Buckhannon

BuckhannonBuckhannon was named after the river, which might have been named after John Buchannon, a 1780s missionary. Others contend that the river was named after Buckongahelas, a Lenape Chief and ally of the British during the Revolutionary War. No matter its namesake, Buckhannon was considered a finalist in consideration to become our state's capital in 1866, but legislators agreed that the size of the river was not big enough for intensive commerce.

Today, Buckhannon is big enough to sustain a collection of locally-owned places and host annual festivals, small enough to feel intimate, and wild enough to feel nestled in the mountains. See if Buckhannon has enough of what you need at these places:

Food

  • Dough Re MiCJ Maggie's on Main St
  • The Donut Shop - Donuts and pepperoni rolls that I buy every time I am in town (may or may not be open as it seeks new ownership).
  • Mama Roma - comfort Italian food
  • Miss Piggies BBQ 
  • The Social Bar and Grilled Cheese 
  • Dough Re Mi bakery - delicious! and within walking distance from Buckhannon!
  • Mexican restaurants: Don Paco and Las Trancas

Entertainment

  • Farmers Market at Jawbone Park on Madison St in Buckhannon. Held June through October, Wednesdays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fridays from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Sundays from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Farmers Market at 315 Railroad Ave in Elkins (May through October, Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.) 
  • Festival Fridays at Jawbone Park (June - August). Features art, treats and free music (What kind of treats are we talking here?).
  • One-hour drive from Buckhannon we have Thomas, W.Va. and Davis, W.Va. These towns feature inspiring art galleries, breweries, eateries and incredible outdoors nearby, including Blackwater Falls State Park. The art is world-class, and the swimming holes and diversity of hiking trails really stand-out. Let me know if you go, and I'll connect you with friends.
  • Strawberry Festival (mid-May)
  • Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins (late September through early October)
  • Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (20-minutes away in Weston, W.Va.) for ghost tours (April through mid-November)
  • Stone Tower Brews (coffee, food, beer)
  • Goodwill (Thrift Store). For whatever reason, this one store has really great selections. 

Outdoors

  • Within 1 to 1.5-hour drive, you can visit exceptionally wonderful places, such as Dolly Sods Wilderness, Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, Cranberry Glades
  • Float on the Buckhannon River to the Middle Fork River
  • Audra State Park (22-minutes northeast of town) West Virginia beauty in form of trails, rocks, and water.
  • Hiking Trails directly behind St Joseph's Hospital. This open space preserve has several miles worth of trails.

E-mail Gerardo Patron with feedback on your adventures in Buckhannon! We can post comments on this page.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this website belong solely to the author and not the author’s employer, West Virginia University. They are not intended as an endorsement or recommendation on behalf of West Virginia University of any person, organization, activity, product, or service.