There's nothing quite like the taste of real maple syrup. Drizzle it on waffles, pancakes, French toast, bacon and eggs, cornbread, your morning coffee...there's just no wrong way to eat it.
So where does real maple syrup come from? Maple trees, of course!
Maples catch our attention every fall with their brilliant red, orange, and gold foliage. We all plan at least one mountain drive to enjoy them in September or October.
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But the real maple miracle actually happens on the other end of the calendar, in early spring. In late January or early February, maple trees that have gone into hibernation for the winter begin to wake back up. Long before they bud and bloom and burst into leaf, the sap begins to run.
A tree's sap nourishes a tree like our blood nourishes us, carrying nutrients through the veins and arteries (called the xylem and phloem) of the tree. In the fall and winter, the sap hangs out in the roots, but as temperatures begin to rise during the day, the tree signals the sap that it is needed elsewhere, and it races back up the trunk to the branches, readying them to begin forming blossom and leaf buds before returning back to the roots overnight.
The tapping process has changed slightly since early British colonists learned it from Native Americans. Now, a plastic tap into a hole on the south side of a tree, about knee-high and above a root. The tap is then connected to a network of plastic tubing that runs through the forest (known to syrup producers as the "sugar bush") down to a collection tank in a sugar shack, where it can be boiled....and boiled and boiled (40 gallons of sap typically boils down to only 1 gallon of syrup).
But where do the maple trees that make the sap come from? Canada, of course. Vermont, of course. And....West Virginia? Of course!
Yes, believe it or not, right here in wild, wonderful West Virginia, there are over 50 maple farms that produce gallons of the liquid gold every spring.
And many of them allow you to visit their sugar shacks to learn about the process of making maple syrup, sample some tasty maple treats, and purchase some of your very own local tree juice. Some of them may even offer syrup from other trees (black walnut and shagbark hickory are two of the more popular alternatives).
But to make visiting these farms even easier and more fun, the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association has scheduled two special Mountain State Maple Days in the next few weeks: one on February 22 and one on March 21.
On these days, syrup producers across the state will be hosting extra special events, tours, tastings, and sales at their farms, and participating restaurants will be serving up an array of maple themed dishes.
To learn more about the Mountain State Maple Days and locate a participating maple farm near you, visit the Mountain State Maple Syrup Producers Association website. Their website also has information about all of the local maple farms in case you can't make any of the Mountain State Maple events.
Have you ever tapped a maple tree? You don't have to own acres of sugar bush to try it - we tap a tree or two from our back yard every spring, although we usually just end up drinking the sap water rather than making syrup. Just in case we decide to boil it down this year, though...what's your favorite way to eat maple syrup? Let us know so we can test it out!
A fresh blanket of snow on a nostalgic old-fashioned gristmill and stream in a pubic state park – sunny winter day at Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park, West Virginiamore winter and snow:
You already know how magical West Virginia can be in the wintertime, but if not, we'll help open your eyes. There are plenty of fun things to do in West Virginia in winter, but you may not have discovered the ideas we have featured below. Let's take a look at a few West Virginia winter activities you can put on your winter bucket list in West Virginia.
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Holiday Events In West Virginia
Wintertime in West Virginia is a special time of year when holiday events, tree-lighting ceremonies, and Christmas light shows come to town. Here are a few ways to enjoy the holidays in West Virginia.
1. St. Albans Festival of Lights
Location: St. Albans, WV
Popularity: As one of the longest-running drive-thru light shows in the area it can draw a crowd. But since you are driving in your own vehicle the number of visitors doesn't affect the ride.
Price: Free. Non-perishable food donations are welcome to help support local nonprofit food banks.
A Christmas lights show is a wonderful way to light up your holiday spirit, and one of the best winter attractions in West Virginia. If you are looking for free things to do in West Virginia in winter a drive-thru light show is a fun activity to do with the family. St. Albans Festival of Lights has been going on since 1988, and each year there are new and exciting events and holiday light displays. Toward the end of November, on specific days each, enjoy a walk-through or a hayride tour of the light show. Or, the drive-thru event starts Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 26. (Closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
2. Martinsburg Tree Lighting Ceremony
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Popularity: Since the Festival of Trees runs for a few weeks you have plenty of time to pick a day that works for you.
Price: The event is always free, however, there are some ticketed events that support United Way. Enjoy a tree-trimming contest, charter breakfasts, and even a tree auction so you can take one of the magnificently decorated trees home with you.
