Cozy specialties and hot deals are now in season! Summer may be months away, but those vacation vibes are much closer than you think. Head to the Gorge and warm your spirits with uplifting cuisine, seasonal discounts and outdoor recreation!

Spice up your life

When darkness falls and temperatures plummet, there’s only one thing you can do— raise your thermostat with fiery vittles!

The kitchens of Louisiana are coming to Adventures on the Gorge. For 1 night only, feast on spicy seafood dishes, pot roast with Cajun gravy, southern potato salad and more at the Creole Revels Dinner.

Gumbo’s Cajun Restaurant is just the thing for a frosty night, too. Warm up with a steamy bowl of jambalaya or grilled andouille sausage with peppers. The menu also has southern favorites like fried green tomatoes. Regardless of what you pick, those chills will be long gone by the time dinner arrives.

Fresh from the oven

A bakery is especially cozy in winter. Now that we’re in the thick of February, timing couldn’t be better for these newcomers, either!

Sugar and Spice Bakery in Oak Hill may be small, but its glass counter holds everything from homemade bread to cheesecake. Settle into a sofa, sip on a hot tea or coffee and splurge on a donut, cookie or muffin. You’ll feel snug in minutes.

Fayetteville’s newest bakery, Sweet T’s Bake Shop, overflows with daily specials. Thaw out with a warm cinnamon roll— there’s nothing like it on a brisk day. You’ll also be tempted by cupcakes, pastries and pies. Sweet T’s even explores the savory route. Pop in for homemade soup, sandwiches or West Virginia’s state food: the pepperoni roll.

Low season savings

Cabin rentals are as affordable as they’ll get for 2017, and log homes have never looked more appealing. Wrap yourself in a blanket, read by the fire and watch as snow drifts past the windows— it’s a cozy experience that only comes in winter.

Some New River Gorge cabins are 50 percent cheaper than their high-season rates, while others save you upwards of $100 per night.

Winter games

Stay active, and you’ll barely feel chilly— especially if you’ve having a blast, too. Soar high above snow-clad conifers on zip lines at Adventures on the Gorge or challenge your friends to some bowling at Pinheads Fun Center.

If you crave some snow time, there’s nothing like Winterplace. This ski resort boasts 27 slopes, more than 90 acres of skiable terrain and the largest snowtubing park in West Virginia. It even has 2 terrain parks, so bring (or rent) your snowboard equipment!

How are you going to spend winter in the Gorge?