Take It Easy with These Soft Adventures this Spring

Escape to the Mountain State this spring and experience the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Witness Almost Heaven’s natural beauty come alive with blushing blooms and sunny skies. Any of the soft adventures below are guaranteed to slow you down and refresh your soul.

Luxurious Wineries

Visit a West Virginia vineyard and sip on natural, unique flavors. Sparkling, sweet, dry, full bodied and brilliant, there’s sure to be a flavor that will make your tastebuds sing. Take a tour for a behind-the-scenes look or sit back and relax with a traditional tasting. Unwind in a rocking chair made from hand-cut West Virginia stones with a trip to Lambert’s Vintage Winery. Or visit Daniel Vineyards, a family owned-and-operated grape farm that’s been thriving since 1990. Kirkwood Winery is also home to some of the state’s finest wines along with the first made-and-produced bourbon whiskey.

Mountain State Museums

Almost Heaven is home to one-of-a-kind art galleries, storied cultural centers and heritage and history museums, many of which offer hands-on opportunities for children. Browse exquisite exhibits and a lush plant observatory at Huntington Museum of Art. Put on your mine helmet and go underground for a life-like ride at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. The Clay Center in Charleston makes learning fun for children and adults alike with art and science exhibits throughout the 2-story, 12,000-foot Avampato Discovery Museum. Pioneer your way through the Jefferson County Museum for an up-close-and-personal look at the Civil War.

Traversing Rail Trails

What once served as bustling train tracks has now been repurposed into nearly 600 miles of trails exceptional for a leisurely pedal. Pass through tunnels, go over bridges, witness historical sites and take in plenty of lovely landscapes along the way. Once part of the famed C&O Railway, the Greenbrier River Trail spans 78 miles and takes travelers through multiple state forests. Take the North Bend Rail Trail to experience the famous, “haunted” Silver Run Tunnel. Cycle the Wheeling Heritage Rail Trail and learn about the town’s history with a self-guided tour. The Mon River Trails consist of many connecting trails throughout three north-central West Virginia counties.

Rejuvenating Natural Springs

Treat yourself to tranquility with a trip to one of these natural springs. Widely known as the nation’s first spa, travel back in time with a retreat to Berkeley Springs. See for yourself the world-renown waters that have been drawing in guests for centuries and take a dip in a blissful Roman Bath at Berkeley Springs State Park. Enjoy some pampering at The Greenbrier’s famous mineral spa. Soak in the healing waters of White Sulphur Springs, followed by a Swiss shower, scotch spray and Swedish massage. Capon Springs and Farms also offers hot spring soaking baths along with facials, a swimspa and reflexology sessions.

Chasing Waterfalls

Embark on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail this spring and discover a multitude of jaw-dropping, cascading falls. From easily-accessible roadside wonders to falls found at the end of multi-mile treks, the trail provides stunning views for adventurers of all kinds. Reconnect with nature and be rewarded with prizes along the way! Register for a mobile passport and check in at participating locations to earn exclusive West Virginia Waterfall Trail gear. Cathedral Falls and Elakala Falls continue to come in at the top of the list for family favorite falls.

Iconic Fishing Spots

Pick a lovely spring day and wander to West Virginia where you’ll find miles and miles of fresh flowing streams. From wide-open lakes calling your name to babbling brooks begging you to cast a line, leave the daily stress behind and spend time fishing for a while. Experienced anglers with a boat won’t want to miss launching into the Middle Fork or Cheat River. The Bluestone National Scenic River and North Bend Lake make wonderful family fishing spots.

Spectactular Scenic Drives

Round up the entire family and set out for a spring day spent traveling West Virginia’s iconic country roads. What better way to find peace than driving simply for the journey with no specific destination? From winding paths tucked within the state’s most beautiful backcountry to charming streets lining quaint, mountain towns, here you’re sure to find your ideal drive. Explore on your own or take one of the pre-routed Mountain Ride trips for extra ease.

Keep the adventures going all season long with the help of our new West Virginia Vacation Guide!

This post was last updated on January 18, 2024