Our 3 yr old loved the steam locomotive on the shorter trip up to Whitaker station. While the history and commentary were beyond him, the loud whistle and thick plumes of steam really sparked his interest. I'm glad we travelled there for the experience, but am not sure we'll go there again for a little while.
http://www.club-penguin.org/

Hi,

West Virginia is well known as a vacation paradise, if you are looking for a place to enjoy the beauty of mountains as well as the seclusion of small towns and villages, this is definitely the place for your next romantic trip. Charleston WV area is capital city of west virginia. You will enjoy your Stay in Charleston WV. The hotels provide breakfast in a formal dining room, and afternoon tea is also included. All rooms also come with chocolates on your pillow and fresh flowers.

__________________________________
http://RamadaCharleston.com

One winter during break btwn. Christmas and New Yrs when my kids were ages 7 and 9, we rented a rustic cabin for a week at Canaan Valley State Park. No phone, no TV in the cabin, which was nice. Lots of snow. Big floor to ceiling stone fireplace, two bedrms w/living rm and small functional kitchen. We went skiing (kids took lessons), tubing, ice skating (nice ice skating rink outdoors at the resort), snowshoeing, swam in the warm indoor pool, had big fires in the fireplace each night, and played a lot of board games in the cabin. Deer came right up to the cabin, came onto the porch and stuck their noses up to the windows, much to the delight of the kids. It was one of the cheapest, most fun, and memorable vacations we have ever had.

There is a kid-friendly restaurant (American style, salad bar, burgers and sandwiches, pasta, pizza, dinner entrees, nice kids menu)across the road from Canaan Valley (take a left as you exit the resort onto the highway, and the restaurant is about a mile down on the right, you can't miss it). There is a good general store, Canaan Valley Store, across from that restaurant and right there there are also a few crafty-type shops like Canaan Trading Co. ("Made In WV" type items). In Davis, as mentioned, there is a local grocery store and a Dollar store.

See here:
http://www.canaanvalley.org
/Dining_Canaan_Valley.html

http://www.canaanvalley.org/Shopping_Canaan_Valley.html

Has anyone stayed at the new Timberline Resort (which opened up this summer)? Our family (4 yr old son; 2 yr old son) is planning to visit Canaan Valley this winter (mid-January). We've heard that sledding in Blackwater Falls State park might be an option where the entire family can participate. Our 2 yr. old is too young for snow-tubing.

Also, have any new cafes or restaurants opened up in Davis, Thomas, or Elkins, WV in the past year?