should you walk from Beckley?

The Grandview Rim Trail, which is the closest of them and gives you the gorge from above without any serious climbing involved. The park runs over 70,000 acres, so the harder walking is there whenever you want it. Grandview is a short drive out of town. Go at sunrise if you can manage it.

Which Beckley park works for a picnic?

Lake Stephens Park, for the water and the boat rentals, which are genuinely cheap. Little Beaver State Park is the quieter option and it has the fishing, with 18 acres of lake and streams running right through it. Both of them take a picnic without any planning at all. Bring a frisbee or a ball.

Keep exploring Beckley, West Virginia