There are as many activities for retired people in West Virginia as there are occupations from which to retire, maybe more. Activities range from slow and easy to bucket list adventurous. From water sports, to aerial adventures, to fishing expeditions, the Mountain State has it all. Here are the best retirement activities in West Virginia.
With extra time on your hands, how about feeding your creative soul by rediscovering the arts? There’s no better place to do that than Wild Wonderful West Virginia and the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Travel to Charleston, the state’s capital, and check out FestivALL Fall, a multi-faceted event that includes over 400 artists, more than 80 events, and more than 300 performances at 35 different venues. If you live in the Lewisburg area, nicknamed one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns,” you might want to participate in First Fridays after Five events. Each month except January, local merchants stay open later than usual to let folks unwind, uncork, and enjoy music, food, and other entertainment options. Whatever brings you back to an appreciation of the arts and in whatever part of the state you live, you can find a way to rediscover the passion of the arts and have fun doing it.
It seems odd to think of a state known for its rolling hillsides and beautiful rivers and lakes to have so many golf courses, but West Virginia does golf and does it well. Woodhaven at Glade Springs in the Daniels, is the highest-rated public course in the state, and when you’re not swinging your club, you’ll be admiring the panoramic views. The Klieves at Oglebay Resort, designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, presents another stunning location where you can putt to your heart’s content. There are three other courses and a modern clubhouse where you can purchase anything you forgot to bring.
There’s something to be said about getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city and going to country for a little peace and quiet. If this sounds appealing to you, you need to visit Whispering Springs Haven located in Frametown. A 102-acre private mountain retreat and wildlife refuge, you won’t have the distractions of daily life, so you’ll be able to reconnect to yourself, your companion, or nature. You can have your choice of aromatherapy spa bath oils, non-alcoholic sparkling cider, or delicious fine chocolate as a welcome gift. Why would you want to leave?
If you’re feeling lucky and playing games is more your style, Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino & Racetrack might be just the winning ticket. Non-stop excitement awaits you as your place your bets on the greyhounds or take a seat for some card action at the Craps, Blackjack, or Roulette tables. Located at the other end of the Mountain State in Cross Lanes, is Mardi Gras Casino & Resort. You can spin, roll, or test your skill at card games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and 7-Card Stud. Remember to gamble responsibly.
Indulge yourself in the healing waters of our country’s first spa. Berkeley Springs is home to the mineral baths known to help ease muscle tension as far back as George Washington’s time. Choose from a variety of fabulous spa treatments, massage, and facials at The Renaissance Spa located in the Country Inn, all designed to relax, renew, and rejuvenate you. This is what retirement was meant to be.
French playwright Moliere said, “one should eat to live, not live to eat,” but where’s the fun in that? If you interpreted that to mean that you can live a happy and exciting life eating, then here are a few places where you can do just that. Christopher’s Eats in Barboursville offers unique appetizers and entrees that have earned them a place in the “101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia.” If barbecue is your thing, visit the 1863 Grill in Elkins for a culinary treat that will leave your mouth doing a happy dance. If baked goodies are what you crave, Sweet Shop Bakery in Shepherdstown has specialty breads and European-style baked items that will have you thinking you were an international traveler.
Even though West Virginia is a land-locked state, have you ever had the urge to go scuba diving? Bering retired is the perfect time to learn something new, so why not visit My Dive Shop in Morgantown and start exploring the underwater world of West Virginia? Certified instructors will help you connect to the water above and beyond, all the while keeping you safe. Cucina Luisa in Charleston is another excellent venue for learning something new. If you’re a foodie at heart, you’ll be taught be a professional chef and learn the art of preparing food from around the world. Four-hour classes and everything you need is included.
After pouring your heart and life out in a career or business for so many years, why not consider sharing the wealth of your knowledge with others by volunteering? There are many places that need help and would welcome the rich experience. You could become a house volunteer at a local Ronald McDonald House, working with parents, visitors, and staff to improve the health and wellness of children. If hospitality is something you enjoy and you prefer those you help to come to you, then being part of the International Student Exchange might be just the thing. You’ll have a chance to share what you know about your town and state and learn about a foreign country.
Are you an adventurer at heart? Want to prove you’re not too old for the next new and exciting page of your life? Would you like to walk across a 900-foot canyon? Then travel to the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville and see what it feels like to walk in the clouds. Or maybe you’d like to sleep in a haunted insane asylum? The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston was once a sanctuary for the mentally ill in the state, but is now open for overnight visits. Are you brave enough?
