leaf peepin’ in canaan valley
autumn is my favorite time of year. the leaves change, the temperatures drop and i’m filled with a sense of nostalgia. my grandfather loved fall so i tend to think of him a lot when the weather changes.
every year growing up, my family would take a trip to the canaan valley during peak leaf peeping season to take in the sights. blackwater falls would glisten in the sun and the mountain towns of thomas and davis would come alive with weekend travelers. i made some of the best memories here. it’s a place i hold so close to my heart.
driving down route 32, i was amazed at the colors i was seeing. mother nature worked her magic and really put on a show. i truly don’t think there’s a more spectacular place than canaan valley in the fall - and this fall is the brightest & boldest i’ve known.
here’s some things to see + do in the canaan valley:
sights
the area’s most iconic landmark is blackwater falls, a stunning 57’ cascade of amber colored water. the river’s unique color comes from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. the short boardwalk out to the falls brings you up close with nature’s beauty.
next, check out pendleton point, an overlook that provides sweeping vista views of the blackwater canyon. reds, golds and oranges paint the landscape for as far as you can see. every photo i took does not even do it justice. it’s only a short drive from the main lodge, which you can see from across the way.
about 40 minutes south of davis is another notable west virginia landmark - seneca rocks. the unique razorback mountain brings in travelers from near and far. we didn’t get the chance this trip, but you can climb to the very top for incredible views. it’s a bit of a strenuous hike but i promise it’s worth it!
if you’ve worked up an appetite or need a road trip snack, head to yokum’s general store. the modest storefront has been in business since 1923 and offers a front porch restaurant with a stunning view of seneca rocks plus an adjacent motel with a convenient store/deli. one quick thing to note: there’s very little cell service here so it might be helpful to pick up a road map if you’re not familiar with the area.
eats & drinks & shops
the towns of thomas and davis, though small in population, are full of life & vigor. the area once known for timber and textiles became an outdoor oasis for adventurists and families. eclectic storefronts, vibrant art galleries and one-of-a-kind eateries make up the main streets.
tip top is the raddest local coffee shop. found in thomas (with a second location in elkins!) expect to find nitro cold brews, chai lattes and the finest wines & spirits, along with fresh baked pastries and goodies.
down the street from tip top is the purple fiddle - part restaurant/hostel/music venue, and all parts cool. grab a seasonal craft brew or a healthy deli sandwich or a scoop of ice cream. stop by for live concert on a friday or saturday night, or stay for the whole weekend at the hostel upstairs.
we’ve covered a few of my favorite eateries in thomas but what about shops? ella & company is an event planning/vintage rental company with a brick and mortar shop that features everything from dried flowers to handcrafted jewelry to antique license plates. thomas yard boasts handcrafted items made by west virginia creatives. from pottery to apparel, you can find it here. i picked up a cool tee from wild & wonderful lifestyle company that features a lot of the state’s most notable stops & landmarks. another one of my favorites is bloom. bloom is a retail shop promoting art prints & originals. any time i visit i’m blown away at the talent from local artists (and usually leave with a few prints myself).
moving towards davis, you’ll want to try sirianni’s pizza cafe, a staple in town since 1988. i can’t think of a better way to describe sirianni’s than by pulling in langauge from their facebook page:
our davis shop is located in a hundred year old steam ship office. this office made travel arrangements for the many immigrants who came to this area for work during the coal and timber booms of the late 1890's and early 1900's.
our restaurant's name is that of our ancestors who came during that time of mass immigration to find work and better life in their new country. the italians were well known for their mining abilities, strong mercantile desires and their love of life.
it is said that italians build their homes as if they would live forever and eat as if they would die tomorrow.
both thomas and davis pay homage to the area’s immigrants and ancestors by breathing new life into the historical buildings. i’ve eaten at sirianni’s over a dozen times and each time i feel at home. it’s just one of those places you have to visit when you’re in town. who doesn’t love pizza anyways? they’re currently open for take out only so ethan & i picked up a pepperoni pizza and took it back to the billy motel (more on this in a sec!)
sleep
i came up with ethan and his family for a surprise birthday/graduation party for his brother zach. we stayed in a rustic cabin near timberline mountain resort that provided the perfect backdrop to unplug. between taking walks with ethan’s 3- & 5-year old nephews and belly laughing around the dinner table, it was refreshing to reconnect with one another.
ethan and i decided to stay an extra night and booked a room at the billy motel, a stylish mid-century modern roadside motel. 10 minimalistic rooms transport you back to the 50s when motels were in their heyday. it’s a great place to set up home base - only a mile from blackwater falls state park and perfectly nestled between davis and thomas.
upon check-in our room had two poker chips that could be redeemed at the bar for a complimentary drink, so of course we grabbed a few cocktails and took them back to our room to enjoy the night. the bar also has an adjoining kitchen with globally inspired dishes that change weekly.
the unbelievable views matched with the best company, made for an unforgettable weekend escape. it really doesn’t matter what you do, but who you do it with. i am so grateful for these memories.
have you ever been to the canaan valley?