Gather your girlfriends…Mountaineer Country is an outdoor lovers’ paradise: hiking, ziplining, kayaking, and rock climbing will keep you moving. The nightlife will keep you up – this is, after all, the mountain home to West Virginia University (WVU)! Your perfect girls trip is ready and waiting for you in wild and wonderful North Central West Virginia.
Day One
Dip your toes in the cool waves of Alpine Lake, a private escape from the world hidden away in Terra Alta, W.Va. Hit the water with kayak rentals courtesy of Alpine Lake Resort. As you cast off from the shoreline, you will find it easy to put all your stress aside. Float across calm waters and soak up the sun, then hit the ground running and explore the beautiful Appalachian forests that surround the lake. You’ll walk through towering pines, blossoming flowers, and find a variety of beginner-friendly hiking trails waiting for you.
Regroup at Alpine Lake Resort to enjoy dinner and drinks on the patio. Comfort food is elevated to a new level of sophistication here and will refuel you after a day on the lake. Your view out over the Alpine Lake Resort golf course will be made even more stunning as you watch the sunset behind the mountains. Finally, retire to your resort suite for one last glass of champagne to celebrate your adventure to come in Mountaineer Country!
Day Two
Pack up for day two of your outdoor girlfriends adventure as you head westward to Kingwood, W.Va. Start off on the wild side with live animal encounters at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo. Visit with lions and tigers and bears that call Mountaineer Country their home. Feed the resident giraffes for some instagrammable pics that will have all your social followers envious. Settle into your own refreshments with a picnic lunch packed with your favorites, courtesy of Walzzy’s, voted the area’s #1 Best Hot Dogs.
Next, head north to the breathtaking overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest. Spend your afternoon soaring through the forest via the zipline canopy tour or reach new heights with guided rock-climbing excursions. Choose from over twenty trails ranging in difficulty from beginner-friendly to advanced. Each trail takes hikers and mountain bikers through the dense forest across the mountain range overlooking the Cheat River Canyon. You’ll pass flowering rhododendron, unique rock formations, and historical sites such as the Henry Clay Furnace.
Reward yourself after a long day with a handcrafted cocktail and dinner alfresco at Table 9 in Morgantown, W.Va. Choose from a rotating menu of American favorites masterfully elevated to new levels of sophistication with the help of farm-to-table ingredients. Order from the bar or choose something from the wine list to toast good times with good friends over the sounds of the Monongahela River below.
From here, it’s just a short walk along the Mon River Rail Trail back to your luxury suites for a good night’s rest at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. Or take a detour into Downtown Morgantown and experience a bit of the bar scene that sets the Mountaineers above and beyond the rest. Keep the night going when you stop in at Apothecary Ale House & Cafe, a cozy bar with 27 local beers on tap and over 140 bottles to choose from.
Day Three
Cap off the perfect weekend with brunch at Iron Horse Tavern in Morgantown, W.Va. Reserve your table at the area’s most highly sought-after brunch destination. You’ll love the casual atmosphere of this rustic gastropub. Choose from a menu of stacked eggs Benedict, crispy chicken and waffles, and decadent French toast—all of which pair perfectly with bottomless mimosas!
After brunch, step out into Downtown Morgantown for boutique shopping from local small businesses. Pick up handmade gifts and more from Hoot & Howl or find your new favorite eclectic accessory from River Fair Trade. Then, stop by the CupCakerie for one last sweet treat before officially deeming this weekend a success!
Want to make this trip your reality?
Enter to win our Girlfriend Getaway and Play Weekend Giveaway HERE. One lucky winner will take three friends on their very own Mountaineer Country adventure. Don’t wait! This giveaway ends May 31, so sign up today!
Start planning your trip to Mountaineer Country online. Make the most of your stay with great deals on hotels, dining and attractions at MountaineerDeals.com. And see what’s new in Mountaineer Country by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Cover photo: Feeding the giraffes at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo in Kingwood, WV. Photo courtesy of @venturealamode.
