Outstanding scenery, pretty villages and an epic Civil War history, West Virginia is the place to discover classic small-town America.

One of the most unusual Civil War sites in the USA is Organ Cave. Over a thousand confederate soldiers lived in the cave during the war as they mined the walls for salt petre, to make gunpowder. Today, visitors can explore the cold, damp caves and see relics from the Civil war period. In Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park you can see John Brown’s original headquarters, where he armed slaves to fight for emancipation.

A network of sparkling rivers crosses West Virginia. Water based activities include white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Cranberry River is famous for trout fishing. West Virginia’s dramatic mountain scenery is perfect for hiking. Follow the hundreds of miles of marked trails through the awe-inspiring scenery. The state is known for excellent mountain biking and there are many challenging trails for off-road cyclists.

Golfers will find no shortage of fine golf courses with the Stonewall Resort and Oglebay Resort offering two of the best.

For rest, relaxation and pampering come to Berkley Springs. Enjoy the luxury of a Roman bath or a relaxing massage. This pretty town also has a lively arts scene and great shopping.

Shepherdstown is a riverside town blessed with picture-postcard prettiness, intriguing Civil War history and wonderful scenery. Enjoy a leisurely trip down the river or an afternoon of shopping amongst the unique boutiques and antique shops. For a trip back to a more refined age, see a movie at the historical Shepherdstown Opera House. This authentic old-style cinema was built in 1909 and is one of the best-preserved early cinemas in the USA.

Self-catering holiday cottages and apartments to rent in West Virginia: