If you’re stuck in the DC area and you’re looking for a cozy town that reminds you of Vermont, you don’t have to go any further then West Virginia.
Thomas, West Virginia is a former coal mining town that’s located 3 hours west of DC in the mountains of West Virginia. It sits right along the north fork of the Blackwater River, and if someone blind folded you and dropped you off on main street, West Virginia would not be your first guess.
Maria and I have been coming to Canaan Valley now for over 7 years and the town of Thomas proves that no matter how many times you’ve been to one place, there’s always something else to explore. We’ve driven through the town on numerous ski trips, and never took the time to stop and really see what the place had to offer. Long story short, I’m glad we decided to give the place a chance.
The first stop we made was The Cooper House Bed and Cocktail. It’s a twist on the traditional B&B, and instead of breakfast, you’re treated with some great hors d’oeuvres and a bar cart during happy hour. Clearly you can see why this place is now a DirtRoadTrip favorite.
Down the street is the Tip Top coffee shop which is a coffee shop on steroids. Their menu doesn’t just consist of fancy lattes — they also have a full menu that includes some tasty chili and mouth watering burgers. We were told that it was rated one of the best coffee shops in West Virginia, and we can believe it, so stop in but don’t forget your cool flannel shirt and top hat.
If you like breweries, local beer, freedom, etc. Thomas is also home to the Mountain State Brewing Company, which features a wide variety of beers. I was able to score some of their mead, which was only available at the brewery, and their IPA and Amber ale were on point. As long as you don’t mind using a saw horse as a seat, this place is everything a beer drinker loves.
Finally we finished up our trip with an awesome evening at the Purple Fiddle and we were lucky enough to attend a performance by the bluegrass band the Hillbilly Gypsies. You haven’t experienced bluegrass until you’re the only Korean guy for 100 miles and the fiddler breaks out a virtuoso violin piece while wearing cutoff overalls and bubba teeth. Needless to say their music was awesome and if you ever get the chance to see them perform don’t let it pass.
I’m confident that Thomas is going to continue to grow, and with it positioned right off of the recently completed Highway 48, it’s the perfect starting point for your West Virginia adventures. It’s minutes from the Canaan Loop, Blackwater Falls State Park, Dolly Sods, and plenty of other forest roads.
Put on a Vermont Plate and no one would know the difference
The next time you’re exploring the mountains of West Virginia, put some time aside to explore Thomas and I’m confident you won’t regret it. I promise they won’t run you off with pitchforks – but considering every place that serves food also has a bar, you’ll probably have a drink or 6 and not want to camp in the evening.
Thomas is just up the street from our place in Kempton. Its’ our “town” when we need to grab a pizza or milk.
I’m pretty confident that it has cemented it’s place as a mandatory stop for all of our future West Virginia trips.