Elkins, West Virginia, offers several ways to get to the heart of the mid-Atlantic mountain experience. You can literally head to the hills on one of Elkins’ most popular attractions, the New Tygart Flyer. This restored passenger train takes visitors into deep, wooded canyons and across rushing streams, eventually arriving at a remote, pristine waterfall. Along the way you can sustain yourself at an all-you-can-eat sandwich bar or, on Sundays, at a special brunch. You can get even closer to nature on wilderness treks and backcountry mountain climbing in the Monongahela National Forest, site of 25 campgrounds.
Elkins offers no shortage of entertainment for its visitors. From July 5 through Aug. 9, the Augusta Heritage Center stages blues, swing, Irish and Cajun music fests. If you would rather combine comedy with music, The American Mountain Theater presents a two-hour, G-rated family entertainment featuring country, gospel and bluegrass music interspersed with comedy acts.
Visitors can also be assured of fun shopping, delicious food and comfortable lodging in the area. Elkins’ shops easily highlight the country experience. This is especially true of Primitive Blessings, which sells folk art dolls, local pottery, homemade wind chimes and special Christmas items.
Meanwhile, the city’s restaurants serve foods plain and fancy. At the Cheat River Inn, you can dine riverside on local favorites, such as fresh rainbow trout either pan-fried or crusted with nuts or oats.
For those willing to drive a little farther, check into a comfortable mountain-view room at Deer Park Country Inn. The rooms and suites here are worth the drive and feature antique beds, tables and armoires. Additionally, the Inn’s Tavern Restaurant serves traditional steak-seafood dinners in front of a handsome fireplace.