Dale Ann Leatherman

Roatán was one of those best-kept secrets known only to scuba divers and snorkelers when I first visited it in the 1990s. A skinny little island off the north coast of Honduras, it sits on the world’s second-largest coral reef and is also home to white sand beaches, clear waters and friendly people. And it has a golf course! Not a simple, forgettable track to knock around on when you’ve had enough time underwater but a gem that would be a hit almost any place in the world.

There are countless ways to enjoy the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding natural areas that cover West Virginia, from hiking and biking to rafting and ATVing. However, breaking a sweat is not always necessary to experience the spectacular foliage and mountain views. Take a seat on one of the Mountain State’s scenic train rides and prepare to be entertained by the train staff's commentary, surprise appearances by wildlife, and panoramas of distant valleys and peaks.

As the country’s third most forested state, West Virginia has lots of trees—12 million acres of them cover its hills and deep river valleys in a green blanket that bursts into color every fall. The ground-level views are great: Who doesn’t like shady trails leading to rocky overlooks or secluded waterfalls? But sometimes you really can’t see the forest for the trees. There’s a fix for that: repurposed fire towers with impressive bird’s-eye views.

All cruise companies offer an almost irresistible promise: Unpack once and visit multiple destinations, waking every morning in a different place. Many cruises give a nod to golf, featuring putting greens, simulators and golf outings. But only on a dedicated golf cruise can you get an itinerary where playing notable courses is the raison d’être, and you don’t have to touch your golf bag until the practice range or first tee.

There are many ways to camp, ranging from a luxury recreation vehicle (RV) to a simple tent … or something in between. During Covid, many people escaped the confines of their homes and offices and discovered being outdoors and enjoying nature lifted their spirits and provided quality time with loved ones. Post-covid, Americans are still embracing camping in all its forms. Here are a few special places to experience with your family.

There’s the kind of walking you do because you know it’s good for you: think treadmills and mall marching. And then there are walks you’ll remember and yearn to repeat, like those waiting in the heights and hollows of West Virginia. (If a zipcode is needed for access, use 25430)

IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — actually, in all of the Caribbean — not many golf courses can challenge the legendary Teeth of the Dog course for “top dog” status. Most golfers agree only one comes close: Punta Espada. This oceanfront Nicklaus gem is located at Cap Cana, a 30,000-acre luxury resort/residential community about 10 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.

Lake Tahoe is one of the biggest, deepest, clearest, coldest freshwater lakes in the country, but those facts are forgotten when you first lay eyes on it: breathtakingly beautiful cobalt blue with reflections of snow-capped High Sierra Mountains rippling on its surface. The water is so clear you can see 70 feet down (a dizzying experience), but it nonetheless may prove hard to spot the ball you shank off the 17th tee of Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
More on that later. . . .

Shortly after graduating from college, I went rogue. Instead of accepting a “normal” job, I turned to the horse business. I had grown up in a “non-horsey” family, resolutely collecting horse figurines, reading equestrian books and asking for a pony. The pony never came. My parents hoped I would out-grow the notion. I didn’t.

Kiawah Island offers golfers the opportunity to play five championship courses, each one a unique design from five of the world’s leading architects . . . . Among them is Pete Dye’s internationally renowned masterpiece, The Ocean Course, which features the most seaside holes in North America.

Horse is historical fiction at its best, by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks.

The author takes a unique approach to the story of Lexington, the great American racehorse and top sire of the 19th century. A lifelong horsewoman, she conveys the bond that can develop between horses and people without being overly sentimental. Readers see the horse through the eyes of a fictional groom, an enslaved boy named Jarret, as well as modern-day characters.

Horses, land and family (not necessarily in that order) are valued more than wealth or position in this exclusive Virginia community.

In a good snow year, ski season in the Mountain State can stretch from Thanksgiving to Easter—depending, of course, on Mother Nature. The next three months or so offer an opportunity to experience winter at its best—and you don’t have to be a downhill skier. (If a zip code is requested, use 25430)

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Winter brings with it shorter days. Less natural light. Colder temperatures. Trees reaching toward the sky with barren limbs. The “winter blues” aren’t far behind—unless you head toward one of the West Virginia resorts specializing in seasonal fun for the entire family.

Think about vistas of in-your-face snowy mountains. Lodges and cabins that make “cozy” seem inadequate. Bonfires that lead to sticky chocolate s’mores grins on every face. And air so crisp and clean you’ll savor ...

Tradition is important to West Virginians. Many holiday celebrations in the Mountain State have deep roots in host communities and have been annual events for decades. Festivals bring locals and visitors together in common pursuits—seasonal music, food, decorations, and entertainment—with activities that lighten the hearts of adults and make children’s eyes shine in wonder. Here are 7 places where you can join West Virginians in joyous celebrations of the season.