The Retreat at Pipestem

PROPERTIES / AREA ATTRACTIONS

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• Properties
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• Fitness/Spa
• Outdoor Activities
• Nature
• Dining
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• Outdoor Adventures

Property

The Retreat at Pipestem

The Retreat at Pipestem is a lovely secluded ten acre property adjacent to Pipestem Resort and State Park. A first impression can only be made once. We believe that the same will happen to you, as what happened to us when we first visited the Retreat. The access road leads you through the beautiful grounds of the park, showcasing its natural beauty and many of the experiences it has to offer. Then after you pass the golf course, you turn onto a very quiet little traveled road to find the secluded Retreat a few minutes later. The quiet beauty of nature surrounding you and the comfortable and cozy atmosphere of the log homes will enthrall you and make you feel good about your decision to stay here for your vacation. After our first visit, we felt the same and simply could not resist the urge to purchase the Property.

Of course a first impression is not enough, as it needs to be sustained by further good experiences. Over time our enthusiasm about the Retreat and the surrounding areas has only grown, and we feel confident that you will feel the same and that after your stay you only will want to come back.

Location is everything and that certainly is true for selecting a spot to vacation, and the Retreat at Pipestem in this respect is the ultimate getaway and a place for all seasons. The property actually borders the parks 18 hole golf course, although it cant be seen from the cabins. The Lodge is only a fifteen minute walk away and the various activities are almost all within walking distance. The Retreat, although in the mountains, has no dangerously steep hills and is safe and attractive for children.

Outdoor Activities

Golf

Pipestem State Park features two challenging, beautifully manicured courses. The 18-hole par 72 championship course designed by Geoffrey Cornish, features views of the Bluestone Canyon. Also located at the park is the Short Course, a challenging Par 3 course. For pricing and details visit www.pipestemresort.com

Ziplining

Tour the treetops of West Virginia with a bird?s eye view of the Bluestone Gorge, on a world class canopy tour at Pipestem State park. The course includes nine zips, a cable bridge and a belay.

Skiing

Winterplace is about 40 minutes away from Pipestem. Winterplace Ski Resort features 28 trails for the beginner, intermediate, and expert skier or snowboarder, and 16 snowtubing lanes which any age or skill level will love. Two Super Carpet Lifts make heading up the mountain for another tubing run a breeze! Skiers can enjoy 9 lifts to take them to their favorite slopes. If you don't have your own skis, Winterplace offers affordable ski rentals at the mountain. For more information check with www.winterplace.com

Swimming.

PipestemState Park offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Swimming The olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool with a diving well is located at the Recreation Center at Pipestem Resort. It is open to everyone on weekends from May 26 through Labor Day, September 3, 2012. The pool will also be open mid-week beginning June 12 through August 17, closing only on Mondays and Wednesdays. The outdoor pool hours of operation are 11:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m. The large indoor heated swimming pool at McKeever Lodge is open daily to all guests from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Horse back riding / Hayrides

In Pipestem State Park one can rent horses and follow beautiful horse trails along the lakes and through the woods. Rides can be as short as 30 minutes.In Pipestem even overnight rides are offered. ones. Also at the State Park, hayrides are offered which are great fun for families. Check for more details at www.pipestemresort.com

Hiking.

Pipestem State Park offer great hiking opportunities. Twenty trails are maintained in the State Park. For details, check www.pipestemresort.com

Kayaking / Boating.

Kayaks can be rented in Pipestem State Park and Glade Springs.
A great day out would be to take a jet boat tour to the New River Gorge Bridge. www.newriverjetboats.com Bluestone Lake Marina is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, April 15 thru October 15 and offers mooring and pontoon boat rental. Location: approximately 8 miles North of Pipestem Resort State Park?s main entrance on Route 20. Contact: 304-466-1010. Web address: www.bluestonelakemarina.com

Aerial Tram ride.

An Aerial tram ride takes you down into the Bluestone River Gorge. Arriving there, one finds beautiful scenery, a restaurant and a gift shop.

