Country Road Cabins

One surprising thing about arriving at romantic cabin getaways in the town of Fayetteville, West Virginia is discovering how many great restaurants there are in this little town.  Taking the one you love out to eat at the New River Gorge is easy.  Just a short drive from New River lodging are so many choices for dining no one will go hungry.

From Italian to Mexican to Southern Style, there is a place to eat for every food and taste.  For those looking to spice things up, there is Gumbos, voted Best Restaurant in the Area.  This great lunch and dinner spot specializes in Cajun, Creole and Low Country cuisine.  Visitors can dine on Cajun traditional fare such as crawfish and shrimp as well as unexpected entrees like alligator.  Spice and romance go together in Fayetteville.

Gumbos Cajun Restaurant
103 South Court Street
Fayetteville, WV   25840
304-574-4704
Lunch & dinner ~ Closed Monday & Tuesday
Enjoy our 1 to 4 bedroom, fully furnished rental log cabins with private hot tubs just minutes from Fayetteville, the coolest town in WV.

West Virginia Family vacations can include a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine where visitors can explore underground in man-cars, and through an old company store turned museum. The history of Coal Mining is West Virginia is not just a history of digging fuel from the earth.  It is the history of the industrial revolution, the beginnings of unions in our country and the battle for worker safety. 

The story of coal is the story of mechanical and technological progress early in our country's history. Coal ovens, specifically, were designed and redesigned to continually increase efficiency.  The evolution of their design was a series of mechanical and brick revolutions that lead to greater effectiveness of heating systems, and coke production.  (Coke is the solid fuel material derived from the distillation of low-ash, low-sulfur bituminous coal.)  

To explore the effect of coal in West Virginia, its people and its history is to do more than just visit this state, it is to understand part of what makes West Virginia special. Within an hour from our New River lodging and Hawk's Nest lodging is a chance to walk into WV coal mining history.

Winter in West Virginia has been called the secret season, but it's becoming less so with each passing year.  People are discovering the fun that can be had beyond the summer rafting season.  A stay in our New River lodging puts visitors in the middle of winter adventures and is within a day's drive of most mid-atlantic cities.

Ski resorts, such as Winterplace and Snowshoe, offer great skiing for the entire family.  Mountain biking at the New River Gorge is a year round offering.   Treetops Canopy Tour ziplines are open all year with winter views like no other.    New this year, the New River Gorge Bridge Walk allows folks to experience the famous New River Gorge Bridge from a totally unique perspective.  At the end of a day of play, cozy West Virginia log cabin rentals with hot tubs await. In fact, you can find 19 different cabin options, all with private hot tubs, here. This is more than anywhere else in the New River Gorge area!

Winter is not a time just to stay inside and wish for warmer weather, it's a season that offers new and different options for exploring the great outdoors.

Country Road Cabins sit in a beautiful wooded area near the world famous New River Gorge in West Virginia, and when the leaves are down, the true structure of the woods becomes easier to explore.

Leaf-down season, after the fall color and before the snow flies, is a unique time of year.  Patterns of tree branches against the sky are mazes of intricate workings.  Bird and squirrel nests become easily visible, vines can be seen draped over and worked through trees.

On the forest floor, ferns bristle green to yellow to rust among carpets of fallen leaves and pine needles.  Old stumps are easily visible.  Spunky evergreen shrubs such as rhododendrons and mountain laurel provide patchs of green in a brown and black landscape and remind visitors that spring will come again. 

This time of year, the woods take on a special type of soundscape as well.  There is still birdsong, but it is muted.  The movements of squirrels and mice rustling in the undergrowth are overly loud.  The wind chatters through bare branches, not billowing as it does in summer.   

Exploring among the down leaves is a relaxing type of adventure - one we highly recommend!

The New River Gorge area of West Virginia is well known for its world class whitewater rafting and the internationally famous BASE Jumping Festival known as Bridge Day.  Bridge Day takes place in October and West Virginia whitewater rafting happens from spring through fall.  Our New River lodging — deluxe West Virginia log cabin rentals — are often used as the a luxury basecamp from which to explore these adventures.

