4 Ways to Spend Thanksgiving in West Virginia

Thanksgiving in West Virginia is time for family and fun. From exploring waterfalls to preparing meals in a cozy cabin, enjoy these activities to make this Thanksgiving one to remember:

State Parks

Enjoy a visit to a West Virginia State Park to celebrate Thanksgiving. Stay in a cozy cabin and make dinner for the family. Blackwater Falls State Park has 26 cabins available year-round. Each cabin has a full kitchen perfect for family meals. While you’re there, visit the park’s namesake 57-foot falls. North Bend State Park has vacation cabins, open year-round, sitting atop a secluded ridge. Enjoy the views of the white pines and enjoy a family dinner in the full kitchen or sit by the wood-burning fireplace.

Cabins are sure to be a quiet family retreat for the holiday. After Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy a hike or stay behind to enjoy family time. See the beautiful vista at Pipestem Resort State Park or visit Falls Trail at Twin Falls Resort State Park to view the falls.

Hunting

Thanksgiving is part of buck season (November 25 to December 7) so it is the perfect time to go hunting. West Virginia has several reserves, farms and lodges to visit for a hunt. Mountain Meadow Hunting Preserve in Monroe County has whitetail deer, fallow deer, red stag, wild boar, and buffalo. Make sure to visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website for full licensing information as well as hunting season dates.

Shopping

The days following Thanksgiving are perfect for shopping for holiday gifts. Visit Lewisburg for many boutique shops, delicious restaurants and historic buildings. Enjoy the sights and shop for clothing, jewelry and artisan goods at Wolf Creek Gallery, Studio 40 and Sunflower Soul.

Visit Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia for artisan crafts and goods from all 55 West Virginia counties. Try the regional cuisine and find an art demonstration while you’re there. The Tamarack has holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

Historic Stays

Stay at The Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg for a historic stay. The hotel has a Thanksgiving buffet and is the perfect location for a historical tour of Blennerhassettt Island State Park. Located on a small island in the Ohio River, the park features a Palladian mansion and museum. While you’re there, enjoy tours of the grounds and horse-drawn carriages.

Visit Charleston to stay at the Brass Pineapple Inn, an early 1900s home with seven rooms filled with antique furniture. The inn has in-room meals, full breakfast each morning and afternoon tea. The Brass Pineapple is in walking distance to the many Charleston restaurants and attractions.

This post was last updated on July 17, 2023