The Canaan Valley Area, West Virginia

Almost Heaven—John Denver was right, at least as far as the Canaan Valley (pronounced Ca-nane’) area is concerned! I spent part of last week there in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, and it was both relaxing and beautiful. It was also c-o-l-d. I didn’t do any skiing, but I did a lot of watching from the comfort of the ski lodge!

The Canaan Valley Resort is very family-friendly—a perfect place to go with a family, a church group or any others who want to enjoy nature and beautiful mountain scenery. Be forewarned, however, this place is very much off the beaten path! The tiny towns are few and far between, and the snow-covered mountain grades insist that you slow down and enjoy the scenery whether you want to or not. Nevertheless, it was worth every minute of the three-hour ride westbound out of Washington, D.C.!

I love nature and especially animals in the wild. Getting to see so many white tail deer on the resort grounds was a special treat. Fat and apparently relaxed and happy, they readily allowed you to see them up close and personal!

I also visited nearby Blackwater Falls State Park in the town of Davis. The falling snow made it a look like a living Christmas card! The total of eight or so souls who braved the sub-freezing weather to trek down the actual falls were not disappointed. The partially frozen waterfall and “chandeliers” of icicles hanging from rock outcroppings made for some great photos!