This article appears in DayTripper Magazine, June 2024.
1. Enjoy the parade, festivities and fireworks with locals at Moorefield’s Independence Day Celebration.
Head over to Moorefield Town Park on Saturday, July 6, to enjoy an old-time “Americana” Fourth of July hosted by the Moorefield Lions Club. The whole shebang kicks off at 9 a.m. Throughout the day, enjoy free swimming, the club’s “famous BBQ chicken,” live music, games, free bouncy houses and a three-on-three basketball tournament. Catch the parade starting at 6 p.m., and then, of course, the grand finale – a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
226 Spring Ave., Moorefield
304-530-2420
visithardywv.com/listing/independence-day-celebration-fireworks
2. Go with the flow and rent a canoe or kayak at Breezewood Adventures.
Breezewood offers customizable excursions on the south branch of the Potomac River. The south branch is a pristine portion of the waterway, fed by bucolic streams and snowmelts. Breezewood offers trips up to 35 miles and provides shuttles. Whether you prefer lazily paddling a canoe or zipping down rapids in a one- or two-person kayak, it will show your family a good time. Plus, kids of all ages are sure to love the guided fishing tours. Be on the lookout for bald eagles soaring overhead as you approach The Trough, a 6-mile gorge in this branch of the river.
3709 U.S. Highway 220 South, Moorefield
304-703-9975
3. Mount a horse and experience Lost River State Park from a new perspective.
The park’s nearly 4,000 acres of woodlands provide a peaceful getaway. It opened in 1937 and was named after a disappearing river that flows underground for a time before resurfacing.
In the park, you’ll find a restored Lee Cabin, “the summer retreat of Henry ‘Lighthorse Harry’ Lee, a Revolutionary War general and father of Civil War General Robert E. Lee,” across the creek from Lee Sulphur Spring. That spring is known for its rumored healing properties, according to West Virginia State Parks’ website.
Experience the park’s trails on horseback with Hidden Trails Stables, which offers guided tours. Be sure to ascend to Cranny Crow Overlook on Big Ridge Mountain to take in the view of five counties.
Hidden Trails Stables
6849 Dove Hollow Road, Mathias
304-897-5621
4. Swim at historic Lost River State Park.
Staying in a cabin or at a campsite at Lost River State Park won’t be too hot to handle with the kids this summer, as you can all cool off in the park’s pool. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday through Labor Day. When you tire of swimming, try out the park’s archery, tennis, volleyball, badminton and horseshoes.
321 Park Drive, Mathias
304-897-5372
wvstateparks.com/park/lost-river-state-park
5. Raining? Go bowling at South Branch Potomac Lanes.
This modern facility offers “kids bowl free” times, as well as bumper bowling lanes specifically for the young ones. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the action revs up with cosmic bowling, which involves “laser lights, disco lights, black lights and runway lights with LOUD heart pounding music,” according to its website. Bonus: The lanes glow in the dark.
185 Hyde St., Moorefield
304-530-2695