If you’re tired of the east side streets of Washington DC and New York City or you’re just hankering for a bit of an adventure in the great outdoors then West Virginia is exactly what you’ve been searching for and you didn’t even know it.
Families, couples and pretty much anyone else who love being outside will no doubt fall in love with this wonderful state and if you’re looking for just a few of myriad things to do in West Virginia then read on and let the good times roll.
The Greenbrier
If you’re hoping to discover that extra special touch of exclusivity whilst visiting West Virginia then a visit to the Greenbrier will more than fit the bill. Not only has this US National Historic Landmark played host to 26 presidents it also has a wide range of activities to ensure all of your most extravagant needs are met from morning ’till night. Spa treatments, retail therapy, great golf, fine-dining and an awesome casino are all on offer at this fabulous 4-star resort and a visit to the Presidents’ Cottage museum will fill you in on some of the history with regards to Greenbrier’s previous residents.
Camden Park
This one time picnic spot, located near Huntingdon, is all about having fun as a family and if you’re looking for things to do in the summer months then welcome to paradise. There’s an awesome variety of rides and ‘coasters to put even the most hardened thrill seekers through their paces with Big Dipper, Paratrooper, Log Flume and a Haunted House making up just a few of the major rides and attractions. Occupying just over 25 acres of parkland and open for some seasonal events throughout the autumn, this amusement park is the perfect family day out in West Virginia.
The Cass Railroad
Sit back and enjoy the gentle shunt of the carriages as steam billows past your window and the gorgeous countryside of Pocahontas County rolls by as seamlessly as time itself. This is the perfect way to see the mountains, forests and lush green hillsides of West Virginia in style and as you get to travel for just over 10 miles of preserved track there’s plenty of time to rest and relax and allow the train to take the strain.
Cass Railroad State Park is one of the best ways to enjoy life as it used to be and from the town of Cass right the way through to legendary landmarks, such as Bald Knob and the Back Allegheny Mountain, step back in time as you enjoy the sights of West Virginia.
Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park
Situated in Lewis County along the shores of Stonewall Jackson Lake, this state park consists of loads of ideas for a family day out in West Virginia with everything from an Arnold Palmer signature golf course to a full-service marina complete with boat hire. The lake itself is just over 2600 acres and full to bursting with fish and if you’re hoping to catch perch, carp, trout or bass then you’ll no doubt be more than happy that you made the journey.
Sublime lakeside views are complimented with spa services, restaurants and more hiking and biking trails than you can wave a stick at and if you like your swimming then dive straight in.
Canaan Valley
Anyone visiting West Virginia will no doubt be well-aware of the state’s potential for enjoying life in the great outdoors and there’s no better place to explore than Canaan Valley in Tucker County. Summer months lend themselves effortlessly to wildlife walks with the natural wetland habitat proving to be a magnet for birds such as ducks, herons and Canada geese. Autumn and the changing foliage often provides an ideal season for woodland walkers with the Blackwater Falls presenting yet another reason to visit no matter what the time of year. With 2 alpine ski resorts making winter an awesome treat for ski and board lovers, Canaan Valley is exactly what you want from your grand American adventures in West Virginia.
Chris visited West Virginia in 2011 and has been raving about it ever since.
