Halfway between Charleston and Parkersburg on I-77, Ripley pairs the convenience of Exit 138 with a downtown that still throws the biggest small-town Fourth of July in America. Here's where to stay, eat, shop and wander.
107 ½ Main Street West, Ripley, WV · 304-532-0945
Four hotels and inns at I-77 Exit 138, plus campgrounds and cabins.
ExploreA dozen-plus eateries within a mile of the exit, from hot dogs to hand-cut steaks.
ExploreTen fishing lakes within 20 miles and a 22-mile water trail to the Ohio River.
ExploreAmerica's largest small-town Independence celebration and year-round festivals.
Explore
Ready for a little R&R?
Farm tours, greenhouses, seasonal events and pick-your-own across six counties, May 1 through December 31, 2026. Download the passport, collect stamps and win prizes all the way up to a grand-prize getaway.
Mark your calendar
Late June – July 4, annually
Known as “America’s Largest Small-Town Independence Celebration,” Ripley’s Fourth of July is the oldest and largest in West Virginia. The town rolls out the red, white and blue carpet for several days each summer with free concerts, a carnival, a 2-mile race, a 200-unit parade and fireworks. The event attracted a U.S. President in 2002 and received national exposure on “The Today Show” in 1965.
Summer, at the Cottageville fairgrounds
Another summertime favorite. Located at the fairgrounds in Cottageville, this event features Nashville entertainment, motor sports, a carnival, horse shows and several agricultural-related activities.
Spring, downtown Ripley
Activities include a parade followed by an indoor event with free entertainment and dozens of chocolate-related vendors.
Agentic planning
Our AI visitor concierge is trained on the CVB's own information — lodging, menus of options, lake names, venue capacities, trail hours and festival dates. Ask it to build a weekend, find a wedding venue for 200, or point you to the nearest campground by exit number.
Ripley Trail Guide
AI visitor concierge
Hi! I'm the Ripley Trail Guide. Ask me about lodging, dining, festivals, fishing lakes, wedding venues or the Roots & Routes agritourism trail — I'll answer from the CVB's own visitor information.
Free to visitors
We'll mail a printed guide anywhere in the country, or you can download it right now. Questions? Call 304-532-0945 and a real person in Ripley will pick up.
Answers
