Ice Mountain Preserve

Heading east from Romney, after about a 30-minute ride, you’ll find yourself in a sleepy little hollow known as North River Mills. It’s here, that you’ll find the mysterious Ice Mountain.  Two very hikeable paths here will take you to the Ice “vents” or to the top of the peak, called Raven’s Rocks.

Both require a hike halfway up the mountain, then you can choose to continue up to Raven’s Rocks or go down to the ice vents. The path is not handicap accessible and hikers should be of average to better condition physically.

At the bottom of the hill you’ll discover multiple openings in the side of the mountain, formed when boulders collapsed, trapping vast amounts of chilly air inside and which flow out, forming a constant air-conditioning effect, often 15° or more below the ambient temperature. You’ll also discover boreal plants that typically only grow in upper Canada or Alaska, but are quite happy in the immediate vicinity of the ice vents.

If you’d like to go, be sure to schedule a tour as the area traverses private property and you can only go with a docent. Trained volunteers are available and can be scheduled at this link.

Capon Bridge    

Heading east and then south, we came upon the small town of Capon Bridge and The River House along the shores of the Cacapon River. Open Thursday through Sunday each week, this nonprofit venture is both a venue for local artists as well as a laid-back restaurant featuring home-made dishes, pastries and coffee.

At various times, you’re liable to find artists singing, doing readings or presenting art classes. Many events are free, like monthly sing-alongs, open mic nights and storytelling.  Community groups meet weekly for drawing, photography and knitting clubs. Lining the walls, you’ll discover some of the most interesting pieces of local art available for sale. Their motto, “sit and stay awhile” is very appropriate, as everyone is welcome and conversation comes easily.  With rare Wi-Fi in these hills, some people just stop by for a coffee and their daily dose of

Lining the walls, you’ll discover some of the most interesting pieces of local art available for sale. Their motto, “sit and stay awhile” is very appropriate, as everyone is welcome and conversation comes easily.  With rare Wi-Fi in these hills, some people just stop by for a coffee and their daily dose of Internet.

One more page … read about the most unique resort we’ve experienced this year.

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The resort, or maybe the camp, or possibly the B&B also known as Capon Springs and Farms.