Thomas is a delightful little artist enclave on the banks of the Blackwater River, full of bougie galleries, antique shops, and cafes. TipTop Cafe has delicious pastries and coffee drinks. There's the Adventure Guild, a gamer's haven. Want some prognostication? Kymyra features palmistry, astrology charts, an esoteric library, tattooing, and tarot readings. Thomas is also home to The Purple Fiddle, a live music spot featuring folk and blue grass music. Albert and Douglas Falls are a short drive from the town. Highly recommended!
Dolly Sods is a very special place, one of Claire's favorite places to hike. This 10,215-acre property on the Allegheny Plateau features unique plant life (at a 4000 ft plateau, it features flora similar to Canadian bogs), scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic and camping areas. The area is accessible year-round, but visitors should use caution as storms can develop rapidly.
Enjoy 31 miles of hiking, hunting, and fishing opportunities year-round in the refuge's 16,225 acres of protected land. Watch educational exhibits, films, and displays at the visitor center.
Climb your way to the top of this 900-foot-tall formation and witness sweeping views of the valley below. Or, if climbing isn't your thing, hike the steep 1.3-mile trail up the mountain. A visitor's center is located at the base.
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green bank, WV features the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully-steerable dish in the world. Take a guided tour through the observatory and learn something new at the hands-on science center.
Catch a ride—and an eagle sighting—on this diesel-powered, open-window coach train. The 3.5-hour narrated excursion takes you through beautiful scenery in the South Branch of the Potomac River.