Escape the noisy hum of a busy world with a woodsy winter getaway at Watoga State Park while surrounding yourself with locally sourced products. Trust us. You need this.
What better place to slow down and enjoy a frosty morning than at one of the Legacy Cabins—also known as CCC cabins—at Watoga, West Virginia’s largest state park? Located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, the park recently upgraded its cabins with period-appropriate furniture, locally made by West Virginia Correctional Industries. Like the original CCC cabins, the new solid oak living room furniture is made from West Virginia wood—straight from a local supplier in Randolph County. We believe time “wasted” at Watoga State Park is time well spent.
Show your love of all things local with a handmade Old Fellows March quilt from Country Roads Quilt Shop in Morgantown, price varies, and pillow from Parties and Peonies, $22.
Legacy Cabin Amenities
• Accommodations for two to six people
• Water and electric
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Linens provided
• Bathroom with shower
• Wood fireplace
• Baseboard heat
• Charcoal grill
• Fire ring
• Picnic table
Watoga cabins are outfitted with pots and pans and colorful Fiestaware dishes, so you can easily start your day off with a homemade breakfast. Top your pancakes with local maple syrup, like Heasley Homestead Maple of Bruceton Mills, $10. Want to add a touch of West Virginia to your table? You can purchase West Virginia’s iconic Fiestaware at many stores around the state—or directly from the company or online, $14.99 plates, $11.99 mugs. A textured handwoven runner by Dry Fork resident Valerie Mayor from Ben’s Old Loom Barn brings a touch of warmth to the table, $33.
Pocahontas County is home to Snowshoe Resort, so pack your winter gear and hit the slopes! If snowshoeing or cross country skiing is more your speed, Watoga State Park has several scenic trails to explore. We added a homespun touch by protecting the floors with rag rugs from Ben’s Old Loom Barn in Canaan Valley, price varies. On your way, stop by Fish Hawk Acres in Buckhannon and pick up some freshly baked bread, and then smother it with a locally made jam like Dot’s Elderberry Apple Jam by Smoke Camp Crafts, $3.
Don’t forget to bring your own coffee—and if you haven’t tried Black Dog Coffee of Shenandoah Junction, you are missing out, $8.50. Everything tastes better in a handmade mug. This one was crafted in Webster Springs by Cherry Falls Pottery, $24. A freshly baked scone from Fish Hawk Acres is topped with ThistleDew Farm honey, $10, served on a saucer/herb grinder from Loop Creative, $15.
Life is better at a cabin. Disconnect from daily stresses by slowing down and lingering over a cup of hot chocolate while a fire keeps your tootsies warm. Remember what it is like to cozy up and watch the snow fall. Watoga’s updated Legacy Cabins surround you with historic charm and modern conveniences and serve as the perfect base to explore West Virginia’s highlands. And for an even better experience, take some of these locally sourced products with you.
Everyone needs s’more love. Our twist on this tradition included J.Q Dickinson Salt-Works Burnt Caramel Sauce, $11.50, topped with Finishing Salt, $5.50.
Light a handcrafted three-wick wooden dough bowl candle by White Picket Farm in Elizabeth, $35. Use some quiet time to reflect and write a note to someone special on watercolor prints by Blush by B. Losh from Artistry on Main, $10.
Hannah’s Clay Creations’ pottery adds a touch of whimsy, $38 bowl, $45 mug. Top off a perfect bowl of Bluestone Mountain Farm popcorn from Hinton with J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works Popcorn Salt from Malden, $6 popcorn, $8 salt.
These cute cork coasters from Loving WV are a reminder of why we love our country roads, $6 per set. Don’t forget to pack playing cards. These cards from Vista Landscape feature West Virginia scenes, $5.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S WINTER 2021 ISSUE
Meg Bryson says
I loved this article! Well done placement of WV products while appealing to the need for wintertime escapism.