West Virginia's motto is "Almost Heaven," and it takes only a trip through the beautiful state to realize the profound accuracy of that statement. While not widely considered a vacation destination, the Mountain State provides ample opportunity to get away with your significant other for a romantic weekend at many beautiful get-away destinations.
Registered as a National Historic landmark, The Greenbrier Resort in southern West Virginia has hosted numerous distinguished guests from around the world since 1778. A favorite destination of several past presidents, The Greenbrier gained notoriety for being the home to a secret bunker for top government officials at the height of the Cold War. Today, the property consists of over 700 rooms, including 33 suites and 90 guest houses. Numerous activities are provided at the Greenbrier including indoor and outdoor tennis, a 40,000 square foot luxurious spa, a casino and three world famous golf courses.
Located in the eastern panhandle of the state, historic Harpers Ferry is a perfect location for a romantic and peaceful weekend getaway. Rich with history and the site of John Brown's historic armory raid during the civil war, Harpers Ferry has tried to preserve their heritage and in the process the town has maintained its quaint feel straight out of the 1800s. With plenty of shopping, dining and lodging, Harpers Ferry is a cheap and easy alternative to the hustle and bustle of city life.
Canaan Valley is considered by many to be one of the best ski resorts on the east coast. Located in the heart of West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains, Canaan Valley has been named one of "America's Best Parks" by Frommers magazine, and one of the "50 Greatest Places to Stay" by Washingtonian Magazine. With a lodge, cabins and campsites, guests have a wide variety of choices depending on their idea of a relaxing getaway. With exquisite dining, an indoor and outdoor pool and a championship golf course on top of downhill and cross country skiing, there's a lot to do. Even the summer months at Canaan Valley offer hiking, sightseeing and several other forms of outdoor entertainment.
If your idea of a romantic getaway includes getting your adrenaline flowing, consider the New River Gorge and a weekend rafting trip down the Gauley River or New River. Although there are many cabin resorts in the area, the White Horse Bed and Breakfast in Fayetteville offers an intimate setting for you and your sweetheart. Fayetteville boasts fine dining, hiking, easy access to rafting and a ton of locations that are on the National Historic Registry. The New River Gorge is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest and highest arch-span bridge in the western hemisphere. Each October, base jumpers and bungee jumpers from around the world come to the New River to jump off of the bridge on Bridge Day.
Located on the Cheat River in the Monongahela National Forest, The Cheat River Lodge is a privately owned and operated lodge nestled in the Appalachian mountains at the mouth of the Cheat River. Offering hiking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hunting and several other outdoor activities, the Cheat River Inn is centrally located to skiing and other tourist destinations in West Virginia. Just outside of Elkins, the Cheat River Lodge provides a secluded experience for those trying to get away.
