We each have great stories of the Holidays. Each is different and reminds us of time with friends and family. Here is one of my favorites.
Every Christmas my Dad would bring home a fresh-cut Christmas tree. One year in particular stands out…
Dad brought home a tree that was full and perfectly shaped. It filled the house with a fresh pine scent so pungent you could close your eyes and imagine yourself deep in the woods in the middle of a pine thicket.
It was a grand tree.
There was only one, shall we say, issue with the tree that year. It was about two feet taller than the height of the ceiling. I am all for creative problem solving. Especially when they make me laugh. For years.
Instead of shortening the tree at it’s base the top was trimmed to fit flush against the ceiling. I can still picture the tree, decorated and lit with a top that seemed to magically disappear. It looked like it went right through to the attic. It still comes up from time to time and we still laugh about it.
Here at Opossum Creek we have our own Christmas tree tradition.
During the holiday season each cabin will it’s own live tree with everything you need to decorate it. It’s just one of the ways we celebrate a green Christmas.
The trees are dug live and wrapped in burlap so we can plant them after the Holiday season. Next time you visit, you’ll notice the pine trees of various sizes. These trees were in one of our cabins, decorated with gifts under them..
Memories and stories are born around these trees as friends and family share this most joyous time of year.
The Boy Scouts of America have made a HUGE investment in Fayette County, West Virginia but more importantly in their own future.
They have purchased more than 10,000 acres of the New River Gorge and are turning it into the next, best thing. 10,000 acres!
We (Fayette County and West Virginia) look forward to hosting the National Jamboree in 2013. And again, every 4 years after that. Each time, bringing 200,000 to 300,000 visitors to our area.
If that weren’t enough to be excited about, consider we could possibly play host to the World Jamboree in 2017. All of this, in addition to my favorite part, High Adventure Camp!
Every High Adventure Camp will bring kids from all around to experience all the “Wild and Wonderful” they can handle!
This is huge! Can you tell I am excited it?
PC Loves The Bechtel Summit
Know what else is huge? The machines being used to move earth.
Check out this video showing the care being taken to offset some of the major earth moving required to get ready for a quarter of a million people.
We welcome The Boy Scouts to Fayette County and look forward to helping make this huge project a huge success.
For tens of thousands of years mankind has been intrigued by fire. It has been used to heat, cook and forge metal. Also for some a place to meet and relax.
Relax
One of my favorite ways to kick-back, reflect and relax is to strike a match and light a campfire. This is when I like to open my box of nothing, er brain.
Forge Your Company
Meet
It wasn’t too long ago, we had the opportunity to host a unique corporate retreat here at Opossum Creek.
Every evening some of the group would strike a fire and gather ‘round. I overheard one say “what is it that attracts us to fire?”. Watching the guys around the fire, some talking and some just gazing at the embers is a scene played out around fire-rings all over.
It was noted that the time spent around the fire was often, more productive than any other time during the meeting. In fact, some business-altering decisions were made around that fire as they gathered in the evenings.
Opossum Creek Retreat offers an unusual form of corporate retreat. We are nestled in the middle of some of the country’s best outdoor activities and, in my opinion, the most beautiful scenery anywhere.
Next time you have a corporate meeting, ask yourself, “How much more could we accomplish around a campfire?”.
Well yes, we have been slacking. Thank you for noticing. It means you care.
You may have noticed that the “what is it contest” on the Facebook fan page has been absent of late. Guilty as charged. Others noticed our blog postings have slowed. Well, that we can explain. It became difficult to write as the prizes we meant to give away piled up. We’ll fix that.
Like the moon and the seasons, here at Opossum Creek Retreat, we tend to wax and wane too.
One of the things I like most about hospitality and living in a vacation destination like The New River Gorge National Park is this: There are seasons. Very distinct seasons. These seasons mean change. We like that.