Hunting and Fishing

Fishing. Nearby there are multiple sites where you can fish. Bluestone Lake, the Bluestone river, The Upper New River and the Greenbrier River and numerous smaller streams in the area are ideal locations for Smallmouth Bass, Trout and Fly fishing. Guided float fishing tours and boat rentals are available in the area as well. Appalachian Backcountry expeditions 304 228 7048 and Twin Rivers Outfitters 304 763 5044 are both about 20 minutes from Pipestem and Glade Springs.

Hunting. There are several public and private hunting grounds around Pipestem and Glade Springs. The biggest of course being Bluestone Wildlife Management Area. Species include, Deer, Turkey, Grouse and many more. Click here to view a PDF of Public Hunting grounds around Pipestem.
There is a fishing supply store in Pipestem, next to Pipestem Country Campground. Tel. 304 466 9121 For more information on Hunting and Fishing, please visit the site of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources www.WVDNR.org or www.wvhunt.com

Archery.

Available in Pipestem State Park and at Glade Springs

Sporting Clays

Available at outdoor White Oak Mountain Sporting Clays
PO Box 859 Beaver, WV 25813-0859 (304) 763-5266

Bicycle Rentals

Bicycle rentals are available at the Golf Pro Shop at Pipestem State Park.

Outdoor Adventures

White water rafting

There are several commercial wild water rafting companies, offering various levels of rafting. Most of our West Virginia whitewater rafting trips are a full-day adventure of approximately 6-8 hours - and include a specially-prepared riverside lunch and river equipment. No experience is necessary for any New River whitewater rafting trip. professional guides are in each raft.

New River Gorge National River

One of the most dramatic whitewater rafting locations in the East is certainly the New River, the oldest river in North America. It flows through a rugged canyon up to 1,300 feet in depth, exposing rocks as old as 330 million years while passing through an area rich in coal mining history.

Lower New River

Experience the adventure and fun of a lifetime as you ride the whitewater rapids through West Virginia's scenic New River Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the East." This famed trip on the Lower New runs through the heart of the gorge and underneath the world's second longest single span arch bridge. It's a rollicking ride with Class III-V rapids. While we do not endorse any specific company, we do hear good reports about Cantrell Rafting in Hinton. 850 320 4778. Matt Herndon will build the tour around your specific requirements.

ATV

The Hatfield and McCoy trails in WV are famous. There are a few companies we have heard good feedback about. You can check them out on their websites.
www.burningrockwv.com 40 minutes from Pipestem
www.aceraft.com. 60 minutes from Pipestem
Hatfield and McCoy Trails www.trailsheaven.com

Ziplines / Canopy tours

One of the things worthwhile to do when visiting the area is taking a zipline or canopy tour. An experience you will never forget. Again, there are several companies offering this. Please check them out and enjoy.
www.adventureswestvirginia.com, www.aceraft.com, www.burningrockwv.com, trywva.com

Rock climbing / Rappeling

Tours are available through www.aceraft.com

Caving

Wild cave tours provide the more adventurous an opportunity to go beyond the standard walking tour and explore undeveloped parts of the cavern. Expert guides will lead you on a four hour trip through more than a mile of chambers and passageways that require some strength and agility to negotiate. At the end of the journey, you will emerge from the cave covered in mud, but will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime. Check kit out at www.lostworldcaverns.com

Airplane rides

Flight Information 304.574.1150 www.wildblueadventurecompany.com
Tighten your seat belts and don your cap and goggles. Your adventure begins as you climb aboard our 1940 open-cockpit WWII biplane. You soon find yourself drifting across West Virginia's beautiful rolling hills as we make our way toward the once booming town of Thurmond.
WWII Stearman Biplane
Cessna 170

Museums

Theatre West Virginia

Professional theater celebrating their 51th season with nightly performances (except Mondays) under the stars. All performances begin at 8:15 pm. Visit the Hatfields and McCoys.
Location: Cliffside Amphitheater at Grandview Park near Beckley
Contact: 800-666-9142 or 304-256-6800; web address: www.theatrewestvirginia.com

Outdoor Amphitheatre.