There are a number of fantastic small towns in West Virginia that have tree-lighting ceremonies. One of our favorites is the one in Martinsburg that happens in early December. The whole town gathers in the downtown area for the annual tree lighting, which makes it a fun event to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy caroling and goodie bags for the kids handed out by Santa. The church bells ring out holiday tunes too! For more tree-lighting ceremonies in West Virginia check out this featured article of six lovely towns in WV that have light-filled Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies.
3. Blennerhassett Hotel Festival of Trees
Location: Parkersburg, WV
Popularity: Since the Festival of Trees runs for a few weeks you have plenty of time to pick a day that works for you.
Price: The event is always free, however, some ticketed events support United Way. Enjoy a tree-trimming contest, charter breakfasts, and even a tree auction so you can take one of the magnificently decorated trees home with you.
Another wonderful holiday event in West Virginia is the Blennerhassett Hotel's Festival of Trees. Kick-off November each year by attending this fun and light-filled event. It runs through early December so you have plenty of time to come visit. Imagine several dozen trees all lit up and decorated to the nines. You might even catch sight of the Grinch — be sure to spread some holiday cheer to turn his frown upside down. Get your tickets on the United Way website.
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4. Heritage Farm Christmas Village
Location: Huntington, WV
Popularity: This hidden gem is a delightful way to get a unique Christmas experience and get a historical view of what life was like in the 19th Century.
Price: Adults 18-64 $17, Seniors 65+ $14, Youth 13-17 $12, Children 4-12 $10. Free admission for children three and under.
Every December this 19th Century farm and museum transforms into a Christmas village. Enjoy a live Nativity drama of the Christmas story, tractor rides on the jingle Wagon, Christmas cookie making, carols, and handmade gifts in the gift shop. It is a festive event set in a charming village that really brings out the holiday spirit. If you are looking for fun family things to do in West Virginia in winter check out Heritage Farm near Huntington. Visit the Heritage Farm website for dates and to reserve your tickets.
Christmas Towns In West Virginia
When the holiday season rolls around in winter, some towns come alive with holiday spirit. A Christmas Town can be a charming small town in the mountains or a big city that goes all out with festivities. Either way, these are some of the best Christmas towns to plan a getaway to in West Virginia.
Popularity: As bigger small towns go, Beckley is both a center of activity for Southern WV and a charming town with plenty of activities to enjoy around the holidays.
Price: Tickets for the festival are $12.50 for adults and $10 per child.
Even though Beckley is the largest city in Southern West Virginia the population is only around 17,000. That doesn't mean it doesn't know how to get festive for the holidays. A key feature of the town is the old coal mine. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine opens up for two consecutive weekends, one at the end of November and one at the beginning of December. A magical Christmas tradition comes to life with Appalachian Coal Town Christmas. Not only can you join in on the usual Christmas activities like caroling, ice skating, sleigh rides, and plenty of yummy treats, but you can take an underground Christmas-themed mine tour.
6. Wheeling
Location: Wheeling, WV
Popularity: The Festival of Lights in Wheeling brings visitors from far and wide - millions of visitors each year, in fact.
Price: Admission to the drive-thru light show is $30 per vehicle. Trolley tours are $20 per person Monday through Thursday and $30 per person Friday through Sunday.
Wheeling is a mid-sized city along the Ohio River in the Appalachian Mountains valley between Ohio and Pennsylvania. It is home to one of the most beautiful Festival of Lights held at the Oglebay Resort. Not only will you be treated to millions of lights, but there is a 70-foot Christmas tree, a life-sized nativity scene, Gardens of Light at Bissonnette Gardens, and ice skating at the Winter Carnival. You can hop in your car and drive through the light show or jump on the trolley and take a tour. The event kicks off in early November and runs through the first week of January. Get your tickets to the Festival of Lights on the Oglebay website.
Popularity: This historical celebration of Christmas is a fun and mostly free event if you are looking for cheap things to do in West Virginia in winter.
Price: There is no entry fee for the Olde Tyme Christmas event, however, some ancillary events have a small fee, and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has a $15 per vehicle parking fee. There is a free shuttle once you are in.
Harpers Ferry, WV is another charming town that gets pretty festive around the holidays. Its signature event is the Harpers Ferry & Bolivar Olde Tyme Christmas. It occurs on the first and second weekends in December. Make sure you warm up with some hot chocolate as you go for a wagon ride through beautiful Harpers Ferry National Historical Park with historical 19th-century buildings. The town really goes all out with holiday decorations, live music, a magical tree lighting ceremony, and even a historic candy-making demonstration.
