The crisp mountain air, the scent of pine, and the promise of adventure – Canaan Valley, W.V. was the perfect escape for a weekend of fun, laughter, and excitement.
In the heart of this enchanting valley, our Airbnb at Timberline Ski Resort set the stage for an idyllic retreat. If you’re looking for your next local adventure, take a drive a few hours west to the charming towns of Davis and Thomas. Nestled in the Canaan Valley of West Virginia, these two small towns are full of magic.
About Canaan Valley
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Canaan Valley played a crucial role in the logging and timber industry. The lush forests that blanketed the region attracted loggers, and the valley became a hub for harvesting timber. The echoes of the logging era can still be seen in remnants such as old sawmill sites and historical artifacts. This period, while defining the valley’s early years, set the stage for its transformation into the scenic wonderland it is today.
Today, Canaan Valley stands as a testament to successful environmental stewardship and community-driven conservation. The valley has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a range of recreational activities throughout the seasons. Visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails during the warmer months or experience the thrill of winter sports on pristine slopes during the winter months. Even for the less ambitious travelers, the charming ambiance of every small nook and cranny, be it a quaint restaurant, a cozy bar, or an artsy shop, promises a delightful experience that captures the essence of the town’s atmosphere.
Destination Guide
Fortunately for our group, we were accompanied by a personal travel guide. Our friend Alex was eager to unveil her insider recommendations and favorite spots in Canaan. Having spent her childhood in a cozy cabin within the Canaan Valley, she was well-equipped to lead us on a weekend-long exploration, revealing the hidden gems of Davis and Thomas.
The Highlights of Day One:
Coffee/Sweet Treat Stop: Trailhead Coffee Shop
We started Day 1 and Day 2 at this small cafe in Davis. As I do at every local cafe, I went with the barista’s recommendation. The White Mocha Lavender Latte, subtly sweetened, offered a delightful (albeit fleeting) experience—a beverage so irresistibly delicious that you find yourself unintentionally gulping it down! This coffee shop also offers perfect quick pick-me-ups including a unique pastry selection every day and adorable stickers and merchandise for sale.
Lunch: Mountain State Brewing Co.
For a light lunch, we drove 3 miles down the road to the town of Thomas where we shared some appetizers, salad, and some local brews. Thomas is where the inaugural Mountain State Brewing Co. venue in West Virginia calls home, marking the first of three establishments in the state. We ordered the garlic hummus and pita, cheesy bread, house salad, and a flight sample of the drafts on tap. While anticipating our meal, the couple seated beside us at the bar engaged in cheerful and lighthearted banter, joining us in decorating our dollar bill to add to the wall. (A must if you stop by!!)
Adventure: Blackwater Falls State Park
After lunch, we headed back to Davis to visit the Blackwater Falls State Park. A brief hike through the woods and a few flights of stairs led us to the famous Blackwater Falls. The crisp air, the sound of rushing water, and the surrounding view of untouched nature made the destination enchanting in all aspects. The view is spectacular and the short, well-maintained trails make it accessible for everyone. This place is an absolute must-see for every visitor!
Shopping: Downtown Thomas, W.Va.
The quaint town of Thomas bustled with visitors in and out of the artsy stores. Navigating through each shop along the strip, we aimed to resist depleting our modest college budgets entirely. Each store showcased its distinct charm, with many highlighting the creations of local artists, clothing designers, and unique antique discoveries. Each of us found a special piece to bring home, my favorite find was this bracelet from Ella & Co.
Dinner: Sirianni’s
For dinner, we stayed in the town of Davis and per Alex’s recommendation, made a reservation at Sirianni’s for Italian. The cafe buzzed with activity, with patrons occupying every corner of the restaurant. The air was filled with the delightful scents of homemade Italian cuisine, teasing our senses. The Stuffed Hot Peppers for an appetizer were to DIE for… I’ll be dreaming of them for weeks. I ordered a medium Margherita pizza for dinner and almost cleared the whole thing myself. Overall, the place gets a 10/10!
The Highlights of Day Two:
Shopping: The Wandering Caravan
After a quick coffee and pastry for breakfast at Trailhead Cafe, we walked down the street to The Wandering Caravan shop. The boutique was filled with a variety of local jewelry, vintage thrift finds, home decor, eclectic art, and all sorts of eye-catching finds. The jewelry available for purchase here showcased some of the most distinctive and exquisite pieces I’ve ever come across. I could have easily spent an hour leisurely exploring the boutique or engaging in a friendly chat with the welcoming owner. Leaving, a touch of disappointment lingered as my budget constrained me.
Lunch: The Purple Fiddle
Before we hit the road back to Morgantown, Alex required that we head over to Thomas again for our last stop which was lunch at the famous Purple Fiddle. Since its establishment in 2001, The Purple Fiddle has gained renown for presenting Appalachian-inspired musical performances every Friday and Saturday night. Recognized for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, the venue also offers a delectable selection of ice cream, craft beer, and a deli menu. We ordered some grilled cheeses and ice cream and sat ourselves in an old church pew arranged in a corner. The grilled cheese was good, but the ice cream was unforgettable! The vibes were great and we all agreed that we had to return for a show.
While journeying through the winding mountain roads back to Morgantown, West Virginia, we found ourselves immersed in reflection about the lovely weekend we had just experienced. Conversations filled the car as we discussed our eagerness to return and conquer the ski slopes that Canaan Valley is renowned for.
What stood out the most in our reminiscence was the genuine warmth of the people we encountered and the profound sense of immersion in nature that made Canaan Valley an exceptionally special place for us. The weekend had left an indelible mark, and we looked forward to embracing the valley’s charm and adventure once again in the future.