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Welcome to the HeART of West Virginia

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Barbour County

Belington

Beverly

Buckhannon

Cass

Davis & Canaan Valley

Elkins

Greenbank

Marlinton

Mill Creek & Huttonsville

Nicholas County

Parsons

Philippi

Pocahontas County

Randolph County

Thomas

Tucker County

Upshur County

The Mountain Arts District includes artists, musicians, performers, and craftsmen of all types in the heART of West Virginia — Randolph, Tucker, Upshur, Pocahontas, Nicholas, and Barbour. The district is less than a half day’s drive from Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, MD; Richmond, VA; Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, PA; and Columbus, OH. And, there is so much to do here.

In addition to teaming with art, the natural beauty of our home in the hills is breathtaking. With nearly one million acres of national forest as well as culture and traditions dating back to the early settlers, this place provides a unique perspective of Americana.

That perspective is reflective in our art. Many artists come to this area because of its striking beauty and rich heritage. Whether native or not, our artists are influenced by mountains surrounding them and the stories they tell. Come see.

Here in West Virginia our population per square mile is low. We prefer it that way. It allows us to enjoy the great outdoors freely and easily. It also means that we often identify with a county as much as a town. When you visit, you will understand. Take a look at artists by county through the sections below.

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Civil War history is alive in Barbour County every June 3rd, when the first land engagement of the war is re-enacted each year. Though only a skirmish, it inspired protests against Virginia’s decision to secede and led to the nullification of secession at the Wheeling Convention days later. On the…

On the banks of the Tygart Valley River, Belington retains the rural charm and small town values enjoyed by its early residents. The rolling hills provide a serene backdrop to a friendly lifestyle. The river offers a wealth of outdoor experiences, including fishing not hunting, kayaking, swimming, and some of…

The town of Beverly is well known for its historical resources. The Randolph County Historical Society and the Beverly Heritage Center are both open. Beverly is also the site of the Rich Mountain Battlefield. The quaint town also hosts antique and arts shops as well as other local shops and…

In Buckhannon, visitors are greeted by a large mural depicting the seal of the city, featuring a pioneer and a native american extending hands to each other. As you head downtown, one gets a feeling of a city that is well-loved as indicated by colorful storefronts, the flower-lined streets in…

An old railroad company town; the early buildings still stand and take you back in time. A scenic railroad offers views otherwise inaccessible; the trip is wonderful all year, but especially beautiful in the fall.

Davis, the highest incorporated town in West Virginia, and its valley, Canaan Valley, have long been the destination of adventure seekers. Mountain bike trails and ski slopes bring in tourists year-round. But there’s more to see in the mountain and valley. Find a gallery and a co-op in Davis and…

With train excursions and large performance venues, Elkins has become a destination town. Exploring the downtown, you’ll find more unique spots. Framing and sewing shops, breweries, and museums. The Arts Center acts as a cultural center for the town with weekly brownbag performances, larger concerts and events, and rotating exhibitions…

This unique community has no access to cell phones or radio. It is home to numerous scientists who work at the National Radio Observatory, featuring some of the world's largest satellite dishes -- one as large as a football field. Visitors can roam an enormous interactive museum which tells the…

Pocahontas’s quilt square trail leads you into Marlinton, where you’ll be greeted by the intricate “Over Bonnie” mural commemorating the work of two Pocahontas County poets. You’ll also find murals dedicated to the settlement of Marlinton in the Post Office and Pocahontas County’s role in the Civil War on your…

Winding your way south of Beverly WV, you pass Valley Bend and Eleanor Roosevelt’s Homestead experiment. Next is Mill Creek, a town that has come together to create its own clinic, library and Senior Center. Huttonsville boast sites on the National Historic Register, such as the EE Hutton House and…

The old city of Parsons is intersected by multiple rivers creating beautiful waterfronts. Parsons’ multiple city parks have led some to rename the town “Park City.” In the summer music can be found in Mill Race Park every Friday night, and once a year, Five Rivers Campground hosts the international…

Philippi honors its history with art. The site of a critical Civil War battle, war has long been a theme of Philippi. See the monument dedicated to Philippi’s veterans on the lawn of their impressive courthouse. Visit veteran’s park on the river to see the operating two-lane covered bridge, a…

In the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, Pocahontas County’s peaks and valleys have long been a destination area. Snoeshow Mountain attracts skiers and snow enthusiasts to the area. Rail travel is also popular in Pocahontas County with train rides through Durbin and Cass. Stop by Marlinton or Greenbank to see…

Randolph County has long been supportive of community-driven arts. The county-wide arts center provides a hub for artists in the area to exhibit and perform, businesses across the county show local artwork in their shops and storefronts, and working artists instruct classes inside and outside of school. Randolph County plays…

On any day of the week, the front street of Thomas is booming with activity. Multiple galleries line the riverfront, along with local restaurants, unique stores, and coffee shops. These sites are located in buildings along the Thomas Commercial Historic District, a site on the National Register of Historic Places.…

Tucker County is home to one of the most diverse and active arts communities in the region. The County boasts seven art galleries, 12 open-door studios, and live music can be found nearly every night of the week — whether that’s an outdoor concert at Mill Race Park in Parsons…

If you like to fish, Upshur County offers great musky, bass and trout fishing along the Buckhannon River. This river has 36 miles of flat to Class I rapids. The WV State Wildlife Center is located here and is the home of French Creek Freddie, WV’s own groundhog forecaster. Upshur…

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