Whether you’re looking for relief from late summer heat, escape from big city stress, or personal rest and revitalization, the perfect getaway may be awaiting you in the small town of Union, West Virginia.
Nestled deep in the heart of Appalachia, Union is surrounded by the picturesque valleys, scenic mountain ridges, rolling farmland, and rich heritage of Monroe County.
Facebook/Union Area Chamber of Commerce This area escaped the ravages of the coal and railroad industries, and its peaceful agricultural landscape has remained largely unchanged for over 200 years.
This countryside is full of little known spots worth an extended expedition down some of the state’s most beautiful byways. Starting in town, find a delicious home-cooked meal in any of Union’s several local diners. From there, embark on a day of laid-back adventure.
Cristy / OIYS
The Monroe County Heritage Quilt Trail starts in Union and leads you down scenic country roads and back in time to explore a time-honored tradition of the community’s rich farming history.
Facebook/Union Area Chamber of Commerce Throughout the area, quilt squares are displayed on barns, mills, and other buildings. Many of the buildings, like the quilt patterns displayed on them, date back generations to pioneer days. The Quilt Trail takes you through some of the most scenic farm settings in the region.
As you wind your way through the countryside, stop at the Rehoboth Church just off Route 3. This log building, the oldest Protestant church west of the Allegheny mountains, was built in 1786 and dedicated by famous Methodist circuit rider Francis Asbury in 1788.
Library of Congress - Prints and Photograph Division HABS: WVA,32-UNI,1-1 / Wikipedia Today it is still open to tourists weekly, with guided tours available during the warm months and a museum full of interesting historical artifacts on site.
Explore more of the area’s rich history through several other well-hidden attractions.
Monroe County Tourism The Indian Creek Covered Bridge, dating back over 100 years, lies just beside Route 219. Not far away, stroll the beautiful grounds of Cook’s Old Mill, its mill pond, and its well-restored buildings. Or, for a taste of living history, visit Reed’s Mill, a working mill whose history of operation dates back over 200 years. You can still buy specialty heirloom flour and cornmeal at this amazing mill - and get a fascinating tour of the historic building. Just call ahead to make sure they’re open! Dozens of similar mills were once scattered across the mountain creeks of this area.
Another fascinating era of local history is on display at Sweet Springs a few minutes east. Built around a natural warm spring, it was first developed as a resort in the 1770s. This resort was once a haven for wealthy visitors from the lowlands, hosting eight of the first ten U.S. presidents. The current grandiose resort building was built in 1833.
Brian M. Powell / Wikipedia The resort entered its decline after the Civil War, closing its doors as a resort, then going through periods as a sanatorium and a retirement home. Today the massive building stands empty - though it is apparently a hotbed of paranormal activity. Another reminder of the area’s springs and spa era is Salt Sulphur Springs, another one-time resort hotel dating to the 1820s which attracted visits from some of the most famous men of its era.
If you feel the need for more energetic activity, you will find several unique recreational options nearby. A two mile round trip hike leads you to Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. Perched on a ridgetop commanding a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape in every direction, this observatory was once an old fire tower, but is now a prime spot for viewing birds of prey.
John Clay Harvey/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus The hike to the observatory takes you a short distance along the 330 mile Allegheny Trail, which stretches all the way to the Pennsylvania state line. Not far to the north, Moncove Lake State Park offers boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, woodland relaxation, and beautiful scenery.
Whether it’s mountain coolness in summer, wilderness beauty in the fall, or personal peace and quiet, the Union, West Virginia area could be a perfect place for your next getaway! Need a place to stay while you’re in the area? Try this beautiful old farmhouse with an equally beautiful view of the area.
Facebook/Union Area Chamber of Commerce
This area escaped the ravages of the coal and railroad industries, and its peaceful agricultural landscape has remained largely unchanged for over 200 years.
Cristy / OIYS
Throughout the area, quilt squares are displayed on barns, mills, and other buildings. Many of the buildings, like the quilt patterns displayed on them, date back generations to pioneer days. The Quilt Trail takes you through some of the most scenic farm settings in the region.
Library of Congress - Prints and Photograph Division HABS: WVA,32-UNI,1-1 / Wikipedia
Today it is still open to tourists weekly, with guided tours available during the warm months and a museum full of interesting historical artifacts on site.
Monroe County Tourism
The Indian Creek Covered Bridge, dating back over 100 years, lies just beside Route 219. Not far away, stroll the beautiful grounds of Cook’s Old Mill, its mill pond, and its well-restored buildings. Or, for a taste of living history, visit Reed’s Mill, a working mill whose history of operation dates back over 200 years. You can still buy specialty heirloom flour and cornmeal at this amazing mill - and get a fascinating tour of the historic building. Just call ahead to make sure they’re open! Dozens of similar mills were once scattered across the mountain creeks of this area.
Brian M. Powell / Wikipedia
The resort entered its decline after the Civil War, closing its doors as a resort, then going through periods as a sanatorium and a retirement home. Today the massive building stands empty - though it is apparently a hotbed of paranormal activity. Another reminder of the area’s springs and spa era is Salt Sulphur Springs, another one-time resort hotel dating to the 1820s which attracted visits from some of the most famous men of its era.
John Clay Harvey/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
The hike to the observatory takes you a short distance along the 330 mile Allegheny Trail, which stretches all the way to the Pennsylvania state line. Not far to the north, Moncove Lake State Park offers boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, woodland relaxation, and beautiful scenery.
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Address: Union, WV 24983, USA
