Spencer West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Spencer, West Virginia.
1. The Original Hatfield Family Moonshine
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN SPIRITS
The Original Hatfield Family Moonshine offers visitors a taste of authentic Appalachian distilling traditions in Spencer. Guests can learn about the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud while sampling carefully crafted spirits made from traditional family recipes. The facility provides an educational experience about the history of moonshine in West Virginia's mountain culture.
2. Chestnut Ridge Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Chestnut Ridge Winery welcomes visitors to enjoy locally produced wines in a picturesque setting in Spencer. The winery offers tastings of their unique varieties, showcasing the potential of West Virginia's growing wine industry. Visitors can relax in the charming atmosphere while learning about the wine-making process from knowledgeable staff.
3. Sweeter Side of the Feud Winery
FEUD-THEMED WINE TASTING
Sweeter Side of the Feud Winery provides a unique twist on the famous Hatfield-McCoy rivalry through their themed wine selections in Spencer. Visitors can sample a variety of sweet and specialty wines while enjoying the historical storytelling that accompanies each pour. The winery creates a welcoming environment that transforms a bitter historical feud into a sweet tasting experience.
4. Charles Fork Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Charles Fork Lake offers outdoor enthusiasts a beautiful retreat for fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation near Spencer. The pristine waters are stocked with various fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers throughout the year. Surrounding the lake are picnic areas and natural spaces perfect for enjoying the serene Appalachian landscape.
5. Heritage Park Community
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
Heritage Park Community celebrates Spencer's rich cultural history through preserved buildings and educational exhibits. Visitors can explore various historical structures that showcase the region's development over time. The park serves as an important community gathering place where local heritage is honored and shared with each new generation.
6. Robey Theatre
AMERICA'S OLDEST MOVIE THEATER
The historic Robey Theatre holds the distinction of being the longest continuously operating movie theater in the nation, offering visitors a unique cinematic experience in Spencer. This landmark venue combines vintage charm with modern film screenings for an unforgettable entertainment experience. Catching a show at this historic theater provides guests with a bucket-list worthy opportunity to step back in time while enjoying contemporary movies.
7. West Virginia Black Walnut Festival
UNIQUE SEASONAL CELEBRATION
The West Virginia Black Walnut Festival transforms Spencer each October with a celebration centered around this native Appalachian nut. Festival-goers can enjoy black walnut-themed foods, parades, contests, and a 5K run that brings the community together. This unique cultural event highlights local agricultural traditions and provides visitors with an authentic taste of small-town West Virginia life.
8. Spencer Ice Plant
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURE
The Spencer Ice Plant stands as a fascinating reminder of early 20th century industrial architecture and technology in Spencer. This historic structure offers insight into how ice was produced and distributed before modern refrigeration became commonplace. Visitors interested in industrial heritage will appreciate the distinctive features of this well-preserved local landmark.
9. McIntosh Mansion
STATELY HISTORIC HOME
The McIntosh Mansion showcases the elegant architectural style and historical significance of one of Spencer's most prominent historic homes. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship and design elements that reflect the prosperity of the region during an earlier era. The mansion provides a glimpse into the lives of influential citizens who helped shape Spencer's development.
10. Working Oil Derrick
PETROLEUM HISTORY EXHIBIT
The Working Oil Derrick in Spencer offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe this important piece of West Virginia's industrial heritage in action. This educational exhibit demonstrates the technology and processes that drove the region's petroleum industry. Visitors can gain appreciation for the engineering and labor that contributed significantly to the local economy throughout history.
11. One-Room Schoolhouse
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY DISPLAY
The preserved One-Room Schoolhouse in Spencer transports visitors back to an earlier era of rural American education. Inside this authentic structure, visitors can see original furnishings and materials that were used to teach generations of local children. The schoolhouse provides a tangible connection to educational practices that shaped life in Appalachian communities before school consolidation.
12. Spencer Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Spencer Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the town and surrounding Roane County. Visitors can explore displays featuring everything from Native American artifacts to items representing more recent local history. The museum serves as an important cultural repository that preserves Spencer's unique heritage for future generations.
13. Historic Downtown Spencer
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Historic Downtown Spencer invites visitors to stroll along streets lined with well-preserved buildings that reflect the town's architectural heritage. Local shops, restaurants, and businesses operate within these historic structures, creating a vibrant small-town atmosphere. The downtown area serves as both a functional business district and a living museum of Spencer's development over the decades.
14. Roane County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL COUNTY LANDMARK
The Roane County Courthouse stands as an impressive architectural centerpiece in downtown Spencer. Its distinctive design represents the importance of county government in this regional hub of West Virginia. Visitors can appreciate both the exterior details and, when accessible, the historical elements preserved within this significant public building.
15. Appalachian Mountain Trails
SCENIC NATURE EXPLORATION
The Appalachian Mountain Trails surrounding Spencer offer outdoor enthusiasts access to the breathtaking natural beauty of rural West Virginia. Hikers can explore paths that wind through diverse ecosystems featuring local flora and fauna in their natural habitat. These trails provide opportunities for exercise, photography, wildlife viewing, and peaceful immersion in the majestically rugged mountain landscape that frames this small town.