The small coal and timber town of Elkins sits on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest in Eastern West Virginia and is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. A railroad terminus and trade center, Elkins is also a college town with a heritage center that celebrates the arts of the region. Davis, even tinier than Elkins, is the highest town in the state. Sharp skiing peaks, deep river gorges and dark waterfalls surround Davis which is also on an edge of the national forest.

Elkins was named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America due in no small part to the nationally known Augusta Heritage Center, part of Davis & Elkins College. The center preserves local heritage through crafts, dance, music and folklore. Randolph Community Arts Center presents year-round exhibits and performances. Works by local artisans are on display at shops such as Mountain Made or Artists at Work. American Mountain Theater and Boiler House Theater at Davis & Elkins College present musicals and plays.

Experience the area's history by touring Graceland and Halliehurst Mansions, two Victorian homes on the college campus. Ride the rails on the Durbin-Greenbrier Valley Railroad past waterfalls and mountain wilderness. Outdoor recreation around Elkins includes biking and hiking the Alleghany Highlands Trail, camping at Revelles River Resort and exploring Laurel Fork Wilderness or Otter Creek Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest. Stuart Recreational Area offers camping, picnicking and hiking trails.

Dining options at Elkins range from coffee shops and cafes to fine dining at Sunken Gardens Restaurant.

Davis is a base for exploring the great outdoors. A five-story, amber-colored waterfall draws visitors to Blackwater Falls State Park where they can walk to the base of the falls then back up along a special causeway. The falls plunge through an eight-mile gorge. Camping, boating, fishing, hiking, cross country skiing, swimming and a nature center are a few of the park's pursuits. Whitewater rafting is popular with guided trips available on the Cheat River. Canaan Valley Resort State Park is popular year-round with downhill and cross country skiing in winter and biking, fishing and camping in summer. Timberline Four Seasons Resort is a top ski destination.

Nearby Seneca Rocks, part of the Spruce Knob/Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area in the national forest, is one of the top destinations in the US for rock climbing with more than 375 major mapped climbing routes climbing as high as 900 feet above the North Fork River. Non-rock climbers will want to see the breathtaking rock formation and tour this wild area.

Dining options in Davis include Blackwater Brewing Company for German and Italian entrees and Big John's Family Fixins, a family restaurant with arcade and game room.

Elkins is located roughly two hours northeast of Charleston, WV in eastern West Virginia. Take I-79 north to US 33 east. Davis is located 173 miles northeast of Charleston. Take I-79 north to US 33 east to US 219 north.