Living in Elkins, West Virginia

Elkins is a small little town nestled in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. The town is inhabited by approximately 8,000 people. The town was originally a big coal mining town, but now the town revolves around Davis and Elkins College, a small, well-respected liberal arts school located in the center of town. D&E accounts for about 1/8th of the town's population. The school just celebrated its 100th anniversary in September of 2004. It has been a major part of what has kept the town alive through the years. Elkins was first incorporated in 1890. The town itself was named for a U.S. senator by the name of Stephen B. Elkins. The town sits in a breathtaking valley at an elevation of 1,930 feet. Its location makes Elkins one of the weirdest weather spots in the United States. It can be perfectly sunny one minute and completely overcast a few minutes later. The temperatures in Elkins are also very strange. It has snowed in Elkins in every month of the year. During the winter, it can snow 2 feet one day, and the next day it will be in the 60s. It is very strange. One thing you can count on is a lot of snow in the winter. The abnormally large amounts of snow they receive make Elkins and its surrounding areas a great place for snow sports. Within 45 minutes of Elkins, there are four major ski resorts. At these resorts, you can snowboard, downhill ski, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or even go snow tubing. There is so much to do.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

This is a beautiful rock formation that is great for climbing! Seneca Rocks is only 35 miles west of Elkins on Route 33. It is a great destination for both climbing and sightseeing.

Davis and Elkins College is where I attend school. It is located in the middle of Elkins. It is a small liberal arts school. D&E is a Division II college. It has about 1,000 students. It was built in 1904, so is a little more than 100 years old. It has a very beautiful campus and is worth your while to visit.

Right in the middle of town, on the lands of Davis and Elkins College, are two of the most beautiful historic mansions. The two mansions, Halliehust and Graceland, were once owned by two wealthy families but have since been sold to the college. Halliehurst now serves as an admission's office and restaurant. Graceland has been turned into a hotel and restaurant.

Here are the sights you will see on your trip into Elkins, West Virginia, when coming from the east on Route 33. No matter what the season it is, these roadways are always beautiful!