8/15/2008
Hawks Nest and Blackwater Falls state park lodges will offer only non-smoking rooms in early 2009. Chief Logan Lodge, between Logan and Chapmanville, opened as a smoke-free facility in 2006, unaware it was a leader in this nationwide trend. Tygart Lake State Park Lodge debuted as a smoke-free accommodation in 2008.
“A few years back we recognized that Hawks Nest would have lodge rooms available for rent on days we would normally be at full occupancy. It wasn’t that people weren’t calling and wanting to stay. The problem was that we didn’t have non-smoking rooms. The rooms remaining weren’t smoke-free,” says Tom Shriver, Superintendent at Hawks Nest. “Times have changed and our customers ask that we change also.”
State parks in West Virginia join lodging properties like Westin hotels in the U.S., Canada and Caribbean, Marriott properties, and others in changing to or opening smoke free facilities.
Hawks Nest Lodge is a 31-room hotel and restaurant, perched on the rim of an overview of the New River Gorge. The lodge opened in 1970 and is one of the state’s most noted vacation and honeymoon destinations.
“We believe our service, customer satisfaction, and hospitality exceeds expectations,” Shriver says. “When guests arrive at Hawks Nest it’s like coming home.” The state park guests also express opinions about amenities and accommodations on in-room comment cards. In addition to smoke free rooms, guests have encouraged inclusion of Wi-Fi access in the lodge, adding coffee in the lobby, and upgrading room amenities as additional services the lodge now provides. Hawks Nest comments also reflect an appreciation for how quiet the park is or the beautiful scenery found at the park and in West Virginia. “Offering a non-smoking facility reflects the change in public concern and we can take credit for responding. Hawks Nest is an affordable option in today’s travel consideration.”
Hawks Nest is recognized for scenic views, Civilian Conservation Corps structures, walkways and the historic roadside overlooks. The addition of smoke-free environment comes on the heels of Wi-Fi in the park’s lodge lobby and meeting room and the installation of an elevator for accessibility. A park that is known for affordable accommodations and hometown hospitality, Hawks Nest continues to blend park traditions with new trends and requirements.
Hawks Nest State Park is located in Ansted, W.Va., on Route 60, known as the Midland Trail. In addition to the lodge, restaurant and familiar overlook, the park has an extensive dinner theater format from early winter into late spring, along with special activities and workshops. The aerial tram provides hikers quick access to the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, and the opportunity to enjoy a cool breeze on a Jet Boat excursion or a visit the Nature Center as a summer bonus. Hawks Nest is a vacation and family favorite.
Upcoming events at Hawks Nest include artisan workshops and demonstrations in August including Broom Making Class/Workshop, August 23 and 24; and Drop Spindle Spinning Class/Workshop, August 30. Workshops are limited and require registration for classes. There is a minimal materials charge. Other events and activities are offered at no cost. Information is posted on www.hawksnestsp.com under Events.
For information about Hawks Nest State Park and other West Virginia State Parks, visit www.wvstateparks.com Web site, or call 800-CALL-WVA.
Contact Information
Blair Taylor
304-558-2764