To the Dumpster

With the ever-popular summer weeks of vacation and the most regular week of Chase family vacations, the Fourth of July, quickly approaching, I've been reminiscing of the unique character of our more recent past years of vacation in Canaan Valley, WV. For those who have never seen this area, it's the typical mountain resort area: a golf course, a resort that includes a pool and restaurant, a variety of recreational activities, including whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and scenic overlooks. The combination of Blackwater Falls, WV, and Canaan Valley, WV, the two being just minutes apart, are really quite the treat regardless of the season.

In any case, the great blog tale really stems more from a restaurant in Canaan Valley, called Tuckers. This is the best compromise between really casual and fancier dining available. And it's a place where you go, and you know you're surrounded by friendly folks. In fact, one of the favorite activities at this restaurant is to leave your table while waiting for your food because many gather at the huge windows at the back of the place. The reason is because the restaurant borders a vast field that's famous for it's bear inhabitants. So, you definitely become friendly and familiar with those around you as you peer out the windows, watching for the ever-elusive black creatures. This is not where the bear adventure ends, though, because after you finish your meal, you are to wander around to the side of the building to check out the dumpster area--yes, I know, a common post-dinner destination. In any case, it is pretty much "how you do it" at Tuckers.

This bear phenomena actually looms behind many other aspects of one's visit to Canaan Valley. Those who are most avid internet researchers can look further into this. But, for now, let's suffice to say that the most popular vacation homes in the area are those who serve as typical outposts for visits from bear families as well as human ones. For a sneak peek of the sights, visit either the Canaan or Blackwater websites.