Praised by locals as having the most gorgeous views in town, Grandview State Park lives up to why it is called “Grandview.” The park features woodland trails for all skill-levels and everyone recommends that visitors walk up to Turkey Spur Overlook for breathtaking views of the New River and mountains.
After seeing the beautiful views of Beckley, come back down to learn about the rich history of this mining town at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum. Travel through the dark passages of an old coal mine with guides who were former miners explaining the daily responsibility of past and present day miners. Give yourself as much time as possible, as this attraction is quite large with a school, church, camp and a number of houses reflective of early 20th century life in Beckley.
Continue to immerse yourself in West Virginia culture at the Tamarack. Only 10 minutes from downtown, this arts & crafts center houses local hand craft items for sale, resident artisans, theatre productions and a food court. Come to see local artists under one roof while enjoying a fabulous meal prepared by local chefs. Or you can man the grill yourself and throw a grand picnic at New River Park located in the heart of town. This is the perfect place for you and your family to stretch those legs–join the locals and hit the tennis courts, basketball courts, Olympic-sized pool and playgrounds. Pay tribute to the 29 miners who lost their lives in an explosion on April 5, 2010 at the Upper Big Brand Miners Memorial. In addition to educating the public on the history of coal in West Virginia, the monument retells the stories of heroism that happened on that fateful day.
For a pure country experience, pay a visit to the Mountain Farmstead, a building that was once a one room schoolhouse, barn and moonshine still! You’ll feel like a West Virginia pioneer settler as you uncover how this self-sufficient log cabin operated without electricity.
With so much to see and do in town, you will want to make sure you have a comfortable room to come back to at the end of the day. Book with Choice Hotels in Beckley, WV and start planning your escape today.