Any time is the right time to visit the Greater Summersville Area. Every season brings new adventure, new discoveries, and new opportunities for fun.
Winter
When the temperatures drop, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end in Greater Summersville. Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse welcomes getaway seekers all year long. From its Amish-built tiny cabins to chalet-style abodes with all the creature comforts, you’ll find a perfect slice of solitude with amazing views—and easy access to winter hiking and climbing. The Guest House & Cottage in Richwood provides a quaint and cozy hideaway minutes from the activity on Main Street.
While you’re there, you can warm up with a hot cup of joe from Rosewood Coffeehouse & Florist and peruse beautiful curated art at Bloomfield Richwood. Learn the history of the area and find local creations at Mill Whistle Arts. When hunger strikes, The Oakford Pool Hall and Hole in the Wall are whipping up the classic American fare you love.
EVENT TO WATCH: Hometown Holiday Marketplace, Richwood
Spring
Shake off the winter chill and see the Mountain State in bloom when you visit Summersville in the spring. Stop by Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery for some of the best West Virginia–made wines and small-batch spirits. Free tours give you a peek into how the libations are made and a taste of the good stuff. For brews both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, Gad Damn Brewing has you covered with craft brews as well as an impressive coffee menu.
Over in Richwood, spend some time outside and hit trails that just keep winding. Hunt for spring ephemerals along the Cranberry/Tri-Rivers Rail Trail or wander under the canopy in the Monongahela National Forest. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, swing by Oddfellers’ Fine Foods for a fresh and flavorful meal.
EVENT TO WATCH: Feast of the Ramson, Richwood
Summer
When the summer sun is shining down, there is no better way to beat the heat than with a dip in the lake. Summersville Lake—affectionately nicknamed “The Little Bahamas of the East”—is at its best this time of year, offering ample opportunities for recreation.
From boating and tubing to fishing, swimming, and jet skiing, you’ll never run out Summersvilleof ways to enjoy the water. You can even go diving! Visit Sarge’s Dive Shop for scuba training and classes, guided excursions, tours, charters, and gear. If you’d rather stay above the surface, Lakeside Outfitters has kayaks and paddleboards for floating fun.
Don’t forget a stop at Fat Eddie’s for a cold treat that makes the summer heat a little sweeter. Sunshine Scoops at Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins also has a wide selection of tasty ice creams and decadent desserts for even the pickiest sweet tooth.
EVENT TO WATCH: Summersville Lighthouse Festival, Summersville
Fall
Bringing with it a plethora of color, the autumn season is a great time to reconnect with nature. See the foliage in its fire-hued beauty on a hike along the well-loved Long Point Trail, a 4-mile out-and-back journey providing some of the best views of the lake.
Visit Summersville Lake State Park for a hike on the Pirate’s Cove Trail, a popular destination for climbers. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, September and October are well-known around here as the unbeatable Gauley Season—peak whitewater rafting for the thrill seeker in you. Afterward, water levels will be at their annual low until spring, opening up climbing routes that are not accessible when the water is at the summer high.
EVENT TO WATCH: The Nicholas County Potato Festival, Summersville
Check out our website, visitgreatersummersville.com, for more ways to enjoy the Greater Summersville Area all year long.
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