Just as the seasons change, our guests change too. Right now, there are not as many folks visiting us as did in the summer and fall. Or even the winter. During the “shoulder season” it’s always interesting to watch the change in why you visit us. In fact, it leads us to start making up our own season. Sometimes, we even make up words to describe our made-up seasons.
Need an example? We’ve entered the “Just looking for a relaxing getaway at a nice quiet cabin” season. It’s one of our favorites.
Not too long ago, we were knee-deep in “fall color tour, hike and raft the Gauley River” season.
Before that? “Hang out with friends and do stuff then grill” season. That right there, is good fun (and good food).
Need a reason to visit? Make up your own season and celebrate. Post it on our fan page and you just might win something. After all, we need to get rid of a few prizes, so we can get back to writing.
For as long as I can remember, the end of summer has been bitter-sweet.
On one hand, it meant the end of long days, vacations, sleeping-in and staying up late. That was the life!
On the other, it signaled the beginning of frosty mornings, turning leaves, blue-bird skies and my favorite pastime of all. Hunting.
There is something magical about the woods in the fall. The intense coloring of leaves brought on by shorter days and cool nights. The smells. It all keeps me returning to the woods time and time again.
Since I was a boy, I have tagged along on my Dad’s hunting and fishing trips. Every trip to the woods serves as a reminder of the things he has taught me and time spent together exploring. Dad doesn’t get to the woods anymore, but he’s always there with me in spirit.
For the past 18 years I have made the New River Gorge area my home. I have been exploring its woods from day one. In that time, I’ve barely scratched the surface of all there is to see. While it would take another lifetime to see all she has to offer, I intend to keep trying to see all I can.
The Cowpasture Trail at Cranberry Wilderness is just over 6 miles long. Mostly flat, gentle slopes and a wide, variety of terrain and plenty to explore.
Not too long ago, we loaded up and headed over to hike with a rag-tag group of kids.
6 miles. 6 kids. 3 photos. This, is the story.
Too often the simple fact of being unsure if you are prepared will prevent stepping outside and having an adventure.
Usually the hardest part is just (sorry Nike) “doing it”. Get up, throw the kids in the car, some water, some granola bars and roll. Yes, it can be that easy.
Warm colors of fall in the Cranberry Wilderness
Sometimes, it may be difficult to pry kids away from the Xbox, DS, or TV. The persistence in pushing them out the door is worth it. The adventure to be had on the trail is one that creates awareness of surroundings, and memories of time with friends and family.
On our way up, the fall colors were at their peak at Cranberry. Bright oranges, reds, yellow and muted brown. The colors there are about a week ahead of ours here in the New River Gorge.
It made for a beautiful drive.
The real story of the day was watching the kids experience new things. Unexpected wonders of fall from the deep rich colors, to the smells encountered just walking through the woods. Ready to set sail
From pine thicket to bog there was something new around every corner.
Milkweed pods? Check. Opening them to send the tiny seeds afloat with childhood wishes attached. They also make great projectiles for throwing at your sister (as my son demonstrated!).
The point is this: You do not need to plan an extensive backcountry trip to get out and have fun. Throw on your tennis shoes, grab some water and let your kids show you what they discover.
The Gauley River. We love it. We know many of you do too.Just Below the Dam
If you have rafted the Gauley River, there are many things you do know. It’s big, it’s fun…frankly, it’s the “awesomesauce” (as the kids might say).
With all that you likely do know about the Gauley River. I thought it might be cool to share a few things, you might not know.
Four Things You Might Not Know About the Gauley River
It meets the New River at the Town of Gauley Bridge. Together they form the Kanawha River comprising part of the Mississippi Watershed.
We’re Glad it’s Not the Gad Dam
When the Summersville Dam was created a small, abandoned town was flooded. Thankfully the Army Corp of Engineers broke the tradition of naming the dam after towns flooded in the process. The name of the town? Gad.
Civil War History
The Gauley area was the site of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry on September 10, 1861, a Union victory in the American Civil War.
