March is, at this very moment, roaring in like a big bad angry lion. And now all we can hope for is that it goes out like a cute little wobbly legged newborn lamb.
A Relaxing, Secluded Spring Vacation once the March Lamb strolls in
Okay, my love of winter is starting to wane. I missed getting to ski in this lion of a storm and will be okay if we do not get another, even if that means making my next ski day in spring skiing conditions (warm and sunny with soft, wet groomed runs, and no new snow.)
Do you ever get those faxes, emails, postcards, FACEBOOK ads for the $199 ALL-inclusive vacations? You know, the ones that promise you can be laid up drunk next to a pool on the beach, with an open bar next to a buffet, all for one low price?
Man, that sounds good about now. But, you’d only have one of the 900 or so hotel rooms. Or maybe you opt for the floating version, on a boat? I get seasick, so that one is not for me.
I must say, when I get those ads, I get dreamy. But I know better. Not that I would not try it sometime. Usually we like something much more intimate and, well, private. Plus, my wife does not want me anywhere near a buffet, even if I eat only salad and protein. I still eat too much, and I am a wimpy hangover, so the open bar is not a good idea, either. Although a video of me passed out in the sand slowly getting redder would be funny to watch.
I think you will agree: a quiet spot in the woods without a crowd, what more do you need? Well, okay, a hot tub, fireplace, WiFi and Cable with great restaurants near by are cool, too.
Yes, you have to BYOB, but you will not have to share with 900 of your closest friends.
No, it’s not about basketball! Because we have all got cabin fever and need to get out and do something different. And it is making us MAAAAD.
It is a time of upheaval, the fight between winter and the spring. We all know spring wins, and will be glad for it. But, man, old man winter does not always go easily.
And that is okay with me! ‘In like a lion out like a lamb’ is a great March schedule. I have a few days of skiing left in me. A nice snow storm in the mountains on Friday so the kids don’t miss any more school would be OSSUM.
Great powder and packed powder and blizzard conditions, so it feels like real winter. And then, BOOM! Spring.
We have to get ready for the New River Birding and Nature festival after all, and it is our busiest week of the year. A great way to start the season.
There are still some spaces available for the festival, but all the cabins at OCR are booked already for the week.
We can help you relieve your March Madness! Mention it when you make your next reservation, and we’ll throw in some OSSUM swag!
(If you’re still cooped up through March, no worries. Take advantage anytime in 2014 you can make your mountain escape.)
Valentine’s Day and New Years Eve are similar holidays— they are both for amateurs.
The pros are doing this stuff year-round.
Love starts with communication. Be blunt!
I am not saying we should blow them off, because they are great and serve a wonderful purpose, like New Year’s lets people who are not celebrities get out and have a big night. Hopefully one that does not involve driving.
Valentine’s Day helps those of us who are not adept at romantic things, like being romantic, some help. I need that.
My guess is most guys do. So we consulted some women to make it downright easy for us guys to pull off a romantic weekend.
Ladies! I am giving you a hint. If you see something, here or anywhere, that you like, print it out and hand it to your man. I know that seems too obvious, but we need it sometimes.
Guys, if your wife hands you, or even mentions, something like, “Oh, look, a romantic weekend at a cabinwith massage and hot tub and….”, you get over your fear of massage. Take one for the team.
So if you are lucky enough to feel your spidey senses tingling, you pay attention. She is trying to help; act.
I love the sound of my own voice. You will love the value of this offer.
Everyone loves free food! We love to share our groovy little town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, and its great eateries.
So enjoy free lunch this holiday weekend when you stay in the cabins with our already great winter rates. To be honest, the weather this time of year can be like Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde: grey, and trying to change from rain to snow or warm, clear and blue. Either way, it makes for great cabining.
If its yucky outside, the fireplace and hot tub are calling you. If its warm and sunny, the trails are waiting to show you amazing vistas and glimpses of our past.
Both are great ways to get ready for an nice free lunch and a nap! That is a blueprint for a day of cabining.
If you are really lucky, it will be snowing lightly when you arrive, covering the area in a blanket of white overnight. You can choose to stay snuggled down in the cabin, “snowed in” for the weekend.
Give us a call (1-888-488-4836), and we guarantee you a wonderful weekend of cabining— complete with a fresh local lunch.
While we are often the butt of jokes and on the wrong end of every poll or survey, there is a balance. Nature loves the balancing act.
My home and business are in The New River Gorge area of West Virginia, so spectacular in so many ways that we the people of the USA made it part of our National Park System.
People come from all over the world to enjoy this area of almost heaven. They come to raft and kayak the New and Gauley Rivers. People move here so they can spend all their free time scaling the Endless Walls of the gorge. Others come because they feel the magic in the air that is made palpable by generations of adventurers that have made Fayette County home.
The Boy Scouts of America could feel it, too. And they showed up in a huge way. The Bechtel Summit Family Reserve just played host to its first National Jamboree. With an investment of almost half a BILLION US dollars (???WTF????) you know they are seriously in luv with WV. So head over heals have they fallen for Almost Heaven, they have tagged their commitment the future of scouting and their home for the next hundred years.
