5 New Traditions to Start at Canaan Valley

Oct 7, 2019

9 to 5 jobs. Family commitments. Household chores. Errands. Who knows, maybe you even work a second job.

For many of us, this is our daily reality. City life is endlessly busy. And amid all these responsibilities, it can be tough to slow down and see the people who matter to you.

That’s why starting traditions is so important. Annual traditions are a great way to pencil in time and make absolutely sure that you take a few days to relax and reconnect with the people who mean the most to you.

It’s never too early to start a new tradition — and Canaan Valley in West Virginia is the perfect setting for your latest one. So here are five activities in Canaan Valley that you’ll want to do year in and year out:

A hike with friends at Blackwater River Trail
You and your friends have busy lives. You all have different responsibilities, different goals, and different sources of stress. And you don’t see each other as much as you’d like to. But you have so much history together so marking off a weekend every fall where you drop everything and go hiking on this scenic trail is a great way to maintain those bonds while enjoying tremendous views. Make sure someone brings a camera to catch all the foliage! Some friend groups even make entire Instagram accounts dedicated to their annual getaway, serving as a living scrapbook of this cherished tradition.

Rent a cabin with your family each Thanksgiving
Family time is one of the cornerstones of a happy, healthy life. And as children get older, quality time during the holidays becomes all the more important. Luckily there are plenty of gorgeous cabins to choose from featuring 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom configurations based on the size of your family. Make sure to scope out a rental cabin with a big kitchen so you can make a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with your family.

A work retreat at Canaan Conference Center
Spending your days behind a desk can get exhausting after a while. And seeing your co-workers in the same context every day — in the hallways, during meetings, and at rushed lunch hours means you see each other a lot but rarely get time to connect on a deeper level. That’s why many high-performing companies use work retreats to get their staff out of the office and into a new and exciting environment. They’re also a great de-stresser for sales teams after your “busy season.” Taking pictures of your team on hikes are great for year-end office slideshows and can also go on your company website as a recruiting tool — showing applicants load and clear that you’re an office that likes to have fun!

A couple’s getaway at a smaller cabin
Every relationship needs a bit of excitement every now and again. This is doubly important if you’re busy with kids or demanding jobs (or both!). That’s why many couples like to call up a babysitter and get away from it all in Canaan Valley each year. There are plenty of cabins available that are specially designed for couples, featuring gorgeous brick-lined fireplaces and steamy hot tubs. These areas are quiet and right in the middle of nature, making it the perfect way to connect intimately with that special someone.

An artistic retreat in a secluded cabin
One of the most important parts of the artistic process involves clearing your mind and getting away from distractions. But this is a harder and harder thing to do thanks to the endless churn of emails, texts, and binge-worthy Netflix shows. Luckily, many artists have found their creative flow in Canaan Valley. Whether you’re a solitary writer looking for a much-needed change of scenery or a pair of writing partners looking to finish up your latest screenplay in a distraction-free zone, Canaan Valley can provide the idyllic setting you need to get the creative juices flowing.

The picturesque beauty of Canaan Valley awaits you. It’s the perfect spot to make memories you’ll cherish and pass on for posterity. So which Canaan Valley tradition will you start with your friends and family?