George's New River Gorge holiday must list

It’s the most wonderful time of the year— and in the Gorge!
If you’re anything like me, the holidays are full of delicious pitfalls like candy canes, bread pudding and fruitcake for Christmas! But that’s OK, because heck— it’s only once a year, and you can always walk off that eggnog in the Gorge.

So let’s get started!

Glimmering lights

The Fayette County Park’s much-beloved and super-sparkling “Lacey’s Lights and Maples Display” will glitter over the Winter Wonderland activities. Meet my ol’ pal Santa, or just enjoy this jaw-dropping mountain display. I mean— who knew the Gorge could get even prettier?

Brunch with Santa!

I like dining here any day, but especially so in December. Especially since it means spending some more time with Santa! Mr. and Mrs. Claus always come to the “Best of West Virginia” art gallery for a few meet n’ greets— and some high-class chow.
Join these special guests for classic eggs, pancakes, biscuits and fruit, or some kiddo-approved favorites like peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches and mac n’ cheese. Then get all your shopping done while you’re here. Nothing like the gift of a unique handcrafted WV artwork!

Good old-fashioned holiday feastin’

I could never pick my favorite Christmas tradition, because I love ‘em all. But it’s fair to say that traditional food ranks high on my list.
I highly recommend these holiday eats at AOTG:

• Christmas Brunch: On Dec. 24, dig into Jameson-soaked Irish Christmas pudding, Dutch apple pie with gingersnap streusel and a sleighful of casseroles, plus carved meat and hot breakfast and lunch spreads.
• New Year’s Eve: Enjoy a gourmet buffet at Lookout Post, then head to Smokey’s on the Gorge for the after party. You’ll also get champagne and some raucous stompgrass music by local legends The Wild Rumpus.
• New Year’s Day: Sleep in, then go to Chetty’s for your first meal of 2017. Dine your way through delicacies like pretzel rolls, smoked pork shoulder, fried chicken and brats.

How do you like to celebrate Christmas and the holidays in the Gorge?