8 memorable mountain Valentine’s Day dates for every budget

Valentine’s Day is your official excuse to woo. From affordable treats to glamorous outings, there’s something dazzling for your West Virginia date.

Thrifty dates

The simplest pleasures can be magical, especially because they feel spontaneous and unforced. You don’t need to spend buckets of money on little gestures and quiet moments, either.

Here’s where you can save money and be a rockstar Romeo:

1. Oak Hill

Local favorite Cafe One Ten keeps prices low but quality high with its homemade entrees.
You won’t regret ordering garlicky hummus and thick, warm slices of pita bread as an appetizer. Then, pick up the Valentine’s Day menu for a special lunch or dinner.

Next, head across the street to Sugar and Spice Bakery for a celebratory dessert. Buttercream cupcakes, cheesecakes, donuts and muffins are always on the menu, but chocolate-dipped strawberries and heart-shaped sugar cookies will make a Valentine’s Day appearance, too.

2. Tamarack

The “Best of West Virginia” art center makes any outing special. Browse shelves of crafts and exquisite handiwork; handmade mugs and bowls are surprisingly affordable, as are glass ornaments, organic soaps, candy and jewelry.

Tamarack’s upscale food court gives you even more reasons to linger. The deli section has traditional sandwiches, flatbreads and salads, while the grill tempts your senses with burgers, baked goods, side dishes, desserts and entrees. The pan-fried West Virginia rainbow trout is fan favorite.

There’s even a cafe, so order an espresso or hot chocolate and continue shopping!

3. Shepherdstown

Perched high above the Potomac River, the Bavarian Inn inspires romantic sensations all year long. Its European and Germanic menu won’t interfere with Cupid’s plans, either.

The Valentine’s Day menu keeps prices reasonable for couples. You and your sweetheart can split the Charcuterie and Imported Cheese Plate— a bountiful spread with truffle-and-Cognac parma ham, fruit, brie, Dijon mustard and toasted French bread or other tasty appetizers. Entrees are also priced for couples, so dig in!

After your meal, consider taking a hike along the river. Sweeping valley overlooks, rocky shores and clear skies make dramatic — and romantic — backdrops.

4. Fayetteville

America’s “Coolest Small Town” has more trails, mountain climbing, and horse rides than you can possibly squeeze into a day. Local restaurants and cafes make your visit even sweeter.

Take your date on a Valentine’s Day Bridge Walk tour. Cross the dramatic New River Gorge Bridge where, from 876 feet high, you’ll have unimpeded views of sandstone cliffs, distant rapids and horizons of forests. Now that’s a date to remember!

If you want an even more affordable option, no problem. You can bring bikes and go on a mountain trail ride, then finish with a dessert and espresso at Cathedral Cafe.

An Epic Escape Game also keeps your heart fluttering. Pick your story or level, then try to solve riddles and clues in 60 minutes or less!

Once you’ve stopped a runaway train, evaded the Mothman or prevented nuclear war, replenish lost calories with a dinner date. Pies & Pints’ gourmet pizzas intrigue your taste buds with combinations like Chicken Gouda and Grape & Gorgonzola. Plus, you can share the cost with your special someone.

Sweetheart splurges

If you envision a weekend in the mountains, complete with festive dinners and dreamy scenery, West Virginia can check all of those boxes for you.

Consider spending Valentine’s Day at:

5. Pipestem Resort State Park

Hailed by many as the “Year-round Crown Jewel of West Virginia State Parks,” this retreat gets even dreamier in February.

Stay at McKeever Lodge — a cozy facility with gorge views and amenities like a sauna, game room, indoor heated pool and wifi.

Arrive early and rent sleds or cross-country skiing equipment. Pipestem’s lookout tower is ideal for bird watching, too. Bald and golden eagles are especially numerous in winter, so bring binoculars. Then, head indoors for happy hour and live music.

The entertainment can continue with dinner, dancing and more tunes. Until evening arrives, you have all day for hikes, sledding, disc golf or playing in the rec center.

6. Mannington

Spend an early Valentine’s weekend in the quiet countryside.

At A Nature’s Song B&B, still ponds and restful gardens buffer you from the modern, hectic world. Enjoy a homecooked dinner upon your arrival with the “Rest and Relax” package, or cook your own meal in the retro cabin.

You can also pick from 2 country-style rooms; each has cheerful country decor and antiques. For an extra fee, the innkeeper can customize your retreat with flowers and chocolates, too.

Then, it’s on to Hero’s Corner Cafe & Pizzeria for cozy home-style cuisine. Fill up on hot roast beef with mashed potatoes, chicken-fried steak, and warm cobbler.

7. Berkeley Springs

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at West Virginia’s atmospheric spa town!

George Washington rejuvenated his spirit in the mineral springs, and you can do likewise. Take a soak at Berkeley Springs State Park, where Roman baths and a 150-gallon jacuzzi wash away your cares.

Then, visit Atasia Spa for even more bliss. Splurge on a couple’s facial or massage and get a free soak!

Berkeley Springs has quaint dining spots, too. Go to the Country Inn for a delicious sweetheart dinner.

8. Parkersburg

This riverside city abounds with romantic ambience.

Start off with a night at The Blennerhassett Hotel, a magnificent Victorian structure. There’s a period library, Starbucks coffee bar, and atrium. Best of all are the luxurious rooms, none of which are alike.

Ask about package treats like rose petals, artisan chocolates, and champagne.

Dine at Spats, a swanky restaurant with gourmet Continental, American and French cuisine. Then walk off your meal at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, a restful spot on the Ohio River. It’s accessible by sternwheeler. Once you arrive, tour a recreated Palladian mansion, ride a horse-drawn wagon or idly walk along the beach.

North End Tavern & Brewery is another Parkersburg hotspot. This timber-framed brewery has been around since 1899, making it the oldest of its kind in West Virginia.

The NET’s craft beer also stands apart; head Brewer Chris Hopkins makes everything on site without any preservatives. Roedy’s Red, an amber ale, has swept competitions throughout West Virginia. Other favorites include Berry Wheat and 5-Way IPA.

Regardless of which beer you try, no visit should go without an appetizer or burger from the restaurant. Try an order of thick potato wedges, spicy pub pickles or basket of salami and cubed cheese— perfect for a Valentine’s date and brew.

How are you going to spend your Valentine’s Day in West Virginia?

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This post was last updated on March 16, 2022