Best State Park/Forest
BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK
A couple miles southeast of Davis is one of West Virginia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Within the 2,500 acres of Blackwater Falls State Park, the Blackwater River cascades down a 63-foot drop to continue on its journey through the rugged Blackwater Canyon. This beauty is one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia. 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis 304.259.5216, blackwaterfalls.com
Best Weekend Escape
THOMAS/DAVIS
You can’t say one without the other. The towns of Thomas and Davis share a unique location in Canaan Valley and serve as the perfect weekend getaway. The list of shops, restaurants, breweries, outdoor activities, and lodging options is endless. canaanvalley.org
Runner-Up
LEWISBURG
This charming and historic town was a close runner-up and is a favorite place to escape to. greenbrierwv.com
Best Adventure Outfitter
ACE ADVENTURE RESORT
ACE Adventure Resort built its business on whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge, and rafting is still a big draw for the company. But as the gorge has become more and more popular for adventure-seeking families, ACE has added lots of additional activities that will keep kids of all ages entertained, including the five-acre Wonderland Water Park, which features water slides and inflatable toys, paddleboarding, rock climbing, paintball, ziplining, and more. 1 Concho Road Minden, 800.787.3982, aceraft.com
Runners-Up
ADVENTURES ON THE GORGE
Trailing not far behind, AOTG offers several activities, like whitewater rafting, ziplining, and rock climbing to name a few. 219 Chestnutburg Road Lansing, 855.379.8738, adventuresonthegorge.com
RIVER RIDERS
The New River area isn’t the only place for adventure. River Riders in Harpers Ferry offers whitewater rafting, tubing, aerial adventures, paddleboarding, and ziplining, too. 408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, 304.535.2663, riverriders.com
Best Casino
HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT CHARLES TOWN RACES
Home to West Virginia’s oldest horse racing venue, The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a renowned Mountain State destination that offers a Vegas-themed gaming atmosphere with 1930s art deco flair. In addition to racing and games, Hollywood Casino has a 150-room hotel, several restaurants including the Wine Spectator award-winning Final Cut Steakhouse, and a 1,200-seat music and comedy venue. The casino, resort, and track added video lottery machines in 1996 and now has nearly 3,000 machines as well as 100 table games. 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, 800.795.7001, hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com
Best Spa
TUSCAN SUN SPA & SALON
Cheri Satterfield opened her first Tuscan Sun Spa in 2004 in Clarksburg. Twelve years later, she has expanded to locations in Morgantown and Fairmont. With a full spa, Aveda hair salon, medical spa, children’s spa, boutique, and West Virginia’s largest laser center, Tuscan brings cutting-edge technology and techniques to its clients. From weight loss and laser treatments to massages and manicures, this luxurious spa offers more than just a modern hairstyle. 482 Emily Drive Clarksburg, 304.326.2204; 1013 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, 304.333.0281; 401 Boyers Avenue, Morgantown 304.296.1325; tuscanspaandsalon.com
Best Ski Resort
SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Five-time winner Snowshoe Mountain Resort has 251 acres of skiable terrain and 57 trails snaking across three epic skiing areas. Lodging covers all types, from condos to townhomes to luxurious accommodations boasting gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. The charming village contains a plethora of dining and shopping options, a 3,600-square-foot spa, a teen center, and free shuttle service. 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, 304.572.4636, snowshoemtn.com
Best Family Vacation Spot
SUMMERSVILLE LAKE
This lake is West Virginia’s largest, deepest body of water and one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. Each year, around
1 million people flock to the lake to boat, camp, swim, fish, climb, dive, or just kick back, summersvillecvb.com
Runners-Up
HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
History buffs of all ages will love the guided tours provided by park rangers, allowing visitors to quite literally follow in Brown’s radical footsteps. nps.gov/hafe
STONEWALL RESORT
This luxurious resort was designed after a 1930s Adirondack-style hotel and offers golf, fine dining, and recreation for the entire family., 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke 304.269.7400, stonewallresort.com
Best Place to Play Golf
THE GREENBRIER
Hands down, the best place to play golf in the state is The Greenbrier. Since the PGA TOUR FedEx Cup came to The Greenbrier, the world-class professional golfers like Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, and Lee Trevino have played on The Old White TPC, one of The Greenbrier’s three 18-hole championship courses. 300 West Main Street White Sulphur Springs, 855.453.4858, greenbrier.com
Runners-Up
OGLEBAY
Golfers can choose among four championship courses at this Wheeling resort. 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, 877.436.1797, oglebay.com
CANAAN VALLEY RESORT
This 18-hole, par 72 golf course features 65 sand bunkers and eight water hazards. 230 Main Lodge Road, Davis, 800.622.4121, canaanresort.com
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