Step through the old bank doors and discover a vibrant haven where board games spark creativity and adventure.
written by ALISHA JARRETT
photographed by NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS
A spirit of adventure is alive in downtown Thomas. Housed within a century-old bank, The Adventure Guild Game Shop stands as the region’s premier destination for curated, interactive board games. More than a retail store, it’s a gathering place, classroom, and launchpad for adventures, all led by Jason and Angie Downs. Here, visitors find hands-on gaming, learning, and genuine community in a historic setting found nowhere else in the area, making every visit memorable and unique.
Jason, originally from Tucker County, met Angie while stationed on the Pacific Coast during his Army service. When his military career concluded, the couple chose to relocate to West Virginia and start a new chapter. “We’d talked about owning a game store,” Jason Downs says. “When we saw this bank in Thomas, we knew it was the place.”
During their game nights out west, the couple saw firsthand how a great game store could become a cornerstone for connection, fun, and belonging. Inspired by those experiences, they set out to build a similar hub in Thomas—and in September 2023, the Adventure Guild Game Shop opened its doors. Their careful planning paid off, as Tucker County’s more than one million annual visitors and vibrant artist community provided the perfect setting. The shop now flourishes with support from both locals and tourists.
Adventure Guild Game Shop is a board gamer’s dream. Rows of nature-themed and travel-sized games line the shelves, reflecting the outdoor spirit of their customers—skiers, mountain bikers, hikers, and families looking for an unplugged night in their rental cabins. The Downs curate their selection based on both distributor trends and the unique needs of their clientele. “Nature games like Wingspan or PARKS are big here,” Angie Downs notes. “People come to experience the outdoors, so they love games that echo that.”
The Adventure Guild offers much more than just products for sale. Regular gaming sessions invite both locals and visitors to sit down, learn new games, and interact face-to-face. These sessions create opportunities for laughter and friendship around the table. Seasonal camps for kids encourage teamwork, creativity, and confidence. Hands-on tutorials help players master strategies and explore new titles. Art clinics unite participants for miniature painting, a calm, creative, and social experience. Every program is thoughtfully designed to foster genuine camaraderie, making the shop a lively and welcoming place throughout the year.
The venue also features a board game cafe and a growing selection of books, filling a gap in an area with few bookstores. “We have something for everyone,” Jason Downs says. “From Monopoly and Uno to complex games and books for every age.”
The Adventure Guild’s inviting spirit and creative energy have made it a favorite among regulars and newcomers alike, he says. “People come to town for coffee at Tip Top, music at the Purple Fiddle, and art galleries. Now they can add playing a board game or painting miniatures to their day.” The shop is a one-of-a-kind community hub that fits Thomas’s creative spirit.
As for the future, the Downses dream of expanding. They hope for more play space, more books, and maybe even a local game convention. But no matter how big they may get, their philosophy stays rooted in connection. “We want families to put down their phones and be present with each other,” they say. “The family that plays board games together, stays together.”
Step away from the screens and into a friendly space where every visit is an opportunity to gather, play, and build real connections—check out The Adventure Guild Game Shop online for upcoming events and classes.
172 State Highway 32, Thomas, theadventureguildgameshop.com, “The Adventure Guild Game Shop” on FB
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S WINTER 2025 ISSUE
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