Hailed as Almost Heaven, West Virginia is a state that, by and large, does not get the respect and adoration it deserves. True to its nickname, West Virginia is a mountainous state that's home to some of the very best outdoor recreation in the country. (For proof of this, simply visit New River Gorge or Harpers Ferry). Of course, the Mountain State is more than a few world-class destinations; this is a place full of friendly people and rich history, and it truly is the sum of its parts.
A state full of longstanding local businesses and proud and passionate proprietors, there are so many wonderful places we could have picked to represent West Virginia in our 2023 Small Business Spotlight, but none quite like Coolfont Resort. The story of this West Virginia resort begins in 1965 and is one that, without one very passionate proprietor committed to continuing its legacy, could have had a very different ending...
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
Snuggled in the majestic mountains of West Virginia, Berkeley Springs has attracted visitors from around the world to its natural warm springs and unique, artistic culture.
It's a warm and welcoming place full of warm and welcoming people, and nowhere is this sensibility more true than Coolfont Resort.
Nestled in a scenic hidden valley of forested acres between Cacapon Mountain and Warm Springs Ridge in Morgan County, West Virginia, Coolfont Resort is truly a slice of Heaven on Earth.
The resort originally opened in 1965 as a retreat center. Over the next four decades, Coolfont Resort was celebrated as the go-to place where countless families, groups, companies, non-profits, and government agencies vacationed and held special events.
Yet despite its reputation and stronghold in the community, Coolfont Resort's story almost came to an abrupt end in 2006, when it was sold to the Freeman Corporation and ultimately closed to the public.
For a decade, the resort sat dormant, waiting for someone to come and revive this once-celebrated place. Waiting, as it were, for Mr. Larry Omps.
"When the Freeman Corporation put Coolfont up for auction in 2016, my family and I purchased the property," Omps says. This passionate proprietor had a vision, and step by step, brought the vision to life.
"I was truly inspired to see the rebirth of Coolfont because I enjoy finding a need and fulfilling the same," he says. "I saw an opportunity with Coolfont that I believed would benefit and provide employment to Morgan County and the surrounding communities."
For the next several years, Coolfont became a "beehive of activity" as, one by one, each of the buildings on the property was renovated and restored, explains Omps. "Coolfont reopened its doors to lodging guests over Labor Day weekend 2019, with the Treetop Restaurant [pictured] being reopened in October 2019."
Today, the Treetop Restaurant is a celebrated West Virginia institution known for its chef-made meals and swoon-worthy views. The restaurant is open to resort guests and non-guests, and truly is one of those standout places that belongs on every West Virginian's bucket list.
In terms of accommodations, Coolfont has wonderful lodge rooms, cozy cabins, and a charming cottage -- and it was important to Omps to maintain the simple beauty and integrity of these rustic accommodations. "We purposely opted to not modernize and over-update the original bones of Coolfont," he says.
"These days, guests enjoy the rustic modern motif of the lodge," says Omps, who adds that overnight guests appreciate the well-appointed lodge rooms that overlook scenic Lake Siri -- and the beautiful, spacious suites in the secluded Woodland
House. In fact, Omps says that many guests have so enjoyed the all-inclusive experience of Coolfont Resort, that, within the first year back in business, "they have made Coolfont their go-to destination; returning regularly."
Of course, it's not hard to see why folks would naturally gravitate toward this resort. Well-appointed yet unpretentious, luxurious yet accessible, Coolfont really does offer guests the total package. And those views? Swoon!
Going forward, Omps has big plans for Coolfont; its story continues to unfold. In addition to the restoration of Coolfont's current facilities, he says he has great plans to add new features to the resort.
All of these projects of course contribute to the local economy, but that's not the only reason Omps loves his job. He explains that being a proprietor provides great satisfaction "in seeing guests enjoy time spent, and memories made, at Coolfont."
Because at the end of the day, Coolfont is a beloved resort located within the heart of "America's First Resort" -- Berkley Springs. It's an inextricable part of its community; a place firmly rooted in its beautiful little corner of the country.
"For me, the best part about being a business owner is the satisfaction of seeing things come together," says Omps. He adds that he's "proud to offer a rustic setting and respect and appreciate nature and all its beauty [...] Coolfont is one of the only original collective community retreat centers still in existence in the country – that is remarkable!"
Coolfont Resort is remarkable, but then again, so is Mr. Omps and his passionate team working away in wild and wonderful West Virginia.
Many thanks to Mr. Larry Omps for sharing the story of this beloved destination in the Mountain State. Learn more about Coolfont Resort at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. You can also book your stay at Coolfont Resort here.
Of course, Coolfont Resort is just one of the many wonderful small businesses in West Virginia; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In West Virginia article. And be sure to follow Only In West Virginia on Facebook and Instagram to learn about this region of the Mountain State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.
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