It’s Not Too Late to Plan Summer Vacation!

Summer is just beginning, which means it’s not too late to plan the adventure of your dreams. Load up the entire family and bring along all your friends to West Virginia for an Almost Heaven summer vacation. Get out and explore or lay back and relax, there’s an abundance of activities perfect for each and every guest.

Cool Off In The Mountains

Find yourself in cooler temperatures and at higher altitudes when in the charming mountain town of Davis. This slice of Almost Heaven is perched at 3,100 feet, making it the highest incorporated town in the state. Although a tiny town, Davis is perfectly positioned on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, making it a gateway to West Virginia’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Home to Blackwater Falls State Park, you are guaranteed to feel refreshed by the mist of this 57-foot, cascading natural wonder. Spend your days hiking trails leading to jaw-dropping overlooks, chasing wonderful waterfalls, biking the mountains, fishing, camping or even geocaching. Find authentic Appalachian restaurants, unique shops and even one of the state’s most popular breweries dotting the short streets of the town. Spend your nights in a rustic cabin or within the park’s newly renovated lodge.

Soak up the sun

For those of you that prefer to feel the sunshine on your skin, head to Summersville Lake, where a paradise of water activities awaits. With nearly 3,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline, this lake is the largest in the state. Nicknamed the “Little Bahamas of the East,” this spot boasts some of the clearest water east of the Mississippi and attracts scuba divers worldwide. The tranquil waters also make for great paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and fishing. Dip your toes into the refreshing waves or climb the 122 steps to the top of the lighthouse for astonishing views as far as the eye can see. Stay in a quaint A-frame cabin equipped with a full kitchen, satellite TV, WiFi, a fireplace and a hot tub.

Travel Back in Time

Harpers Ferry is full of history, rich in culture and overflowing with experiences. Situated at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, this spot showcases some of the best views the Mountain State has to offer. Explore the streets of this town while making your way through some key moments of early American history. Visit the John Brown Wax Museum for a walk through John Brown’s life and learn more about his raid on Harpers Ferry in a building that was present at that very time. Stop by The Barn of Harpers Ferry for live music, local brews and a relaxing atmosphere. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park gives access to endless adventures such as hiking, biking, rock climbing and fishing. Stop by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitors Center to learn about one of the world’s most popular hiking trails.

Visit the Nation’s Newest National Park

Vacation within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to take part in thrilling activities and catch stunning vista views. Take on West Virginia’s wild whitewater with a guided rafting trip on the upper or lower new river. Stroll the structural beams that lie right under the famous New River Gorge Bridge, over 800 feet up in the air for the walk of a lifetime with a Bridge Walk tour. Climb to new heights with a guided rock climbing tour or see the gorge from a bird’s eye view with a ride in with a biplane ride from Wild Blue Adventure Company. Continue the fun with a stay at one of the nearby resorts, ACE Adventure Resort or Adventures on the Gorge.

Learn about the loads of family fun awaiting you in Almost Heaven with the help of our new Vacation Guide!

This post was last updated on July 5, 2023