By Anna Moore
Have a longing for the good ole days? Go back in time at these destinations in West Virginia that boast simple joys, easy living and fun history. Whether craving a taste of yesteryear’s flavors or yearning to make new memories with family or friends while remembering the old ones, here are five locations in West Virginia that take you back to another time.
The Billy Motel and Bar
Davis, WV
thebillymotel.com | (304) 851-6125
Photo by Billy Motel and Bar
Tucked between Blackwater Falls State Park and the town of Davis, WV, travelers and locals alike can meet up at the ‘70s-inspired Billy Motel and Bar. Whether you choose to stay in one of the 10 pocket-size rooms offered at the motel or you are just stopping by for a cocktail or coffee, guests can relax by the fireplace in the lobby while enjoying one another’s company. The bar offers an international small plates menu and a tap beer menu featuring brews exclusively from West Virginia, as well as house-made kombucha and wines by the glass or bottle. Dinner is served from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and the bar is open every evening starting at 3 p.m. This mountaintop hub for travelers and locals has been in operation since 2016.
Bramwell Corner Shop and Soda Fountain
Bramwell, WV
bramwellcornershop.com | (304) 952-8639
Photo by Bramwell Corner Shop and Soda Fountain
Located inside the old Bryant Pharmacy building established in 1892, Bramwell Corner Shop and Soda Fountain takes you back to the ’40s and ‘50s with all the fizzy, delicious sodas you could ever want. The building has been completely restored to its original glory, featuring a marble Victorian soda fountain, tri-corner chairs, glass tabletops and cherry cabinets. The Corner Shop also features a ‘50s themed diner with homemade specialty food items, including homemade ice cream, waffle cones and whipped cream. Straight from the soda fountain, visitors can choose from more than 15 flavor varieties for their drink. Customers can choose to add ice cream for extra creaminess or order favorites like a classic root beer float; a Cherry Smash Ice, consisting of cherry syrup, seltzer and vanilla ice cream; or a Purple Cow, made with grape syrup, vanilla ice cream and fizz. The Corner Shop caters to birthday parties, family and class reunions and other celebrations.
The Bunker at The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, WV
greenbrier.com | (855) 453-4858
Photo by The Greenbrier
At a constant state of readiness from 1962-1992, the bunker at The Greenbrier is now used as a tourist destination. Daily 90-minute tours of the 112,544-square-foot bunker offer a history lesson and a chance to explore what was once one of the nation’s best kept secrets tucked 720 feet under a West Virginia Hillside. Visitors will learn about the government employees of the bunker, who worked for a company called Forsythe Associates and acted as television repairmen at the resort, and they will hear about the West Virginia Wing being built as a cover story for the bunker to explain the construction. The Greenbrier also offers the Debunked Escape Room, which is a bunker-themed escape room on the property.
Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House
Huntington, WV
jimsspaghetti.com | (304) 696-9788
Photo by Dane Carder
Since June 1938, Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House has been offering classic spaghetti with homemade sauce for locals and visitors, including celebrities and U.S. presidents. The family-owned business is in the heart of downtown Huntington and maintains its dedication to quality food in a family-friendly atmosphere without compromising its look, menu or flavor through the years. No matter what year is on the calendar, Jim’s has been consistent for its guests over the decades. The restaurant is also known for its Strawberry Pie Week, which draws a crowd each year as locals line up to purchase homemade slices and full pies.
Warner’s Drive-In
Franklin, WV
warnersdriveinwv.org | (304) 902-7070
Photo by Warner’s Drive-In
Come and watch movies on the silver screen outside in the fresh air or in the comfort of your vehicle at Warner’s Drive-In. The theater is open from May to October on the weekends, showing both new and old films and occasional double-features. The drive-in operated as a for-profit from 1953 until it closed in 2014 and later re-opened in 2016 as a nonprofit. Local businesses often sponsor the featured movies so all can enjoy. The full snack bar menu includes all of your favorite concession foods like nachos, hamburgers, popcorn, hot dogs. The drive-in offers some fall movies and a limited snack bar before closing for the season.
