Your Perfect Winter 2021 Bucket List

Enjoy a luxury stay in a tiny house rental just 3 miles away from Lost River State Park, and a short 2.5-hour drive from the D.C. Metro Area. These cute and cozy homes are an Almost Heaven treasure—with a modern edge that sets them apart—Lost River Vacations offers 22 serene acres to roam freely on, a 9 hole disc golf course and tons of hiking trails for anyone to enjoy.

This winter, check your worries at the door and unplug in a cozy cabin. Country Road Cabins provides 18 deluxe log cabin rentals, yurts and a breathtaking treehouse for you to choose from on your next mountain stay. Just minutes from the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, guests can take a quick trip to see the iconic bridge decorated delicately in snow. Or stay close to home-base to soak in the hot tub and gaze upon the twinkling stars.

Nestled into the breathtaking Pipestem Resort State Park find McKeever Lodge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The lodge offers a heated indoor pool, cross-country skiing and quaint eatery options for any winter-lover to enjoy. Try one of the nation’s most unique restaurants on your stay, Mountain Creek Dining Room, located at the bottom of the Bluestone River Gorge, is accessible only by aerial tram. The restaurant and lodge’s large bay windows create an overwhelmingly beautiful view, perfect for admiring the snowy scenes outdoors.

Not quite ready to hit the lofty slopes of the West Virginian mountains? Try your hand at cross country skiing this season for a totally unique, yet challenging, adventure. At White Grass Ski Touring Center the focus is on the fun with over 25 km of trails ready to be explored. Lace up your skis and get ready for a day of true snow adventure.

Not every winter adventure needs to be a wild day of extreme sports. Bring the whole family along for a ride aboard the longest sled run on the East Coast at Blackwater Falls State Park. Cruising along the fresh snow, catch high speeds as you sled downhill and then ride the Magic Carpet conveyor belt back up the mountain. While you are in the area, be sure to stop by this Tucker County park’s namesake, Blackwater Falls, to catch a glimpse of the magnificent falls frozen in place.

Offering up just about every winter adventure you could be looking for this season, Snowshoe Mountain is a must-visit destination on our list. Settle in for a cozy stay on the mountain or take to the slopes for a day of skiing and snowboarding. After catching some speed, stop by for an evening of Galatic Tubing under the stars at the Coca-Cola Tube Park. If braving the elements is not in the cards for you, explore unique dining and boutique shopping for the ultimate getaway on the mountain.

Something about wintertime and the breezy chill in the air makes us nostalgic for Almost Heaven memories. Explore the state’s history by taking a trek through The Matewan Depot Replica Museum to see unique artifacts and information from the Hatfield-McCoy Feud and the Matewan Massacre. Doubling as a welcome center and gift shop, feel free to stop by and ask for tips or suggestions on what to see and where to go.

A time capsule of rural American life, the Cockayne Farmstead is a staple in the longstanding culture of Moundsville. The Cockayne family were prominent early settlers in the 1790s, and resided in the home through the 18th and 19th centuries, ending with the death of the last owner in 2001. The farmhouse contains its original collection of over 3,000 objects and over 15,000 primary documents, a charming, must-see stop for history lovers. This December 10th or 12th stop by for a special Christmas with the Cockanyes open house or make plans to visit on December 19th for the Christmas Concert.

Every winter, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad transforms into the North Pole Express, an oasis for childhood dreams and life-long memories. Getting whisked away to the North Pole, the train provides winter activities from caroling to milk and cookies, and from hot cocoa to cider—giving everyone the opportunity to relive the magic this winter. While gazing upon a winter wonderland of pastures and farms dating back to the 1700s, children of all ages get to write letters to Santa and welcome him aboard at the North Pole Express. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is a wintertime Almost Heaven gem.

Situated in a beautifully restored house built in 1913, Lot 12 Public House‘s warm and inviting dining room is a great place to grab a bite this winter. Offering phenomenal locally sourced food, spirits and service, this dining destination is ideal for tasty seasonal desserts, dinners and other handcrafted cuisines. For take-home treats in Berkeley Springs, try Fleur de Lis Cheese Shop, specializing in fine meats and cheeses.

Looking for artsy goodies and old-timey treasures to gift this season? Check out Sweet Memories Antique Mall for tons of antique do-dads, vintage knick-knacks and intriguing odds and ends. On a mission to make memories come to life, the antique mall fosters a warm, Almost Heaven feeling from wall-to-wall. As an ode to Fairmont’s rich cultural scene, stop in for a pepperoni roll at the Country Club Bakery after shopping, home to West Virginia’s original pepperoni roll.

Don’t miss the iconic showing of A Magical Cirque Christmas at The Capitol Theatre in Wheeling on Saturday, December 11th. Audiences are swept through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite live classic holiday music. The showing of A Magical Cirque Christmas has quickly become a special family holiday tradition, popular nationwide. Warm-up before the show with a local craft brew from Wheeling Brewing Company and head on over for a fun, festive night.