Hello Friends!
I gotta share with y’all a little secret hideaway I found in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia a couple months ago–BUT let me tell ya, it is NOT gonna be a secret for much longer! Owner, Joe Boffo, in partnership with others, purchased 300 or so acres in the remote mountains of southwest West Virginia with a vision.
Entrance to Rustic Ravines
The vision was to create a top-notch rustic recreational retreat that would rival anything you’ve seen in other such tourist locations. After my visit there and talking to Joe, I believe they are definitely on track with Rustic Ravines!
“Almost Heaven, West Virginia!…”
Rustic Ravines is tucked away on the back roads of Wayne County WV in the area of Genoa, just 27 miles south of Huntington. As you’re driving those curvy country roads that get more remote with each passing mile, you may start to think “where is this place?” or you may start singing “Almost heaven, West Virginia…”
Not too far before you get to RR, is a pretty stretch of scenic countryside–rolling hills and green pastures dotted with big trees and wildflowers; certainly worthy of a stop to stretch your legs and take a few pics–which we did.
My friend Judy pretending to be Julie Andrews!
It felt like we were in a scene from ‘The Sound of Music!’ I wasn’t even there yet and I had found a “few of my favorite things!”
Exploring, going on an adventure, enjoying nature–a “few of my favorite things!”
Finally, you come to the entrance–which indicates it’s rustic name. On a hill, rough logs set the backdrop of the Rustic Ravines sign. A short drive down a gravel road and you’re there! A cute little country store also serves as the check-in office. Adjacent to the store is a covered pavilion with picnic tables suitable for parties, reunions and such.
“Take me home country roads…”
There is also a stage area there where various types of live music is performed on a regular basis. I attended a bluegrass festival there which was awesome!
On the nearby hill is the bow range with of plenty of acreage to explore. Past the store you will see the zip-line (yes, I said ZIP-LINE!), and beyond that is where the beautiful cabins are located.
Zipline platform–zip through the mountains!
This may be labeled as a “rustic” location–which it is, but you are in total luxury if you lodge in any one of the cabins. Although I stayed in the ‘Etta Mae II,’ (my camper van), I explored the cabins and they are gorgeous! One and two bedrooms are available, they have a kitchenette, living room, front porch and the best part–a private back deck–with a HOT TUB! A couple of yurt style cabins are on site also.
On a knoll centered where the cabins are located is what made Rustic Ravines “rustic” for me–a huge round covered gazebo supported by massive finished log posts–some of which had electric outlets (yes,Etta Mae II gets plugged in if juice is available–although we don’t have too; as she is completely self-contained). A campground is not yet established, but it is on the to do list. However, Joe made arrangements to accommodate us and it worked out great! He let me park right next to the gazebo which served as a
Grand gazebo served as a deck right next to my camper van
deck just a step away from my camper van. How pleasant it was to sit there and relax in that summer mountain breeze, overlooking this amazing find! Joe was even kind enough to bring out a metal fire pit so we could enjoy a camp fire that night.
You meet the nicest and most interesting people when traveling. As my friend and I were relaxing in the gazebo, here came a super cool vintage VW bus that parked across from us. A 
man and his little girl were just there for the day and we had a great visit. I can’t remember her name, but the little girl was so sweet and smart, and boy was she was a talker! LOL. Her dad was a tattoo artist and was restoring the 60’s era VW bus, piece by piece. He had a lot of work yet to do on the interior, but the exterior was looking sharp!
Among the many amenities at Rustic Ravines are the very popular ATV rentals and miles of mountain trails. Whether you’re an experienced ATVer or not, guided tours are available.
ATV rentals-very popular!
Other activities include fishing, hunting, boating and hiking. Whatever you like, you can find it at Rustic Ravines. As I mentioned above, a campground is in the works AND coming soon–a SALOON! So, looks like I gotta go back!
Owner, Joe Boffo shows plan for saloon
Oh well, a bloggers job is never done!
Be sure and pencil in Rustic Ravines as part of your travel plans. Whether you’re solo, a family, or group, you will love it–there is something for everyone. I’m sure this great little find will continue to grow. Rustic Ravines is located at 2575 Hampton Ridge Road, Genoa, WV. You may contact them at 304-385-1085. Check out their website at http://www.rusticravines.com
Discover Rustic Ravines!
What a great adventure- Check this place out!
When we left we kinda got turned around and can you believe it?–in the middle of nowhere, we ran into a cop! She may have thought the Etta Mae II looked a little suspicious I don’t know, but I rolled down the window and asked for directions to the main road (GPS gets confused here!)
‘Etta Mae II’–she doesn’t look suspicious, does she?
This lady cop was very nice and actually escorted us out to the turn we needed to make, but not before I of course got to say “Finally, a cop when you need one!” Thankfully, she had a sense of humor! What a great adventure!
Until next time, remember…DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!
See ya down the road,
Catrina
Wow, great blog! I couldn’t have described rustic ravines any better and I’m one of the owners with Joe I really enjoyed the peace great job!
Thanks Paul! Glad you liked it. You all have a great thing going on there!