Of course you don’t have to bring everyone… unless you really want to.
“Oh, it’s okay. Don’t do anything special for me.”
You have heard your Mom say that, haven’t you?
This is tricky, because sometimes she means it; other times, not so much.
The question is: why risk it?
Yes, for some weird reason, Mother’s Day gets neglected, and I don’t know why. Do you?
You can fix this for your Mom, and maybe make up for some of those other Mother’s Days.
The weather is great. Spring is in all its glory. We just finished an amazing week hosting The New River Birding and Nature Festival, and we are all warmed up and ready to go here in the New River Gorge area. Come join us.
Make Mom really happy, and bring her to OCR this weekend.
We will even buy you lunch. Just mention this post.
Spring in southern West Virginia means different things to different people. For some, it means wildflowers are starting to bloom and the hiking trails are exploding with vibrant color. For others, it’s the chance to paddle the area’s local rivers and creeks at exciting spring flows.
But to one group of outdoor enthusiasts, it simply means “Fish on!!!”
Keith enjoying the WV fishing
One thing that this area has no shortage of is streams. Big ones. Little ones. And most of them very productive fisheries. Whether it’s bass, walleye, musky or trout that bring you to a fever pitch, there are plenty of opportunities to soothe whatever itch you need to scratch.
At Opossum Creek Retreat, we understand having a passion for fishing. In fact, we embrace it. One of our favorite springtime activities is fishing for trout.
Our place, just so happens, is located mere minutes from some great southern West Virginia trout fishing. In fact, Mill Creek flows less than a mile from our front door, and is stocked by the WVDNR monthly from February through May.
Mill Creek is a sweet little stream that starts near Route 60 and winds its way into Hawk’s Nest Lake on the New River. It starts off fairly flat, meandering along the plateau through deep woods and laurel thickets, but as its journey approaches the New River, it becomes a steep pool-drop creek with large boulders and plunge pools. This diversity in stream hydrology is common among the creeks in this area and makes for some fabulous fishing.
Other local trout streams that are within a short drive of OCR are: Glade Creek, Dunloup Creek, Loop Creek, Piney Creek, Paint Creek and Manns Creek.
All of these streams are stocked throughout the spring by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources with rainbow and brown trout. A nearby chapter of Trout Unlimited also adopts a few of these creeks as special projects, and stock them with fingerling brown trout on an annual basis.
These streams all vary in topography and terrain, and most are fairly accessible over a large percentage of their runs. All of them with the exception of Paint Creek and Loop Creek drain to the New River, and they all definitely have sections of them that are moderately steep. This means lots of big pools that can hold some impressive trout.
Now, we are pretty biased to our local area because there is just so much natural beauty here. And well, hell, it is our stomping grounds, so can you blame us? But as far as trout fishing goes, we will concede that some of the best waters in the state lie just a short drive to the north of us.
There is a small area of the West Virginia, located in the mountains in and around the Pocahontas and Randolph County vicinity, where a great many of the major streams in WV originate. From this region, the Gauley River, the Elk River, the Williams River, the Cheat River, the Tygart River, the Greenbrier River and the Potomac River all begin their sinuous journeys towards different destinations.
All of the headwaters sections of these streams are excellent trout fisheries. What is most enjoyable about them in our eyes is the level of peace and serenity you will find their remoteness. It’s a seclusion that you will only experience in few other places anywhere on the east coast.
There are very few incorporated towns with a population of more than 500 people in these areas, and Randolph County averages 29 people per square mile, while Pocahontas County only averages 9.
Some of the Mountain State’s best trout streams are either in this bunch we just listed, or they are tributaries of them.These streams are around an hour drive from The New River Gorge. They include the Elk River, the Cranberry River, the Williams River and the Cherry river.
The best part about fishing these streams is if the fish aren’t biting, you’re still hanging out in one of the most beautiful places around.
So, if trout fishing happens to be your passion, we hope you find the time to make a trip to our backyard and experience this wonderful area we call home. Perhaps we will see you on one of these streams this spring.
Fish On!!!
Which river in WV is your favorite for trout fishing?
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.
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.
Think this is big water? You haven’t seen anything yet! 2013’s Gauley rapids will swell higher than ever before!
Don’t get me wrong, this Gauley River rafting season is going to be epic. More water than ever scheduled before. (You see, they have released this much and more, but they have never told us when it was going to happen.) So now that we can plan for it, you should, too.
Okay, as you can see in the wonderful newsletter from or CVB (Convention and Visitor Bureau, the folks responsible for making good use of half of the 12% tax we have to charge you when you book any lodging), that all the raft companies are very excited about the extra H2O, as well they should be.
This is how we make your life better: we will give you the inside scoop on all the other great stuff to do while you are here for this epic, never seen before Whitewater Wonderland!
We have some links to our great itineraries, but for the hardcore goining-to-raft-all-day-everyday guest, this is for you:
Save the boozing it up for the end of the trip. Like, the last night. Countless guide stories about the guy with the hangover…
Use the hot tub to loosen up those paddling muscles.
