10 Easy Road Trips From Teays Valley, WV: Fun Things To Do Nearby
If you live in or around
Teays Valley, West Virginia, you already know it’s a comfortable spot right off I‑64. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see something new without driving all day.
The good news? Within about an hour or so, you can find historic river towns, college streets, mountain views, and even a world‑class arts center.
Below are
10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Teays Valley that take you into nearby counties like
Cabell, Kanawha, Mason, Lincoln, and Jackson. No Putnam County stops here—just easy side trips that make a weekend (or even an afternoon) feel special.
1. Stroll Through Downtown Huntington & Pullman Square (Cabell County)
Head about 40–45 minutes west on I‑64 and you’ll hit
Huntington in Cabell County, one of the best city escapes near Teays Valley.
Pullman Square is a great place to start if you’re looking for things to do near Teays Valley that feel a bit more “big city,” but still cozy and walkable.
- Grab coffee and people‑watch around Pullman Square.
- Catch a movie or walk a block or two to check out local shops.
- Wander down 3rd and 4th Avenues for murals and interesting storefronts.
On a recent visit, I parked once and spent almost the whole afternoon strolling within a few blocks. Everything felt close together, and it was the kind of place where you just wander and see what you find.
If you’ve been craving “downtown energy” without a long drive,
Huntington is your spot.
2. Explore Heritage Farm Museum & Village (Cabell County)
Just outside Huntington,
Heritage Farm Museum & Village is a family‑friendly road trip that feels like stepping back in time. It’s tucked into the hills, but still only about an hour from Teays Valley.
Here you’ll find:
- Historic cabins and buildings you can walk through.
- Hands‑on exhibits showing how folks used to live and work in Appalachia.
- Special events and festivals throughout the year.
If you’ve got kids, they’ll love the open space, the farm feel, and all the things they can touch and explore. Even adults end up saying, “Wow, I didn’t know that,” at least a few times.
It’s one of those places that makes you appreciate the history and grit of West Virginia in a very real way.
3. Visit Marshall University & Old Central City (Cabell County)
Another Huntington highlight is the
Marshall University campus and the nearby
Old Central City district. Together, they make a simple but very enjoyable day trip.
Start at Marshall:
- Walk through campus and see the Memorial Fountain, a powerful tribute known far beyond West Virginia.
- Enjoy the college‑town vibe, especially during the school year.
Then head over to Old Central City:
- Poke around antique shops and quirky stores.
- Check out local art and vintage finds.
If you like a little history, a little culture, and a lot of browsing, this Huntington combo is a low‑stress way to spend a Saturday.
4. Ride & Dine in Downtown Charleston (Kanawha County)
Looking for things to do near Teays Valley that feel a little more urban but still close by? Drive about 20–25 minutes east to
Charleston, the state capital in Kanawha County.
Downtown Charleston is compact and easy to explore:
- Walk along Capitol Street for local restaurants, coffee, and dessert spots.
- Stroll the Kanawha River levee and watch boats drift by.
- Catch live music or events, especially on warm evenings.
I like to park once, then wander around by foot—grab lunch, pop into a shop or two, then end up by the river. It’s a simple road trip that somehow feels like a true “night on the town,” even if you’re back home before dark.
5. Tour the West Virginia State Capitol & Governor’s Mansion (Kanawha County)
You can’t talk about what to do near Teays Valley without mentioning the gold‑domed
West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston. Just a short drive east, it’s one of the most iconic sights in the state.
Here’s what to do around the Capitol complex:
- Walk around the grounds and admire the gold dome glinting in the sun.
- Step inside the Capitol for a closer look at the marble and grand halls.
- Peek at the Governor’s Mansion from outside and enjoy the manicured lawns.
If you go in spring, the trees and flowers across the complex make it an especially pretty place for photos. Even if you’re not a “politics person,” the building itself is worth the stop.
6. Discover Culture at the Clay Center (Kanawha County)
For a dose of art, science, and music in one place, head to the
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences in Charleston. It’s an easy extension to a Capitol or downtown visit.
At the Clay Center, you’ll find:
- Art galleries with rotating exhibits.
- A hands‑on science center that kids love.
- A performance hall for concerts, shows, and touring acts.
If you’ve been wondering, “What can we do near Teays Valley on a rainy day?” this is a top answer. You can easily spend a few hours inside without anyone getting bored.
7. Step Into River History at Point Pleasant (Mason County)
About an hour northwest of Teays Valley, where the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers meet, sits
Point Pleasant in Mason County—a small town with a surprisingly big story.
Things to check out:
- Tu‑Endie‑Wei State Park, marking the site of the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant.
- Monuments and markers sharing the town’s Revolutionary‑era history.
- Riverside views where you can watch the water and just slow down.
The park is small and easy to walk, but it feels meaningful. If you like history and scenic water views, it’s worth the drive.
8. Embrace the Mystery of the Mothman (Mason County)
While you’re in Point Pleasant, you almost have to stop by the town’s most famous “resident”:
Mothman.
Yes, the same Mothman from the book and movie.
In downtown Point Pleasant you’ll find:
Even if you’re not into legends, it’s fun, a little quirky, and totally unique to this part of West Virginia. It’s one of those road trip stops you’ll talk about later: “Remember that wild statue in Point Pleasant?”
9. Go Scenic on Route 2 & Visit Ravenswood (Jackson County)
If you like relaxed drives, head north from Point Pleasant or Charleston and make your way to
Ravenswood in Jackson County. The stretch along
Route 2 by the Ohio River is very pretty, especially in the fall.
In and around Ravenswood:
- Walk local streets and grab a bite at a small diner or café.
- Enjoy river views and watch barges pass by.
- Time your visit with a small local festival or event, if one’s happening.
This is the kind of trip where the drive itself is half the fun. Roll the windows down, put on your favorite playlist, and just enjoy how the river and the hills weave together.
10. Get Off the Beaten Path in Lincoln County’s Backroads
If you want something quieter and more rural, aim south into
Lincoln County. While it doesn’t have a big city draw, it does offer:
- Winding country roads and rolling hills.
- Small communities where time seems to move a little slower.
- Plenty of scenery for a backroads photo drive.
Think of this as your “Sunday drive” option. Take your time, stop at a roadside store, talk to locals, and enjoy the feeling of getting away from your regular routine—while still close enough to be back home for dinner.
Tips for Enjoying These Short Road Trips from Teays Valley
To make the most of these quick adventures:
- Check hours for museums and attractions before you go.
- Bring cash—some small shops and diners still prefer it.
- Pack a light bag with water, snacks, and maybe a jacket—mountain weather can change fast.
- Leave room for surprises: some of the best finds are places you didn’t plan on.
When you start looking, you realize there are tons of
things to do near Teays Valley in every direction—history in Point Pleasant, culture in Charleston, city vibes in Huntington, and peaceful drives through Jackson and Lincoln Counties.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Teays Valley?
Have you taken any of these drives from Teays Valley? Do you know a hidden gem in Cabell, Kanawha, Mason, Lincoln, or Jackson County that deserves a shout‑out?
I’d love to hear from you.
Share your favorite stops, tips, or stories in the comments—and if you found this list helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are searching for easy road trip ideas from Teays Valley, WV. The more we share, the more we all discover.
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