Getaway Gifts

There’s nothing more thoughtful than Getaway Gifts.

Whether it’s treating your family, your significant other or a crew of friends, there are plenty of options to travel through Southern WV for an escape.

There are wonderful cabins, local bed & breakfasts, lodges and hotels in the area for you to stay while enjoying your getaway.

Here are 5 great options of places to share with your loved ones as a holiday treat:

Adventures in Fayetteville, WV

Give someone, or a group of friends, the thrill of a lifetime. Make a reservation to slide through the trees on the ziplines, stroll underneath our state’s most recognized icon, or even ride the whitewater rapids once spring rolls back around.

Start by contacting any of the area adventure outfitters: ACE, Adventures on the Gorge, New &  Gauley River Adventures and River Expeditions all offer winter activities. Prices on many of their trips are down in winter, so you can probably score a deal. Either stay on-site, or rent one of the luxury cabins that dot the scenic wilderness (also at a discounted rate, if you decide to book in winter.)

In your downtime, explore the trails, uncover tucked-away waterfalls, or even rediscover abandoned mine town ruins. While you’re around, be sure to stop into Fayetteville for some of the fine cuisine. This small town is known for its culinary creatives.

Arts & charm in Lewisburg, WV 

Recently voted one of America’s Coolest Small Towns, Lewisburg has a character all its own. Take some time to stroll downtown, checking into all the quirky antique shops and cafes.

Indulge in the arts, with a performance at the famous Carnegie Hall, one of only 4 of the renowned theaters in existence. Then, discover all the creativity bursting from the many galleries and artisan shops. Harmony Ridge Gallery is also a gourmet wine and coffee bar, so you can stop for a sip as you explore.

If you’d like to delve into the surrounding mountains, take a hike or rent a bike to trek the trails. You can even opt to head underground in the area’s caverns.

The town and area are full of history.

Resort Escapes

For an all-inclusive getaway, book a wintertime stay at one of the area’s resorts. There are plenty to choose from:

The Resort at Glade Springs has relaxation packages to help your loved ones rejuvenate in the harsh winter months. They evan have their own spa! Indulge even more when you dine at any of their 4 restaurants, from fresh regional cuisine to creative cafe sandwiches. They also offer skiing and tubing at Winerplace for anyone adventurous. Visit the local winery, take a hike, go bowling,

Explore the Pioneer Farm, restored from the 1830s, at Twin Falls Resort State Park. Their 18-hole championship golf course is open year-round, weather permitting. Or, go for a dip in the indoor pool and hot tub in the new wing of the lodge. The nature center is a hub of activity year-round, with hikes, history events, campfires and more.

At Pipestem Resort State Park, you can enjoy RC racetracks, disc golf, hiking and more. They have a heated pool and sauna to let you swim and soak cozily, even when it’s freezing outside. The pro shop also carries equipment for skiing and sledding the mountain hills. Their 3 shops are full of great holiday gifts, including blown glass and other artisan works.

Skyline Resort’s acoustic series keeps celebration alive all season long, with great acts every weekend. Kick back for a listen as you enjoy your cocktail and pub fare from Rich & Ernies Bar at happy hour. You can book lift tickets with your stay, to visit Winterplace for a day of riding the slopes.

History in Bramwell, Princeton & Bluefield

Give someone you love an opportunity to retrace the past in one of the most history-dense areas in the state.

Start with a trip to Bramwell, where you can take a walking tour of the town, once home to the most millionaires per capita in the country. The coal barons’ gorgeous mansions still line the streets, all huddled together and easy to explore on foot. Stop into the old rail depot, now the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center, for relics from this area’s extraordinary past. Have a bite at the Corner Shop for fresh drinks from an old-fashioned soda fountain.

Next, delve into the railroad and Civil War history of nearby Princeton and Bluefield. The Princeton Railroad Museum features old rail lanterns, artifacts and exhibits. Then explore the Mercer County War Museum. The McNutt House also gives an interesting glimpse into Civil War history, as the only structure remaining after the town was burnt down during the conflict. The 1840 house served as a headquarters for 2 future US Presidents.

If you gift this trip later, in the springtime, you can also head down into the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine, deep into a real underground mine to learn about the history of the industry and its deep impact on the region. Even in the winter, you can stop by the centuries-old Pocahontas Cemetery, where you’ll find the graves of the miners lost in the 1884 Pocahontas Mine explosion.

Culture in Beckley 

The business hub of Southern West Virginia, Beckley is always buzzing. It’s a beautiful place to explore West Virginia heritage and culture.

Begin with a trip to Tamarack “Best of West Virginia”, where you can not only find works from the state’s top artisans, but also those artisans themselves, hard at work. Watch demonstrations from master crafters, in-residence here at the center. Then browse the wide array of Appalachian artworks. Beckley is also home to several galleries and arts shops.

One of the best scenic views in the state is also nearby. Head out to Grandview and climb the steps to Turkey Spur rock formation for a striking overview of the New River’s bend and rolling mountain backdrop.

Beckley is the hub of commerce, so you can explore dozens of shops and eateries. If you’re coming from out of state, be sure to eat an authentic WV hot dog and our state treat, the pepperoni roll! And try a regional specialty drink, blackberry wine, at Daniel’s Vineyards. 

To where will you be gifting a SWV getaway?