Summer nostalgia is closer than you think in West Virginia. Treat your family. Go outside and relive those carefree days with old fashioned explorations. Your ticket to bliss starts here:
1. Camp Under the Stars
Ever heard someone reminisce about seeing the Milky Way? Turns out, the clearest night skies on the East Coastare right here!
Here’s where you can find the brightest constellations:
Spruce Knob:Spend the night on West Virginia’s highest peak, where stars seem close enough to scoop into a jar. Sleep at Spruce Knob Lake Campground!
Calhoun County Park: During summer, an astronomer can introduce you to countless planets and stars.
2. Tube the River
It’s easy to combine good ol’ relaxation with adventure in West Virginia. How? Tubing!
Harpers Ferry:Take it easy on the Shenandoah or spice things up on the Potomac, drifting past wild landscapes dotted with Civil Warera houses.
GreenbrierRiver:Float through miles of nothing but forested banks and mountains.
3. Dance with Fireflies
Nothing greets summer with more joy than a firefly. Pack a camp chair and catch the show!
Lost River State Park: This resort is rife with nostalgic ambience: 1930s cabins, woods and, of course, plenty of those twinkling fireflies!
NewRiverGorge:These forests, rivers and waterfalls attract hundreds of animals and plants— including fireflies. Count ‘em from a cabin porch!
4. Skip Rocks
How many times can you make a rock bounce over the water? Try your luck here:
Pipestem Resort State Park: Take an aerial tram down into the canyon and settle by
the Bluestone River. Stay at Mountain Creek Lodge on the banks and skip rocks — just
like old times.
Pinnacle Rock State Park: Broad, flat Jimmy Lewis Lake is made for rock skippin’.
Pack a picnic, too!
5.Pick Berries
Explore acres of mountain farms and bag your own fruit:
Blueberry Hill: West Virginia’s largest pickyourown berry farm in Flat Top has more than 15 acres for you to roam.
Orr’s Farm Market: Pluck ripe produce all season long! Cherries, grapes, blackberries and raspberries are perfect for salads or snacking on the porch.
6. Hike & Wish on a Weed
Local lore says dandelions grant wishes if you completely blow ‘em out. Here’s where you can find some luck while you’re out hiking:
Sandstone Falls:Besides having the New River’s widest waterfall, Sandstone boasts miles of pristine wilderness and dandelions by the dozens!
LaurelLake: Hike12,500+acres of groves and rippling mountains. The humble dandelion is bound to be hiding there somewhere!
7. Ride a Horse
When you saddle up, it’s easy to leave your cares on the ground.
Wheeling: Amble through miles of hushed hardwood forests or ride along Oglebay Resort’s groomed trails.
Canaan Valley: Take a leisurely ride up the slopes for endless mountain views.
Discover more at gotowv.com/summer.