Have the fridge stocked with easy-to-make meals (i.e., grill it!)
Day two or three, schedule a day off and have our message team come work you over.
Go for a hike or bike ride to get the lower body in the game.
Make it a progression. Don’t start out with a Double Upper Gauley trip.
Start on the Lower Gualey at normal flow on a Sunday, hit the upper on Monday, and then do the Lower river on these dates:
Sept 17, 24 and Oct 1
Rest for a day and see massage team
Bike for a day, then repeat
Of course, you will have to win the lottery or quit your job, but this is going to be EPIC, and may never happen again!
Of course, we have special rates to help if you do not win said lottery or do quit your job.
Finish books (a woman stayed in cabin 3 writing for a month because she was “on a roll”.)
Paint.
Painting done during a stay at OCR
Get married.
Get inspired to get married.
Get inspired to stay married! (Maybe not in that order.)
Read books.
Draw.
Fall in love.
Forgive a loved one.
Explore, outside and in.
We talk about relaxing all the time.
These are the kinds of things people experience once they do relax.
All of these are stories we have heard from our guests, who have written in the guest books or in a note on the comment card. Some even have gone to the trouble to send us a thank-you letter. We are humbled and thrilled that you think of us this way.
No, really, it is hard to make a party any better than starting with costumes and dressing up. It’s like Halloween in June.
But there are a few things that really made this day in one of America’s “Coolest Small Towns” even better.
Start with a town full of happy people. (Back in the day I could have used the word “gay” in place of happy, but it has been taken over to mean other things.)
Add: puppies!
So many Sock Monkeys!
Add: a WWII Biplane. A giant Sock Monkey and some dude in a tux.
Add: lots of kids, Kids are shameless when it comes to putting on a costume. When do we lose that?
Add: a skydiver.
Add: a film crew. You are going to want to share the fantastic images later.
Add: perfect weather.
Add: some bikes, trikes, roller blades,longboards, and anything else that moves
Add: more Sock Monkeys.
Next, have everyone run around a lot, laughing, smiling, screaming, and yelling. Then…
Dance! Dance in the streets while the police block traffic for you! You will have to watch the video for this part.
What a great way to spend the afternoon. It reminds me what a lucky bunch we are. Humans, that is.
They had me at food vendors. Plus sampler-size versions of most of the activities, lots of logo gear, a concert Saturday and a huge fireworks show!
Ziplining will be one of the activities visitors can try during the Jamboree.
Besides, my Grampa B was a big-time scouter, and my Uncle Scott is an Eagle Scout. I think they would like it if I went. I was a scout, too, but I do not still fit in my uniform.
Just so you know, the Boy Scouts of America had to win me over to try again. I was really uninspired after the drive through that I tortured the family with a few weeks back.
The Summit let a bunch (1,200 cars) drive through for a tour. The line stretched forever— bumper to bumper traffic. It took us 4 hours to drive through. There was virtually no explanation of what you were looking at. What you could see was not finished, and, frankly, the place looked like a bomb site. My cousin Katie said, “Are they studying Mud?”
Don’t get me wrong. I have been cheerleading for this from the start.
I am sure it will look very different in a few days when they open the gates on the 2013 National Jamboree. I know how things tend to come together at the last minute, having had that phenomenon play out with every cabin we built. Deadlines work.
That said, I really want to see how it will be different on game day. What we learned after the first tour is much of the “under construction” stuff is not scheduled to be ready for this Jamboree. I am sure they got more grass to sprout and cover up the mud.
I am betting that the pain of the last trip has been forgotten by my teenage son, and I can dupe him into making a day of it, and even talk a couple of his buddies into joining us. My wife will not be swayed, and our daughter is out of town at camp. The boys and I will sample as much stuff as they will let us, eat “fair food,” and maybe stay for the concert and fireworks. That sounds like a great day.
We are definitely thrilled about one aspect of the Jamboree: the scouts will be doing “the largest service project ever undertaken” while they are here. Service work is good stuff. We do it, and we love the idea that a lot of good work will be done through the service projects. Wolf Creek Park will get some love from a few troops. We actually helped develop the programing by volunteering ourselves, and will be there again when they show up to cut trail and build boardwalk.
We have been invested in this event from the beginning and are cheering and helping to make it a success.
I will be there with bells on as a volunteer and a visitor. From these viewpoints, I will see firsthand how OSSUM it is, and fill you in.
Back in the day, 4th of July was a stay-at-home holiday. Most families did not travel. That’s why we think of the hometown, American-feel Main Street parade when we think of July 4th. All those cliches are true, and give us a warm and fuzzy feeling about our nation’s birthday celebration.
Celebrate America and the values of the good old days
As well they should!
Today, our summer vacation schedule is compressed into 6 weeks: Mid-June to the end of July. That’s down from Memorial Day to Labor Day in the good old days, when there was a good solid 12 weeks of Summer.
There are lots of reasons why the summer has been smooshed, but let’s save that for another time and just say that if you still want that hometown feel while you’re traveling over the July 4th holiday…
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