Sitting in a natural bowl, this theatre inside Pipestem State Park provides a beautiful environment for weekend summer entertainment. Check www.pipestemresort.com for details on performances.

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine journeys deep into the earth and far back in time. It is the largest and most popular coal heritage destination in the region and includes a newly opened 14,000 square feet Company Store, visitor center, coal museum. Location: New River Park in Beckley.
Contact: 304-256-1747; web address: www.beckleymine.com

Daniel Vineyards

Pack a lunch and come out to the vineyard and enjoy the grounds. You can pick your own blueberries from mid-June to mid-August. So come on out and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the exquisite wines that Daniel Vineyards has to offer.
Winter Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm

Directions To Daniel Vineyards:
Exit 42 off of I77
(Robert C Byrd Dr/ Mabscott Exit)
Right to Sophia/Mullins onto Rt 16 South.
Right at 3rd stoplight, then immediate left.
This is Old Rt 54, follow for 1.5 miles.
Welcome to Daniel Vineyards on your left!
If you are unable to find the vineyard feel free to call us at:
304-252-9750 www.Ddanielvineyards.com

Bramwell, Hinton and Fayetteville.

Walk around these historic towns, shop and have a bite to eat and relive the old days.

Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs and Lewisburg

The world famous Greenbrier Resort and historic Lewisburg are only an hour away and will be one of the highlights of your stay with us.

Bridge Day

Visit the New River Gorge Bridge during bridge day in October.
www.officialbridgeday.com

Pipestem Drive-in Theater

One of the very few drive in theatres left in the USA. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights April thru September. Flea market every Sunday morning April thru October with free admission.
Location: 3.2 miles south of Pipestem Resort State Park?s main entrance on Route 20. Contact: 304-384-7382.

Ritz Theate

The newly remodeled Ritz Theater reopened its doors in October 2009 celebrating its 80th Anniversary. The Ritz Theater is open year-round and offers weekend movies and live entertainment during the week. Please call ahead for schedule information. Location: 211 Ballengee Street in Hinton. Contact: 304-466-8015, office; 304-466-MOVI (6684); Web address: www.ritzwv.com

Greenbrier Valley Theatre

West Virginia?s Official Year-Round Professional Theater. Presenting theatrical productions, musical concerts, literary events, youth education programs, art exhibits and more throughout the year. Location: 113 East Washington Street in historic Lewisburg.
Contact: 304-645-3838; web address:www.gvtheatre.org.

Princeton Railroad Museum

The Princeton Railroad Museum houses artifacts of the Virginia Railway, known as the ?Richest Little Railroad in the World?. Hours of operation are: May thru August, Tuesday thru Saturday 12-5; September thru November: Friday & Saturday 12-5 Location: 99 Mercer Street in Princeton Contact: 304-487-5060 or 304-487-5045

Hinton Railroad Museum

The Hinton Railroad Museum contains artifacts from the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway from 1873 to the present. The museum is open Monday thru Saturday and closed on Sunday. Hours of operation are: June thru August - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; September thru May - 10am to 2pm. The museum is located at 206 Temple Street in Hinton, W.Va. Telephone: 304-466-5420.

National coal heritage trail interpretative center

Located in a reconstructed train depot at 100 Station Square in Bramwell, W.Va., the National Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center houses relics and exhibits of West Virginia?s coal history. Hours of operation are: Monday ? Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 11am to 4pm. Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving. Telephone: 866-858-8959. Web address: www.coalheritage.org.

Those who served war museum

This museum contains artifacts from the Revolutionary War to present day with special emphasis on World War II. The museum is located at 1500 West Main Street in the Memorial Building (across from the Mercer County Courthouse) in Princeton, W.Va. The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10am until 4pm. Telephone: 304-487-8397.

