When Shelley Gutta, from Stonewall Resort, was asked how to spend just 48 hours in Central West Virginia, her first instinct was practical: “First of all, I’m gonna need running shoes ‘cause there’s a lot to do in 48 hours.”
She wasn’t exaggerating.
Between ghost tours, glass blowing, wineries, and a little bit of moonshine, you’ll need all the energy you can muster for this whirlwind Appalachian adventure.
Here’s How to Plan 48 Hours in CWV
Ghosts, Granite, and Gothic Tales
Shelley’s top pick is hard to beat: the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston.
Don’t let the name scare you away (well, maybe a little).
It’s the largest hand-cut stone building in the world after the Kremlin, and it’s dripping with history. “It’s been featured on Ghost Hunters, and they do so much more than just ghost tours,” Shelley explained. The asylum offers architectural tours, agricultural history lessons, and a hauntingly beautiful walk through its self-sustaining past.
In short? It’s equal parts eerie and educational — and a can’t-miss stop.
All Aboard: Rails, Waterfalls, and Whodunits
Next up, Shelley recommends climbing aboard the Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad.
Just under an hour from Stonewall Resort, the scenic ride snakes up the mountainside, past waterfalls, and straight into the heart of West Virginia’s rugged beauty.
The train isn’t just about the views either — themed rides include holiday trips and even murder mystery tours. Pair that with a dinner show at Gandy Dancer Theater, and you’ve got yourself a full day of nostalgia, laughter, and mountain charm.
Sip Back and Relax: Wine & Moonshine
Of course, no weekend trip is complete without sampling the local spirits.
Shelley lights up when she talks about Lambert’s Winery, calling it “a beautiful family-owned winery… you just feel like family.” Between the hand-cut stone, gas lanterns, wood-fired pizzas, and the ever-popular wine slushies, Lambert’s is equal parts rustic and refined.
But if your taste buds crave something stronger, venture a little further to MannCave Distillery.
Nestled off a gravel country road, it’s a family-owned spot where moonshine, bourbon, and vodka tastings come with a healthy dose of storytelling. As Shelley put it, “They give you a great education on the whole process and bottling. So that’s really a lot of fun.”
Ready, Aim, Adventure: Sporting Clays
Not every stop is about sipping and swirling.
For those craving adrenaline, Stonewall Sporting Clays offers a crash course in clay shooting. “These guides will give you a great tutorial, all the gear, the ammo, the gun safety gear… and then by the time you go to leave, you are sucked into the lifestyle,” Shelley laughed. Who knew your new favorite hobby might involve a shotgun and flying clay disks?
Handmade History: Glass Museums and Makers
Central West Virginia isn’t just about the outdoors — it’s also a hub for artisans.
The West Virginia Museum of American Glassin Weston houses a massive collection that showcases the region’s rich glassmaking heritage. As Shelley notes, it’s “free to the public and massive. Quite an impressive display collection.”
If you’d rather see creation in action, head to Appalachian Glass, where hand-blown pieces are crafted before your eyes. Shelley doesn’t like to call it a demo — after all, every piece is for sale. Watching molten glass transform into intricate vases and ornaments is a mesmerizing experience and a reminder of WV’s proud handmade legacy.
Plan Like a Pro
Packing all of this into two days isn’t for the faint of heart. Shelley stresses the importance of preparation: “It’s not something that you wanna say, you know what, we’ll just go there and see what they got. You wanna plan in advance if you wanna fit it all in.”
That’s where Stonewall Resort comes in handy. They’ll help tailor an itinerary based on your interests, ensuring your time is as full (or relaxed) as you want it to be.
The Final Pour
From ghost stories to glassblowing, from wine slushies to moonshine shots, Central West Virginia crams a lot into 48 hours. It’s a region where history and hospitality go hand in hand, and where every gravel road might just lead to your new favorite memory.
Whether you’re planning an extended getaway for your business group, a weekend escape with friends, a family reunion, or even a full-on tour bus adventure, Central West Virginia has the kind of experiences that bring people together.
No matter the mix of personalities in your group, Central West Virginia offers a backdrop where everyone can shine. Thrill-seekers, storytellers, and food lovers alike will find plenty to keep them smiling.
And if you’re looking for the perfect home base? Stonewall Resort makes it easy to mix business with mountain time. Shelley and her team can build customized itineraries that balance downtime at the resort with off-the-beaten-path excursions, so your group doesn’t just meet, they make memories.
Ready to plan your next group getaway in the heart of West Virginia? The mountains are calling, and they’ve already saved you a seat at the table.