Vacation in WV - places to go and things to do?

[David Kennedy]

Hey Movin-pains: You did luck out...you will see some of the most spectacular scenery in Wv...I had to cheat and look at their site, but it brought back so many memories to me.
As a college lad, I would ride my Triumph T-120 to Summersville on the weekends. The loveliest lady in the world lived there then...we would ride up to the civil war battlefield, spend the night on her dad's boat or drive over for a custard...she drove a gold colored Barracuda...what a car that was!...AT Groves Ford Rd stood the old general store...I'm sure its still there...but the custard was on up the road and it was the best because it was homemade.
Walmart, Mickey D's and all that hogwash is only 6 minutes away if you have a Mac Attack...but you will be in the heart of laurel blooming and fish jumping in the lake...everything will be there at your fingertips...What a boon this will be and I'll bet you visit 'Stripes several times if you have small children...Bed rest on the front porch of the cabin will be the very best thing to do...pitcher of margarita's and some nice music...ask the owners to remove the TV...if the cabin has a hook-up. The hills are alive with their owns sounds of Music...Summersville has some nice things to see. Don't forget that World Class speed trap...the signs give a fair warning...45 mph...not 46 mph.
I'll bet you check out the real estate while your there...its a hot spot...not Lake Norman...but it's hot for us.

[harborlady]

I've got to agree with DK. Most of that region is a sportsmans paradise. Best you let go of busy work planned activities that plague european tourists, get an ottoman for your knee, sit a while and enjoy your company and the scenery. Let appreciation for people and the landscape be the theme. Spontaneous day trips in any direction from there I've experienced as happy surprises because I was open to whatever.
By and large, politely approach any of the locals and the concierge suggestions arrive. Have fun!

[snorpus]

I'll be honest, I'd never heard of Canvas, WV, but I found it with the help of Google Maps. Looks to be 15-20 miles east of Summersville, off of Rte 39. That's a nice, central location, especially for southern West Virginia.

You won't be rafting, but maybe your friends will want to. Summersville Dam marks the beginning of the rafting region on the Gauley River. Obey all traffic laws (especially speed) in Summersville; it's a notorious speed trap.

About 20 miles south is Fayetteville and the New River Gorge Bridge. Ten miles west of Fayetteville is Hawks Nest State Park, which has a tram from the canyon rim down to the river.

Another 20 or so miles south is the city of Beckley. You absolutely must visit Tamarack.

Now, going east on 39 from your cabins, you'll enter the Monongahela National Forest. This region includes the Cranberry Wilderness Area, Cranberry Glades, and the Cranberry Nature Center. Rte 150, the Highlands Scenic Highway, will take you north from the Nature Center into an "off the beaten path" part of Pocahontas County.

Other things to see in Pocahontas County include the Cass Scenic Railroad, Green Bank Observatory, Watoga State Park, and Pearl Buck's Birthplace in Hillsboro.

That should get you started with planning your trip.

[snorpus]

David Kennedy wrote:

Bed rest on the front porch of the cabin will be the very best thing to do...

Harborlady wrote:

Best you let go of busy work planned activities that plague european tourists, get an ottoman for your knee, sit a while and enjoy your company and the scenery. Let appreciation for people and the landscape be the theme.

My favorite T-shirt from Pipestem features this motto:

In the mountains... one forgets to count the days.

[harborlady]

Sooo true. Now, about this silly penchant for planning... I say let nature tell you where and when and how. She's a better boss.

[BJC]

You will now join my love fest for Summersville!! Call now to reserve a pontoon boat for the lake, the number is 304-872-1331. You can rent for the day or half day. boat all ready in the water, just pay and go. Kids will love (adults also) the animals Tommy has at his ranch. It is very pretty out there. As DK said do not speed in S'ville.

[David Kennedy]

RENT THAT PONTOON BOAT! This lake has shear walls of rock about 300' fishing is very good...license from Walmart at $1.00 perday...one of the most incredible water impoundments it West Virginia...the only place to picnic...on the water.
Water will be TOO cold to swim...believe me, I've tried it...about 3' under the surface it's 50 degrees.
Summersville is a great base camp for everything in southern Wv...as you drive up, stop at the New River Bridge...nice place to take a break...and Tamarac too.

Let Tamarac introduce you to the excellence that is hidden in these mountains...
Lunch there will be 5 star from the Greenbrier...suggest a little rainbow trout in wine sauce to set the mood for a great week. Prices are quite reasonable.

[BJC]

Kirkwood winery is nice and in S'ville, my hubby likes some of theri wine.
Hawks Nest, take the airboat ride it will give you a view of the New River Bridge from the underside.
Fran's on Main Street, great local place to eat.

[bullet328]

Hello, I have lived in WV all my life and have been all over the state. I'm glad to see you decided not to go to Elkins because i don't think it is that great there. The Summersville area is one place i try to stay away from. If i were you i would have tried to find something near Smokehole Caverns. Welcome to Adobe GoLive 6. There is a lot of cabins, plenty of things to do, and great fishing. Plus the scenery doesn't get any better.

[BJC]

I know everyone has their own view on things, and you have yours. Please share why you try to stay away from S'ville?