SPRING BREAK
Spring break is the perfect time to get out and explore Almost Heaven. Visit a state park and hike to a secluded waterfall. Drive through a charming small town for the perfect weekend escape. Winding roads lead to magical adventures here in the mountains.
Browse these 3 itineraries and choose the one that best fits your desired length of travel, or pick your favorite parts of each route to create your own custom spring break getaway.
If you have 1-2 days…
Day 1: Start your day exploring the history of Harpers Ferry and Charles Town, both being major battle sites in the Civil War. In fact, Readers Digest named Harpers Ferry one of its “best places to visit in 2019 before they get too popular.” Take a historic walking tour in Charles Town where you’ll get to visit the courthouse where John Brown was tried, convicted and sentenced. Eat lunch at Kelley Farm Kitchen, an innovative vegan restaurant. Don’t let the lack of animal products scare you away, this menu is packed with full-flavor options that anyone is sure to love. End your night at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, where you can take a rest in an elegantly European chalet. Soak up gorgeous views of the Potomac River and head to the Bavarian Brothers Brewpub for a craft nightcap.
Day 2: Wake up and hit the road towards Martinsburg, a charming town filled with fun for everyone. If you have young kids take them to a show at the Wonderment Puppet Theater and watch as their imagination runs wild. Did you know Martinsburg is known for geocaching? Hike among the trails and enjoy the outdoors. For farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients, stop at Brix 27 Restuarant & Wine Bar for lunch. You’ll feel like you’re dining among friends in this casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. After filling up for lunch, pack up the car and head towards Berkeley Springs. Relax at the country’s first spa with a hot stone massage or calming facial. End your trip with a stay at Cacapon Resort State Park, famous for their Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course.
If you have 2-3 days…
Day 1: Begin your day in Huntington, home of Marshall University’s Thundering Herd. Start with a hot cup of joe at Grindstone Coffeeology, before heading to the Huntington Museum of Art. Browse the well-curated pieces of this award-winning museum, finding a wide variety of mediums, styles and influences. Even the least art-minded visitor will enjoy time spent in the museum’s tropical plant conservatory or on the surrounding nature trails. After you’ve built up an appetite, head over to Black Sheep Burritos & Brews for some of the tastiest burritos you’ve ever had. Shop till you drop at Pullman Square and nearby Heritage Station. These lively retail and entertainment hubs are sure to have something for everyone in your group, including DIY pottery and an arcade bar. Rest up at the charming Chessie Room B&B before your big day in the capital city.
Day 2: On your way to Charleston stop at the Blenko Glass Company in Milton. This family-owned company has been wowing consumers with their handblown glass since 1893. Tour the glass factory and then take home a piece for your family and friends. Once in town, check out the Capitol Market for fresh produce and flowers. While you’re there you can choose from a few different places for lunch, like Johnnie’s Fresh Meat Market for deli sandwiches or Soho’s Italian Restaurant for classic pasta dishes. A trip to Charleston isn’t complete without a visit to the state’s capitol building. End your day with dinner on Capitol Street and a stay at the historic Brass Pineapple Bed and Breakfast in the East End District.
Day 3: After you’ve finished breakfast at the Brass Pineapple, hit the road heading south for Logan. This area is known for the famous Hatfield-McCoy family feud that’s sparked shows, documentaries, businesses and ATV trails. While the families called a truce years ago, the history is very much alive in the trail system that spans over 800 miles throughout the southern part of the state. Enjoy the twist and turns of the Bearwallow trail before stopping back in Logan for lunch. Try an authentic drive-in restaurant, like Morrison’s Drive Inn for its famous West Virginia-style hotdogs. Head over to Chief Logan State Park for a round of mini-golf or a trip through the wildlife exhibit. You can call the lodge home for the night as you recount the great memories you’ve made along the way.
