With so many couples getting engaged over the holidays, it’s no surprise that wedding planning tops the January agenda for many.

Every year, it’s the same old question: What to give the person who has everything? 

Escape the stress of everyday life and retreat to some of West Virginia’s most beautiful mountain towns. Discover the peace you need with a fall getaway full of relaxation. Our scenic landscapes with few distractions provide the perfect places to travel solo. Time spent alone in Almost Heave…

After a two-year hiatus, Heritage Weekend has returned to Hardy County with the mission to celebrate Appalachian traditions and West Virginia history.

With 70,000 acres of parklands, one of the tallest bridges in the country, and one of the oldest rivers in the world, it’s no secret why New River Gorge attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, especially in the summer.

From the majestic heights of the Seneca Rocks to the biodiverse peat bogs of the Cranberry Glades, the Monongahela National Forest offers some of the Mid-Atlantic’s most breathtaking landscapes. With more than 115,000 acres of wilderness, it’s easy to forget you’re within a few hours’ drive …

Mother’s Day is here. What to give the Mom who has everything? Why, a trip to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, of course.

May 15 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Berkeley County, W.V., and the area has an endless number of reasons to commemorate the occasion.

In the oldest house in one of West Virginia’s oldest towns, a major restoration has begun. Moorefield’s Robert Higgins House, completed in 1788 by a Revolutionary War officer, is being transformed into a museum that will interpret the regional history this house witnessed.

Just under two hours from Washington, D.C., lies a winter wonderland with some of the most spectacular winter fun ― Tucker County in West Virginia. Being just west of the Eastern Continental Divide, the skiing begins earlier, lasts longer, and is far more reliable snow than any other driving…

The Hardy County Tourism office tells you right off the bat: “Enjoy the natural beauty and genuine hospitality of ‘Almost Heaven’ West Virginia, the heart of Appalachia. Experience the Hardy Effect!

As the northern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, Berkeley County in West Virginia provides plenty of opportunities for seasonal fun, from canoeing and kayaking to leaf-peeping. Come winter, there are still a wealth of things to do, from enjoying locally owned eclectic shops and restaurants …

When Heather Antolini and her son and daughter-in-law decided to buy Country Road Cabins in August of 2021, they knew first-hand how incredible staying in the cabins could be.

Fall is a beautiful season throughout West Virginia, but nowhere is it more magical than in the New River Gorge, which was newly designated as a national park this past December. One of the most popular places to view fall foliage, the New River Gorge Park and Preserve attracts people for nu…

It’s not fall without leaf-peeping! We’ve picked out the top almost-heavenly-destinations in north-central West Virginia to help you plan the perfect fall road trip. Drive through hills of gold and red hues for must-see destinations. And remember—leaf-peeping in Mountaineer Country peaks aro…

West Virginia’s Hardy County, just two hours southwest of Washington, D.C., offers a wealth of trails to roam and as well as history to explore. Sometimes the two combine, as in Lost River State Park’s paths through historic Lighthorse Harry Lee property or the heritage driving tours being p…

Forget the beach! Find picturesque waterfront destinations waiting for you in Mountaineer Country. Hop on a quick BWI to MGW flight to start your escape in Morgantown, West Virginia, or take the scenic route via Interstate 70 west and Interstate 68 west for stunning views and overlooks throu…

One of the nearest counties to Washington D.C. and other cities, Hardy County, West Virginia, offers a wide range of family getaways. Only 2 hours and 15 minutes from the nation’s capital, it was founded in 1786 as a spinoff of Hampshire County and is named for Samuel Hardy, a Virginian. Fro…

Find picturesque views, crystal clear waters and plenty of room to set up camp for a weekend escape when you visit Mountaineer Country. Located in north central West Virginia, Mountaineer Country offers travelers rolling hills, mountainous terrain, breathtaking views and shaded forest paths.…

West Virginia’s Tygart Lake State Park, four hours west of D.C., has been called West Virginia’s best-kept secret for years. Now, with splashy new waterpark features, float excursions and active water adventures, word is getting out about the 10-mile long mountain lake.