In the last few years, however, the West Virginia's adventure offerings have come to include year-round activities.  Our New River cabin rentals have been discovered by folks undertaking new kinds of adventures in all seasons.

Mountain Biking trails are open all year, cool and shady in the summer, offering striking views when the leaves are down in late fall and winter.

The Treetops Canopy Tour operates year-round, allowing visitors to experience a bird's-eye view of new leaves in spring, lush green in summer, turning leaves in fall and snow-etched wonder in winter.

Brand new the this year is the New River Gorge Bridge Walk Tour, which takes the intrepid on a walk along a 24 inch wide catwalk beneath the New River Gorge Bridge.  Talk about breathtaking year-round fun!

We look forward to more people discovering year-round fun in our corner of West Virginia.

"The audience was on its feet . . . They were moved by Mr. O'Connor's journey without maps, cheering for the only musician today who can reach so deeply first into the refined, then the vernacular, giving his listeners a complex, sophisticated piece of early-21st-century classical music and then knocking them dead with the brown-dirt whine of a Texas fiddle." - The New York Times

When a musician who has received a review like that appears on the stage in Charleston, West Virginia, just an hour from our West Virginia log cabin rentals, we want to let everyone know about it.   (This makes a perfect night out on romantic cabin getaways.)  What has been written about about Mark O'Connor's brilliance and uniqueness could fill dozens of pages.  He has mastered many styles of violin, from clasical to jazz to Appalachian fiddle and his ability to blend his knowledge into a style all his own is world reknowned.  On November 12-13, 2010, he is coming to The Clay Center for the Performing Arts in Charleston, WV.  Tickets are $10.00 per person and the show begins at 8pm. 

West Virginia cabin vacation rentals are the perfect places to 'do nothing'.  So many times we take vacations that involve planned events, activities and adventures.  Tickets need to be purchased, multiple reservations made, time is spent running from one cool attraction to another...  Sometimes it's difficult to let go of all the planning and organizing we do in our daily lives and just relax.  "Nothing" is a hard thing to do. 

The New River Gorge area is a perfect place to do nothing.  For all its many great attractions, like whitewater rafting, canopy tours, local arts and crafts, plays and festivals, this area is about quiet, rural living.  The nights are calm and peaceful, the stars easily visible.  Mornings start slow and simple, coffee on the porch, birds singing or geese flying overhead.  It's easy to do a lot here, and just as easy to do less.  Relax in the hot tub or in front of the fire.  Take a walk and enjoy the woods.  Sit and enjoy a view for as long as you like.  Doing nothing does a whole lot of good in our harried world.

New River lodging is a must if for those who want to experience the ultimate in BASE.  BASE is an acronym that stands for Building, Antenna, Span and Earth -- all the types of ojects that BASE Jumpers leap off.  BASE Jumping is the sport of jumping from a tall, stationary object with a parachute and landing  - hopefully - safely.  It is an extremely dangerous activity undertaken by only a small number of people and which should never be practiced by amateurs -- but it is wildly exciting to watch!  Even if the idea of hurling yourself off a perfectly good bridge makes your head spin, watching others do it is a rush.

Just a few minutes drive from our West Virginia log cabins rentals, the New River Bridge Day Festival is a Mecca for BASE jumpers.  One of the tallest bridges in the world at over 800 feet, the New River Gorge Bridge draws BASE jumping enthusiasts from all over the world.   Bridge Day is the oldest organized event in the history of the sport, and one of the most widely publicized.

This year's Bridge Day Festival will take place on Oct 16, 2010.  More information can be found at the Official Bridge Day website.

New River lodging is starting to fill up because it's that time of year again - Bridge Day is almost here!  The Official Bridge Day Website puts it best: "We've got a bridge, and we've got a gorge - it's time to jump into it!" 

Yes, for those not already familiar with this event, it's like nothing you've ever seen before.  One day a year, one of the longest, tallest bridges in the world, a major travel route, is closed down, covered in popup tents selling food and goods, and people wearing parachutes jump off of it into the New River Gorge.  Seriously.  They do.  Would we kid you about something like this?

