Davis

The tiny mountain town of Davis, perched on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, is perfectly positioned to serve as a gateway to the great outdoors. Here, outdoor lovers come to hike, bike, camp, hunt and fish to their heart’s content. Two state parks and a ski resort complement the outdoorsy vibe of an area that appeals to everyone, from hardcore mountain bikers to those just looking to relax and get away from it all. Craft beer lovers will enjoy two local breweries and those looking to find the perfect gift will be wowed with the quaint storefronts.

Dining

Local favorites in Davis include Hellbender’s Burrito, Siranni’s and Milo’s Café and Restaurant. Hellbender’s Burrito serves up unique Mexican cuisine in an equally unique atmosphere. Try their namesake burrito, the Hellbender, stuffed with your choice of shrimp or chicken, a spicy buffalo wing sauce, rice and homemade blue cheese. Sirianni’s Pizza Café offers some of the best pizza you’ll find in the Mountain State. On top of traditional pizzas, you’ll also find pasta dishes, hoagies and salads. Milo’s Café and Restaurant located at the Bright Morning Inn is the perfect place for breakfast. Visitors pack into this restaurant and indulge in regional country fare. 

Entertainment

Paying homage to the former timber town, you’ll find a brewery unlike any other. Stumptown Ales mixes unique with classic comforts. Here you’ll find handcrafted beers in a woody environment. The best part? The 21-foot-long, red oak bar that welcomes visitors has two large black walnut trunks that frame the brewery’s eight taps. Just a few miles up the road in Davis’ “twin” town, Thomas, you’ll find Mountain State Brewing Company, another popular brewery. This institution has the honor of being one of West Virginia’s oldest distributing microbreweries. In Thomas you’ll also find the Purple Fiddle. This popular place is packed each weekend with live music enjoyed by locals and passerby alike. Most performances are free too!

Shopping

The region is known for unmatched mountain biking opportunities and Blackwater Bikes is your one-stop shop to get you out on a trail. Beginners and seasoned professionals alike will find what they need at this store. The Wandering Caravan is known for its vintage and gently used clothing, home goods and artisan wares. The Wild Ginger & Spice, a self-proclaimed” shop with a little something for everyone,” offers just that. Here you’ll find musical instruments made from unusual objects, natural body products and of course bulk herbs, teas and spices. 

Recreation

Tucked in the heart of the Canaan Valley, you’ll find that the great outdoors are mere footsteps away in Davis. The 17,371-acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is known for its unique northern climate ecosystem and scenic views. There’s no better place to catch a sunrise in the state. The Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge is the largest wetland complex in West Virginia at 8,500 acres. Blackwater Falls State Park, known for its iconic namesake waterfall, also has the longest sled run on the East Coast.

History

Named after Henry Gassaway Davis, U.S. senator and industrialist, the town of Davis has a rich timber history. The town was dubbed “stump town” as Robert Eastham, a small landowner, had barely cut down the trees before people moved in. The stumps left from the forests of spruce and hardwoods were left in place and buildings were constructed around them.

Stay

With all these activities packed into the small town, you’ll definitely need to spend a weekend – or longer – to check them all out. Davis has you covered when it comes to cozy mountain lodging. Canaan Valley Resort State Park has overnight accommodations, dining, spa services and outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, biking and golf. Nearby Blackwater Falls State Park offers a lodge, restaurant, campsites and various vacation and rustic cabins to call home. The Bright Morning Inn, a local bed and breakfast, welcomes you with comfortably furnished and intentionally unclutters rooms, all with a private bath and air conditioning. The Billy Motel and Bar brings a touch of mid-century modern to this newly renovated motel. As featured by National Geographic, this motel offers 10 rooms conveniently placed in the center of the Canaan Valley. 

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