Beckley West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Beckley, West Virginia.
1. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum
UNDERGROUND MINING HISTORY
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers fascinating underground tours that take visitors through the rich history of West Virginia's coal mining industry. Visitors can explore the recreated coal camp to glimpse authentic coal mine life in this National Register of Historic Places site. The attraction also features a Youth Museum and a gift shop stocked with West Virginia items and freshly made fudge in various flavors.
2. Theater West Virginia
LIVE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES
Theater West Virginia delivers captivating live performances in a stunning outdoor setting near Beckley. This cultural institution showcases the region's heritage through dramatic productions and musicals under the stars. Visitors can enjoy professional theatrical experiences that often highlight Appalachian culture and history.
3. Beckley Arts Center
LOCAL ART GALLERY
The Beckley Arts Center celebrates the creative spirit of southern West Virginia through diverse exhibitions and programs. This cultural hub showcases works by local and regional artists in a welcoming gallery space. Visitors can experience the artistic talent of Appalachia while participating in workshops and community events that foster appreciation for the arts.
4. Hickory Tree Antique Mall
VINTAGE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Hickory Tree Antique Mall offers treasure hunters a vast collection of vintage items, collectibles, and unique finds in Beckley. This sprawling marketplace houses numerous vendors selling everything from Appalachian folk art to mid-century modern furniture. Visitors can spend hours browsing through nostalgic memorabilia and one-of-a-kind pieces that tell stories of the region's past.
5. Tamarack Marketplace
WEST VIRGINIA ARTISAN CENTER
Tamarack Marketplace showcases the best of West Virginia's handcrafted products, arts, and cuisine under one distinctive roof. This cultural center features works from over 2,800 artisans and craftspeople from all 55 counties in the state. Visitors can shop for unique souvenirs, watch craft demonstrations, and dine at the excellent restaurant serving authentic regional dishes like local trout and fried green tomatoes.
6. New River Gorge National Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
New River Gorge National Park offers breathtaking scenery and world-class outdoor recreation near Beckley. Visitors can experience thrilling whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in this natural wonderland. The park's iconic 876-foot-high New River Gorge Bridge provides spectacular views and hosts the annual Bridge Day festival where daredevils base jump into the canyon below.
7. Winterplace Ski Resort
MOUNTAIN SNOW SPORTS
Winterplace Ski Resort provides excellent winter sports opportunities just a short drive from Beckley. This popular destination features 27 trails, 10 lifts, and a dedicated snowtubing park with 16 lanes of fun. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing against the beautiful backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains from December through March, weather permitting.
8. Little Beaver State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Little Beaver State Park centers around a picturesque 18-acre lake that's perfect for fishing, boating, and relaxation near Beckley. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through lush forests and scenic terrain. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, playgrounds, and wildlife viewing in this tranquil natural setting that's accessible year-round.
9. Calacino's Pizzeria
LOCAL ITALIAN FAVORITE
Calacino's Pizzeria is a beloved Beckley institution serving up delicious Italian cuisine in a lively sports-bar atmosphere. This local favorite offers a wide range of pizzas, pasta dishes, and other Italian specialties made with quality ingredients. Visitors can enjoy occasional live music while dining in this casual, family-friendly establishment that has been satisfying hungry patrons for years.
10. The Char
UPSCALE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Char offers a refined dining experience surrounded by beautiful landscaping in Beckley. This classic high-end steakhouse serves premium cuts of beef and other gourmet selections in an elegant setting. Visitors seeking a special meal will appreciate the sophisticated atmosphere, attentive service, and exceptional cuisine that makes this restaurant a standout in southern West Virginia.
11. Grandview at New River Gorge
SPECTACULAR CANYON VIEWS
Grandview provides some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the New River Gorge from 1,400 feet above the canyon floor near Beckley. This stunning overlook offers several viewing platforms where visitors can gaze across the horseshoe-shaped bend in the New River. The area includes hiking trails, picnic facilities, and is especially beautiful during spring when the rhododendrons bloom and in autumn when fall foliage paints the landscape with vibrant colors.
12. Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center
ENTERTAINMENT & EVENT VENUE
The Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center hosts a variety of concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions throughout the year. This versatile venue serves as a hub for entertainment and community gatherings in southern West Virginia. Visitors can check the center's schedule for upcoming performances, tournaments, and expos that showcase both local and national talent.
13. The Dish Cafe
FRESH FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
The Dish Cafe delights diners with made-from-scratch recipes using fresh, quality ingredients in downtown Beckley. This charming eatery offers a diverse menu of comfort foods with creative, contemporary twists. Visitors can enjoy breakfast and lunch in a cozy atmosphere while savoring dishes prepared with care and attention to detail.
14. Kumo Japan Beckley
AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE
Kumo Japan Beckley serves exceptional sushi and Japanese cuisine that surpasses expectations for Appalachian dining. This restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh sashimi, creative rolls, and traditional Japanese dishes prepared with skill and artistry. Visitors can enjoy an authentic Asian dining experience in a modern, welcoming atmosphere that stands out in southern West Virginia's culinary landscape.
15. Daniel Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Daniel Vineyards produces award-winning wines in the picturesque hills just outside Beckley. This family-owned winery cultivates cold-hardy grapes suited to West Virginia's climate, creating distinctive reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can tour the vineyard, sample wines in the tasting room, and attend seasonal events like the popular Spring and Fall Festivals in this tranquil rural setting.