Staying in Elkins for a Polar Express weekend-any advice? (Beverly: hotel, houses)

[elacklen]

We're bringing the kids to ride the Polar Express Sunday December 9. We're making a weekend out of it, as we live about 4 hours away. We're staying at the Holiday Inn. Any advice on what else there is to do while we are there? Any good kid friendly places to eat before the train ride? (the Railyard Cafe is sold out)

Thanks!

[Jayess1]

CJ Maggies for lunch. Their inhouse made potato chips are worth the trip alone...

[GottaHerdOn]

Let me know how the Polar Express goes!

As someone earlier mentioned.. CJ Maggies is always a good bet. There is also an Applebees on the Beverly Pike if you want something more familiar. Also Humbertos is authentic Mexican food on the 5 Lane and Dukes American Steakhouse is also nearby. In downtown there is an authentic Venezuelan Restaurant / Bar called El Gran Sabor. There are other random diner type things... and just about every fast food dive if you're into that.

There are several cafes in downtown that are both coffee houses and have meals to order as well. Kissel Stop Cafe, Henry G's Cafe, and 301 Coffee Shop are all downtown and within walking distance of your hotel.

For stuff to do... There is The American Mountain Theater in the rail-yard, and the Gandy Dancer on 219 South. They're more like shows and dinner theater... so not sure if that's something you'd be interested in. I've never been either, so I really can't give an opinion.

If you're up for some driving you could drive over to Smoke Hole or Seneca Caverns, they're open year-round.

The Randolph County visitors bureau would probably be able to tell you if there is anything specifically going on for the days of your visit. Here are a couple of websites you can browse to see if anything piques your interest.

Elkins / Randolph - Things To Do

City of Elkins - Lifestyle

Discover Randolph
- There is a downloadable travel guide there on the right side links.

Hope I gave you some insight... Let me know if you have anymore questions

[elacklen]

Thanks! Will report back.

[snorpus]

Another "drive" if you have a few hours...

This is a loop route around Canaan Valley, Dolly Sods, and Seneca Rocks.

• North on US-219 to Thomas
• At Thomas, right on WV-32
• After 2 miles, right into Blackwater Falls State Park
• Return to WV-32 and continue East/South
• Stop at Canaan Valley State Park and/or Dolly Sods Wilderness
• Right on US-33 to return to Elkins

With no stops, this is about a two-hour trip.

[GottaHerdOn]

That would be a nice drive! They could stop at Big Johns or Sirianni's in Canaan for a bite to eat... Or that new place.. Big Als? Maybe take skiing or boarding lessons at Canaan or Timberline?

I dunno, just shooting ideas out