After your heart has been broken by the empty promises of a groundhog and the winter snow seems ceaseless, one may begin to experience a sensation commonly known as, “Cabin Fever.” Symptoms of Cabin Fever may include mood swings, restlessness, and excessive ingestion of carbs. But how can we combat this ever present threat? Simple, get out of the house and do something. You may be hesitant about getting active for fear of frostbite, but that is not a problem at Outside-In Climbing Gym.

Owned and operated by Kevin Traube, Outside-In Climbing Gym is an indoor rock climbing facility in Beckley. West Virginia is world-renowned for its rock climbing…

Owned and operated by Kevin Traube, Outside-In Climbing Gym is an indoor rock climbing facility in Beckley. West Virginia is world-renowned for its rock climbing and this gym is less than an hour drive from one of the nation’s most popular challenging climbing areas at New River Gorge. There are more than 1,600 climbs in the New. Another climbing destination unparalleled in the east is in the Monongahela National Forest.

Climbers from all over the world visit the Tuscarora rocks, which rise 900 feet above the North Fork River. Inside the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Seneca Rocks boasts more than 375 routes, from the easiest (5.0) to the most difficult (5.12); and the Champe Rocks, which is another well-known rock climbing area. During these chillier months, Outside-In Climbing Gym is an excellent option since it’s year-round rock climbing on 35 foot tall walls with top rope, lead, and bouldering. It’s also suitable for all ages and climbing abilities from beginner to expert.

It doesn’t matter whether you can regularly land an explosive dyno or if you’ve never been more than 3 feet off the ground, the Outside-In Climbing Gym offers a fun and healthy environment to enjoy working on your technique, learning the basics of climbing and bouldering, or to hang out with friends – at 35 feet off the ground!

“If you’re a climber, we’ve got a great place for you to come and train…”

Kevin says that, “If you’re a climber, we’ve got a great place for you to come and train. And if you’ve never climbed, never been more than 3 feet off the ground, this is a great place for you to experience it and understand why climbers love their sport so much.” Depending on your climbing experience, color-coded paths are provided such as purple and green for advanced climbers and any color for beginners.

All climbing equipment is provided and Kevin encourages newcomers to wear stretchable, comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Hours of operation are open daily from 3-9pm, Saturday from 11-9pm, and Sunday from 1-6pm. Prices range from $8.95 for half an hour to $14.95 for an all-day pass; group rates apply. With an all-day pass you are free to come and go as you please; which means you are free to grab an iced latte and a pastry from The Chocolate Moose.

“The rock climbing was awesome! The staff is super nice! When I go back I will definitely have one of those yummy coffees too! Great place!” – Jayci Elizabeth Cozart

The Chocolate Moose is a small coffee house, brewery and ice cream parlor…

The Chocolate Moose is a small coffee house, brewery and ice cream parlor as well as a sister company to the rock climbing gym. They are located at the same address along with Mountain State Mini Golf. The summer golf course is not only charming place to spend an afternoon but is also historically sound, with statues of notable figures such as John Henry and plaques explaining their significance. If you peer into the surrounding trees, you may see the glowing eyes of the infamous Mothman. You can even putt through the West Virginia turnpike. A golfing pass is $6.95 for adults and $4.95 for kids; group rates apply.

“Mountain State Mini Golf is the best mini golf course I’ve ever visited! The owner specially designed this course to reflect WV landmarks and is truly a great course!” – Aime Bishop

For more information on Outside-In Climbing Gym, The Chocolate Moose, or Mountain State Mini Golf, follow them on Facebook, go to chocolatemoosewv.com, or call 304-253-7242. They are located at 1818 Harper Road in Beckley, West Virginia.

– Bailey Pace. LBSPY March 2016. Photos by Miranda Woody.