West Virginia has been growing in popularity as a unique travel destination, especially during the COVID pandemic, and that’s thanks in part to its incredible outdoor recreation at places like New River Gorge National Park. As we face another year of pandemic restrictions, domestic travel to outdoor destinations will likely remain a popular choice for travelers looking to get out and explore.
If you’re in the mood for some big adventure in 2022, we can’t recommend the stunning wilderness of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia enough. It’s located about an hour south of Bluefield, West Virginia, which just so happens to be home to one of our luxury Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts.
Aside from exploring New River Gorge National Park, the Bluefield area of West Virginia is a stunning place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the healing power of fresh mountain air. It’s particular special when you combine it with a stay at a Select Registry Inn, where you’ll experience some of the finest hospitality in the country.
Every Select Registry property is unique, but you can always expect to encounter the same dedication to excellence everywhere you go. The best part about staying select is enjoying attentive and personalized service, a welcome change in our increasingly impersonal world. We can’t wait to show you the best of West Virginia this year. Book your trip to New River Gorge National Park today!
Explore New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is a very special place. Not only is it the newest national park in the country, which makes it worth visiting in its own right, but it’s sensationally beautiful.
New River Gorge National Park is named after the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers in North America. The river is a scenic and rugged whitewater river that flows north through lushly forested, deep canyons. With more than 70,000 acres of land to explore, there’s no shortage of great things to do in New River Gorge National Park.
New River Gorge National Park encompasses a vast array of the region’s long history. From Natives and early pioneers to the railroad boom and coal mining and logging, this area has seen a lot. Beyond just being a beautiful park, it’s a truly fascinating place to visit.
After you’ve learned about the park’s history, it’s time to get out and explore. Here are the most popular spots to visit in New River Gorge National Park:
- The New River Gorge Bridge is beautiful, but it’s also the longest steel span bridge in the western hemisphere and the third highest in the United States. Rightfully so, this bridge is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia.
- You’ll find the best view of the New River Gorge at the aptly named Grandview. Towering above the gorge at 1400 feet at Main Overlook, visitors are rewarded with one of the most outstanding enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the park. There are also some great hiking trails that start here.
- Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. The waterfall is 1500 feet wide, and drops between 10 – 25 feet, depending on water levels.
- Visit the old towns in New River Gorge National Park, like Thurmond, Nuttalburg, and Prince.
- There are a couple of farms in New River Gorge National Park worth visiting, too, both of which give visitors a glimpse into what life was once like in this area.
As you make your way through the park, make sure to watch for wildlife as you appreciate the immense beauty of these protected lands. New River Gorge National Park truly is a special place, and we hope it’s somewhere you get to explore in 2022!
More to do in Bluefield West Virginia
One of the primary reasons to escape to an area like Bluefield, West Virginia is to leave the busy crowds of cities behind you, and to spend some quiet, restorative time in nature. Bluefield is located in the foothills of southern West Virginia in Mercer County.
There are a number of things to do in Bluefield and the surrounding cities and towns. When you’re ready for a change of pace from the New River Gorge National Park, we’ve listed a few more of our favorite things for you to do in the Bluefield area:
- Get out and explore Pinnacle Rock State Park in Bramwell, which is most famous for the 3,100-foot sandstone formation that gives the park its name.
- Explore the lively Mercer Street Grassroots District in downtown Princeton, which features vibrant murals, galleries, and shops.
- Attend dinner theater at Bluefield Arts Center, or take in a national touring performance at the Chuck Mathena Center.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon fishing at the Dan Hale Reservoir.
- There are miles upon miles of trails to explore via ATV in West Virginia, the most popular of which is the Hatfield McCoy Trail network.
- Chase waterfalls! There are a number of beautiful ones located in this part of West Virginia.
- Take a ride on the zipline or scenic tramway and gain new perspectives on the beauty of this area at Pipestem Resort State Park.
We think it probably goes without saying, but one of our absolute favorite things to do in the Bluefield area is to relax and unwind at the Select Registry Bed and Breakfast found here. Whether you come here to explore New River Gorge National Park or just to relax in the fresh mountain air, we hope to see you soon in 2022! Start planning your getaway here.
Best Places to Stay in West Virginia
Bluefield Inn
The Bluefield Inn is a graceful Southern mansion circa 1906, that is listed on the National Historic Register and has been lovingly restored. It is the perfect place to unwind from a long day’s drive or to enjoy our beautiful outdoor mountains and activities. Situated near I77, the Inn is beautifully decorated with original art and furniture set among gleaming wooden floors, high ceilings, and crystal chandeliers. Our 7 comfortable guest rooms feature hypoallergenic bedding and modern conveniences including USB charging ports, spa-quality bath products, fans, hairdryers, complimentary water, plush mattress toppers, 300 Mbps wifi, and DirecTv.
The Inn carries a beer and wine license and offers a great selection of craft beers and wines chosen by the Innkeepers who are from Sonoma California. A full, freshly cooked gourmet breakfast is served each morning together with freshly ground organic french roast coffee. We happily accommodate vegan, vegetarian, lactose intolerant and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Enjoy a drink, espresso or tea service on the covered veranda, play billiards, or read a book in the library. Complimentary coffee, tea, purified water and juice are available 24 hours per day.
We have three pet-friendly rooms with a minimal pet fee.
All of our guests have free access to the Bluefield Fitness and Recreation Center which is only 4 blocks from the Inn. The newly remodeled facility has a regulation-sized pool, full cardio and weight lifting equipment (free weights as well machine), a basketball court and a large variety of free classes.
