Welcome to our wedding info page, where we hope you’ll find everything you need to navigate our wedding weekend in Thomas, WV! We love you and we’re glad you’re here…
SCHEDULE:
Saturday, 8/30
11 AM – River Swim & Picnic – Meet at 248 Spruce St., Thomas, WV (“Yellow House” on map), to caravan to location (“Pink Tree” to locals). Pizza and drinks will be provided. Bring your own swim gear, etc., and wear sturdy shoes/sandals. If you miss the caravan, you can find us by going to Shop & Save in Davis (371 William Ave., Davis, WV), then cross the bridge behind and to the left of the grocery store and drive on gravel road for 1.5 miles. Look for a bunch of parked cars on the right and follow the path to the river.
*Please note* this involves a short but steep hike on uneven terrain so if you have mobility issues we suggest you consider opting out of this activity. As an alternative, come to a pizza picnic at Pendleton Point Picnic Shelter in Blackwater Falls State Park. Contact Susan Moore for details: 304-575-4500.
RAIN PLAN: Meet at Pendleton Point Picnic Shelter in Blackwater Falls State Park for pizza, drinks, and a chill hang! This shelter will be reserved all day, regardless of weather, so feel free to congregate there any time for a campfire and a beautiful view of Blackwater Canyon.
3 PM Artist Talk with John Ryan Brubaker – Gradient Project Space, 218 State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV. Come hear from the brilliant creator of “Irrational Landscapes,” the art exhibition that will be on display during our wedding ceremony.
5 PM – 7 PM Rehearsal Dinner – 248 Spruce St., Thomas, WV (“Yellow House” on map)
After the rehearsal dinner if you want to keep chuggin’, there’s an Art Walk on Front Street in Thomas that does until 8pm/9pm:
Sunday, 8/31
4 PM – Wedding Ceremony – Gradient Project Space, 218 State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV
5 PM – Dinner – Rudolph’s (1/2 block from ceremony, see map below)
7:30/8 PM – 10 PM – Dancing & Open Bar – Gradient Project Space, 218 State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV. Transitioning to cash bar in later hours.
MAP OF EVENT LOCATIONS IN THOMAS:
WHERE AM I?: You’re in Tucker County, WV, the crowning jewel of the Mountain State! The towns of Thomas and Davis, about 3 miles apart, are the anchors of mountain life, where you’ll find restaurants, a grocery store, and lots of incredible art galleries. Thomas in particular is famous for being a home to a number of world-class artists — many of whom you will also meet at the wedding! Surrounding both towns in all directions are huge swaths of public land where you can hike, swim, bike, and kayak to your heart’s content. Eight miles south of Davis is Canaan Valley, a beautiful high-altitude valley, much of which has been preserved as a wildlife refuge and wilderness area.
DRESS: Literally wear whatever you want! We want you to feel comfortable and happy, whether that be in flip flops or golden stilettos. Keep in mind it will be chilly at night!
GIFTS / HONEYMOON FUNDRAISER: The best gift is your presence, and we have all the housewares we need! But if you want to give us something beyond your attendance at our big day, please consider contributing to our honeymoon fundraiser: https://www.honeyfund.com/CatherineJulio
LODGING: This is a holiday weekend and we suggest booking your lodging early. We highly recommend booking an AirBnB in Thomas, which will be in walking distance to all wedding events. Otherwise, try Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge/Cabins, or the Billy Motel in Davis, WV. A little further afield (about 15 min drive) is Canaan Valley State Park Lodge/Cabins.
WEATHER: It can really vary in late August in the mountains. Days will probably be warm, or even hot, and nights will be cool. Bring a sweater or jacket!
CELL SERVICE: Can be spotty, depending on your carrier. Don’t be surprised if you have one or no bars. Above you’ll find a basic map of the important wedding spots.
GROCERY STORE / PHARMACY: Shop & Save in Davis is the only grocery spot on the mountain. Next door is a Dollar General store. The St. George Clinic Pharmacy in Canaan Valley has limited hours on Saturdays. Otherwise, there are several pharmacies in Oakland, MD, about a 25 minute drive.
CHILDCARE: Kids are welcome at all wedding events and we will provide plenty of kids’ activities during the wedding dinner. If you are interested in hiring a babysitter, get in touch with Catherine (rainbowjeremy@gmail.com / 304-663-2202).
HOLIDAY WEEKEND: Our towns get pretty busy on holiday weekends like Labor Day Weekend. With only a few restaurant options, it’s best to get to places early to ensure that you can be served in a reasonable time frame. Be kind and tip generously 🙂
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Coffee: Tip Top (also has pastries, snacks, breakfast sandwiches; Thomas)
- Breakfast: Milo’s at the Bright Morning Inn (Davis); Happy & More Bakery & Cafe (Thomas); The Smokehouse at Blackwater Falls State Park (Davis); Hickory Dining Room at Canaan Valley State Park (Canaan Valley)
- Lunch: Mountain State Brewing (Thin crust pizza and salads; Thomas); Tie One On Taphouse (sandwiches, etc.; Thomas); The Purple Fiddle (sandwiches, etc.; Thomas); Sirianni’s Pizza (Davis); Big Belly Deli (deli sandwiches; Davis); Mama Mia Pie & Pasta (pizza & pasta; Canaan Valley)
- Dinner: Ish Kitchen at the Billy Motel (Our favorite! international food; Davis); Elender’s (international food; Thomas – may be closing permanently, check before you go); Milo’s at the Bright Morning Inn (Davis)
- Drinks: Billy Motel bar and lounge (Davis); Big Timber Brewing (Davis); Mountain State Brewing (Thomas); Stumptown Ales (Davis)
HIKES & OTHER AMUSEMENTS:
- Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail, famous for a reason! 200 steps down to an observation deck, where you can line up and get your requisite selfie in front of the falls
- Lindy Point at Blackwater Falls State Park offers an incredible view of Blackwater Canyon, though it can get crowded on holidays; park near the sledding area and walk one mile out the paved road, then you’ll see the trailhead on your right
- Beall Trails at Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge is our favorite place to take in the beauty of Canaan Valley, and it’s usually pretty empty; directions and trail notes here
- The trails at Camp 70 Road, right on the edge of Davis, comprises dozens of beautiful walking and biking paths, usually pretty quiet and empty of tourists; we think Yellow Creek Trail is a particular gem
- Dolly Sods Wilderness, accessed via Canaan Valley, is stunning, but be aware that it can get extremely congested during holiday weekends
- Thomas City Park Trails is a gorgeous gem right in town, free of tourists; just walk across the bridge over the Blackwater River and you’re there
- Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail – Either walk from Thomas or drive out and park at Douglas Falls, then follow the rail trail through Blackwater Canyon; great bike trail
- Art galleries on Front Street (Route 32) in Thomas
- Live music at the Purple Fiddle in Thomas
- Kid Friendly: The Adventure Guild Game Shop (Thomas); Toothache Arcade (Davis); Almost Heaven Mini Golf (Canaan Valley); Arcade at Big Johns (Canaan Valley)