Since retailers seems to push Christmas on us earlier and earlier, it is hard not to get caught up in the hype of shopping and decorating. Not to mention that our calendars start to get overloaded with holiday parties, school performances and family obligations.

But this year, take a deep breath and a step back. What would really help de-stress is a road trip. Think of it as a mid-year mini vacation.

But a road trip to where?

Here are 9 reasons why Marion County is a perfect weekend-get-away-from-it-all destination.

 

 

Nothing says get-a-way like a bed and breakfast and Marion County has two of the finest inns anywhere. Check out the website for A Nature’s Song Bed  & Breakfast  (celebrating 10 years) and Rhododendron House Bed & Breakfast. The pictures alone bring a sense of calm. The hospitality and breakfast will have you booking a future stay before you even check out. (Plus, this is a great option if you have family and friends visiting over the holidays!)

Let the adventure begin!

 

 

 

 

 

The Celebration of Lights is a 1.3 mile trail of animated Christmas decorations at Morris Park. The displays are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 – 9:00 pm through December 27.

At $10 a car load, it is sure to get you in the spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you grew up in an Italian-American household or not, you have to appreciate those family traditions that center around food. And the Festival Cucina does just that!

The 11th annual Festival Cucina will be held on Friday, December 9th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church located at 301 Jackson Street in Fairmont. Tickets are $25 and include food samples, glass of wine, entertainment and lots of family stories.

The menu for the cooking school includes:

Seafood salad – Robert Germano

Peasant Abruzzo Soup w/Bottarga Butter Crostini – Shannon Colaianni Tinnell

Classic Marinara Pasta – Isabella Tinnell

Bucatini with Snow Crab Legs in Red Sauce – Vince Libonati

Grilled Shrimp with Crispy Polenta – Joel Brown

Zucotto – Kristy Tinnell Martin

Check out last year’s cooking school to get an idea what it’s all about.

 

This year, Fairmont is celebrating its 11th Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival.

This winter street festival is a holiday homecoming! Enjoy great food and wine, delight in the music of the season, and shop local artisans for your holiday wish list.

The street festival begins at 11:00 a.m. with an invocation by Father Walt. Judging for the homemade wine contest starts at 2:30 p.m. and the Christmas parade begins at 5:00 p.m.

Downtown shops will also be open for business.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival was named a Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Event for December!

 

 

 

The annual Christmas Parade is a hometown favorite. The parade will travel through downtown and end at Palatine Park.

And there will be a few surprises once you get to Palatine Park. Not only will you have a chance to visit with the big guy (aka Santa Claus) the “Iceless” Ice Skating Rink will be open to visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

Iceless? This rink is made of synthetic “ice” constructed by interlocking panels which is a solid polymer material designed for skating using regular ice skates.  Although we can’t guarantee that you will skate like Dorothy Hamill, we can guarantee that you will have a great time skating – no matter the weather!

Bring your own ice skates or borrow ones from MCPARC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fleming Mansion opens it doors for Tea With A Twist. Guests can enjoy light refreshments and guided tours all three floors of the mansion. Vintage clothing from the period of 1893-1916 will be on display in each of the upper rooms.

The A Cappella quartet “Angelica” will perform a selection of holiday music from 2:00 – 3:00 pm.

The mansion will also host an exhibit entitled The Life of James Show Maddox Display.  The display will feature photographs and mementos from 1942-43.  Maddox died in the South Atlantic 77 days after the demise of his ship from a German U-Boat torpedo.  Maddox survived on a raft with 4 other men and the story of his leadership is the subject of a new local history publication entitled “Forgotten Hero.”  Local 20th century historian Raymond Alvarez will be on hand for to talk to visitors from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.  He will be assisted by Pamela Nussear, who asked him to research the story.  All visitors to the mansion will receive a free copy of “Forgotten Hero.”  It is a remarkable story of courage, faith and leadership.  Also, it tells why James Maddox was rarely identified as a West Virginia native in the publicity over the rescue.

 

 

Round out your evening at Sagebrush Round-Up. Located at Bunner Ridge, Sagebrush Round-Up is the host of a weekly country music show and houses the Country Music Hall of Fame for West Virginia.

Tonight’s performances include the Round-Up Band and The Strangers.

Be sure to bring your camera so you can strike a pose with the largest acoustic guitar in WV and come early and try a home cooked dinner.

 

 

During this busy time of the year it’s important to recharge your batteries and take a little time for yourself. So before you head back home, we have one more must-stop for you.  The Tuscan Elves at Tuscan Sun Spa are waiting for you.  Not only is their boutique filled with great gifts, their elves (team) are rolling out some great seasonal treatments. Think toasty marshmallow massages to the mint marshmallow mistle-toes pedicures. You will feel so much better going into the hustle and bustle if you have taken care of yourself.   Tuscan Sun has the cutest nails that go from snowflakes to gold sparkling ornaments.

 

Not only will you feel refreshed, you’ll be ready for all those holiday photos! Plus you can check some names off your gift list with their extensive line of Vera Bradley, Sparta and seasonal gift ware.

 

 

With that little re-fresh, you can now face the rest of the holiday season!

What are you waiting for, make those reservations now!