Almost Heaven is full of perfect week-long getaway adventures. From world-class whitewater rafting to cozy cabin rentals, Southern West Virginia is sure to impress you while you explore this beautiful region of the National Coal Heritage Area.
This season, devote a week to discovering some of West Virginia’s most inspiring destinations and create memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is an easy choice for getting you settled in Southern West Virginia. Begin by checking into Country Road Cabins, where you can spoil yourself with a luxury cabin, yurt, treehouse and more. Fuel up with a hearty break at Cathedral Cafe, an old church-turned-cafe. After enjoying one of their breakfast sandwiches or a stack of flapjacks, head to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the nation’s 63rd national park. Take on a catwalk of a lifetime with Bridge Walk, which offers walking tours underneath the New River Gorge Bridge at 851 feet above the New River. The tour lasts about two hours and boasts incredible views of the New River below.
A couple of hours sightseeing and walking are enough to build up your appetite, which makes local West Virginia gourmet pizza staple Pies and Pints a delicious option. While you’re in town, shop until you drop at The Hobbit Hole for vintage gifts or find Appalachia-themed merch at Lost Appalachia Trading Co. For dinner, head to Bridge Brew Works and try one of their 20 craft beers.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Within minutes of Fayetteville, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a whitewater adventure hotspot. Start off your day with an upbeat breakfast at Wood Iron Eatery. Plan a whitewater rafting trip by exploring with one of the local expert outfitters. With Adventures on the Gorge, enjoy whitewater rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and more. Explore with ACE Adventure Resort by going whitewater rafting, ziplining, rock climbing, mountain biking, playing on the Adventure Lake and many other adventures. Both outfitters offer a variety of vacation rentals and deluxe cabins if you wish to extend your stay.
After a few action-packed hours of recreational wonders, make your way toward The 304 in Fayetteville and try their signature Dirty Bird Wings, pork skins and much more for a late lunch. After fueling up, take a tour of the area with New River ATV on a side-by-side or ATV. There are over 100 miles of trails ranging from beginner to expert experience levels. For an over-top-top sandwich with homemade pickles for dinner, Secret Sandwich Society is your ticket.
Beckley
Just 30 minutes south of Fayetteville, Beckley in Raleigh County is full of West Virginia’s coal mining history and heritage. Explore the Exhibition Coal Mine, which is on the National Coal Heritage Trail and offers 35-minute tours of a real mine. Veteran minors will educate you about the past and the future of mining in West Virginia. You’ll also get to ride in a ‘man car’ that holds 35 passengers. Mine temperatures remain at a constant 58 degrees year-round, so bring a jacket with you.
After touring, grab some mid-day grub at The Dish Cafe. The cafe prioritizes using fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch recipes for your table. To shop locally made home decor, enjoy Appalachian-inspired foods and explore a fine arts gallery, the Tamarack makes all of that possible under one roof. Theatre West Virginia, a beautiful outdoor theater on the rim of the New River Gorge and a few miles outside town, puts on great plays and musical acts on select summer days.
Summers County
Summers County is home to many recreational opportunities and much of the region’s history. Plan a lake day in Bluestone State Park, which has West Virginia’s third-largest body of water and more than 40 rustic campsites. Pipestem Resort State Park is perfect for those who love outdoor games and activities. Squeeze in a few golf matches, mini-golf, fling golf, foot golf, tennis and more. Also take in the views from the aerial tram and explore the park’s 20 different hiking trails.
A short drive from these state parks is the historic town of Hinton. Most of the town’s original buildings still stand and have been restored to their former glory. Find everything from upscale clothing, outdoor gear, unique gifts, and creations by West Virginia artisans at Otter & Oak. For history lovers, the Hinton Railroad Museum displays artifacts from the early days of the C&O Railway, the model trail exhibit and more. For dinner, pull up a chair at The Market on Courthouse Square and enjoy brick oven pizza, gourmet burgers, loaded fries, sandwiches, salads and much more.
Explorer Tip
Greenbrier County
Finish off your week-long getaway with a day spent in Greenbrier County, which is just 1.5 hours away from Summers County. Start in the charming town of Lewisburg, which was dubbed by Thrillist as one of the best mountain towns to visit in America. Shop for high-end shoes and footwear, as well as handbags, jewelry and hats at Yarid’s. If you want to explore the great outdoors, look no further than the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, a former railroad line with uninterrupted hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities. For dinner, treat yourself to the upscale cuisine of The French Goat or go with the more casual fare of The Asylum.
White Sulphur Springs is home to amazing dining, small-town shops and adventures. Take a stroll down Main Street for some unique and specialty shops. If you love wine, The Village Wine Shop is the perfect place to find domestic and international wines. For a stay that makes you feel like royalty, book a room at The Greenbrier, America’s Resort. Enjoy all the on-site fine dining establishments and sip on a refreshing cocktail. Explore all 11,000 acres of this beautiful property by hitting the green on the golf course, hiking and much more.
Make the Memories Count in #AlmostHeaven
Have another week to spare? Our free West Virginia Vacation Guide will give you all the inspiration you need to add more to your Almost Heaven getaway.
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