8. White Sulphur Springs
Location: White Sulphur Springs, WV
Popularity: The Greenbrier Hotel is the place to be in West Virginia during Christmas time.
Price: There are many free and paid events, classes, and ceremonies to enjoy at the Greenbrier. Room rates start at $359 per night.
White Sulphur Springs is a winter wonderland come Christmas time. And the Greenbrier Resort is the hub of activity. Magical horse-drawn sleigh rides through powder snow, Weekend with Santa events, tree lighting ceremonies with caroling and hot chocolate, and even Christmas cookie decorating. Or, for a more adult-themed event how about a little hot cocoa and s'mores mixology? All through the month of December the Greenbrier has themed events and workshops to help celebrate the holidays. Greenbrier at Christmas is one of the most special places to enjoy winter activities and holiday events in West Virginia.
Outdoor Activities
If you are looking for bucket list-worthy outdoor activities, West Virginia has got you covered. When the snow falls heavy and thick, break out the skis, snowshoes, sleds, snowmobiles, and snow pants, and get ready for some winter fun because winter in West Virginia is almost heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Ice Skating at Canaan Valley Resort
Aerial view of the Timberline Ski Resort in Canaan Valley, West Virginia.
Location: Davis, WV
Popularity: One of the most popular outdoor ice skating rinks in West Virginia can be found at the Canaan Valley Resort.
Price: A two-hour session costs $7 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors. Skate rental is only $3.
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A West Virginia winter wouldn't be complete without enjoying a day of ice skating at the Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Davis, WV. The ice rink at the Canaan Valley Resort has incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains while being protected by a beautiful wooden roof. Stop for a warm-up around the fire pit, or grab a hot cocoa and chill. The resort also has wonderful accommodations, as well as snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and alpine skiing and snowboarding.
10. Snow Tubing at Coca-Cola Tube Park
Location: Snowshoe, WV
Popularity: Galactic Tubing is a fun and popular winter activity, and with eight lanes there is plenty of room for lots of quality rides.
Price: Grab a family four-pack for $50 during the week or $75 on the weekends. A single ticket is $15 mid-week and $22 on weekends for anyone age 13-plus. Ages 4-12 are $15 on weekdays and $19 on weekends.
Another fun winter activity in West Virginia is hitting a snow tubing park. Snowshoe Mountain Resort is a ski resort in the aptly-named town of Snowshoe, West Virginia. The area has 244 skiable acres in the Allegheny Mountains, some of which are dedicated to the Coca-Cola Tube Park. If you enjoy a rush, slide down one of the eight tube lanes at night with the runs all lit up with colorful LED lights. If you haven't tried snow tubing yet, it is one of our favorite fun things to do in West Virginia in winter. Book your reservation on the Snowshoe Mountain website.
11. Skiing/Snowboarding at Winterplace Ski Resort
Location: Ghent, WV
Popularity: Winterplace is one of the most popular ski resorts in West Virginia since it is located right off Interstate 77.
Price: All-day lift tickets are $85 for adults and $59 for children Thursday through Monday. $60 for adults and $45 for children Tuesday and Wednesday. There are discounted rates for multi-day passes. Evening skiing from 4 p.m. on is $50 for adults and $39 for children (except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
Not only is the Winterplace Ski Resort perfect for skiers it is also the biggest snow tubing park in West Virginia. Winterplace is a top mountain for those learning to ski since over 70 percent of the runs are intermediate or beginner-rated. Seasoned veterans can still have a ton of fun with the more advanced runs available. And, there is no need to wait for a heavy snowfall of powder to enjoy the slopes because all of the runs are equipped with snow-making equipment. Find out more and book your lift tickets on the Winterplace website.
12. Zip lining at ACE Adventure Resort
Location: Oak Hill, WV
Popularity: If you are looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure this winter in West Virginia, check out this fun adventure park.
Price: Adult rates start at $79 and Youth rates start at $49.50.
West Virginia has plenty of backcountry hiking trails to explore, but a unique way to get a view of the beautiful landscape of the Mountain State is from above. The ACE Adventure Resort is a super cool place to enjoy the best zipline course in WV. It is especially scenic in the winter after a fresh snowfall. With incredible views of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge and the stunning gorge itself, the New River Gorge zipline tour is a half-day adventure for anyone age eight or older. Night zipline tours are two hours long and open for anyone aged 13 and up. Visit the ACE Adventure Resort website to check availability.