October 16, 2010 is the 31st Annual Bridge Day Festival at the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia.  This festival celebrates life on the edge and is spectacular to watch.  It's the B.A.S.E. Jumping party of the season - and the party of the season in general even if you're here on romantic cabin getaways or West Virginia family vacations and not planning on jumping.

Many people come stay at West Virginia log cabin rentals this time of year to experience a rafting trip on the world renowned Gauley River.  The Gauley is a tough river requiring skill and experience to navigate and nothing about it should be taken for granted, but it is also one of the most exciting rivers to raft in the world.

For those interested in learning more about the Gauley River, there is a great website called Gauley River Rapids that not only describes each rapid individually, but shows video of them as well.  It covers the infamous Upper Gauley as well as the slightly less infamous Lower Gauley.

• Upper Gauley River: The Upper Gauley is a tough, technically challenging river dreamed of by the most experienced of rafters, kayakers and canoeists.  Steep drops, massive waves and serious consequences for mistakes mean this run is for experienced rafters only!
• Lower Gauley River: This is the still intense - but with time-to-breathe-between-rapids - lower section below the famous Upper Gauley. For those with rafting experience on rivers like the Lower New, who are looking to take it up a notch, the Lower Gauley River is the perfect choice. 

The Gauley River Rapids website is not a substitute for experience and trained guides and should not be considered a way for anyone to qualify themselves to go down the river. However, the website is a great resource for those curious about the location and order of rapids on the Gauley River, and also shows some great action of rafts and kayaks running these rapids.   Even for those in West Virginia on romantic cabin getaways who have no intention of rafting down the Gauley, the website Gauley River Rapids is a great way to find out what all the fuss is about.

West Virginia family vacations can include a little bit of everything, from high action adventure to horseshoe tossing.  Carnifax Ferry Battlefield State Park is just a short drive from West Virginia log cabins rentals and well worth the trip, especially from those with children.

There is no entrance fee to Carnifex Ferry Park, and while the park is not large, but has walking trails dotted with historical markers, and old buildings and fences to explore and discover.  There is a museum, a playground and three overlooks allowing visitors to gaze down on the Gauley River, world famous for whitewater rafting. The three overlooks offer different views ot the same Pillow Rock Rapid, a famous and exciting rapid to watch rafters and kayakers negotiate. The views are pretty distant. There is a newer trail, almost a mile long, called Pearson Hollow Trail that will take you down to Pillow Rock Rapid on river right of the Gauley. Call the Gauley National Recreation Area for more info on that trail (it isn't part of Carnifex Ferry Park).  Those numbers are: Headquarters (304) 465-0508, Canyon Rim Visitor Center (304) 574-2115, Sandstone Visitor Center (304) 466-0417.

A picnic area with grills and tables is near the horseshoe pits, and not far from the softball and volleyball areas.  Fall turns the Park into a riot of color and below on the river bright rafts take adventurers through spectacular whitewater. 

For families looking for a casual day out — with a healthy does of historical significance — Carnifex Ferry Park is the perfect choice.  Enjoy!

A weekend away is always a good idea, especially to a place as beautiful as West Virginia's New River Gorge.  There is much to do here all year round, but fall is a special time to visit Country Road Cabins.  The fall foliage colors of West Virginia are often overlooked in favor of places like Vermont or the Great Smoky Mountains, but the New River Gorge and Monongahela National Forest are stunningly beautiful and worth a visit.  Romantic leaf-peeping trips and cozy New River lodging go together like fall weather and fleece jackets!

An added twist for those coming to West Virginia the weekend of September 18th, Oktoberfest!  From 10am-10pm in Montgomery, WV the day includes tours of the local college campuses for those interested, cornhole tournaments, classic car shows, Sternwheeler river boat rides, and of course an Authentic German Beer Garden which opens at noon.

After the festival, relax in a private hot tub at our West Virginia cabin vacation rentals.  Fruit and cheese wlecome baskets, sparkling cider and catered meals are available to take away all stress.  Settle in front of the fireplace to finish out the evening...

