First Date Destinations in Southern West Virginia

Spring is in the air in Southern West Virginia, and if you are very lucky, so is romance. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and it is the perfect time to plan that first date with a special someone. Here are just a few ideas to ensure that your first date will be the beginning of something wonderful.

Southern West Virginia is home to many wineries. The most beautiful, in my opinion, is the Daniel Vineyards located just outside of Beckley, and situated on 190 scenic acres. A vineyard tour and wine tasting makes for a great first date. The spring wine festival at Daniel Vineyard will be held on June 12, 2010. Admission is just $10 per person, and there are wine tastings, music, work by local artists, vendors and a lot more. With so many attractions, you can be assured that your first date will be lacking in only one area...uncomfortable silences. for more information, call the winery at 1-877-378-1990, or visit their web site at www.danielvineyards.com.

A picnic is a great first date idea, if you prefer a little privacy. southern West Virginia is full of ideal scenic locations for a cozy picnic lunch. Of the most beautiful and serene settings is the New River Gorge. While you and your date may prefer rafting, rock climing, and rapelling (all available on the New River Gorge), a carefully packed picnic lunch by the river is a romantic idea for a first date. For information on activities, visist www.nps.com.

If a romantic dinner for two is more of what you had in mind for your first date, Laury's restaurant, located at 350 MacCorkle Avenue, in Charleston, West Virginia, will make exactly the right impression on your date. The restaurant, housed in an beautiful old train station features gorgeous chandeliers, picturesque decor, and polite and knowledgable wait staff. Laury's offers a full bar, extensive wine list, and a variety of seating options including my personal favorite, the balcony. The menu leans toward French cuisine, and while Laury's is quite expensive, can't be topped anywhere in West Virginia. There is a dress code, and reservations are necessary. For information or reservations at Laury's in Charleston, call 304-343-0055.

Remember that for any first date, planning is important. Make sure that you inform your date of required dress, either for a picnic or a formal dining occasion. If you are going on a picnic for the first date, remember to pack all of the utensils that you will need (corkscrew!), as well as handy wipes for cleanup. Always call ahead to make sure that there are no events or situations that could have an effect on your first date plans.