Veterans Memorial Museum

The Veterans Memorial Museum is located at 419 Ballangee Street in Hinton, W.Va. and features memorabilia from the Revolutionary War to present day. These artifacts have been donated by citizens of Summers County. Hours of operation are: Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 4pm. The Veterans Memorial Museum is closed on Sunday. Tours may be scheduled Monday thru Thursday or after regular hours on Friday and Saturday by calling: 304-466-0407.

Shopping / Groceries

Grocery shopping

Pipestem. There are a few local stores carrying most essentials. For more selection you can go either to Hinton where you will find a few supermarkets like Krogers, or to Princeton with amongst others, a Super Walmart.

Beckley and Princeton offer the regular shopping malls.

Tamarack

This is an opportunity not to miss as it combines showcasing the great locally made products with a cultural experience of seeing how the products are made and by whom.
For more information visit the website www.tamarackwv.com

Antiques

Antigue shops and malls can be found in almost every town you will drive through.

Pipestem State Park

There are three gift shops

McKeever Lodge Lobby Shop offers unique gifts and provides sundries frequently needed by guests.

Canyon Rim Center, located above the Bluestone Gorge, features two gift shops: The Mountain Artisan Shop and Canyon Rim Gift Shop.

Mountain Artisan Shop provides WV handcrafted items, furniture and quilts. Canyon Rim Gift Shop has a great selection of souvenirs, toys, and clothing and features

Nature

State Parks

Little Beaver State Park
www.littlebeaverstatepark.com

Pipestem State Park
www.pipestemresort.com

Bluestone State Park
www.bluestonesp.com

Grandview State Park
Bluestone National Scenic River
New River Gorge National Park
Gauley River national Recreation Area.
Hawks Nest State Park

Nature centre

Situated inside Pipestem State Park, it is open year-round and features a wide variety of displays of indigenous plant and animal life of WV, as well as a variety of naturalist lead programs. The nature center and naturalist programs introduces you to the Pipestem area, hiking, birding, nature and heritage aspects, and surroundings.

Lookout tower.

Near the entrance of Pipestem State Park, at 3,000 feet, the view of the Pipestem area from Bolar Lookout Tower is inspiring. Named in honor of the 6th superintendent at Pipestem, Steve Bolar, the tower is located near the park entrance. A .2 mile paved path leads up a rather steep terrain.

Sandstone Fall a few miles past and across the river from Hinton. About 30 minutes
from Pipestem and Glade Spring

Dining

Pipestem State Park Resort

The Bluestone Dining Room is located in the McKeever Lodge and is open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Black Bear Snack Bar features pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, and drinks.

Mountain Creek Lodge at Pipestem Resort. Take the aerial tramway down to the Bluestone River and you will be amazed to find a fine dining restaurant right on the river.

Pipestem

The Oak Dinner Club. A unique setting in the shadow of a giant 800 year old oak tree, almost straight across from the entrance to Pipestem State Park.

Brandons Good food in a casual setting.

Fitness/Spa

Pipestem

Pipestem Spa offers Swedish Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Sports Massage, Pampering European Facials, Spa Pedicures, Raindrop Therapy, Herbal Linen Cocoon Wraps, or relax with a Detox Seaweed Body Wrap under the Vichy Shower. Packages include half ?day Princess Package or Romantic Couples Massage with candles, soft music and a Bubble Bath in a double Jacuzzi tub. ?Seasonal Specials? are online and vary seasonally. Location 1000 feet north of Pipestem Resort State Park?s main entrance on Route 20. Contact: 304-466-1767; Web address: www.PipestemSpa.com.

Wireless service

For your convenience, the lobby and conference facilities at Pipestem Resort offer wireless service.

Other area attractions

Pipestem is located in an area with vast recreational opportunities and unique places. Area Convention and Visitors Bureaus offer excellent information and are listed here for your viewing.

Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, multiple counties, click here
Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mercer County, click here
Three Rivers Travel Council, Summers County, click here