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Nestled between lofty mountains and thick forests, Elkins is a picturesque refuge
from a hectic world. With less than 45 miles between Elkins and three major ski
resorts it is already well known as the place to stay while enjoying great skiing
east of the Mississippi River. While it may be a skier’s paradise, Elkins
also sits right outside the Monongahela National Forest, making it ideal for outdoor
enthusiasts year-round. The hardwood forests of oak, birch, spruce, and maple beckon
visitors with activities like spelunking, hiking, birding, fishing, hunting, and
whitewater rafting. Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state, is a short drive
from Elkins and its alpine setting has attracted animals rarely seen elsewhere in
the region.
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Outdoor Activities
 Those
that enjoy the outdoors should also know that over 13% of all wild caves in West
Virginia are located in Randolph County with four of them being found right in Elkins.
For whitewater rafters, the Tygart River has rapids as wild as Class V and has the
largest drop in the Monongahela River basin that can be rafted or kayaked. Of course
with such a picturesque, protected forest practically on its doorstep, visitors
to Elkins are treated to throngs of migrating birds passing overhead. Red-tailed
hawks, indigo buntings, kingfishers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks are only a few
of the species that make their stop in the Elkins area. Naturally, these forests
are perfect for hiking and mountain biking as well.
 Theater
& Shopping
After trekking through the pristine Monongahela National
Forest, visitors can head into town and check out the many cultural activities offered
year round. The Boiler House Theater, Old Brick Playhouse, and Davis and Elkins College offer a variety of plays all
year long. Before heading off to catch a play, make sure to stop by Artists at Work,
a co-op well known for its unique pieces from artisans in the Elkins area. There
are also numerous craftsmen that sell their wares directly from their homes or at
MountainMade.com.
Mountain Made Artisan Gallery is located in Thomas, a short drive up U.S. 219 North
from Elkins. Both the website and store offer homemade quilts from Cabin Creek Quilts,
glassworks from Fenton, and numerous other fine West Virginia crafts.
Restaurants
Of course after a busy day of shopping at Mountain
Made, visitors will need a place to sit back and relax while eating some homemade
cooking at one of the many restaurants in Elkins. Don’t forget that the area
ski lodges are also known for their delicious food in addition to the best skiing
on the East Coast. Timberline Four Seasons Resort offers both delicious steaks
and spicy Mexican food in its Timbers Pub and Fireside Grill. For the skier on the
go, head to the Timberhaus Cafeteria for more traditional fare like pizza and hot
dogs.
Canaan Valley Resort’s meals come complete with a beautiful view of
the mountainside as well as a blazing fire during the winter.
Be sure to remember that just because these resorts
offer skiing, that does not mean that they are open only during the winter. Their
dining facilities are open year-round and Golf Digest Magazine gave Canaan Valley’s
golf course four stars. A short drive south from Elkins leads to Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s golf course which was
ranked the #1 public access golf course in West Virginia by Golfweek Magazine. After
a round of golf, visitors can then check in at a lodge or resort in the area like
the
Cheat River Lodge or Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Those wishing to sleep under
the stars can find numerous campgrounds sprinkled throughout the area as well.
While in the area,
Davis and Elkins College is not to be missed. Founded in 1904, Davis and Elkins
was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best comprehensive colleges
in the South. Perched on one of many hills on the campus, the Graceland Inn is the
perfect place to hold a business conference. This beautiful Victorian mansion offers
a captivating view of the mountainside as well as delicious food from the Mingo
Room.
The Augusta Heritage Center, an affiliate of Davis and Elkins College, offers
weeklong workshops in many folk-based activities like bluegrass music, blacksmithing,
stained glass window making, and Celtic music. These workshops along with many other
cultural and outdoor activities are why many visitors find themselves turning a
weekend getaway into an annual vacation.
For more information, click here to visit Randolph County Convention and Visitors
Bureau
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