The attraction of the “Big Five” of the Gauley River is indeed exciting but imagine what it would have looked like as the confederate troops crossed the river near Woods’ Ferry after being defeated during the battle of Carnifex. If you’re rushing here to run the Gauley and heading for home as soon as you’re done, you’re missing out!
While the Gauley River offers some of the finest, most challenging whitewater rafting anywhere, this area offers so much more. The Gauley River, more than just whitewater.
Corporate meetings. Everyone has them from time to time. Not many actually enjoy them. Lots of time sitting in a chair, plenty of artificial light and often terrible catered-in food. Face it, the thought of another corporate meeting is painful.
Know what’s even more painful? Planning them. The logistics, the meeting space, the food, activities. Just another side of corporate meetings that most folks don’t like.
Happy faces tell the story
Are you in charge of planning your next corporate meeting? If so, we like to think we can help (and psstttt….make you look like a star!). Before we tell you about why you should consider us for your next meeting, I’d like to save us both some time and tell you why you shouldn’t choose us. Simply put, we aren’t for everyone.
Why You Shouldn’t Choose Us for Your Corporate Meeting
No valet parking
No cabs
We don’t have much of a club-scene or “night life”
Our Meeting Room isn’t art deco, euro or feng shui
Why Opossum Creek is Perfect for Your Next Corporate Meeting
NO Suite NO Shoes No Problem!
Personalized Service
We provide personalized service with attention to detail (Yes, we can do that for you!)
The Only “Traffic” is at the Deer Crossing
You can park your car at the door of your cabin rental and you won’t need it again until you decide to go home. A stroll through the woods to your meeting? Yes.
A Better Kind of Night Life
We have very little light pollution which makes for great star-gazing around the campfire (Ever finished a day of meetings with a S’more?)
Insert pic / link to facebook post.
Natural Surroundings
We do have a beautiful Timber Frame Great room with big windows that actually open! Sunlight and fresh air…at a meeting?
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a corporate meeting with a group of folks that wanted to truly “step outside of the box”.
“This is not the hotel setting we are used to working in and just the setting will require us to think differently.”
We think they did just that. Take a look at their itinerary and decide for yourself.
Day 1
Arrive as flights permit. Dinner is on your own. Simply choose from any of the great local restaurants in Fayetteville. We will provide list and directions. Corporate Meeting Night Life Day 2
7 to 8 AM fresh homemade Breakfast
8 to Noon meeting
Noon to 1 break-outs over fresh homemade lunch
1 to 5 Zip line Canopy Tour
5-7 happy hour with fresh homemade snacks
Dinner. You get the idea every meal is fresh-made with seasonal local ingredients
Campfire
Day 3
Same plan different adventure:
7 to 8 AM fresh homemade Breakfast
8 to Noon meeting
Noon to 1 break outs over fresh homemade Lunch
1 to 5 River trip in The New River Gorge National Park. Everyone can do this section of the river.
5-7 happy hour with Fresh homemade snacks
Dinner, fresh-made with seasonal local ingredients
Campfire
Day 4
Departure day
7 to 8 AM fresh homemade Breakfast
8 to Noon meeting
Noon to 1 break-out sessions, fresh homemade Lunch
Depart or not. Insert a team building program add another adventure and a night out on the town. Or have your family join you for a mini vacation after your successful Corporate off site meeting.
When I finish a river trip, it seems as if my belly is the stage for a production of “Little Shop of Horrors”.
Feed Me!
“Feed me Seymour!”
Feeding the Beast At “Home”
One of the reason many choose a rental cabin over a hotel is so you can cook at “home”. Or at least your home away from home, which is what we like to think we give you here at OCR.
It’s easy, relaxing and fun. Simply toss some meat and veggies on the grill, pop a top and relax.
No driving, no need to “get ready” and you can have dessert while soaking in the hot tub.
Epicurean nirvana.
On the Town:
While we love cooking in, eating out in the New River Gorge area is a real treat.