It's that time of year again — Gauley Season in West Virginia!  From Mid-September to late-October every year, white water lovers from all over flock to our corner of West Virginia, paddling gear in hand, to experience the trill that is the Gauley River.  Offical dates for 2010 are September 10 - October 17.

Located just a short drive from the New River Gorge and some of the best West Virginia cabin rentals around, the Gauley River has big-water releases for only 6 long weekends — Friday through Monday — a year.  People come from all over the country and the world to experience this big, tough river in rafting, kayaks and canoes.

There are two sections of Gauley River to run, the Upper Gauley and the Lower Gauley. 

• Upper Gauley River: The Upper Gauley is a thrilling, technically challenging river dreamed of by the most experienced of rafters, kayakers and canoeists.  Steep drops, massive waves and serious consequences for mistakes mean this run is for experienced rafters only!
• Lower Gauley River: This is the still intense - but with time-to-breathe-between-rapids lower section below the famous Upper Gauley. For those with rafting experience on rivers like the Lower New, who are looking to take it up a notch, the Lower Gauley River is the perfect choice.

Country Road Cabins feature private hot tubs for working the kinks out of paddling muscles after a great day on the river - and on select Sundays and Mondays through Gauley Season, our West Virginia cabins rentals are 33% Off.  And we're located just down the road from Adventures On The Gorge, home of The Rivermen and Class VI-Mountain River where great restaurants, live music and lots of fun are to be found!

Nicholas County West Virginia has a great tradition of potato farming and what better way to celebrate that heritage than with a Potato Festival.  Just a short drive from West Virginia log cabin rentals and New River lodging, Summersville is a great little town to visit for a true taste of West Virginia life.

The 41st Annual Nichalos County Potato Festival is happening September 9-11th, 2010 in Summersville, WV.  From potato sack races to potato eating contests, there is something for visitors of all ages.

• Thursday evening is Tater Tots time - with a selection of activities geared specifially toward children.
• Friday evening the festival hosts the Fireman's parade and a tailgating party to watch the WVU/Marshall game.
• Saturday is a full festival day with a 5k run, dancing, live music, and a Potato Weight Contest.

Take a day or an evening away from all the high-energy adventure activities available on West Virginia family vacations and spend a some time among the local folks celebrating our rural heritage.

Mornings on West Virginia family vacations can bring either wild excitement at the thought of what the day will bring - whitewater rafting - mountain biking - hiking in the New River Gorge - or a sigh of relief at the peace and quiet of being away from the everyday rush of life.

What visitors can always expect is the sound of a breeze in the trees, bird song and a home-away-from-home feel.  There is a quiet here that lets everyone relax, even those who are revving themsleves up for a day of action-packed fun.  Some fresh coffee and a sit on the porch of a West Virginia cabin vacation rental are a great way to start the day. 

Waking up in West Virginia makes it hard to remember how short a time it actually took to get here for a great getaway.

Hurrah for festivals!  The Taste of Appalachia Festival is a three-day event that draws people from all over.  Just a short drive from great West Virginia cabin rentals, the Festival takes place each year in Beckley, West Virginia.  August 27-29, 2010 marks the 14th year!

Each day starts off with home-style breakfast fare served at the festival.   Throughout the day, there are dozens of booths to explore, filled with local crafts and arts.  Among the great events happening are Coal Mine Tours and Ghost Town Tours, as well as live music throughout the day. 

More than 100 classic cars are displayed to the thrill of automotive enthusiasts of all ages, and Theatre West Virginia presents a Friday night show by Phil Dirt & the Dozers - sure to get the whole family laughing.

Great food, great fun - this Festival is worth the short trip from our New River lodging!

For those pets planning to stay in New River lodging on West Virginia family vacations with their people, we announce a special event around which to plan your getaway!  Beckley Art Group Inc, a non-profit organization in Beckley, West Virginia is offering PET ART DAY.  Pets can bring their person and create a colaborative work of art with him or her.  Professional photographers Ed Rehbein and John Blankenship, will then take a portrait of you, your person and your creation! 

