It’s been hot in Tucker County, WV the last couple of days…shoot weeks!  How are you beating the heat this summer?  I’ve been trying to spend as much time as possible at our favorite swimming holes.  But work, yard work and random thunderstorms keep getting in the way.  Do you have a favorite swimming hole?  But here are some other fun summer options… If you are looking for some water activities, I would suggest Blackwater Outdoor Adventures.  They offer white water rafting, canoeing, duckies, tubing, and fishing trips.  There are also paddle boat and canoe rentals at Blackwater Falls State Park, where you can float at Pendleton Lake.  Canaan Valley Resort has an outdoor pool along with an indoor/outdoor pool if that more your style. Great thing about warm summer days are berries!  Mid to late July is a great time for berry picking.  I’ve been told that the blueberries are ripe and ready for picking.  Camp 70 road behind Shop-n-Save in Davis will lead to you the Canaan Valley Institute trail system and you can access some great berry bushes there.  If you are looking for an adventure I would suggest taking the scenic chair lift ride to the top of Canaan Valley Resort ski area and hike to the top of Bald Knob then walk the trail down.  Along the trail you’ll find blueberries and blackberries!  You can also drive to the top of Dolly Sods to Bear Rocks and not far from the parking lots are loads of berry bushes.  This spot is well known and you’ll find a lot of other pickers, including bears!  There has been a spotting or two of bears so far this season so just beware, they are typically out traveling and looking for food in the morning and around dusk.

There is so much happening in Tucker County, WV I don’t even know where to start!  Mountaineers Days will kick off Friday evening with Mr. and Miss Mountaineer Coronation followed by karaoke in the M&M Bank parking lot.  Saturday events include; Craft and Food Vendors, patriotic bicycle contest, parade, cakewalk, firemen’s water battle, live music, ELVIS and the evening fireworks.    Come Sunday morning you can enjoy at pancake breakfast at the Thomas Fire Hall.  Check out their website, www.thomaswvmtdays.weebly.com for a complete schedule of events.  Saturday evening’s Fireworks are sponsored by the Thomas Vol. Fire Department and we recommended heading up the mountain a little early, it’s always packed! Sunday afternoon come to the Canaan Valley Ski Area for the 21^st Annual Celebration of the Arts, an FREE outdoor concert by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, at 3pm.  This annual event is a wonderful way to spend a relaxing afternoon.  Don’t forget to bring you blanket and lawn chairs.  There will be some refreshments available but feel free to bring your own.  The event is FREE to the public but donations are greatly appreciated. 

 

    Canaan Valley Resort hosts their annual Windfest this weekend.  Family activities will be held all weekend for children of all ages.  There will be magic shows, kite demonstrations, kite building and much more.  Check out their website, http://www.canaanresort.com/, for a complete schedule.   On Monday, July 4^th they will hold their annual Red, White and Blue Golf Scramble.  Come out and hit the ball around and enjoy some friendly golf.

 

Live Music will be featured all weekend at the Purple Fiddle and Mountain State Brew Pub.  Check out their websites, http://www.purplefiddle.com/ and www.mountainstatebrewing.com/thomas.html , for a complete schedule.  Take the time to check out all of the local shops and dining areas while you are in Tucker County.  Some them are hosting their own activities and specials for the weekend.  Happy 4^th of July to you and your family!