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Published Sep 25, 2015

Here Are 12 Unique Things You Can Learn To Do In West Virginia

Published Sep 25, 2015

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Published May 1, 2024

The Incredible Hotel In West Virginia That Has Been Left In Ruins

Published May 1, 2024

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Just up the street from the iconic International Mother's Day Shrine, nestled adjacent to the iconic B&O Railroad Station in Grafton, West Virginia, the abandoned Willard Hotel stands as a silent sentinel that whispers haunting tales of yesteryears. This once-grand establishment, now abandoned and left to the ravages of time, carries a timeless charm that draws inquisitive souls to its eerie grounds. Join us as we explore the mystique surrounding the Willard Hotel, unraveling the layers of history that have made it an enigmatic landmark.

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The Willard Hotel, constructed in 1911, was a symbol of opulence and grandeur in its heyday. Standing majestically along the bustling B&O Railroad tracks, it welcomed weary travelers with its elegant architecture and luxurious amenities. The hotel's lavish interiors exuded a sense of sophistication, setting the stage for glamorous events and encounters that unfolded within its walls.

An abandoned, multi-story brick building with a fire escape, set against a cloudy sky and green hills. — Highsmith, Carol M. / Library of Congress

The hotel opened to the public in 1912. Perhaps its most famous guest was silent film star Mabel Normand and the rest of the cast and crew of "Back to the Woods" filmed at nearby Valley Falls State Park.

A street view of a historic brick building and an adjacent structure, with a cloudy sky overhead. — Google Maps

Sadly, however, the hotel never turned a profit. It closed to the public on January 1, 1926, although it continued to be used by the railroad for many years.

Abandoned brick building with a tower, featuring large windows and a cloudy sky in the background. — Google Maps

Most recently, it housed a coffee shop in the entry level floor. However, it's been abandoned since the shop closed in 1980.

Historic red brick building with a peaked roof and large windows, showing signs of age and neglect. — Jessica Losby / Google Maps

Since then, the Willard Hotel succumbed to the inevitable passage of time, ultimately falling into disrepair. The imagery of the deserted hallways, now crumbling and lifeless, evokes a sense of nostalgia mixed with a spine-chilling atmosphere.

Two historic brick buildings with ornate architecture, set against a backdrop of autumn-colored trees under a cloudy sky. — Adrenne / Google Maps

While the Willard Hotel remains abandoned, its intrinsic historical and architectural significance has not gone unnoticed. Efforts are underway to preserve and restore this remarkable building, ensuring its stories will continue to be told for generations to come, but the success of these efforts is still in question (at present, priority is being given to the rennovation of the B&O Railroad Station next door over the Willard Hotel).

Historic brick buildings with a mix of architectural styles, set on a city street under a cloudy sky. — Mike Barber / Google Maps

The abandoned Willard Hotel in Grafton, West Virginia, with its faded grandeur and whispered secrets, stands as an evocative testament to a bygone era. This abandoned relic, forever entwined with the neighboring B&O Railroad Station, invites us to reflect upon the passage of time and the stories that dwell within its worn walls. As we detect nature's reclamation of this once-thriving establishment, we are reminded of the transient nature of existence, and the importance of preserving the echoes of history that shape our present.

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Maybe someday it will be fully restored and open to the public, like the old Mountaineer Hotel in Williamson, West Virginia is! Until then, we suggest booking a Vrbo while you explore the Grafton area.

Updated May 1, 2024

A Drone Flew High Above An Uninhabited Castle In West Virginia And Caught The Most Incredible Footage

Discover the graffiti-covered, abandoned castle at Mount Woods Overlook in Wheeling, West Virginia, through stunning drone footage.

Updated May 1, 2024

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Did you know that there’s an old, unfinished castle at the Mount Woods Overlook and Cemetery in Wheeling, West Virginia? If this comes as a surprise, then just wait until you see the amazing drone video of this graffiti castle in WV. We understand that some folks don’t care for street art, but I find some of the artwork quite beautiful. If you agree with me, then read on to find out more and see the incredible drone footage of this abandoned castle in West Virginia.

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If you've never seen the castle nestled into a mountainside in Wheeling, West Virginia, at the Mount Woods Overlook, now is probably not the time to go check it out in person.

A scenic view of a river and hills, with colorful graffiti in the foreground and overcast skies above. — AUSTIN/Google Maps

The castle has seen better days: what was once a pristine overlook affording miles of stunning mountain views is now a colorful collage of graffiti, and needless to say, some local folks aren't too fond of it.

alt — vannessa norris/Google Maps

But, we have an alternative to an in-person visit: the talented folks at Ohio Valley Drone have taken some amazing drone footage of the castle that will allow you to experience this abandoned building for yourself.

alt — Bryan K/Google Maps

You can enjoy close ups of the interior of the castle as well as panoramic shots of the surrounding mountains.

Two people explore a colorful, graffiti-covered ruin with a scenic view of hills in the background. — johnR/Google Maps

Expertly flown and filmed, this drone tour is definitely an experience you don't want to miss! Here's the footage of the castle thanks to Youtube user Broadwater Properties Media:

Pretty impressive, isn't it? There are so many places around our state that we can't explore for one reason or another, so we're grateful that we can still experience some of them so thoroughly even without an in-person visit!

A spiral staircase surrounded by colorful graffiti on stone walls and greenery above. — Dan McDermott/Google Maps

For more drone footage of some of West Virginia's famous locations, check out feel-good footage from around the state in this article: This Incredible Drone Footage Will Make You Fall In Love With West Virginia All Over Again. You can also see inside the once abandoned Hilltop Hotel in Harper's Ferry in this feature piece from our archives: What This Drone Footage Captured At This Abandoned West Virginia Hotel Is Truly Grim.

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https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/wv-abandoned-hotel/

What other amazing places in West Virginia do you wish you could see from a drone's-eye-view? Were you impressed with the footage from the graffiti castle in WV? Tell us in the comments!

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