Cost is $25.00 per pet - humans get in free!  Pet's you must leash your people or make them carry you.

All participants will be entered to win a pastel pet portrait by artist Rose Dobbins, a free professional framing of a pet's artwork, and a $75.00 gift certificate to Pet Supplies Plus. 

30% of proceeds will go to Raleigh County Humane Society.  Event to to place on August 21st, 2010 10am to 4pm at 6000 Johnstown Road in Beckley, WV


http://www.beckleyartgallery.com/

Finding great things to do on West Virginia family vacations is part of the fun.  Some outdoor activities, like white water rafting on the New River or the Treetops Canopy Tour are obvious choices, as is a tour of the Exhibition Coal Mine.  But some adventures take more planning because they happen on specific dates. 

Guests staying with children at our West Virginia log cabin rentals might consider planning their vacation or long weekend around the Beckley Classic Kids Festival.  Located throughout Beckley, West Virginia, the Festival includes a Parade & Uptown Fair, a Home Run Derby and Fireworks at Little League.  As a special treat, plane rides are offered at the Airport on one of the days.  Reservations are required for Plane Rides.

Festival Dates for 2010 are September 5-12:

• Sept 5
  - Sunday @ Two, Tamarack
• Sept 6
  - McManus Trail event - meet on the trail lot on 3rd Ave, 11 am, Hunt for heroes / one-mile walk
• Sept 7 & 8
  - One free game of bowling and shoe rental for a child accompanied by an adult
• Sept 8
  - Basketball shooting contest at the YMCA
• Sept 10
  - Baby Fair at Friday in the Park, 11 am - 1 pm, Word Park on Neville Street
• Sept 10
  - Activities at the Youth Museum & Mine, $5; exhibit; WVPBS character;
  - Clown Show at museum's amphitheatre (304-252-3730)
  - Karaoke at the mine
  7:30 & 8 pm - planetarium show
  8:15 - outdoor family movie
• Sept 11
  - Uptown Kids Fair, 10 am - 2 pm - United Games arcade, booths, food, Jr Firefighters Challenge
  - 11 am - Parade (Theme: American Heroes)
  - Noon - 3 pm - Shoemaker Square - Strings of Green recital
• Sept. 11
  - Plane rides & activities at the Raleigh County Airport, ages 6 - 16, 2 - 4 pm, pre-registration required - call 304-255-0476
• Sept 11
  - 4:30 pm - Celebrity Game
  - 6 pm - ESPN The Ticket hosts the Home Run Derby
  - Fireworks at 9 pm
• Sept 12
  - Hamster & Turtle Races, 1:30 pm, Pets N Things
  
  
    Call 304-256-1776 for more information.

Everyone loves hummingbirds, those little airborn jewels that zip by in the blink of an eye offering just enough of a glimpse to leave you thrilled by what you have seen.  Sitting on the porch of a West Virginia cabin vacation rental, you often hear the Ruby Thoated Hummingbirds flying by even before they see them.

The New River Gorge Hummingbird Festival, August 13-15, 2010, celebrates the uniqueness of these little birds with a variety of birding and nature presentations.  The Festival is an outreach program of New River Birding & Nature Center at Wolf Creek Park in Fayette County WV, born of the internationally acclaimed New River Birding & Nature Festival. 

Bill Hilton Jr., Hummingbird expert, Consulting Director of New River Birding & Nature Center, and cited by Discover magazine as one of “50 Best Brains in Science” , will lead the presentations.  Bird lovers should take a break from everyday life, bring the family to stay at some lovely New River lodging and spend a few days in hummingbird heaven.

Here is a song near and dear to our hearts, John Denver's "Country Roads" with its famous opening line "Almost Heaven, West Virginia".  We spotted this video setting the song to a slideshow of some of the beauty visitors can expect to encounter on their way to vacation at our lovely West Virginia log cabin rentals.   We even have a couple New River cabin rentals named after lyrics in this song!