7 Ways To Have Fun Indoors In The New River Gorge

When the temperature drops, indoor activities heat up in the New River Gorge! Whether you’re warming up after a brisk hike or just want to stay cozy all day long, here are seven indoor activities to enjoy this season in the Gorge.

1. Get Inspired

Spark your creativity with art and entertainment in the Gorge. In Fayetteville, visit the Love Hope Center for the Arts, an art gallery featuring rotating exhibits from Appalachian artists and pop-up events throughout the year. Feeling inspired? Attend a paint-and-sip class at a local business to bring your creativity to life.

For live performances, check out the Historic Fayette Theater, which hosts seasonal plays and shows. Music lovers can also catch live performances at rotating venues across the area.

2. Find Fun For The Whole Family

Keep the kids entertained indoors! At Escape-A-Torium, West Virginia-themed escape rooms challenge groups to solve puzzles in under 60 minutes. For a more relaxed option, Pinheads Fun Center offers 12 lanes of bowling, an on-site restaurant and evening cosmic bowling for extra excitement. Or perfect your swing at Tee Time, where high-definition golf simulators and tasty food make for a unique golfing experience.

3. Learn About The Area

Step back in time at museums and historic sites around the Gorge. The Contentment Museum (Colonel George Imboden House) in Ansted showcases antiques, period clothing and Civil War relics. Built around 1830, the house was later expanded by Colonel Imboden, Ansted’s first mayor, who helped grow the town’s businesses. The museum also serves as the headquarters for the Fayette County Historical Society. 

The DuBois on Main Museum in Mount Hope highlights Black history in Fayette County, including the history and contributions of the segregated DuBois High School. The museum displays photos, newspapers and donated items from the school. Combine your visit with the African American Heritage Auto Tour, a self-guided drive to 17 historic sites across the Gorge, including Camp Washington Carver and Hawks Nest Workers Memorial and Grave Site. 

If the weather permits, take a drive along the eight-mile Fayette Station Road and follow the National Park Service’s audio tour. It’s a thoughtful ride back to the coal boom era, when more than 40 mining communities dotted the New River Gorge.

4. Shop Small

Find the perfect present or souvenir in the local shops of the New River Gorge. From art and antiques to apparel, outdoor gear and personalized gifts, shopping small means discovering unique treasures while supporting the local community that makes the Gorge so special.

5. Warm Up With Local Flavors

Take a break from cooking and treat yourself to the local flavors of the Gorge. Whether you’re cozying up with takeout or exploring the foodie towns scattered throughout the area, you’ll find everything from charming cafes to iconic chains. 

6. Unwind And Recharge

If you are looking to relax, the Gorge has you covered. Find your inner zen with a rejuvenating yoga session at the New River Yoga Studio, with classes that range from soulful flows to calming meditation practices. Afterward, warm up and relax in the sauna for the ultimate reset. Cosmo’s Creek Sauna, a wood-fire mobile sauna, pops up weekly at local businesses. 

7. Stay Cozy 

End your day in a cozy cabin or vacation rental, where relaxation comes naturally. As winter returns, it’s the best time to slow down. Accommodations range from log cabins and historic homes to modern chalets near local attractions. Many feature fireplaces and hot tubs, ideal for warming up after a chilly day.

Plan Your Trip

Although the New River Gorge is known for outdoor adventures, there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors, too. Request a free travel guide to start planning your trip!