WEST VIRGINIA - West Virginia is a state that holds its memories close, from the echoes of the coal boom to the neon signs of downtown Charleston. However, time and the changing economy have claimed many of its most iconic fixtures. Here are 10 popular things that no longer exist in the Mountain State.
1. SNAP Soda Purchases
As of January 1, 2026, West Virginia became the first state in the nation to implement a "Healthy Choices" ban on soda for SNAP beneficiaries. For decades, residents could use federal benefits to buy carbonated soft drinks, but now regular and diet sodas are officially off the list at every grocery store and convenience store in the state.
2. Lake Shawnee Amusement Park (The "Cursed" Rides)
While the rusted skeletons of the Ferris wheel and swings still stand near Princeton, the "active" era of Lake Shawnee ended long ago. Once a popular getaway for coal-mining families, it gained international notoriety as one of the most haunted places in America due to a series of tragic accidents. Today, it exists only as a destination for ghost hunters and historians, its days as a functional amusement park long gone.
3. Big Lots (Statewide)
A victim of a 2025–2026 bankruptcy restructuring, the discount giant that anchored strip malls in Parkersburg, Morgantown, and Beckley has officially finished its liquidation. For West Virginians who relied on the chain for affordable furniture and pantry staples, the disappearance of the "Store Closing" banners this spring marks the brand's final exit from the state.
4. Tidewater Seafood (Charleston)
For decades, Tidewater was the gold standard for seafood in the capital city. Located in the Charleston Town Center, it was famous for its fresh oysters and legendary rolls. After years of being a "must-visit" for special occasions, the restaurant closed its doors alongside the Chop House, leaving a significant void in the downtown dining scene.
5. Walgreens in Rural Towns
In a massive 2025-2026 "optimization" plan, Walgreens shuttered locations in several smaller West Virginia communities, including Clendenin, Follansbee, and New Martinsville. For these towns, the pharmacy wasn't just a store; it was a primary healthcare hub. Residents now have to travel to neighboring counties to find a familiar red-and-white sign.
6. The Rusted Musket (Morgantown)
A legendary fixture of the WVU student experience, The Rusted Musket was the ultimate destination for late-night "drunk food." Known for its massive sandwiches and hot cheese balls, it was a rite of passage for generations of Mountaineers. While its memory lives on in alumni stories, the physical shop on the corner is now a thing of the past.
7. Stone & Thomas Department Stores
Long before the era of Amazon, Stone & Thomas was West Virginia’s premier department store. Headquartered in Wheeling, it was a symbol of elegance for shoppers across the state. After being acquired by Elder-Beerman in the late '90s, the name eventually disappeared from malls entirely, replaced by corporate national chains.
8. The Greyhound "Flagship" Era
There was a time when the Greyhound bus terminals in cities like Charleston and Huntington were bustling gateways to the rest of the country. With the rise of budget airlines and the decline of intercity bus travel, many of these historic depots have been demolished or repurposed, ending the era of the grand bus terminal as a central community hub.
9. Advance Auto Parts (Independent Hubs)
As part of a 700-store national consolidation in 2026, many of the smaller, neighborhood-focused Advance Auto Parts locations across West Virginia have closed. The company is pivoting toward large "Pro" hubs for mechanics, meaning the familiar corner shop where locals once bought their own oil and filters is increasingly rare in rural counties.
10. The Original "Rocket Boys" Coalwood
While the story of the October Sky rockets inspired the world, the actual town of Coalwood as a functional mining community has essentially vanished. After the mines closed, much of the historic equipment and many of the original homes fell into decay or were demolished. While it remains a pilgrimage site for fans of Homer Hickam, the bustling, soot-covered town of the 1950s exists only in film and memory.
