A few weeks ago, a friend and I went on a little excursion to scout out a place for a group trip this summer. It was a mid-Novemeber weekend, and the weather was crisp and perfect. And it’s only a (very picturesque) three hour drive from DC.
Stop One: Blackwater Brewing Company.
This place is brand-spankin’ new and ohhhhh myyyy goshhh does it not disappoint. My only (slight) complaint is that the prices are very a’la DC, when restaurant prices in the middle of nowhere are usually a lot cheaper.. Oh, well. It was very very worth it. What is that fried contraption with the orange sauce, you ask? That would be fried cauliflower, and it was in-credible. The fried green tomato sandwiches with pimento cheese also were amazing. Fortunately there was a fitness center where we were staying, which brings me to my next point…
Stop Two: Canaan Valley Resort.
Few things in life make me happier than gorgeous views, and Canaan Valley certainly did not disappoint. The resort has just about everything you could need for a little mountain sneak away, and the views are sooooo pretty! There’s also plenty of skiing for those of your winter adventure types!
Stop Three: (my favorite) Thomas, WV
A short drive from Canaan Valley is the a-dorable Thomas, WV. I’ll spare you my rambling about the history (but it is quite interesting), but short version is this: coal town. Settled by Italians who moved from New York. Coal isn’t as much of a thing as it used to, so Thomas fell in to disrepair. But, cue the modern hippies! A few years ago, some artists and people with an eye for amazing things moved in and revitalized the town! Now it’s chock-full of cute shops, galleries, and The Purple Fiddle, which is housed in a former general store (read: SO cute), serves beer in mason jars, has an amazing food and ice cream selection AND has live music. Get ready for a photo overload…
Pretty little area, huh? Check it out 🙂