Since we’ve been three and moved into a new house, we’ve been trying to focus on nesting and cultivating our life-giving home over pursuing adventures outside of it. Because also, let’s be honest: when you add nap schedules and schlepping baby gear to the existing logistical to-dos of any normal trip, it’s more relaxing to stay home than to get away!
That being said, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. We started getting cabin fever in February and finally booked a trip to the Golden Anchor honeymoon cabins in West Virginia I had had my eye on forever. The time was right. This is the exact kind of quick trip that tips the balance in favor of going, even with a baby: a cozy mountain cabin where we can set Victoria up in her own room, read by a fire during naptime, do some fun outings during awake time, and grill out by the hot tub after bedtime. No babysitters required.
Full disclosure: at the risk of sounding really high-maintenance, we were actually pretty bummed that we didn’t get to ski this year. Again, those baby feeding-napping-not-being-able-to-walk logistics. This was kind of our alternative: a mountain weekend in a cabin near lots of ski resorts just without the actual skiing part.
Where We Stayed
These cabins are in Dryfork, WV just outside of a tiny ski town called Davis, WV. We were surprised to find that even after both local ski resorts had closed, there were actually quite a few fellow visitors from DC just getting away and hanging out.
The primary goal of this trip was to enjoy this cabin and though Will had to work, to at least give him some mountain views to work by. For me, it was a little R&R to force me not to run around our house cleaning and working on things all weekend whenever I find a spare moment. So mostly, we hung out and did the aforementioned fireside reading, grilling, and hot tubbing with some additional front porch sitting tacked on.
I actually kind of love getting groceries and cooking breakfast for us in someone else’s kitchen. I am a breakfast person, and the freedom to make what I want when I’m ready to eat it is pretty great, especially when it’s enjoyed with a side of mountain views or from a hot tub.
So busy with her toys.
Things To Do
Even when it’s not ski season, there are tons of state parks and nearby hiking opportunities around Davis plus snowshoeing if you’re feeling active. We hiked to Blackwater Falls, though it was still pretty cold and there was ice on the trail.
Happy little hiker!
We also enjoyed the local brewery scene at Stumptown Ales and watched some March madness. There were other infants in this brewery, so this scene of teethers alongside brews was pretty standard. The people of West Virginia are just the friendliest ever, so it’s a great place to bring your baby. 🙂
We had a fun dinner at a burrito place and got back to the comfort of our cabin before bedtime!
The Journey
Having some uninterrupted time to talk and take in some scenery on the drive was actually a big part of this trip, and we had a delightful stop at this sweet market and bakery in Wardensville on the way home.
I have to admit we’ve been through Wardensville multiple times on the way to Snowshoe, but I hadn’t noticed this place! The baked goods were incredible, and we had to bring home a box of their amazing chocolate chip cookies.
Despite all my belly-aching, you know I love to explore new places, and we do have lots of exciting trips in store for the rest of 2018. As stressful as it can be to travel with a baby, it’s also really sweet to experience something new and exciting with her outside of our regular routine and places. I’m really looking forward to sharing our adventures here!
