Have you tried these 7 newcomers from 2016?
Southern West Virginia had a busy year! Have you kept up?
New businesses and adventures found a home in our corner of the Mountain State. Check out these new resorts, boutiques and specials you should try this year if you haven’t already!
1. Four Wheeler Heaven
This family-owned ATV resort is about as close to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails as you can get. Just park, unload your off-road vehicle and drive on a short path to the Pocahontas Trail.
Four Wheeler Heaven also has comfortable lodging. Blizzards Roost, the flagship vacation home, cozily fits 10 guests inside its 2 stories. There’s even a sun room, laundry space and full kitchen.
The resort is close to historic Bramwell. When you’re not muddin’, head to this old-fashioned town, which had more millionaires than anywhere in America during the coal boom. The mansions are stunning, so take the self-guided tour (after you stop by the old-time ice-cream parlor.)
Looking ahead to 2017: Four Wheeler Heaven is expanding, so look forward to more vacation units soon.
2. ACE Adventure Resort
If you stopped by the Wonderland Waterpark this summer, you probably noticed tsunami-sized changes.
ACE’s toy collection grew by leaps and bounds. They added 50 inflatables, including an obstacle course and 25-foot-high mountain. (Don’t worry, though. The Blob— ACE’s enormous float— is still at the center of the action.) They also added more slides, expanded the sandy beach and put in an outdoor patio and grill.
Looking ahead to 2017: The Big Air Blob Competition starts July 1. Find your partner now and start planning the perfect long-distance jump! The contest takes 2 participants per team: someone who leaps from a platform onto the float, and another who flies from the Blob across the lake. The most spectacular pair wins!
3. Winterplace Ski Resort
Southern West Virginia’s biggest winter resort was busy over the summer!
Winterplace now has Terrain-Based Learning classes for skiers and snowboarders. Learn proper positioning, technique and confidence as you swish over little slopes and obstacles.
They expanded the resort’s famous snowmaking capabilities, too. And installed a new carousel and lift carpet to the Skiwee and Snow Explorers area. If you head to the rental shop this year, check out the new Rossignol gear.
Looking ahead to 2017: Visit Winterplace on Jan. 6 for “World’s Largest Ski & Snowboard Lesson” day. Hundreds of folks across America and Canada will participate, so join ‘em and help break a global record!
4. Twisted Gypsy’s
If you’re ever in downtown Fayetteville, pop into this whimsical boutique for an instant mood-booster. Twisted Gypsy’s inventory has anything from buccaneer blouses and beard oil to pendants and graphic art.
The owner’s “can-do” attitude is infectious, too. Play along and try something on! Life’s too short to stick with cookie-cutter clothes.
Looking ahead to 2017: Twisted Gypsy’s “why not?” vibe invites you to grab life by the horns. Sounds like a resolution right there!
5. Water Wise-N Bock
Taste the latest creation from Bridge Brew Works: a wheat beer accented with chocolate, clove and vanilla notes.
Here’s the twist: Bridge Brew Works and the West Virginia Land Trust asked social media fans to name the beer. Hundreds of folks submitted names, many of which played on local themes: Pillow Rock Bock, New River Shiner and Fayette Station Sweet Hydration, to name a few. But “Water Wise-N Bock” won the spot on the label.
Looking ahead to 2017: Eager for a sip? Bridge Brew Works has Water Wise-N Bock on tap. Call ahead and ask if it’s currently available; you might be able to get it as a growler fill, too.
6. Lake Stephens
Raleigh County’s popular “beach” also took a walk on the wet side! They added a sprinkler splash pad, complete with randomly squirting fountains and a slide. And to complete the new Aqua Water Park, they also got large inflatable toys: a massive floating mattress, iceberg and slide.
Looking ahead to 2017: The beach opens Memorial Day weekend. Until then, come to Lake Stephens for hikes, cabins and camping.
7. Outside-In Climbing Gym
Just when it seemed Southern West Virginia’s cliffs and boulders couldn’t be topped!
The Outside-In Climbing Gym stays open when Mother Nature cancels your plans. This year-round facility has all the equipment and challenges you’ll need to keep in shape. One of the best features is a 35-foot wall, dotted with color-coded footholds. Plot your easy— or difficult— way to the top! Trained staff and belayers keep everything safe, too.
Looking ahead to 2017: Outside-In Climbing Gym has a new highline. Check it out! You can also pair your workout with miniature golf or an espresso at The Chocolate Moose cafe.
Which new business or activity are you going to try in 2017?