Winter Getaways
When the snow starts falling in West Virginia it's time for a road trip to enjoy the most beautiful parts of the state. Whether you rough it by camping in the gorgeous Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, or you go for something a little posher like a cool Bavarian Inn, we are sure you'll find the perfect romantic weekend getaway or family vacation.
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13. Opossum Creek Snowy Cabin
Location: Lansing, WV
Popularity: Opossum Creek is a popular place to stay year-round, but you'll have a more quiet getaway in the wintertime.
Price: Cabin rentals start at $220 per night with a minimum stay of two nights.
With nine different cabins to choose from Opossum Creek Retreat is a delightful spot for a snowy winter getaway. If you are looking for romantic things to do in West Virginia in winter staying in a cozy cabin with a crackling fire in the fireplace tops the list. Not only is it a lovey-dovey way to spend a weekend but you can turn up the adventures with lots of winter activities from hiking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding to frozen waterfall chasing and rock climbing. The retreat even has pre-planned itineraries if you need some tips on what to do during your stay. Make a reservation at Opossum Creek Snowy Cabin on Hotels.com.
Popularity: As a warm weather destination the hot springs can get pretty busy, however, the Roman Bathhouse is only available as paid private sessions so you can enjoy some alone time in the relaxing hot healing waters.
Price: Some of the outdoor springs are free to use, however, the main Roman Bathhouse is available for private sessions. The cost is $27 per half hour for the first adult with each additional adult being $17 per half hour. Seniors get a small discount on those rates. Children aged 6-12 are $11. Children ages 5 and under are $3.
Berkeley Springs is home to a number of hot and cold natural springs. Wide use of the springs dates back to the 1700s when Lord Fairfax owned the property and was taught about the healing properties of the springs by local Native Americans. A number of historical figures were enamored with the springs including George Washington who first dipped a toe in its soothing warmth when he was 16. He and many other prominent American figures owned land around the springs in the late 1700s. Now there is a full-featured spa on the property run by the WV Division of Natural Resources. Just imagine you can soak your stress away in the same spot that George Washington himself did. There are no accommodations in the park but Cacapon Resort State Park is about ten miles away.
Popularity: This little gem is your private oasis in Southern West Virginia that you'll want to keep as your very own secret.
Price: $229 per night.
Take a trip to Africa right here in West Virginia with this amazing Safari Lodge-style cabin in Monroe County. The Four Fillies Lodge is an 84-acre estate with several themed vacation properties including gypsy wagons, historic mills, and this Kenya Safari Lodge. It is a beautiful two-person cabin with a tropical jungle theme that is sure to spark a little romance on that special weekend you've been looking forward to. Enjoy stunning mountain views while taking a dip in the hot tub looking out into the Jefferson National Forest and Bluestone Wildlife Management Area. Book your winter getaway in West Virginia on Vrbo.
16. The Bavarian Inn
Location: Shepherdstown, WV
Popularity: As you might imagine this darling boutique inn can be quite popular around the holidays. Be sure to plan ahead if you want to book one of these adorable chalets.
Price: Rates start at $160 per night.
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Can you picture a snowy evening all nestled into your cozy room at an authentic Bavarian inn, resort, and brewing company? Enjoy picturesque views of the Potomac River with luxury amenities at the Bavarian Inn - a truly charming inn that resembles an old-world German village. Grab an authentic German-style beer at the brewery or find something special in the private wine cellar to toast away the evening at one of the best places to stay in historic Shepherdstown, WV. Choose one of the darling chalets overlooking the Potomac River, or choose to stay at the Schwartzwald Building that overlooks The Grey Stone Manor.
Now that we have stoked the fire of your imagination, which of these fun things to do in West Virginia in winter do you plan on doing? Share your favorites with a comment.
Some day trips in West Virginia are even better in winter. Which ones, you ask? Try these six adventures you can take in WV that take on even more meaning in the wintertime.
Is winter in West Virginia your favorite time of the year? While it's a favorite season of mine, I always make sure I have enough winter gear to get me through the season, and I suggest you do the same! And if you want to know what's winter like in West Virginia this year, check out the 2024-2025 Farmers' Almanac predictions.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