If you have a week…
Day 1: Start your trip in West Virginia’s first capital, Wheeling. Hungry? Visit Sarah’s on Main for breakfast. They have everything from fresh-baked bread and homemade breakfast sandwiches, to locally grown fruit and tasty yogurt with granola. Head up to Oglebay Resort where you’ll find a zoo, a spa and opportunities for hiking, biking, golfing, horseback riding and tennis. If weather permits, you can even ride a paddleboat on Schenk Lake. For lunch, try Figaretti’s Restaurant, an authentic Italian eatery serving homemade gnocchi and a wide variety of pasta options. Venture to Centre Market for unique storefronts and pubs. Taste local brews at Wheeling Brewing Company, where they’re known for keeping it local. Afterward, head back to Oglebay Resort for a relaxing stay centrally located in downtown Wheeling.
Day 2: Just a little over an hour drive from Wheeling, Morgantown is home of the Mountaineers at West Virginia University. Interested in sports? Enjoy a baseball game at Monongalia County Ballpark, where both the West Virginia Mountaineers and West Virginia Black Bears play. The Coliseum might also have a basketball game or gymnastics tournament that you can attend. Indulge in your favorite pizza at Mountain State Brewing Company in the Wharf District. You can build your own or choose from one of their signature recipes. If you’re in the mood for some outdoor adventure, Coopers Rock State Forest offers an unbelievable overlook and miles of hiking trails. While you’re there, grab dinner at one of Cheat Lake’s restaurants and then book your stay at the Lakeview Resort, a favorite family and golf resort.
Day 3: Begin your day driving towards Tucker County to Blackwater Falls State Park. Grab a delicious scone and hot coffee at Tip Top, a local coffeehouse. Marvel at the beauty of Blackwater Falls, one of the most picturesque locations in the state. The park offers many hiking, biking and fishing opportunities. Looking for a peaceful mountain hike? Dolly Sods Wilderness has miles of trails full of interesting trees and wildlife. Make sure to stay on designated paths – this location used to be used for military maneuvers in the 1940s and could still have some active mortar shells. The small mountain town of Davis has great restaurants like Sirianni’s, and fun storefronts such as art galleries and antique shops. End your night listening to live music at the Purple Fiddle and enjoying the company of new friends. Get some rest back at Blackwater Falls State Park lodge or stay in one of their rustic cabins.
Day 4: Get an early start to your day because Fayetteville is about three hours away. Fayetteville is full of outdoor adventure, and you’ll see that as soon as you cross the massive New River Gorge Bridge. Most famous for its world-class whitewater rafting, the town also offers beautiful hiking trails and eclectic eateries. The Cathedral Café is a great place to order breakfast. Located in an old cathedral, the space truly feels heavenly. Visit one of the many parks in the area, like Babcock or Hawks Nest. You will never get tired of seeing the beautiful gorge. Interested in a scenic drive? Take US Route 60 out to the town of Gauley Bridge where you’ll find some wonderful waterfalls. For a true wilderness getaway spend the night at Country Road Cabins.
Day 5: Rise and shine! Start your day heading south to Beckley and stop at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia. Here you’ll find West Virginia-made goods, crafts and artwork. Their cafeteria is filled with delicious foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Continue towards Lewisburg, home of America’s Resort, The Greenbrier. Go on the bunker tour and learn about the secret history behind the walls of the resort. Enjoy lunch in town at Blackwell’s, a casual pizza joint with soups, sandwiches, and salads too. Then head to the Lost World Caverns, where a guided tour will take you off the beaten trail. Make sure to bring a jacket, the cave stays a cool 52 degrees year-round. For dinner, stop at Hill and Holler to refuel from your day of travel. Finally, catch some shut-eye at Maison Marcel, a charming manor house located less than a mile from the heart of downtown Lewisburg.
Travelers are encouraged to check the status of individual businesses and events before taking a trip. A statewide indoor face-covering requirement is in effect and visitors are encouraged to maintain a safe social distance when traveling the state.
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