Southern West Virginia offers a variety of unique adventures for visitors to discover.
We enjoyed exploring outdoor adventures, history, art, and more throughout Mercer County, WV.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Mercer County. All opinions are my own. This article may contain affiliate links.
Dine in a Former Bank Lobby at The Vault Downtown
401 Federal Street, Bluefield, WV
The Vault Downtown is located inside a former historic bank lobby, The Commercial Bank, that dates back to 1895.
This fine dining restaurant is the perfect spot for a date night or evening out with friends.
For an even more unique dining experience, reserve a table inside the former bank vault or visit their speakeasy-style luxury lounge for exclusive cocktails afterwards.
Take a Self-Guided Tour of Millionaire Row in Bramwell
Bramwell, WV
During the 1880s, Bramwell, WV had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the United States.
On the self-guided tour, you can admire the outside of many Victorian and Tudor-style mansions whose previous owners were coal barons and other historic buildings in town.
Twice a year, in June and December, you can purchase tickets to tour the inside of several homes on Millionaires Row.
Grab a Milkshake at The Corner Shop
171 Main St, Bramwell, WV
The Corner Shop was voted “Best Milkshake in West Virginia.”
This old-fashioned soda shop is housed inside a former pharmacy building that’s within steps of Millionaire Row in Bramwell.
All of the ice cream is made in-house, and their specialty burgers are also delicious.
Make sure you check out all the memorabilia on the walls and in the display cases from its pharmacy era.
The “Almost Heaven” Swing at East River Mountain Overlook
Route 598, Bluefield, WV
“Almost Heaven” wooden swings are located throughout the state, highlighting the best Instagrammable views.
This Insta-worthy stop has a gorgeous view of the surrounding area, which includes Bluefield, West Virginia, and Virginia, 3500 feet above sea level.
Ride ATVs on The Hatfield-McCoy Trails
Hatfield-McCoy Trails are one of the world’s largest off-road trail systems, with over 1000 miles of trails.
You can bring your own ATVs or rent them from a local business. An annual trail pass must be purchased in advance from one of the authorized locations to access the trails.
Art Murals Throughout Downtown Princeton
There are 34+ murals throughout the Grassroots District in Downtown Princeton.
If you love street art, you can see a lot of murals without having to cover a ton of ground.
Don’t miss Artists Alley, across from the Library, consisting of 22 panels by various artists.
Walk to a Waterfall
Several waterfalls in Mercer County are a short hike away. There are two waterfalls in Camp Creek State Park: Campbell Falls and Mash Fork Falls.
Brush Creek Preserve and Falls, pictured above, is another popular waterfall to visit.
Sleep in a Treehouse at Lake Mountain Manor
377 Imperial Dr, Princeton, WV
I love a unique overnight stay, and Lake Mountain Manor features four treehouses that are each distinct in design and interior features.
Glampers will appreciate the bathrooms with showers in each treehouse, providing the comforts of home.
Each treehouse can sleep up to 4 guests. If you need a larger option, the Manor House overlooking the lake can sleep up to 16 people.