The Elkins Depot Dispatch (December 2020)

December 2020, Issue No. 3

THE ELKINS DEPOT DISPATCH

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE ELKINS DEPOT WELCOME CENTER

(304) 635-7803 | elkinsdepot.com | elkinsrandolphwv.com

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you the best this holiday season and the coming year! 

Winter is upon us at the Depot and our volunteers will be waiting at the welcome window to point you and your fellow travelers to warm lodging and winter activities, including various nearby skiing destinations.

The Elkins Town Square light display is officially lighted and will remain lit throughout December. Take time to drive or walk through the loop and see the various lights. It’s the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. Also, the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber is hosting a Christmas lights contest called “Roamin’ Randolph: Christmas Edition”. From December 4th through the 18th, the contest will take place throughout Randolph County. A map will be posted of the businesses and residents participating. You can find the map at the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce website.

Winter Activities in Randolph County

Cross-country and snowshoe trails abound in Randolph County. The Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail is always a good choice or if you’re looking for something a little more rugged try Cheat Mountain. For more places to get outside in the snow click here. If you prefer the slopes, there are 6 ski areas within 50 miles of Elkins. Warm up with coffee or homemade soup at a local coffeeshop or stop in an art gallery or one of the many specialty shops of Randolph County.

History of the Depot Lights Display

The lights display got its start with a local business owner. The original idea behind it was to attract people downtown with the hope that they would then also shop at the downtown businesses. After getting the word out, other downtown business owners and local organizations wanted to help. The collection of lights grew as more community members made donations. The loop behind the Depot has been decorated with Christmas lights for a little over ten years now.

The Welcome Center now coordinates the set-up of the lights but we couldn’t do it without the help of community members volunteering their time. This year we want to give a big thank you to the Elkins High School men’s basketball team, the local Rotary chapter and everyone else who helped us get the lights up!

If it is not already, make it a new tradition to drive through the display each year to enjoy the lights! Also check out the blog below to read more about regional Christmas traditions.