By Gary Bennett
This article appears in DayTripper Magazine, June 2024.
There’s nothing like clean mountain air to inject some romance back into a relationship or stoke the fire on one that’s going strong. And there’s no shortage of romantic destinations in Hardy County to help couples kindle or rekindle passion.
Head out to West-Whitehill Winery in Moorefield and let its unique wines add fuel to your romance. You’ll see where they make the wine and get a free tasting. Be sure to check out the popular dessert wines, blended with fruit and spice flavors. Call 304-668-9934 in advance.
Staying overnight? Consider accommodations at the Guesthouse Lost River. This award-winning bed-and-breakfast and inn is on 70 acres next to the George Washington National Forest. Book a massage, then luxuriate in the indoor steam sauna or in the jetted tub. For dinner, Guesthouse Kitchen and Bar serves up farmhouse-style American dishes and cocktails in a comfortable, quaint, farmhouse setting. Most selections are prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and in-season fruits and vegetables. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 304-897-5707.
If camping is more your style, book a cabin at Lost River State Park and enjoy a pizza from Lost + Found Pizza and Provisions while you snuggle around a campfire under the stars. Many camping options are available. Two primitive campsites are only accessible by hiking to them. This unique camping opportunity is seasonal and concludes at the end of September, opening again in mid-spring. Three modern campsites are available near a ballfield. These sites feature showers, restrooms, a pool, fire ring, picnic tables and parking.
The park also has 26 cabins available to rent. Classic cabins and vacation cabins are available all year. Legacy cabins are available from April through October. All cabins include an outdoor campfire ring. Call 833-WV-PARKS.
If you’d rather glamp, Hardy County has you covered there, too. Book a stay at Loves Way Village. You’ll enjoy a “King Hot Tub Love Pod,” which is a spacious tent with bubbling hot tub. The oversized tents feature king beds, fresh linens, air-conditioning, heat, a fridge, microwave, coffee machine and Wi-Fi. Upon arrival, each guest receives a “love box,” an easy-to-prepare meal for two. Call 304-538-5707.
