West Virginia's New River Gorge an ultimate winter retreat

Though whitewater rafting on the New River may have ended for the season, winter in the New River Gorge is an ideal time for woodland retreats, says a spokesman for one of the region's chief outdoor-recreation resorts.

Dave Arnold, vice-president of Adventures on the Gorge, says focus naturally shifts to growth and introspection during what was once the off-season, and the resort's cabins and conference facilities now welcome attendees for conferences and couples indulging in romantic retreats.

“There's still plenty of good food and good fun to be found in the New River Gorge,” says Arnold, who has helped market a season-long line-up of special events to add to the appeal of a vacation among the region's national park areas.

“There has never been a better time to plan a group gathering or an intimate winter getaway in the woods.”

Guided hikes, canopy tours, and team-building experiences are popular at the resort year-round, and warm winter weekends usually allow for self-guided adventures in the woodlands and among the small towns that surround the gorge.

Adventures on the Gorge, a thousand-acre adventure resort that straddles the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve near Fayetteville, West Virginia, provides winter guests scores of cabin options as well as conference and meeting facilities ideal for group getaways and retreats.

In addition to the guided and go-it-your own expeditions the resort affords, Arnold underscores the continuous line-up of entertainment the resort now offers.

Winter Line-Up at Adventures on the Gorge

December 31
Adventures on the Gorge rings in the New Year with dancing, appetizers, desserts, a cash bar with music by the Beggar’s Clan at Smokey’s Steakhouse. The party starts at 8:30 p.m., and the band begins playing at 9 p.m. Cost is $29.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

January 19-20
Guests who attend the Super Villains Mystery Dinner will be assigned roles and given clues to reveal and secrets to keep in this “Superhero Game of Clue” on Friday and Saturday nights at Smokey’s Steakhouse. A cash bar opens at 6:30 p.m., and the game starts at 7 p.m. The cost to participate is $49.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

January 26
An Italian Wines and Food Pairing dinner will be held in Smokey’s Steakhouse from 7 to 9 p.m. This five-course meal will feature polenta and mushrooms, gnocchi, Osso Buco, risotto and more paired with Italian wines. The cost to attend is $75 per person (adults only) plus tax and gratuity.

January 27
A Beer-and-Belly Tasting Reception will be held at Smokey’s Steakhouse from 7 to 9 p.m. and will feature beers from Sierra Nevada Brewing with salmon, pork, beef, duck and lamb “bacon.” The cost to attend is $35 (adults only) plus tax and gratuity.

February 3
The “Soul Train Dance” led by disc jockey Jeremy Casto will be held from 8 to 11 p.m. at Smokey’s Steakhouse. Music, dancing, cash bar and light appetizers are included. The cost to attend is $29.95 (adults only) plus tax and gratuity.

February 9-11
Embodying Yoga Through Nature: A Yoga Retreat For Beginners will combine the techniques of yoga with the natural beauty of the New River Gorge. This weekend retreat will be geared toward novices and will include expert instruction, lodging, dining and recreation. The cost to attend starts at $425 per person. An option featuring yoga and meals only is available.

February 14
Valentine’s Dinner will be hosted from 5 to 9 p.m. at Smokey’s Steakhouse. A five-course meal, paired with wines, will cost $39.95 per person (adults only) plus tax and gratuity.

February 16-17
A Murder at Toadwart Inn will be performed both nights at Smokey’s Steakhouse. Guests will be assigned a role and provided clues to reveal and secrets to keep. A cash bar opens at 6:30 p.m., and the game starts at 7 p.m. each night. The cost to attend is $49.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Themed appetizers will be served.

March 9-11
Embodying Yoga Through Nature: A Yoga Retreat For Beginners will combine the techniques of yoga with the natural beauty of the New River Gorge. This weekend retreat will be geared toward novices and will include expert instruction, lodging, dining and recreation. The cost to attend starts at $425 per person. An option featuring yoga and meals only is available.

March 9-10
"Back in Time for Murder: a Steampunk Murder Mystery" will be staged both Friday and Saturday nights at Smokey’s Steakhouse. Guests will be assigned a role and provided clues to reveal and secrets to keep. A cash bar opens at 6:30 p.m., and the game starts at 7 p.m. each night. The cost to attend is $49.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

March 17
Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day at Adventures on the Gorge from noon to 9 p.m. in Chetty’s Pub. The cost to attend is $8-22 per person plus tax and gratuity.