With all the charm of a small town, Summersville, West Virginia, has a surprising array of one-of-a-kind museums that will lure history buffs — and anyone else who likes a good story.

In the oldest house in one of West Virginia’s oldest towns, a major restoration has begun. Moorefield’s Robert Higgins House, completed in 1788 by a Revolutionary War officer, is being transformed into a museum that will interpret the regional history this house witnessed.

While many people travel to Mountaineer Country to enjoy the great outdoors, there are quite a few attractions that provide another reason to visit. The area around Morgantown, West Virginia, is home to a wide mix of museums that offer visitors everything from the chance to view modern and f…

Since 1920, the Monongahela National Forest, or “Mon Forest” as the locals call it, covers about a million acres of National Forest system lands in the north central highlands of West Virginia. This ecologically diverse land has elevations ranging from less than 1,000 feet to a whopping 4,86…

National Geographic states “America’s newest national park is a haven for hiking, climbing, and rafting. West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is well-suited to welcoming adventurers in a time of pandemic.” And we are lucky to have this gem so close to us we can drive th…

We're taking nominations in May 2021 for Top Scenic Overlook in the Mid-Atlantic! Cast your nomination:

What happens when three train buffs get together? More than likely, they engage in “train talk!”

A trip to Grant County is the cure for any family’s case of winter blues or cabin fever. With a variety of opportunities for outdoor adventures, the area has a getaway in store for families of all experience and comfort levels. Choose from a plethora of activities, locations and lodging to f…

The month of February, including Valentine’s Day, is that time of year when we want to be with the special people in our lives. We arrange romantic dinners and resort stays, take rare excursions and buy special gifts. Some couples get engaged or married. Though this year’s celebrations are b…

If you’re longing for a change of scenery, a Galentine’s Day mountain getaway with your closest gal pals is the perfect quarantine reprieve.

As the Recreation News team sifted through a few hundred nominations for the Top 10 Small Towns in the Mid-Atlantic feature we’re working on for the April edition, there was one theme that shined: Most of those that made nominations loved a place because of its charm.

While Buckhannon, West Virginia, may be a small town, its historic downtown area, which includes unique boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants and even a century-old college, provides a wealth of big-time charm.

Snow enthusiasts took to the slopes at Mid-Atlantic resorts in November and will continue to pursue winter fun at resorts opening this month. All resorts have COVID-19 restrictions in place, so visitors can expect to wear masks, keep a safe distance from others, and wash hands or use sanitiz…

It’s the biggest news for snow sports enthusiasts in decades. The long troubled Timberline Four Seasons Resort, following bankruptcy and closure, was purchased almost a year ago by Perfect North Slopes, a truly class act in the industry with four decades of experience.

Recreation News wants to know: What are the Top 10 small towns in the Mid-Atlantic? Now through January 15, nominate your favorite small town to appear in our first Top 10 Small Towns in the Mid-Atlantic feature in the April edition of the magazine. The feature puts an emphasis on why these …

As our nation continues to deal with COVID-19, the very thought of holiday lights should bring smiles to our faces. And we need look no farther than the Mid-Atlantic to find stunning light displays, starting in early November and continuing into January. The displays may be walk- or drive-th…

If you’re visiting Berkeley County in the wintertime, and it seems you’ve awakened to what looks like the North Pole out your window, chances are Martinsburg has begun its annual transition into “Christmas Town.” Every year, Martinsburg vendors and residents dedicate every effort into celebr…

Amid the mountains and valleys of the Mid-Atlantic, if you listen close, you can hear the soft hum of a barreling train in the distance. Stand near enough to a railroad crossing, and you’ll hear the unmistakable, one-note song and feel its beat on the ground. The train and its whistle are a …