Mountain Allure
Discovering The Sudden
In West Virginia
By Ronda M. Parag
Once I acquired an invite to go to West Virginia, I wasn’t fairly positive what to anticipate. As a lifelong Tampa Bay resident, I knew little in regards to the Mountain State, however after 4 days of exploring every little thing from scenic trails to a revitalized capital metropolis, I used to be totally impressed—and already planning a return.
With delicate temperatures and low humidity, late spring and early summer season are ultimate occasions to go to, whereas fall presents a spectacular present of foliage. Getting there’s simple: it’s a few 13-hour drive from Tampa Bay or a fast direct flight into Charleston, West Virginia, on Breeze Airways. The small, three-gate airport makes arrival a breeze—pun meant.
Our journey started at ACE Journey Resort, an ideal escape for {couples}, households, or pals. With choices from tent websites and RV hookups to completely furnished personal cabins, ACE allows you to immerse in nature with out sacrificing consolation. Cabins come outfitted with full kitchens, cozy bedding, personal decks with scorching tubs, and fireplace pits for night s’mores. Onsite eating at The Misplaced Paddle and a wide range of actions—from zip-lining and mountain biking to guided whitewater rafting—make this a hub for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
One of many highlights was rafting the Decrease New River Gorge with ACE’s skilled guides. Latest rain had swelled the river, making the Class III–V rapids all of the extra thrilling. The encompassing 70,000-acre New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect—the most recent within the U.S.—additionally presents mountain climbing, mountaineering, biking, and unbeatable views of the enduring New River Gorge Bridge, a feat of engineering and sweetness.
The primary evening, we headed to Smokey’s On The Gorge for informal bites like wings, sandwiches, and must-try Pimento Hush Puppies, all served with jaw-dropping views. After working up an urge for food on the water, we loved lunch a the Secret Sandwich Society, the place every little thing is made in-house—from the chips to the pickles. Don’t miss the pimento cheese fries or the Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic and feta.
One notably memorable (and barely comical) second got here throughout our hike on the Infinite Wall Path. Midway by means of the two-hour trek, my mountain climbing boots gave out, leaving me scrambling barefoot over rocks and roots. Enormous due to our information, Rodney from Adventures on the Gorge, for fairly actually lending a hand—and getting me to the highest for these unforgettable views.
Evenings in Fayetteville provided a captivating change of tempo. At Rosa’s Speakeasy, tucked contained in the historic 1902 Morris Harvey Home, we sipped expertly crafted cocktails in a room filled with antiques and character. A brief stroll introduced us to Pies & Pints for artistic pizzas and native brews. And for breakfast, Cathedral Café—a repurposed church—provided comforting favorites like their well-liked espresso espresso cake.
In Charleston, the capital metropolis has been present process a renaissance, due to management from Mayor Amy Goodwin and the Charleston CVB. In response to CVB President Tim Brady, the purpose has been to make the town vibrant, walkable, and filled with experiences for locals and guests alike. A must-visit is Capitol Market, a nonprofit hub open seven days per week providing contemporary produce, crops, native wine, and artisan meals—all supporting small companies and native farmers.
Should you’re on the town throughout baseball season, catch a Charleston Soiled Birds recreation for traditional summer season enjoyable. And meals lovers, take notice: Chef Paul Smith, the state’s first James Beard Award winner, dazzles at 1010 Bridge together with his Appalachian-inspired delicacies. His latest enterprise, Pauly’s, is ready to open quickly.
For a dose of historical past, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a can’t-miss expertise. Guided by a retired miner with 46 years of expertise, the tour offers an sincere, eye-opening look into the area’s coal mining legacy.
We capped off our go to with a reside taping of Mountain Stage, a nationally broadcast music present produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed by NPR. The ambiance was electrical as bluegrass legend Dan Tyminski carried out, together with artists like Darrell Scott, I Draw Sluggish, and Jacob Jolliff Brandon. Hosted by nation icon Kathy Mattea, the expertise was the proper option to finish a visit stuffed with pure magnificence, heat hospitality, and surprising appeal. M
