Cumberland, MD

Downtown Cumberland is teeming with locally owned restaurants and shops, and, during the summer and fall, the farmer’s market is open with fresh, locally grown foods. There are hiking and biking trails, the Great Allegheny Passage, and the C&O Canal Towpath both meet Downtown Cumberland.
Take time to explore downtown Cumberland with amazing examples of 19th and 20th-century architecture for a taste of unique locally owned shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Oakland, MD

Today, Oakland has a vibrant arts scene, full of artists, musicians, performers, and writers. Oakland, located in a beautiful valley, is a small town that big on history. It covers only 2.6 square miles yet serves as Garrett County’s seat and is designated as a National Main Street Community by the National Historic Trust.
The town of Oakland began as a rural settlement where several trails converged. It was initially known as Yough Glades, but the name was changed to Oakland in 1949. The higher elevation allows warm summers and snow-filled winters – great for those looking for a small-town experience with great outdoor activities nearby.

Berkeley Springs, WV

During early Colonial times, Berkeley Springs became known as a destination for Virginia's elites, including George Washington. They were drawn to the area because the numerous springs were said to have medicinal qualities.
Today, Berkeley Springs is still known for its mineral springs and spas (including a bathtub allegedly used by George Washington), as well as live music, dining, outdoor recreation, and historic lodgings.

Thomas, WV

Founded as a coal mining town in the 1880s, Thomas quickly became a center of coal mining and  coke  production.
Today, the town has transformed into a vibrant community full of artists. There's a bit of everything here, ranging form the performing arts, to visual arts, to glassblowing, to folk arts.

Davis, WV

Much like other towns in the area, Davis' history is intertwined with the coal and timber industries during the 19th and 20th Centuries.
Located just down the road from Thomas, Davis today is a hub for outdoor recreation, and is home to numerous artisans, eateries, and a brewery.

Elkins, WV

Founded in the late 1880s as a railroad hub, Elkins became the county seat after a feud with the older town of Beverly. Elkins played a large role in the state's coal and timber development during the Industrial Revolution.
Today, Elkins is home to galleries, a playhouse, historic trails, museums, and the  Augusta Festival,  which celebrates traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Helvetia, WV

Helvetia is a small town that looks as if it was plucked straight from Switzerland and dropped in the middle of Appalachia. That's because it was founded after the Civil War by a group of Swiss and German settlers.
Today, Helvetia is home to numerous festivals, a museum, and authentic Swiss cuisine.

Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg was originally settled in the 1750s, and during the Civil War, several battles were fought nearby. There are still several buildings where Civil War-era bullet holes can be found.
Today, Lewisburg is home to many artists and galleries, but what really sets Lewisburg apart are the performing arts, with two performing arts venues:  Greenbrier Valley Theatre  and  West Virginia Carnegie Hall .

Wardensville, WV

Founded in the mid-1700s, Wardensville played a role in the  French and Indian War .
Today, this small town is truly a microcosm of what the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area has to offer, from pre-Civil War buildings, to antique shops, galleries, and even a craft brewery.