Don’t let the rain put a damper on your fun while vacationing in Fayetteville, West Virginia. We’ve got you covered with a variety of activities that will keep your spirits high even on the rainiest days. When scheduling your adventures, be sure to visit each business’s website for up-to-date information on operating hours.
1. Escape- A- Torium
Embark on an immersive escape room adventure at Escape-A-Torium. Test your wits, solve intricate puzzles and unlock mysteries to escape within 60 minutes or less. Choose from themed rooms like “ScareBNB,” “The Feud” and “The Secret Bunker,” or try a virtual reality escape! Ideal for a rainy day, these themed escape rooms transport you to different worlds of intrigue and challenge.
2. Bridge Walk
Experience the one-of-a-kind thrill of a Bridge Walk tour under the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Traverse the catwalk beneath the bridge on a panoramic journey. Remember to bring a rain jacket for the brief walks to and from the bridge, and also to stay prepared for the cooler temperatures under the bridge, which are around 10 to 15 degrees lower. Discover the magic beneath the bridge and use your very own 69-foot umbrella for added charm.
3. Pinheads
Plan a delightful family day at Pinheads, offering 12 bowling lanes, delicious food, an outdoor patio with darts and cornhole, a vast selection of over 100 beers and numerous big-screen televisions. Just a short drive from Fayetteville in the neighboring town of Oak Hill, Pinheads is a beacon of entertainment and enjoyment.
4. Love Hope Center for the Arts
Appreciate the world of fine arts at Love Hope Center for the Arts. Located within a historic church-turned-gallery in Fayetteville, this space showcases the works of talented Appalachian artists against a backdrop of exquisite stained glass windows. Explore a range of exhibits, workshops and seasonal events at the gallery, open Thursdays through Sundays.
5. Shopping & Dining
Don’t let rain deter your shopping and dining experiences in historic downtown Fayetteville. Armed with an umbrella, explore a variety of boutiques, adventure gear shops, antique treasures, locally crafted art and more. As the unofficial food capital of West Virginia, Fayetteville boasts award-winning eateries. Wood Iron Eatery has a kids play area upstairs and Pies and Pints has a pool table and arcade games. And for more shopping, a short drive takes you to Tamarack — an Appalachian showcase of arts and crafts.
6. Inside Out Climbing Gym
Venture into the area’s only indoor rock gym, the Inside Out Climbing Gym. With walls up to 35 feet tall, climbers of all skill levels can conquer a range of routes. And for an added treat, indulge in Chocolate Moose Coffees or play a round of Mountain State Miniature Golf. Located just south of Fayetteville in Beckley, it’s a great way to stay active indoors.
7. Breweries & Wineries
Discover the seasonal offerings at Fayetteville’s two breweries — The Freefolk Brewery and Bridge Brew Works. Or stop by for a sip at Southside Junction Tap House and Studio B Art and Wine Boutique. If you’re a wine enthusiast, visit Kirkwood Winery in Summersville or Daniel Vineyards near Beckley. These wineries offer not only tastings but also beautiful surroundings.
8. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine & Beckley Youth Museum
Ride through the dark passages of a coal mine guided by a veteran miner who will provide firsthand accounts of their experiences at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Take a tour of the grounds and period coal camp buildings, including the company store, church and schoolhouse. Afterward, head to the neighboring Beckley Youth Museum for hands-on activities.
9. Lost World Caverns
Embark on a magical journey 120 feet below the Earth’s surface at Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg, located about an hour and 20 minutes from Fayetteville. The caverns, discovered in 1942, are a truly amazing place for explorers of all ages. The tour takes around 45 minutes, or opt for the self-guided tour which allows you to explore at your own pace.
10. Bluejacket Off Road Tours
Take an unforgettable Bluejacket off-road jeep tour in the New River Gorge exploring rugged back roads, mountain ridgelines, and scenic trails. If you have your own off-road vehicle you can also rent a guide to take you to spots to ride.
11. African American Heritage Audio Tour
Delve into the rich history of African-American coal miners, railroad workers and community members with the African American Heritage Audio Tour, developed by the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This self-guided tour takes visitors to 17 historic sites in Summers, Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas counties to learn about the history and experiences of the region’s African American community, unveiling stories that shaped West Virginia.
12. New River Gorge Scenic Drive
Take a scenic drive encircling the heart of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The 83-mile route offers a blend of interstates, divided highways and scenic byways. This three-hour scenic drive is an opportunity to experience the national park. As you drive, take in the park’s natural beauty and history, with visitor centers at Canyon Rim and Sandstone offering insightful interpretation. Additionally, our favorite Fayetteville drive is the route under the New River Gorge Bridge to Fayette Station and back up out of the gorge. You can also take a scenic drive to one of our neighboring state parks like Babcock State Park where you can pull right up to the iconic Gristmill or take a drive up to Boley Lake. Take a drive over to Hawks Nest State Park and enjoy short approaches to beautiful overlooks of the New River National Park. Take a short hike to see the first Waterfalls on the Hawks Nest or Mill Creek Rail Trail while visiting the park.
13. Rainy Day Climbs
Discover rainy-day climbing options through guidance from Water Stone Outdoors. Explore their recommendations for climbing in the New River Gorge area even when the weather is less than perfect.
14. Enjoy The Outdoors
Embrace the rain and hit the trails for a refreshing hike or explore roadside waterfalls. Put on your raincoat and boots for outdoor adventures, whether it’s river activities or zip lining, and relish the unique charm of a misty day in nature. White water rafting trips and Stand Up Paddle board trips can go rain or shine.
15. Treat Yourself To A Massage
Indulge in relaxation with professional massage and bodywork services offered by Canyon Massage and Bodywork, allowing you to unwind in the beautiful New River Gorge area.
16. Jewelry Making
Discover the art of silversmithing with Trey Swartz in a professional jewelry studio located in the hub of downtown Fayetteville. Forge a simple band or explore more advanced classes. Directly book a class now!
17. Yoga
Find serenity at New River Yoga. The studio offers a variety of classes and private sessions within a calming downtown yoga space.
18. New River Jet Boats
Don’t let light rain deter you from an exciting adventure with New River Jet Boat Tours. Experience the beauty of Hawks Nest Lake to the New River Gorge Bridge, enjoying scenic views even on a misty day.
Whether rain or shine, Fayetteville promises plenty of indoor and outdoor adventures to keep you engaged and enthralled. Find a full list of recreation options and extend your time in town with an overnight stay with one of our cozy lodging partners.