Yes, WV has issues. We know you do, too. Yet we are too kind, good and smart to feel the need to point the finger at your sore spots. We know the pain it causes, undue and unjust many times. Others we deserve, and own.
I luv WV’s wacky weather
I luv that my wife can grow an Ossum vegetable Garden and keep greens growing all year round under a cold frame. I luv that I hunt in my own back woods and fish on truly world-class waters. I luv the wacky weather we get in all four seasons, sometimes all in one day. I luv the eclectic mix of people.
I luv the waves of birds migrating to live here. They have flown for thousands of miles, seen everything in between, and they choose to make their home and raise their young here, year after year. Hmm, just like us.
This is just the stuff in arms’ reach of Opossum Creek Retreat. Maybe I should do another story about the wild and wonderful things in our neighboring counties, too? There are many. What are you favorites?
West Virginia is my home, and I am happy to say so.
A cabin getaway for the holiday. Sounds nice itself, right?
Yeah, but here at Opossum Creek Retreat, there’s a lot more to do than just get away.
Bond with the family (or take a break from them) with our Top 10 things to do at Christmas at Opossum Creek Retreat.
1. Cozy Cabin Family Time
Family meals together ’round the table.
Find solace in a luxury home-away-from-home. Big family? There’s room for everyone. And not just room, but comfortable sleeping quarters; no quilts sprawled across a hard floor.
Your own home & kitchen can stay clean as a whistle when the family comes to town. All the cabin kitchens are fully stocked for cooking your family meals. The Meadows even has 2 ovens so you can bake up an indulgent holiday feast for the whole family.
The New River Gorge is the capital of outdoor excitement on the East Coast. And that’s all year long.
For starters, there’s Winterplace Ski Resort. There, everyone can take their pick— a day of skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. The little ones as young as 4 can start sliding the slopes, and anyone who’s sprouted more than 44 inches can hop on a tube.
Up the ante with some of Fayette County’s cross-country skiing trails. Or, grab the little ones for a snowy trek through the forest or out to one of the Gorge’s ghost towns. Strap on some snowshoes and wade through the pristine powder just outside the cabin door.
3. Season On Stage
Remember gathering around the TV together for a Christmas classic? Relive that at the Raleigh Playhouse, which will be sharing your favorite movie memories on the big screen. They’ve dug through the vault for “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Home Alone,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and more.
4. Fayetteville Flavor
No one has to cook to enjoy a homestyle meal. We have countless small, family-owned restaurants nearby, where someone else’s grandma is eager to whip up her secret recipe for you.
Fayetteville is hub of culinary creativity, with unique eats as well as down-home comfort foods. Gourmet pizzas, south of the border dishes with an El Salvadorian spin, the simple and spicy kick of cajun and creole, sandwiches with juicy toppings and homemade sauces.
And that’s just a sampling of the smorgasbord. Want our insight on which plates to taste? Read our dining guide.
5. Artisan Gifts
Appalachia is home to rich crafting tradition, and you can find unique works here you won’t see outside this region, from hand-blown Blenko glass to sewn quilts. Just down the road, you can explore 20+ small, local artisan shops. Our local shopping guide will lead you to some of the best.
You can even watch artisans at work at Tamarack. Learn what goes into crafting each holiday gift, and discuss the details and inspirations with the artists themselves.
6. Scenic Winter Scapes
A winter stroll through the forest.
There is nothing out there more beautiful than the New River Gorge in the winter. Nothing.
Enjoy the beauty with your loved ones. Hike along the mountain terrain and peek down over the snow-blanketed mountains. Or, get the bird’s eye from the architectural icon of the New River Gorge Bridge. BridgeWalk’s seasonal discount lets you get the best view of the entire sweeping scene, crossing the catwalk from 800+ feet above it.
And Opossum Creek is right out in the middle of the wilderness beauty. You won’t even have to leave the cabin for stunning forest views.
7. The Best Decor Setting
Everyone loves the shimmer and glow of Christmas lights, but the seasonal views are so much more breathtaking against the backdrop of the Gorge.
Take a mini-tour of our favorites: Hawks Nest State Park lights up the forest beautifully and over-the-top every year. You can drive by and enjoy them from the warmth of your car. Then, it’s only a short trip to see through the more than 150,000 sparkling Lacey’s Lights at Fayette County Park.
8. Nostalgic Tradition
Sometimes, it just takes something simple.
Head out to one of the local tree farms, and look over the lush greens to choose your perfect tree. Find the grandest, fullest fir, or choose the smallest of the patch to spruce up and decorate royally.
Cut your selection yourself, and bring it back to the cabin to decorate with the family. String it with lights and your favorite ornaments, or bring out the paper and scissors for a fun evening of creating together.
Heck, if you want, we will pick one out for you and have it ready for you to decorate.
9. New Year Celebration
Christmas isn’t the only holiday of the season. Get ready for 2-0-1-4!
Take a trip and enjoy the evening tucked away with your closest for a toast. Or make it a big deal. It is a whole new year, after all. Join the festivities at Smokey’s on the Gorge for a grand celebration! Enjoy local musical favorites Big Daddy and the Mudcats, and dine on the finest flavors of 2013 at the chef’s gourmet buffet.
