‘Times Change’ – Opportunity for Shorter Vacations Made Possible at West Virginia State Parks
South Charleston, W. VA (PRWEB) July 31, 2013 -- For the rest of the 2013 summer, visitors may reserve cabins at West Virginia’s state parks for a shorter-than-normal time period. Effective now through Labor Day weekend, the West Virginia State Parks system is reducing the minimum advance cabin reservation requirements from a week to only a two-night minimum at all parks with cabins. While many parks’ cabins are booked for the remainder of the summer into Labor Day weekend, several areas have openings on weekends in July and August, as well as mid-week.
Parks and forests participating in the “Times Change” cabin rental night program include: Babcock, Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Bluestone state parks, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Cacapon Resort, Cass Scenic Railroad state parks, Greenbrier State Forest, Lost River, North Bend, Pipestem Resort state parks, Seneca State Forest, Twin Falls Resort, Tygart Lake and Watoga state parks.
“Times change and we’ve been seeing changes in how far ahead folks make cabin reservations and also a greater interest in shorter term rentals as opposed to weekly reservations, which was the custom for decades,” Caplinger said. “Over the past several years, the park system has liberalized summer cabin rental policies with many areas offering three or four night reservation options during summer as opposed to a weeklong minimum. For the rest of this summer, however, we’re taking it yet another step. We’re reducing the minimum required number of advance cabin reservation nights to two, which should benefit folks looking to get back to nature before summer’s end but for a shorter period of time.”
Other current travel value options at West Virginia’s state parks include these cabins for an awesome August getaway:
Blackwater Falls State Park extends 50 percent off for three or more rental nights for an Awesome August promotion. The half-off value is in effect during two time frames: The mid-week offer runs from Aug. 1-15, and from Aug. 15-29 the 50 percent off discount is for any three consecutive nights.
Blackwater Falls has two distinct cabin areas, North and South side. There are 39 vacation cabins at this Tucker County destination. The Awesome August applies to either area. “We have customers that prefer our traditional cabin area and others prefer the new four-bedroom cabins with all the bells and whistles,” said Lois Reed, Blackwater Falls lodge manager. For Blackwater Falls State Park information, call 304-259-5216.
North Bend State Park in Ritchie County, near Cairo and Harrisville, extends 25 percent off mid-week stays any Sunday through Thursday night from Aug. 19-29. “Our Awesome August discount encourages folks that may only have one or two nights to get away,” said Kristi Steed, group sales coordinator. Awesome August at North Bend also includes gift shop discounts. North Bend Awesome August is a one or more night offer.
North Bend features nine cabins, two campgrounds and a full-service 29-room lodge with restaurant. A history traveler package, “Voyage” also is popular. Voyage is a lodge room accommodation for one night and includes activities at Blennerhassett Island in Parkersburg. The rate of $99 for two people covers the room, all taxes, and four different activities at Blennerhassett Island for two people. Reservations are required in advance for “Voyage” or Awesome August. Learn more about North Bend State Park and other rate offers by calling 304-643-2931.
Lost River State Park is in Hardy County near Mathias. It is a Civilian Conservation Corps park with vacation cabins, hiking trails, horseback riding stables, outdoor swimming pool and historic Lee House. An Awesome August at Lost River extends a third consecutive night free with renting a cabin for two nights. This offer is for any three consecutive nights. Reservations are required in advance by calling 304-897-5372 or visit Lost River State Park online.
Visitors at Lost River State Park will discover a wide range of on-park activities that includes led hikes, recreation building use, meet a horse, interpretative crafts and presentations. Naturalist Nick Korolev is a Civil War general re-enactor and avid historian. His history presentations are conducted at the Lee House located at Lost River State Park.
A “Join Our Newsletter” option on the state parks website invites anyone to subscribe for a “not too frequent” email about travel offers, special events or interests. West Virginia State Parks creates and publicizes numerous special events and activities, lodging packages.
Andrea Bond, West Virginia Department of Commerce, http://www.wvcommerce.org, +1 (304) 957-9347, [email protected]
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