4 Day Retreat to West Virginia

Exploring around your own region can be the last thing on your travel list. Not being able to go very far, but still feel like venturing somewhere new is challenging when travel restrictions are in place.

Keep your eyes curious and you'll be surprised to see how many beautiful places are right around you.

I wanted to find a quiet place close to D.C. where I could disconnect for a couple of days and since my happy place is anywhere in nature, I opted for a tree house!

Come and meet Shirley, Ron, and Amber, their adorable pit bull. Their Airbnb Tree House is the perfect adventurous gateway. I said adventurous because there is no electricity, no running water, and it's located off of dirt roads in the middle of the woods.

Would you be down for it?

Stay in the tree house or set up your tent for $66/night. You can come on your own for a solitary retreat or hang out with up to 4 people. It may be a bit tight, but there are 2 small twin beds + a hammock outside, if need be. You could also definitely have your camping gear ready for additional sleeping options.

What's on site?

- Outdoor toilet available all year round

- Outdoor shower (you can see the water bag on the above picture hanging from the stairs)

- Cast iron stove for the heat

- Propane lamp for the light (don't trash the propane bottles, Ron and Shirley reuse them)

- Fire pit to grill and chill

Fire wood is available underneath the tree house or on the deck.

Last time, I was greeted with fresh organic eggs from Shirley and Ron's farm, which is on their property a good 10 minute walk from the tree-house. They have an awesome garden and even a few cows!

Bring your food (mostly dry since there is no fridge), drinks, and ice to put in the cooler that's already there. You should also get food that's easy to make and to wash. I always make sure I have enough for salads and S'mores! If you need fresh produce or anything else you may have forgotten to pack, you can stop at Kroger, a local grocery store about 20 minutes away from the house.

Did you know? S'mores is a contraction of the phrase "some more", which was called "Graham Cracker Sandwich" in the 1920's.

I love spending time outdoors, so why not combining interests together? The convenience of driving, instead of backpacking, is that you can bring a bit more than you would've brought otherwise. I took my yoga mat and my painting supplies with me for some chill and productive afternoons around all of these maple trees.

Shirley and Ron actually make maple syrup from January until March (available for sale) and you can ask to see them boiling it down during this season. I'm sure it's fun to see it done!

Also, if you enjoy observing wildlife, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is on the way to the tree house. It's always a good option to walk around the paved forest and see some cute native animals.

Be prepared to be alone in the woods where you can hear coyotes howling at night. It's very cool and creepy at the same time.

This past July was the second time I went to this tree house. I was there in early December 2019, right after Thanksgiving, so leaves had already fallen to the ground. It was freezing cold and a bit wet, but the cast iron wood stove that's inside is all you really need. I had the fire going and some wine to keep me warm (oh and extra blankets, scarves, big socks, and all).

The best time to see the beautiful fall colors of the forest is mid-September.

A cool way to spend half a day or more is to venture around the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston (40 min from French Creek). It's the second largest hand-cut stone masonry building in the world after the Kremlin!

Open in 1864 and originally intended to house 250 mentally ill individuals, the hospital was overcrowded with 2,400 patients by the 1950's, most of whom were living in poor and critical conditions. Although medical treatments improved throughout the years, it's incredible to think that this asylum was open until 1994. The heritage tours take you to multiple floors, including the medical center, and other places where you can only image what was going on.

Fun facts: the asylum appeared in several paranormal television shows and there are ghost and paranormal expeditions where you can even spend the night!

West Virginia

Wild and Wonderful

West Virginia, your wildlife do not disappoint. Your beautiful country roads are so full and green!

If anyone is in need of some time off, I highly recommend the mountain state, as they call it. More information about things to do depending on the seasons can be found here.

I simply feel refreshed and more relaxed when I'm there. Even if it's for a long hike, a camping session, or a weekend adventure, it's worth the drive all the time.

You should go and see for yourself!