Under $500
Dates: March 10 through March 17
Four hours from campus by car is the city of Elkins, W.Va., a quaint town with a thriving arts community and, nearby, a host of wilderness and water activities in the Monongahela National Forest and on the Cheat River.
Take a leisurely drive to West Virginia by heading first to Luray, Va. – less than two hours from GW and home to the Luray Caverns. Here is the largest cave in the Eastern U.S., where you can observe amazingly bizarre rock formations. Then you can head out to Elkins, with a chance to see the beautiful Shenandoah Mountains on the way.
Travel
By car
• Renting a car for the week from Enterprise Rent-a-Car (at the Georgetown Marriott) is about $150, not including gas.
Cost: $75
Lodging
Cheat River Lodge
• Near the river, all of the cozy rooms here have gorgeous views. Choose between a Kitchenette Suite (two queen beds and private bath) or The King Suite (king bed and private bath). Both have screened porches and hot tubs.
Location: Old Route 33, about five miles east of Elkins
Cost: $546 total for seven nights, including tax.
Activities
Mountain Biking
• A great, free day trip is to Clearwater’s Moccasin Lake Nature Park. This peaceful and secluded park includes a lake, upland forest, wetlands and various animals and plants native to Florida.
Location: 19 B Third Street
Cost: Rent from Joey’s Bike Shop at about $45 per day.
Explore caves
• On your way to Elkins make your first stop at Luray Caverns for an activity that can take about two hours. See a variety of amazing rock formations in all kinds of colors and walk through the garden maze.
Location: 970 U.S. Hwy 211 West (Luray, Va.)
Cost: 24 general admissions; $7 entrance to garden maze
Hike and Explore
•A quick 40-minute drive from the Cheat River Lodge is Backbone Mountain, home to two hiking trails – the 3.1-mile Canyon Rim Trail and the 4.1-mile Limerock Trail. Be sure to hike up to West Virginia’s first fire tower, built in 1922, to see breathtaking views of the Cheat River watershed, Blackwater Canyon and Canaan Mountain.
Both trails are accessible from a dirt road. You can get to the start of the Limerock Trail from Forest Service Road 18, and Canyon Rim Trail is accessed from Canyon Rim Road.
Cost: Free
Location: Call 304-478-2000 for information
Total: $451
(Excluding meals and extra spending
* Individual costs based on splitting with one travel companion)
Restaurant Suggestions
Scottie’s of Elkins
Scottie’s is a unique, inexpensive restaurant that offers excellent home-cooked American food. Most importantly, breakfast is served all day. Have a hearty meal before you hit the trails, or satisfy your comfort and carb cravings after an active day.
Graceland Restaurant
Another American option is this Victorian-mansion-turned-beautiful-dining-room overlooking Elkins. Popular dishes include the Crab Cake with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce, the Chicken and Mozzarella Panini on ciabatta and the Strawberry Delight dessert.
Beander’s
In the heart of downtown Elkins, Beander’s has a friendly staff and prides itself on being a local favorite. All entrees cost less than $10, and they have the best burgers in town. There is a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., live music over the weekend and a sports bar.
