Tunnel Mountain Bed and Breakfast is a charming three-story fieldstone home nestled on the side of Tunnel Mountain (part of Cheat Mountain), on 14 private wooded acres surrounded by scenic peaks, lush forests and sparkling rivers. Named for the 1890 railroad tunnel which passes under the hillside, this Bed and Breakfast is a romantic country retreat.

The interior is finished in pine and rare wormy chestnut woodwork. Tastefully decorated throughout with antiques, collectibles and crafts, it extends a warm and friendly atmosphere where guests can feel at home. Separate owner's quarters ensure that guests can relax undisturbed by the living room fireplace, on the porch, or on or patio or take a leisurely walk on the property.

The Inn's three romantic guest rooms, each with its own private bath, offer sensational views, lovely antiques, and handmade comforters. You can choose the pre-Civil War canopy-bed room, the snug antique rope-bed room, or the cozy third floor, wormy chestnut paneled, queen size-bedroom. Riverside Retreat, is a refurbished cottage that sleeps six comfortably and has a complete kitchen.

Your full Breakfast is served at the Inn's one-of-a-kind antique dining room table in a setting punctuated with knickknacks and antiques. A continental breakfast is served during the five-week Augusta Heritage Festival in July through August. Freshly ground coffee or tea are always served with breakfast. The Inn will prepare breakfast for guests with special dietary requirements. Simply tell the host about your needs when your reservations are made.

Just down the road from Tunnel Mountain Bed and Breakfast is the 998,000-acre Monongahela National Forest beholding wonderful hiking and cross-country skiing opportunities. The Cheat River is great for fishing, tubing and canoeing; Otter Creek Wilderness Area for great hiking trails; and Bickle Knob for a panoramic view high atop its 55-foot observation tower -- all at your doorstep.

Close by are Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State Parks, Dolly Sods, Seneca Rocks, and Spruce Knob (highest point in West Virginia).

Many more places are also available for hiking or mountain biking, cross-country and down-hill skiing, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, canoeing, rafting, swimming, golfing, tennis, spelunking and antiquing. Elkins, "The 28th Best Small Town in America," is well known for its unusual shopping opportunities, unique restaurants and colorful festivals. The Ramp Festival in April, The Antique Festival in July, The Augusta Heritage Festivals in August, The Mountain State Forest Festivals in October and the Fiddlers Reunion in October offer tourists the chance to experience some of West Virginia's most popular activities. Snowshoe and Silver Creek Ski areas are but an hour away, as is the popular Cass Scenic Railroad. Canaan Valley and Timberline ski resorts as well as Blackhawk Falls are 40 minutes away.

Visit for the wildflowers in the spring, go adventuring in the summer, come for the leaves in the fall, ski in the winter, and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of West Virginia all year at Tunnel Mountain!

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• MORE: about the Riverside Retreat.
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