WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAY
When snow falls Fayetteville is transformed into a winter wonderland. Fayetteville sets on the edge of Americas newest national park. In the winter incredible vistas open with the absense of leaves. Imerse yourself in the snowy mounaitn landscaping taking advantage of the incredible views. It is a special time to visit the park and experince the solutitude and beauty that you won’t find in any other season. Ice formations appear along rock cliffs and frozen waterfalls will leave you breathless. The best way to experince the peace and solitude is to take a hike and we have endless hiking trails, some are within walking distance of downtown. Enjoy the park by day and warm up in town in the evening. When you bundle up and stroll around town you will discovery a varity of delicious eateris, unique shops and cozy places to stay.
FRIDAY:
Stop by the Fayetteville Visitors center to get acquainted with the town and we will fill you in on the weekend’s events. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a hearty meal at one of our delicious restaurants without the summer waits. After dinner take time to explore Fayetteville’s wine and craft beer scene. Fayetteville is home to two breweries, The Free Folk & Bridge Brew Works. Stop by Bridge Brew Works new tasting room and try a flight of their latest brews or grab a pint of one of their classics. The tasting room is open from 1pm-7pm in the winter on Fridays. If you are staying at a Bed & Breakfast or Air B & B downtown you are within walking distance of the Southside Junction Tap House and The Station for a large selection of local brews and wine. The New River Quality Inn is home to Elliott’s White Water Bar & Grill conveniently located on site, so no need to worry about driving.
SATURDAY:
Start your day by fueling up on a delicious breakfast at Cathedral Cafe or Iron Wood Eatery and take a short drive to the New River Gorge to start your adventure. Stop by the New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn about the history of the gorge. The visitor center is open year round from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with overlooks of the New River Gorge Bridge onsite.
If the conditions are right, head out for a scenic drive down into the gorge on Fayette Station Road. Winter opens this windy switchback road to incredible views of the gorge. You can stay on the road and work your way down to the river. Enjoy giant ice formations as you work your way down and back out of the gorge. As you climb back up out of the gorge you will pass icy streams and waterfalls, you will see wide spots to grab the perfect winter waterfall shots.
Fayette Station Road will put you back out on Route 19, take a right to come back in town to grab lunch. On snowy days you can usually find a couple sleds by Secret Sandwich Society to play around in Jantulo park. After lunch bundle up for a stroll around town. We have two adventure gear shops, unique boutiques, antique shops, and more.
If you are feeling up for a challenge try your mind at the New River Gorge Escape A Torium Escape Game. If you are longing for nature you could squeeze in a hike before sunset. Two favorites are Endless Wall Trail and Long Point Trail.
Now it is time to treat yourself to a nice dinner and end the day with a relaxing soak in a clawfoot tub at Lafayette Flats or wind down in the hot tub at your cabin. We are lucky to have an awesome music scene in town. On a Saturday night, you can catch an intimate show at Maggie’s, Southside Junction Tap House, or Charlie’s Pub. Maybe you just want to curl up by the fireplace in your cabin or wind down with a good book.
SUNDAY:
Experience the New River Gorge at a whole new level. Bridge Walk runs all year and will put you 876ft above the New River Gorge to take in all of its splendor. You can fly from tree to tree and get a birds-eye view while zipling at one of our neighboring adventure resorts. With enough snow, many of our hiking trails turn to great cross-country skiing trails.
Fayetteville is great for playing hard, but also a great place to rejuvenate and relax. Canyon Rim Massage can take care of you. New River Yoga studio is also conveniently located in town and offers private yoga sessions for all skill levels to help you wind down from your weekend adventures.
OTHER WINTER IDEAS:
Scenic Drives
Winter Place Ski Resort (45min drive)
WINTER EVENTS
Winter Wonderland of Lights Fayette County Park – December 1-30
Gingerbread Festival -December 3-4
Polar Plunge- New Years Day
Wizard Weekend- January 28-29
