A weekend itinerary through one of WV’s smallest towns, packed with big flavor, warm locals, and more charm than you can shake a cornbread stick at.

Let’s be honest—when most folks hear “small town,” they think sleepy streets, a couple rusty swings in a park, maybe a gas station with the world’s oldest microwave burrito. But let me tell you—here in one-stoplight West Virginia, things are different.

Here, you don’t just pass through—you pull over, roll your windows down, and stay awhile. Because if you blink, you’ll miss the pie that’ll ruin all other pies for you forever. Or the hardware store that doubles as a museum and a barber shop (true story). Or the stranger who becomes a friend by the time you’ve finished your coffee.

This is Small Town Appalachia at its finest—slower, sweeter, and unexpectedly unforgettable.

Here’s your 48-hour play-by-play in a town with one stoplight and enough soul to fill a holler.

DAY 1: FRIDAY AFTERNOON – “Arrive and Unwind”

Check-In: The Glenville Inn
A cozy inn offering comfortable rooms and a touch of local hospitality.
Address: 61 Riverview Dr, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.glenvilleinnwv.com/​

Stroll Main Street
Explore Glenville’s historic Main Street, lined with quaint shops and local businesses. Don’t miss the Gilmer County Historical Society for a glimpse into the town’s rich past.
Address: 302 E Main St, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.gilmercountyhistoricalsociety.org/​Only In Your State+1Pinterest+1

Dinner: The Smokehouse BBQ
Savor authentic Appalachian barbecue in a rustic setting. Their smoked brisket and pulled pork are local favorites.
Address: 10 E Main St, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.smokehousebbqwv.com/​

DAY 2: SATURDAY – Explore and Experience

Breakfast: The Common Place
Start your day with fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee at this beloved café.
Address: 116 E Main St, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.thecommonplacewv.com/​Only In Your State+1Pinterest+1

Midday Hike: Cedar Creek State Park
Enjoy a leisurely hike through scenic trails, complete with serene lake views and abundant wildlife.
Address: 2947 Cedar Creek Rd, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/cedar-creek-state-park/​

Lunch: The Pizza Barn
Indulge in handcrafted pizzas with a variety of fresh toppings at this local gem.
Address: 43 E Main St, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.pizzabarnwv.com/​

Afternoon Activity: Folk Festival Museum
Discover Appalachian culture and history at this museum dedicated to the annual West Virginia State Folk Festival.
Address: 10 E Main St, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.wvfolkfestival.org/museum.html​

Dinner: The Glenville Pub
Enjoy classic pub fare with a local twist, along with a selection of regional craft beers.
Address: 20 E Main St, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.glenvillepub.com/​Only In Your State+1Pinterest+1

DAY 3: SUNDAY – Reflect and Depart

Sunrise Coffee: Riverbend Café
Relax by the river with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries.
Address: 25 E Main St, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.riverbendcafewv.com/​

Final Stop: Gilmer County Farmers Market
Browse local produce, handmade crafts, and enjoy live music at this vibrant community market.
Address: 720 N Lewis St, Glenville, WV 26351
Website: https://www.gilmercountyfarmersmarket.com/​

Departure
As you leave Glenville, take with you the memories of warm hospitality, rich culture, and the simple joys found in this charming one-stoplight town.

More Than a Map Dot—A Reminder to Slow Down

When the weekend winds down and the trunk is packed with jam jars, hand-sewn quilts, and maybe a full belly still digesting that second slice of pie—you’ll notice something surprising: the town may be small, but the imprint it leaves on you isn’t. Glenville doesn’t just fill your itinerary; it fills your soul in the most unexpected ways.

Because here’s the thing about places with one stoplight: they teach you how to stop. To breathe. To notice. To look strangers in the eye and mean it when you say “thank you.” In a world that’s spinning faster every day, towns like this remind us that slower doesn’t mean lesser—it means deeper.

You came for a weekend, but you’ll leave with stories. The kind you’ll tell not because they were grand, but because they were real. A shared laugh over coffee. A sunset on a porch swing. A lesson in living well from people who do it best.

So yes—this might’ve been just 48 hours in a town with one stoplight.
But zero regrets? That’s the part you’ll carry with you long after you’re gone.

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