While Fayetteville is known far and wide as an outdoors Mecca, the food is just as awesome and adventurous. Great food and atmosphere all with a decidedly casual feel.
Relax, you are on vacation!
Not Quite Fayetteville One of Fayetteville’s food pioneers, Sedona Cantina and Tapas opened in Fayetteville in 1994. Now located on Route 16 (back-way between Oak Hill and Fayetteville), you will find a creative tapas menu plus they always have some full meals on special too.
OK Chinese Buffet was voted top 100 in the country (apparently someone eats A LOT of Chinese Buffett!) and let’s face it sometimes everyone can use a good Chinese buffet. Located in Kroger strip mall.
Rezan’s is on the outskirts of Fayetteville, and has a wide variety of really good stuff (chicken dip) on the menu. One half is for dining and on the other, you will find a fully stocked bar if so inclined. Located on Laurel creek road across hwy 19 from DQ and on right.
Getting the picture some places serve only beer and wine while others have liquor?
Fayetteville Dirty Ernie’s Rib Pit has cement floors covered in peanut shells, plywood booths and plastic table cloths. If you want to eat a baked potato the size of your head and get your yee-haw on. This is your place.
They make really good ribs (boiled, not smoked) and often have a wait on weekends. They are located across from Studio B Art Gallery and Wine Store, so you can do some browsing while you wait.
Downtown Fayetteville
The epicenter for New River Gorge cuisine. We like to park at the court house and walk to several of the many restaurants nibbling at each one. You can choose from tried and true classics and also sample some of the newest Gorge fare, all within a few blocks.
New Kids On the Block The Vandalian offers impressive food in a bright, clean atmosphere. Located right on the corner near the Courthouse, you can expect to find a variety of dining options, including Sushi & Burgers on Sunday and Monday evenings. It’s a great way to please some varying palates.
The Secret Sandwich Society, is well, not much of a secret. David, a native New Yorker, and Tashia’s twist on a deli equals renditions of all our favorite sami’s and a few of their own. Only open during the day, you can expect great food and beers and an awesome back deck. Located right behind the Fayetteville Visitor’s Center.
Wildflower Bakery not only makes fresh-baked goods on a daily basis, they also serve up mean (as in good) lunch. Giant pastries, ooey-gooey cakes, crème horns. Yum! Trying to resist is futile. Located one door down from Courthouse.
Like Mexican food? Diogi’s co-owner, Oscar is from El Salvador. So it’s Mexican food, made better. Located across the parking lot from the Fayetteville Visitor’s Center you will find a fun, rustic interior with a river in the bar. Seriously. (they do serve Margaritas plus beer and wine)
Kickin’ It Old Skool
Tried and true. These restaurants have helped put Fayetteville on the map.
Cathedral Café is not in a cathedral but an old Methodist’s Church. Its picturesque interior highlighted by antique stained-glass has appeared in many magazines and papers. Serving Breakfast and lunch, this is a prime neighborhood hangout. Some really good food. Relax and enjoy.
Real Cajun food in the Gorge? Yes.
New owner Susan took over Gumbo’s this past winter and has spiced up the interior and menu both! Drip-off-yer-elbow-good Po’boys and burgers plus all the real-deal dishes from WV’s only Cajun Restaurant. Phat salads too. Located Next to Historic Fayette Theater one Door down from the court house.
Pies and Pints. Voted one on the USA’s best watering holes by Outside Magazine. Already needing to expand their location they are opening a location in Charleston WV in November. We aren’t really sure what “Gourmet pizza” means but they do have lots of delicious funky stuff on their pies. Grape and Spinach pie. One of my favs, you have to try. Located two blocks from the Courthouse on the left.
There are many other great places to eat in the area. However, Fayetteville is the culinary heavyweight in Southern West Virginia.
So many great options for your for your après-paddling dining, there is simply no bad choice, and no reason to choose a chain. Pick any one of the local eateries and enjoy.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Fayetteville?
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