Spend a winter weekend in Davis and Thomas.
In the highlands of Tucker County, the neighboring towns of Davis and Thomas are two of West Virginia’s most dynamic small-town destinations. Just minutes apart, they’re easy to experience together—Davis, with its down-to-earth mountain vibe, and Thomas, with its artsy, bohemian streak. Together, they make for an escape as rich in flavor as it is in character.
Settle in at one of the cozy lodging options, each with its own personality. Milo’s Guesthouse offers a welcoming, homestyle feel, while the retro-chic lounge and mid-century flair at The Billy Motel draw a hip crowd. For a base outside closer to the trails and slopes, book your stay at The Inn at Canaan, The Timberline Hotel, Valley View Cabin Resort, or one of the cabins or lodge rooms at Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
Make time to browse the boutiques and galleries in both towns. When you’re ready to refuel, dining is a highlight here. In Davis, Milo’s Café & Restaurant serves up comfort dishes in a laid-back setting, while the pizza at Sirianni’s Café is a local institution. ISH Kitchen at The Billy Motel leans into fresh, creative plates. In Thomas, TipTop is a go-to for coffee and light bites, and Happy & More Bakery and Café is your stop for morning pastries or an afternoon treat. The renowned Purple Fiddle dishes out hearty fare alongside equally renowned live music.
Music and craft libations are where Davis and Thomas really shine. Catch regional performers and nationally touring acts in an intimate setting most days of the week at the Purple Fiddle, or enjoy tunes paired with craft brews at Mountain State Brewing Company. Fans of the beers coming out of Big Timber Brewing in Elkins can now get them on tap at Big Timber Logging Camp in Davis—and be sure to stop in around back for some of VicBob’s Apple Jack Brandy, made from local cider.
Art, music, food, and mountain charm—Davis and Thomas deliver it all in a setting that’s authentic and memorable.
Powder to the People
Winter in Tucker County, West Virginia, means snow—lots of it. This is the heart of the snowiest part of the mid-Atlantic, where storms roll in, powder piles up, and crisp mountain air sets the scene for one unforgettable season. Whether you crave the rush of downhill skiing, the rhythm of cross-country trails, or the all-out delight of sledding, Tucker County is your playground of cold-weather adventure.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park anchors the fun with something for everyone. Towering to a peak of 4,280 feet, the resort’s 46 trails and slopes range from easygoing greens to bold black diamonds, and ski school instructors help first-timers get their legs under them. Off the slopes, the fun doesn’t stop—ice skating, snow tubing, and other family-friendly activities keep the energy high. And when it’s time to take a break, the resort lodge is the perfect retreat, with hearty meals, cozy corners, and views worth lingering over.
Just down the road, Timberline Mountain has earned a reputation as a skier’s paradise. With a top elevation of 4,268 feet and a 1,000-foot vertical drop, the mountain offers long, uninterrupted runs. A high-speed detachable quad makes the trip to the summit a breeze, so you spend more time cruising and less time waiting. It’s a favorite for skiers and snowboarders alike—big on thrills, light on crowds.
If gliding through silence is more your pace, White Grass Ski Touring Center is a regional mecca. This cross-country and backcountry gem maintains more than 50 kilometers of trails that wind across snowy meadows and through hushed forests with sweeping valley views. Its lodge and cafe are famed—part gear shop, part gathering spot, and part kitchen dishing out home-cooked comfort food that tastes even better after a long, invigorating day on the trails.
And don’t miss Blackwater Falls State Park, home to the longest sled run east of the Mississippi. A quarter-mile of joyful abandon with a conveyor belt that whisks you back to the top, it’s pure pleasure on repeat—a guaranteed hit with the kids and kids at heart.
READ MORE STORIES FROM OUR WINTER 2025 ISSUE
Leave a Reply