Happy New Year, my friends! I’m getting a jump-start on my New Year’s Resolutions (specifically the ones about traveling more and worrying less) and heading to West Virginia for a few days of beautiful scenery, local charm, and of course, snow!

My plan is to take in as much of the above as I possibly can, so I’ve started an itinerary to help me experience as much of West Virginia as possible during my stay. Check out where I’m headed, and if you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Of course, you can always plan to join me if you’re up for some fun in the winter wonderland of West Virginia!

January 9 – Charleston, West Virginia:

When I land in Charleston, I’m heading straight for some of the most iconic visitor destinations before I venture onwards in the evening:

• I’ll head to The Clay Center to check out the MyTown exhibit that opened in November. Here, I’ll get a gnome-sized overview of the city of Charleston before I continue my exploration of the city.
• Once I’ve gotten my bearings, I’ll wander over to Mountain Stage to meet up with my old friend, Larry Groce, and hear some local tunes.
• By now, surely I’ll be ready for a bite to eat, so I’ll head to the Capitol Market to sample the local flavors.
• I’m planning to finish out my day in Charleston with a stop at the Capitol building, to snap a few pics of that gorgeous, gilded rotunda.

January 10 – Glade Springs area, West Virginia:

After a refreshing night’s sleep in Glade Springs, I have an action-packed day planned:

• I’m heading out for my first taste of fresh powder with some tubing at Winterplace.
• After my time outdoors, I’m thinking I’ll enjoy warming up at Tamarack, and watch the artisan glass blowers work.
• I’ll get a bit more exercise (indoors, this time!) with a bit of rock climbing at the Outside In Gym.
• With all of the athletic activity, I’m going to take a break to relax and recharge at the Glade Springs Spa Orange.
• Fully refreshed, I’ll round out my day with dinner and a visit to Weathered Ground Brewery to replenish the calories I burned with some of the liquid variety.

January 11 – Lewisburg and Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia:

I’ll be setting off early this morning, as I’ve planned quite a few activities:

• First stop will be some snowshoeing at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area.
• I’m sure I will have worked up quite an appetite, so I’ve planned to stop for a meal at the Restaurant at Elk River Inn. It came highly recommended, so I’m going to be sure to come hungry!
• The rest of the afternoon will be spent at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. I’ll start with a dip in the heated Split Rock Pool, then head out for some snowmobiling and maybe finish the day with some snowboarding.

January 12 – Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls, West Virginia:

I’m planning for another beautiful day spent outdoors, since there’s no shortage of ways to experience winter in West Virginia:

• A nice, peaceful ice skating session at Canaan Valley Resort State Park to kick off my adventures!
• Next, I’ll spend some time hiking in the backcountry of Timberline Resort.
• I’ll head to Blackwater Falls State Park – I hear it’s the absolute best place to do some sledding!
• Planning on finishing out the day at White Grass with some skiing, and my personal favorite part of skiing, après-ski!

January 13 – Shepherdstown and Lost River, West Virginia:

After all the excitement of the last few days, I’m planning on taking my last day in West Virginia at a slightly more relaxed pace:

• First up – a visit to The Press Room for some signature nibbles and drinks.
• Next, a tour of some of the local landmarks, including the Guest House Lost River, the Shepherdstown Historic District, and the Little House.
• I’m thinking I’ll grab something to eat (and drink!) at Lost River Brewing sometime before I head to the airport.

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