January Weekends are Magical at West Virginia State Parks

            A variety of themes and weekends are planned at many of West Virginia’s state parks lodges in January to ward of the wintertime blues. Couples, family and friends will find affordable fun when attending these events:

• The Magic of John Slicer is staged at Hawks Nest State Park Jan. 16. Set in a dinner theater format, Slicer’s sophisticated wizardry and wit combine to create an audience-pleasing show that astonishes guests within inches of disbelieving eyes. Hawks Nest packages dinner, show and overnight at $158 per couple and includes continental breakfast. Hawks Nest has six dinner theaters schedule this winter, says Megan Hash, Program Coordinator. For reservations for the overnight package or show only, or to have a 2010 theater calendar mailed, call 304-658-5212.
• Karen Vuranch brings the passion and devotion of a woman’s lifetime in the coalfields in a dinner theater performance of Coal Camp Memories at Chief Logan Lodge.  The Jan. 16 performance doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 following by the show. “The menu can’t be beat,” says Chef Cathy Fout. “It’s food I grew up with as a coal miners daughter and food from the heart and if for no other reason than to visit Chief Logan Lodge, come to eat.”  Fout admits Vuranch’s portrayal is equally as good as the menu.  The menu includes pinto beans & onions, bread pudding, fried bologna, blackberry cobbler, black oak ham, peach cobbler, fried potatoes, creamed peas, vegetable medley, cornbread, salad bar, and sweet tea. The overnight package for two people, dinner, show and continental breakfast is $99; dinner and performance only is $46 per couple. Reservations are required by calling 304-855-6100.
• Wood Lore and Tracking Weekend at Twin Falls Resort in Wyoming County Jan. 15-17 is a winter outdoor adventure, according to Doug Wood of Trails, Inc.  A two-night/three-day package focuses on learning how our ancestors tracked the animals that provided food and clothing in the 18th century. Attendees will participate in track walks and have opportunity to put new skills to use.  Other topics include: Indian stories, edible and medicinal plants, and an 18th century trading camp. Detailed information and the full agenda and package rate are listed on Twin Falls Web site under special events. Reservations are a must.  Call 304-294-4000.

Learn to Dance in January at West Virginia State Parks lodges

            Two dance weekends are scheduled in January, both at Pipestem Resort: Country Western and Ballroom.  Weekends are packaged with dance instruction, overnight accommodations, planned meals, and dancing.  Reservations are requested for either dance weekend and can be made by phoning 304-466-1800.  Additional information is posted at www.pipestemresort.com; click “Events” tab.

January 22-24

            Country Western Dance Weekend at Pipestem Resort for couples includes dance lessons and instruction by Doug & Donna Riley and Jeff & Diane Hissong of Staunton, Virginia and Xenia, Ohio

January 29-31

            Ballroom Dance Weekend with West Virginia Dance at Pipestem Resort will feature instructors Craig Griffin and Julia McCormick. Ballroom Dancing Weekend will include two dances and multiple workshops.  Beginner’s Waltz is scheduled for Friday evening.  Saturday includes beginners and intermediate Bolero dance, Salsa and Mambo lessons and Polka. Both Friday and Saturday feature evening dances. For guests purchasing the overnight accommodation package, the ballroom package includes dinner on Saturday night, two nights lodging, free indoor swimming and sauna, use of the weight room / exercise facility, use of the game room, and, one hour of tennis court use per day in addition to dances and lessons.   

The last Saturday in January features murder mystery and organization.

            “Beach Blanket Bump Off” says it all for Hawks Nest State Park Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Jan. 30. This special event invites attendees to sail away into the sunset to a tropical beach as the In Cahoots Players, directed by Karen Vuranch, asks your help to solve the mystery and bring a killer to justice. As with all dinner theaters at Hawks Nest in 2010, the price is $158 for accommodations, dinner, breakfast and the show. For reservations and info: 304-658-5212

            “Organized and Energized” is a new event scheduled for Jan. 30 at popular North Bend State Park.  Whether arriving for the day or planning to stay the weekend, “This program promises to jump start people who want to become more organized and develop a healthier lifestyle in 2010,” says Asst. Supt. Kathy Metz. Three instructors bring a wealth of information, suggestions and ideas to this event, including topics and instruction on yoga, personal organization and Mat Pilates.  Workshop costs are $35 for day only, or $94 for one person and $129 for two individuals that includes overnight lodging, workshop, refreshments and door prizes.  For more information or to make reservations, contact North Bend State Park at 304-643-2931.

Snow means sled and ski fun 

            State park lodges at Blackwater Falls and Pipestem Resort welcome individuals, families and friends to outdoor play with sledding and cross country skiing found at those parks, and ultimate downhill skiing at Canaan Valley.  Guests of Blackwater Falls, Bluestone, and Pipestem Resort state parks host groups taking advantage of ski opportunities at Canaan Valley and Winter Place respectively. The West Virginia State Parks Web site, www.wvstateparks.com, posts special rates, coupons and other winter opportunities to get out and enjoy your West Virginia State Parks, whether it is for  skiing or sledding or the magic of dinner theaters and indoor events.