Overview
Spencer is a city of 2,062 people (as of 2020) in West Virginia. It was chartered in 1858 and named for Spencer Roane, a jurist from Virginia. Spencer is famous for hosting the West Virginia Black Walnut Festival every October.
3 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Spencer
Robey Theatre
The longest continually-operating movie house in the US, opened in 1907 as a vaudeville house and showing movies since 1908. One screen. $5 general admission, $7 balcony.
West Virginia Black Walnut Festival
Held during four days beginning on the second Thursday in October since 1954. The festival was begun when a local farmer sold two million pounds of black walnuts, inspiring the region to cultivate them as a cash crop. Gr…
Spencer Heritage Park
Housed in an old Baltimore & Ohio Railroad depot, with late 19th and early 20th century tools, printing press, World War I memorabilia, restored 1920 school house, early 1900s oil derrick, and Baltimore & Ohio ca…
Charles Fork Lake
Off WV-36. Fishing, canoeing, and over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Hosts the Aquafina Tour de Lake Mountain Bike Race every May.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 70°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Snowshoe)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CRW Yeager Airport, Charleston — 32 mi away. Directions
- PKB Mid Ohio Valley Regional Airport, Parkersburg (Williamstown) — 38 mi away. Directions
- CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 117 mi away (major hub). Directions
Spencer is located at the intersection of US-33, between Ripley and Weston, and US-119, north of Charleston, twinned with US-33 east. The closest interstate access is I-77 35 minutes west in Ripley or I-79 40 minutes south in Clendenin, near Charleston.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Robey Theatre, Spencer Heritage Park
- Afternoon Charles Fork Lake, West Virginia Black Walnut Festival
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Spencer is located at the intersection of US-33, between Ripley and Weston, and US-119, north of Charleston, twinned with US-33 east. The closest interstate access is I-77 35 minutes west in Ripley or I-79 40 minutes south in Clendenin, near Charleston.
See
See Spencer Heritage Park
Housed in an old Baltimore & Ohio Railroad depot, with late 19th and early 20th century tools, printing press, World War I memorabilia, restored 1920 school house, early 1900s oil derrick, and Baltimore & Ohio caboose.
Do
Events
Do West Virginia Black Walnut Festival
Held during four days beginning on the second Thursday in October since 1954. The festival was begun when a local farmer sold two million pounds of black walnuts, inspiring the region to cultivate them as a cash crop. Grand parade, kid's parade, art and photography show, competitions, pageant, exhibits and flower show, live music, gospel sing, food booths, carnival.
Learn
Buy
Eat
- La Finca Mexican Grill, 1158 Ripley Road, 304-519-2502. Savory fajitas.
Drink
- Chestnut Ridge Winery, 15 Chestnut Rdg.
Sleep
Motels
Stay Grandview Motel
Bed and Breakfasts
Go next
- Ripley is about 35 minutes west on US-33.
- Glenville is about 1 hour east on US-119.
- Charleston is about 1 hour south on US-119 / I-79.
- Weston is about 1½ hours east on US-33.
Nearby
Clay
City / town · 9 listings · 28 mi away
Glenville
City / town · 2 listings · 29 mi away
Parkersburg
City / town · 38 listings · 34 mi away
Charleston
City / town · 64 listings · 35 mi away
Sutton
City / town · 28 listings · 36 mi away
Tornado
City / town · 4 listings · 41 mi away
Wayne National Forest
Park · 15 listings · 42 mi away
Point Pleasant
City / town · 11 listings · 42 mi away
My experience
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