Meet every wanderluster’s globe-trotting hero, the Roaming Gnome, right here in WV!

Travelocity’s famous Roaming Gnome is heading across West Virginia!

The Roaming Gnome had so much fun eating and drinking his way through West Virginia in 2016, he’s coming back for more. Join him this month as he tours cultural landmarks, resorts and restaurants!

We got the inside scoop on his schedule— but remember, he’s a wanderer, so he takes his time and follows the adventure. He’s just exploring as he goes, without a strict timeline.

Snap a photo!

Travel is all about stories, adventure and plenty of pictures. If you stumble across the Roaming Gnome, snap a shot and share it on Instagram. Tag us with #GoToWV so we can share it, too!

We bet he’ll have some funny captions for you. The Gnome is HILARIOUS.

Here’s where to find him:

Jan. 9 – Charleston

Journey to our capital city Jan. 9 to meet the Gnome and his Travelocity team.

Try your luck here:The gilded Capitol dome, West Virginia

  • Mountain Stage: This longstanding weekly performance and radio show features new musicians and some of mountain music’s legends. (Hear it on NPR!)
  • Capitol Market: This 100-year-old railyard is now a showcase of some of Charleston’s favorite boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
  • Capitol Rotunda: Meet the Gnome below the gilded dome in Charleston. You couldn’t ask for a better photo opp!

Jan. 10 – Southern West Virginia

The Roaming Gnome will be hitting the slopes (and getting some R&R, too!)

Catch up with him at:The gnome rides a raft on the New River, West Virginia

  • Winterplace: Southern West Virginia’s top ski resort boasts acres of slopes and the biggest snowtubing park in the state.
  • Tamarack: The “Best of WV” art center is a gold mine for any gnome: quality artisan works, fine Appalachian cuisine and artist demos. Maybe he’ll never want to leave!
  • Outside-In Climbing Gym: The Gnome can have a climbing adventure even in winter, thanks to this indoor climbing wall, highline and year-round guidance from the pros.
  • The Resort at Glade Springs: The Gnome can’t wait to get a massage at Spa Orange. After all, he’s been on his feet all day!
  • Weathered Ground Brewery: West Virginia’s newest pub will tempt the Gnome with a glass of hoppy IPA.

Jan. 11 – Potomac Highlands

In this corner of the state, West Virginia is especially wild and untamed. Let’s see if the Gnome falls in love with the breathtaking scenery, too!

Here’s where you might find him:

  • Cranberry Glades: Carnivorous plants, orchids and critters like bald eagles and hawks call this unique bog ecosystem home.  
  • Restaurant at Elk River Inn: Feast on Asian fusion dishes and Appalachian specialties.
  • Snowshoe: It’s easy to spend an entire day in this mountaintop village, but the Gnome is most excited for a snowmobile tour, the terrain park and swim at Split Rock Pools.

Jan. 12 – Tucker County

The Roaming The gnome stands in front of Blackwater Falls, WVGnome’s also heading for cross-country ski territory. See if you can keep up with him at one of these resorts or parks:

  • Canaan Valley Resort State Park: Snowshoe or ski either on the slopes or through miles of hushed woods, then take it easy in the modern mountain lodge.
  • Timberline Four Seasons Resort: This high-altitude resort tops out at 4,268 feet, so expect plenty of snow and hours of skiing and play at the terrain parks.  
  • Blackwater Falls State Park: This dramatic amber-tinted waterfall is a showstopper, and sometimes it even freezes solid! The deep canyon and pine-covered terrain are gorgeous, too.
  • White Grass: This undiscovered gem has some of the best cross-country on the East Coast. It also has a shop, tours, lessons and a cafe with all-natural fresh fare.

Jan. 13 –  Eastern Panhandle

For his last day in West Virginia, the Gnome will load his itinerary with fine dining and cultural highlights.

Check out these stops:

  • The Press Room: From the early 1900s to the 1970s, this brick building used to be a printing press for a local newspaper. Now it serves up creative modern cuisine!
  • Guesthouse Lost River: This award-winning B&B has bright, attractive rooms and guesthouse suites. Join the Gnome for some country fare or a cocktail at the bar!
  • Shepherdstown Historic District: This charming haven is West Virginia’s oldest city— and one of the most haunted, too.
  • Lost River Brewing Company: Enjoy a beer on tap, an artsy cocktail and quality pub fare, from seafood appetizers to burgers and hearty entrees.
  • Little House: There’s a gabled home at Shepherd University that’s normal in every way— except that it’s 10 feet tall. That fits the Gnome just fine!

Find the Gnome in real time with our Gnome Tracker: 

Find the Gnome >

This post was last updated on March 16, 2022