Affordable activities in West Virginia for spring break

There are many places to go during spring break but it usually costs a lot of money or take a long time to travel to. If you are wanting to go on a trip with a budget or want to stay local, think about some of these places.

Adventures on the Gorge is a great place to go to if you enjoy wilderness activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, zip lining, and cave tours. They also have outdoor laser tag which is very unheard of but very fun. Adventure on the Gorge has restaurants like a pizzeria, a bakery, and a steakhouse. Not too far from there is Comfort Inn New River which is only $65 a night. There is also a Quality Inn for $60 per night. Both hotels come with free breakfast. If you don’t like very many of the activities or just need a change or boost, check out the bridge walking on New River Gorge.

Blackwater Falls is a very outdoorsy and active place full of adventure. It includes ATV riding, geocaching, mountain bike trails, white water rafting, and museums. There are a lot of great eateries in that area like Hellbender Burritos, the Alpine Lodge Sawmill Restaurant, and the Blackwater Falls Smokehouse. A great accommodation to go to would be the Alpine Lodge which is $65 per night. Another one for a higher price but very well spent would be the Canaan Valley Resort which is $100 per night.

Spruce Knob is more of an “out in the boonies” park. There, people usually fish, hunt, hike, horseback ride, and bike. A great eatery to go to while in Elkins would be the Front Porch Restaurant which is a pizzeria. A couple other good places are the Gateway Restaurant, which is family friendly, and Asbury’s Restaurant which is American food. A good place to stay while visiting Spruce Knob would be at the Super 8 by Wyndham Elkins for $66 a night. There is also a Hampton Inn for $112 per night. If you want to visit somewhere else close, try Seneca Caverns. This place is a beautiful cavern to walk through. Also, after the tour is over, there is a gift shop as well as a restaurant/ice cream shop.

Adventures on the Gorge, Blackwater Falls, and Spruce Knob are very fun, non-expensive places to visit for spring break. Since spring break is so close, make your decisions count and have fun.

Prom Planning Starts Now

Are you ready to crash the party at prom? This year, we’ll be hosting a Golden Gatsby Gala which the seniors have chosen. It will take place at the Jackson County Army Forces Reserve Center April 27. Junior and seniors will arrive to the Promenade, which is also known as our walk-in, at 7:15. Prom will start at 8 and end at 11 o’clock in the evening. Tickets will be sold the week prior for $30 each.

If you’re wondering what to wear, you’re about to find out! Prom usually has long dresses and tuxedos. It’s the real deal. However, it is not always the case. There are boys who wear nice shirt and pants instead of tuxedos and there are girls who wear short dresses rather than long. I would recommend a ball gown or a two piece, since it’s popular nowadays. Any color would be your choice. Everybody has a color that looks good on them the most so pick out something that fits your personality or eye color!

There are any places you can go shopping at if you haven’t gone. Don’t panic, there are still dresses out there and good deals. Dresses can be found at Barbie’s Formals in Milton, David’s Bridal and Macy’s in Charleston, or Gowntastic and Henri’s in Columbus. There are plenty of shops you can look for a dress and tuxedos. Evergreen Florist & Gift in Ripley is a local place you can go for tuxes. Men’s Warehouse in Charleston or Hornor & Harrison in Parkersburg are good places as well. 

Appointments are also very important if you need to get your hair cut or styled, nails painted, or makeup done. Mostly, girls are the ones who make these kind of appointments. Luckily, we have some really good spots in Ripley where you could book an appointment.

In Ripley, Head to Toes has all three services(hair, face, and nails). Tease Salon does hair. Le’s Hair and Nails Salon does really good acrylic nails. The Roane Jackson Technical Center cosmetology program might have offers for appointments. You would want to call first ahead to make sure they are available, to book an appointment, or ask any questions you have about their business or what they can do for you.

Don’t forget about dinner and pictures! You would want to have memories and it’s even better when they’re digital. It is preferred to take pictures before you go out to eat because you don’t feel as full later and you don’t wanna miss the sunset and have pictures in the dark. The Courthouse in Ripley is a popular place to take pictures at, as well as Cedar Lakes and Riverfront Park. Also, dinner is an important part in your day. Here in Ripley, we have Sorella’s, Las Trancas, Yacht Club, and fast food if you would like. You could spice things up by going Charleston or Parkersburg for nicer restaurants.

It is important to plan ahead of time and make sure you have appointments and time in between things you have to do in order to be ready for prom. You have five weeks until prom so you better get busy. You wouldn’t want to call in late and have the place be booked up then stress over it. Make sure you do your reservations and appointments ASAP. You don’t want to be late for anything and you also want to enjoy your day and night as you get ready and dance. Be safe and make wise decisions. Prom 2019 will be another one in the books!

St. Patrick's Day honors christian leader, brings luck

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held March 17 to honor the death of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. What made Patrick a saint was he converted Ireland into Christianity in 400 AD. 

When most people think of St. Patrick's Day, they think of shamrocks. They are a young sprig of a three leaved clover which has been used as the symbol of Ireland for a very long time. It’s an Irish national emblem because Saint Patrick used it in his teachings. The word “shamrock” comes from the Irish word seamrog which means “clover”.  Shamrocks have the meaning “good luck” because people would use them to see the evil spirits and escape them.  

“I have only found a four leaf clover three times and they have never gave me any good luck. I don't believe what people say they do, “ said senior Colby Wilcox. 

Pinching people on St. Patrick’s Day came from a folktale. When people wear green you are invisible to leprechauns. So, if you don't wear green the leprechauns are able to see you. People want to hide from leprechauns because they love to pinch because they are known to be mean. They may also be wanting to steal the leprechauns’ pots of gold. 

“I celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green and pinching people that are not wearing green. The reason I pinch people is because it is funny, ” said senior Jaylyn Sheppard. 

Many People celebrate this day by having parties or having dinner with their families by having some Irish food. Some Irish foods are Shepard pie, corned beef, and potatoes.