DAVIS, W.Va. — A shift in priorities when it comes to the tourism industry in West Virginia is a big reason why a new $20 million resort has opened in picturesque Canaan Valley in Tucker County.
The ribbon was cut Friday on the Valley View Cabin Resort at the base of the Timberline Ski Resort.
Valley View Managing Partner Chris Walters said here was growth in Canaan Valley in the 80s and 90s but that slowed until the Perfect family purchased Timberline a few years ago.
“That transformed pretty much everything in the Valley, the energy completely change. So there was an immediate need for, not only new cabins, but modern luxury cabins,” Waters said. “When people go on vacation they want to have an experience where they stay and that’s what we’re about, the experience.”
The one and two bedroom cabins include full kitchens with stainless appliances, five-person Jacuzzi-brand hot tubs, fire pits with complimentary firewood.
“We tried to make the guests feel as home as possible while being away from home,” Waters, a native of Raleigh County, said.
The investment also makes sense, according to Waters, with the state’s emphasis on tourism, something began under former governor, now U.S. Senator, Jim Justice. Waters said state Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby has helped transform how those who live outside of West Virginia view the Mountain State.
“We were beautiful, we were nice, we were wild, we were wonderful, but people weren’t necessarily invited into the state,” Waters said. “Now that the tourism department is actively marketing that gets the word out to people outside that this truly is a beautiful place.”
Waters said they wanted to develop modern luxury cabins for what they consider the most beautiful place in West Virginia.
There are currently 11 cabins with plans for 30.