These date ideas for Southern West Virginia will help you plan your romantic getaway or give you ideas on what to do while you’re here.
Southern West Virginia is a perfect weekend retreat for couples. The area’s rustic charms encourage unplugging, slowing down, and exploring. In the beauty of forested mountain landscapes, reconnect and grow with your special person while making memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some date ideas for you to spend quality time together.
Explore the Forest
Our social media manager’s idea for a perfect date is to pack a couple of sandwiches and hit the trail with her significant other. From spotting wildlife to identifying new plants and enjoying a larger-than-life vista, to her, there’s a magical experience to share around each bend.
Southern West Virginia is home to numerous state and local parks, as well as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This means that there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore. From tough inclines to leisurely walks, there’s a trail for every skill level. In the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, you’ll find remnants of coal towns and views of the New River. In state parks, you’ll get scenic vistas and lakes. Local parks take you on underground tours of coal mines and show you hidden waterfalls.
Camping under the Stars
Picture this: a tent, a campfire, a couple of chairs, and a fire on a night with clear skies. In the forest surrounding you is a soft call of “Who cooks for you?” the sound of a barred owl, and fireflies dance in between dark trees. In the chair next to yours is your favorite person, making a mess while trying to make the perfect s’more. There’s nothing like a quiet camping trip with just the two of you, and Southern West Virginia has plenty of campgrounds to choose from. While the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has free, first-come, first-served sites, you can ensure a spot by booking with a private campground or at a state park.
A Romantic Cabin Stay
Some getaways require a list of must-haves, like mattresses, full bathrooms, and a place to cook, while still retaining the rustic charm of camping. Cabins and vacation rentals located throughout Southern West Virginia, including Four Fillies Lodge, Bluestone State Park, and Country Road Cabins, provide the creature comforts you and your loved one need so you can feel immersed in nature and achieve peak relaxation. There are even some glamping dome options, such as those at New River Hideaways and Country Domes.
See a Sunset
It might be cliché, but we are suckers for a romantic sunset. If you’re looking for a grandiose scene that warms the heart, Southern West Virginia has plenty to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:
Summersville Lake– Anywhere on the lake is good since the water reflects all of the colors.
Canyon Rim at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve- Whether you’re hiking the Endless Wall trail or just viewing from the boardwalk at the visitor’s center, this spot offers a sunset that drops behind the mountains and views of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Lake Stephens– This is a hidden gem when it comes to sunsets. Not only do you get the views, but if you’re out on the water, you get the opportunity to see wildlife starting to wake up for the night.
Sandstone Falls– The largest waterfall on the New River is also one of the best places to see the sunset. Watch the sky change color, and the stars appear as the sun dips behind the waterfalls.
East River Mountain Overlook- Located at the top of a mountain on the border of Virginia, this scenic wayside offers 180-degree views of the mountains and valleys of West Virginia. It provides the perfect open sky for sunset shots.
Climb Together
Couples who belay together, stay together. That’s a saying, right? Climbing is a great sport for building teamwork and supporting one another, and Southern West Virginia is the perfect place to try it for the first time or explore new routes. Check out Gripped Fitness or Outside-In Climbing Gym for practice or to try climbing for the first time in a safe environment. If you and your loved one are already skilled climbers, check out the routes at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve or Summersville Lake State Park.
Wine and Dine
A classic way to spend an evening—dinner and drinks. Choose fine-dining options like The Gaines Estate or The Char, or keep it low-key with beer and pizza at Weathered Ground Brewery. No matter your style, you’ll get a taste of Appalachian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.
Hit the Slopes – Winter Only
Bundle up and ski down the slopes of Winterplace Ski Resort. While people might surround you, you will still feel like you’re in your own bubble of privacy while you sync up going downhill and help each other up when you fall. At the end of the day, snuggle up together at The Mountain House or resort center.
Couple’s Massage
The Pomona Salt Cave and Spa, just outside of White Sulphur Springs, offers a Sweethearts Package year-round. This bundle includes 25-minute foot soaks, snacks and beverages, and 80-minute firm Swedish massages. Don’t forget to book a session in the salt cave while you’re there!
The Resort at Glade Springs’ Spa Orange also offers couples’ massages and an array of spa treatments—including cupping therapy and men’s facials.
Go for the Thrills
High adventure is out there, and it’s a great way to get hearts racing and the blood flowing. Fly through treelines on ziplines, go off-roading on an ATV, or even ride the rapids on a whitewater rafting trip. With each hesitation, hurdle, and wave, you’ll have each other to help conquer the obstacles and create lifelong memories full of excitement.
Get Creative
Appalachia is known for its crafts, such as pottery and glassblowing. You can take part in this culture by creating something together. Gass Dimensions in Tamarack teaches you how to blow your own glass piece, which you get to keep. The Pottery Place is a pottery painting studio with a variety of plates and sculptures to choose from. Together, you can make something unique for your home or create gifts for each other.
As romantics and travelers, we love sharing our experiences with those closest to us. The natural wonders, thrilling adventures, and serene settings of Southern West Virginia make the area an intimate getaway destination for couples looking to explore and enjoy new ways to connect.