CAIRO, W.Va. - With the onset of wintry weather, family and friends look to West Virginia State Parks for things to do close to home. And sometimes, folks look for state parks that are a little farther from home for a winter vacation or trip away. "It's all in how you face and brace for winter," said Kristi Steed at North Bend State Park.
"My family enjoys sled riding, making snowmen and asking for seconds on hot chocolate in winter months. Families like mine that look for a little something to do without a big cost find North Bend is the place to visit for a couple of hours or to stay at the lodge or in a cabin for a few days." Steed offers these ideas for winter visits to North Bend State Park:
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus - Dec. 17, 2013
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be having breakfast at the North Bend State Park dining room Dec. 17 as they head for the North Pole to prepare for Christmas Eve. Breakfast buffet is 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. and the cost is $8.95 for adults and free for youngsters 12 and younger when accompanied by an adult or guardian. A visit with Santa is free and he welcomes hints and getting his picture made with boys and girls. Santa enjoys seeing the deer and wildlife at the park, and so do visitors.
Christmas Day Buffet - Dec. 25, 2013
North Bend offers an opportunity Christmas Day to have a holiday meal or to meet up with friends and family without having to cook. A Christmas Day Buffet is offered 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and includes prime rib, turkey and dressing, pecan crusted fish, baked ham, salad bar, desserts and drinks. The price is $21.95 for adults and $10.95 for youngsters. Reservations are recommended by calling 304-643-2931. "We've learned that a meal together on Christmas Day can be an awesome gift," said Steed. Restaurant Hours at North Bend State Park Christmas Day are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Year's Eve Party - Dec. 31, 2013
Ring in the New Year Dec. 31 at North Bend State Park with an evening of live music, delicious food and celebration. An overnight package available. This party is popular and sells out quickly, so call 304-643-2931for reservations.
Little Princess Ball - Jan. 4-5, 2014
Bring your little princess to this father-daughter weekend at North Bend Jan. 4-5, 2014. "Daughters dress up in their favorite party clothes and Dads come in suits, sports jackets and some in tuxes," Steed said. There is dinner, a dance, crafts and snacks, photo gallery and more. Reservations are required.
Winter Wonder Weekend - Jan. 17-19, 2014
Winter Wonder Weekend, Jan. 17-19, is a two-night, three day activity-packed weekend for families and all ages. If there is snow, there is sled riding and snowman building. Hikes, games, meals and activities are planned. For registration information, call Wendy Green at 304-558-2754.
Relax and Linger Longer Winter Lodging Discount
From Dec. 17 through March 31, 2014, stay overnight at North Bend Lodge, enjoy dinner for two at North Bend Dining Room and take advantage of a $25 gift certificate at the park gift shop during your stay. It's one of North Bend's "linger longer" rate packages called "Relaxing Stay." The dinner meal is limited to one entrée per person. The rate is $125 for two people sharing a room (not a per-person rate). The only excluded dates are Dec. 24, 25, 31, 2013, and Feb. 14, 2014. "These dates are excluded because we have holiday packages for those times," Steed said. The $125 rate includes all taxes and gratuities.
Call North Bend State Park at 304-643-2931 with any questions or to make reservations for events or parties. Additional information may be available on the park website at www.northbendsp.com
For information other West Virginia State Parks holiday parties, events and accommodations, visit www.wvstateparks.com
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