West Virginia is a rugged mountain state nestled in the Appalachians, celebrated as the whitewater rafting capital of the eastern United States. Known as the Mountain State, it offers extraordinary outdoor adventure—class V rapids on the New and Gauley Rivers, hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage in North America. Historic coal-mining heritage, Appalachian culture, artisan crafts, and a thriving outdoor recreation economy make West Virginia a destination of authentic character and natural beauty.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Blenko Hand-Blown Glass
The most distinctively West Virginian souvenir—hand-blown colored glass vases, vessels, and decorative pieces made at the Milton factory since 1921. Factory store offers seconds and overruns at reduced prices.
Where: Blenko Glass Factory Store, 350 Blenko Rd, Milton, WV 25541; also at Tamarack in Beckley
Appalachian Quilts
Hand-stitched quilts using traditional Appalachian patterns are available from artisans throughout the state. Best selection at Tamarack (Beckley) and craft fairs in Elkins.
Where: Tamarack: The Best of WV, One Tamarack Park, Beckley, WV 25801
WV Maple Syrup and Honey
Mountain State maple syrup and artisan honey from Appalachian wildflower sources are available at farmers markets and specialty shops. Look for Greenbrier Valley honey at Charleston Farmers Market.
Where: Charleston Farmers Market; Morgantown Farmers Market; Tamarack
Bridge Day / New River Gorge Merchandise
Official Bridge Day t-shirts, NPS New River Gorge apparel, and adventure company gear from outfitters in Fayetteville and Lansing. ACE Adventure Resort (1 Minden Rd, Lansing) has a well-stocked outfitter shop.
Where: ACE Adventure Resort shop, 1 Minden Rd, Lansing, WV 25862
Ramp Products and Appalachian Foods
Ramps (wild leeks) are a beloved Appalachian spring tradition. Ramp jelly, pickled ramps, and ramp seasoning are available at farmers markets and specialty stores spring-early summer.
Where: Richwood Ramp Festival (April); Tamarack; specialty food shops in Lewisburg
Appalachian Music Instruments
Hand-crafted dulcimers, banjos, and fiddles from local luthiers. The Augusta Heritage Center (elkins.edu/augusta) can direct visitors to local makers.
Where: Elkins area; Augusta Heritage Center, 100 Campus Dr, Elkins, WV 26241
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Charleston Farmers Market
Local produce, artisan crafts, honey, maple syrup, WV jams and jellies
Where: Charleston
Hours: Saturdays 8 AM - 1 PM, May-October
Morgantown Farmers Market
Organic produce, artisan bread, local honey, pottery, and seasonal crafts
Where: Morgantown
Hours: Saturdays 8 AM - 1 PM, April-November
Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia
West Virginia's premier artisan marketplace with hand-blown glass, pottery, quilts, woodcarving, and Appalachian crafts from 2,000+ WV artists
Where: Beckley
Hours: Daily 10 AM - 6 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Lewisburg Historic District
Lewisburg's charming walkable downtown has the best independent retail concentration in WV—antique dealers, galleries, bookstores, jewelry shops, and specialty food stores line Washington St and Court Ave. Walking distance from Carnegie Hall and the WV State Fair grounds.
Harpers Ferry Lower Town
The historic lower town has gift shops, outdoor gear stores (High Adventure Sports at 1126 Washington St), and artisan galleries in restored 19th-century buildings. Limited selection but high-quality NPS merchandise and local crafts.
Charleston Capitol Street
Downtown Charleston's primary shopping street has independent boutiques, bookstores (Taylor Books at 226 Capitol St), and specialty retailers in a walkable historic district near the State Capitol.
Blenko Glass Factory Store
The factory store at Blenko Glass (350 Blenko Rd, Milton, WV 25541; +1 304-743-9081) sells hand-blown glass pieces, seconds, and factory overruns at discounted prices. One of the most uniquely West Virginian shopping experiences. Free factory tours on weekdays.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Charleston Town Center Mall
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM - 9 PM; Sun 12 PM - 6 PM
Meadowbrook Mall (Bridgeport / Clarksburg area)
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM - 9 PM; Sun 12 PM - 6 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not practiced at retail stores or markets in West Virginia—prices are fixed.
Tamarack artisans sometimes accept commissions for custom pieces—ask directly with a specific request.
Factory seconds at Blenko Glass offer 20-50% savings over gallery pieces—inspect carefully before purchasing.
Off-season visits to resort gift shops (The Greenbrier, Snowshoe Mountain) often yield discounted merchandise from the previous season.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
- Custom
- Cash at craft fairs
- Description
- Most small artisan vendors and farmers market stalls prefer cash; bring small bills. Some now accept Venmo or Square card readers.
- Custom
- Tamarack quality standard
- Description
- All Tamarack merchandise is juried by WV artisans—visitors can trust quality and authenticity of any purchase.
- Custom
- No sales tax on groceries
- Description
- West Virginia has no sales tax on food/groceries. General sales tax is 6%; some municipalities add up to 1% local tax.