10. Relaxation
Relaxing at OCR. So basic we almost forgot it. But it really is nice to just sit back and soak in the hot tub (every cabin has one!) Or enjoy a deep massage. Ahhh… nice.
Whew. That was a heckuva list. And those are just our personal top 10.
You might fancy something else this season. Let us know what you like, and we’ll help you plan your trip to Opossum Creek Retreat.
Being honest, would you take time to spend a holiday vacation with just your immediate family? You know, the ones who live under the same roof?
“Just the nut jobs we see every day!” These are mine. -Geoff.
Yeah, I mean not the WHOLE family, just the everyday ones. I know the holidays are family time, but does it have to be all of them, every time?
Let me just take a risk for all of us and say NO! Love ya, mean it, do not want to spend the holidays with “y’all” or better said, “ALL y’all.” I know; I am evil. I just hurt someone’s feelings, and the ones who are most hurt are the people who secretly agree with me the strongest.
They may even be a little jealous that they did not come out with it first.
I am not trying to get out of Family Vacation with the WHOLE family, just saying we should not feel guilty for reserving some time just for us.
Even if just for a few days, away from the normal routine, but with the nut jobs we see everyday.
Yep, they are crazy ,but they are family and we love them. And in the right environment, without the day-to-day grind to weigh us down, they are so Ossum to be with.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a whole family holiday. Here’s a family Skyping a loved one in Afghanistan.
Time of year to round up the crew! Everyone’s heading to Grandma’s. You’ve got Aunt Cindy driving 10 hours, and Cousin Dan flying in from cross country…
Hang on, now. What?
Why not make it easier and just meet in the middle?
Chances are, OCR is in the middle for a lot of you folks. We’re smack dab in the center of the East. (which, in turn, makes it easier for West Coasters to travel in, too.) Did you know WV is the only state that is completely encompassed in the region known as Appalachia? It’s the middle of nowhere in the middle of everywhere.
Meet in the middle at OCR, near all these major East Coast locations.
No one on the East Coast should be looking at more than a half-day’s drive, but there’s an airport nearby, too. The pinwheel graphic here shows you just how close we are to your city, or your family members’.
See, in the middle, right? So if you want to bring the whole family in, why not make it easy? What better way to spend quality time together than tucked into the West Virginia wilderness?
It definitely comes with some other perks, too:
Fully stocked kitchens with all the tools and appliances you need to cook your holiday meal
Lots of room. Cozy, spacious cabins. No one’ll be stuck on the couch. (unless you choose to put them there)
A scenic forest setting
…which provides the perfect excuse to not stay cooped up all day: Get out and explore together. Take off to into the wilderness of the New River Gorge, or jaunt to small-town Fayetteville to dine and shop.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be the same place every year. Your familial love and holiday spirit aren’t locked up in Grandma’s cabinets; it will follow you wherever you go.
You’ve got memories to plant on your family tree. Sow them somewhere new.
Who’d like to round up your family here for the holidays?
No, it is not a hoax. I got that question many times over the past week or so. I guess it sounds too good to be true. It is true, though.
Just a couple thank you notes from Veterans who stayed free with us this weekend:
“Thanks so much for the ‘Free Veterans Stay’ at Opossum Creek Retreat!!! We had a wonderful and relaxing time! The cabin was so cozy and clean! The view from the hot tub was amazing!!! What a wonderful way to honor those who have served our country!!!! Thanks again!!!!”
-Sherry H.
“My heartfelt thanks to Keith and Geoff and Co. for my free stay in cabin 3 Veteran’s Day, Nov 10-12, 2013. Very nice accommodations. Will return. Took a drive to see The Farmhouse. It would be fun to take a bunch of us down there to stay and ride the area.”
-Brian B.
We gave away our entire inventory for a 4-day period. Thirteen Veterans and their loved ones got free stays over the 2013 Veterans Day holiday weekend.
That’s correct; we did not give a free cup of coffee when you bought an $8 breakfast. We bought the whole breakfast, and the coffee.
Maybe this is an unsustainable model, and that is why all the big chains only hand out a token thanks of free pancakes or what have you. Maybe next time we should give away free cabins with no furniture in them, or have the power and water off with a sign saying you have to pay extra for those.
Well, we won’t do it that way.
Meet in the middle at OCR, near all these major East Coast locations.
The free Veterans Day deal will be back again next year. And more of our favorite holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, are just around the corner.
We’re smack dab in the middle of the East Coast, so the whole family can gather here easily. Vets, if you want to treat your family to a holiday getaway at OCR, please use our 10% veteran discount. The deal is annual, but we offer the discount year-round.
If you missed out on the free cabin this year because we were full, be sure to like our Facebook page and sign up for our newsletter to get the first crack at next year’s Veterans Day Free Stay offer.
Clicking on the BOOK NOW tab provides cabin availability. It DOES NOT mean you’ve booked a cabin. After you confirm availability, there are several additional steps required regarding potential dates, minimum stay times, group size, and of course payment information.
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