Archive for the ‘Things to Do’ Category

Where Can I See Coke Ovens in West Virginia?

Monday, February 6th, 2012

A normal WV winter (cold, snowy) has been conspicuously absent  so far this season.  That means you have even more time to explore in the New River Gorge.

Row of Coke Ovens at Nuttallburg

Unlike summer hiking, when lush vegetation obscures a lot of the history and character of the area, winter hiking exposes a world that is secretly hidden most of the year. Old stone retaining walls, building foundations, chimneys, and coke ovens, relics from southern West Virginia’s industrial past, all still exist in the Gorge.  Winter is the best time to see them.

We are going to let you in on a few of the better spots to check out the coke ovens that are still standing in the gorge area. Maybe the next mild winter day you have you can go see a piece of this areas coal mining history.

Coke Ovens
Coal used in the steel making process is in the form of coke. Coke is coal with all of its impurities removed; this process requires baking the coal in an airless furnace or oven. The resulting product is mostly pure carbon and burns very hot and is virtually smokeless.

 

Much of the coal mined in the Gorge was of the quality to produce coke.  Since the impurities comprise much of the weight of the product, it was cheaper to bake them out before shipping the coal to steel foundries. This means there were hundreds of coke ovens in the Gorge at one point.

Still Standing

There are a of couple areas in the Gorge where you can see coke ovens:

* Nuttallburg- This is one of the easiest sets to get to (although road is narrow and windy – the hike to see the ovens is easy to moderate).  From Winona, drive down County Route 85/2 until it ends.   A short hike from the end of the road downstream into the town of Nuttallburg will lead you to the coke ovens and many other structures that are part of the National Park Service restoration of the old town.

* Kaymoor- These ovens are located at the bottom of the old shuttle car tracks that have been converted into stairs. This hike is steep and fairly difficult; there are 821 steps to get to the bottom. The parking area is off County Route 9 on county route 9/2. The trail leads from the parking area down to the old mine portals, which is where the stairs begin. The ovens are just upstream from the bottom of the stairs.

* Red Ash and Rush Run- The ovens that were located in these two towns are situated along the Southside Trail going from Thurmond to Cunard.  You can access this trail at either Thurmond or Cunard; it’s great for both hiking and biking. The trail is 7 miles one way, so plan accordingly.  The coke ovens are located very close to the trail but you have to watch for them or you may stroll right by. Thurmond is on County Route 25 out of Glen Jean and Cunard can be accessed by taking County Route 9 out of Fayetteville and following the signs to Cunard.

These are just a few of the ovens that are still standing in the Gorge. Along with the ovens, these areas also have many other visible structures from coal mining of the past. If you plan on taking one of these trips before the leaves start budding, take your time and see what other pieces of history you can locate while you explore. Just remember to take your camera as taking anything more than a picture in these areas is against the law.

Secrets to Planning Your Southern WV Vacation

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

February is here.  Do you have the winter blues?  If so, a good pick me up is to start to plan your summer vacation.

And we can help, especially if that vacation is in southern West Virginia.

Summer in WV ( New River )

Planning this far in advance almost ensures that the dates you choose are probably available for lodging, rafting or any other of the activities you can participate in here in the Mountain State.

There are a number of ways to find information about southern West Virginia.  But there’s one thing we are sure of;  your first move should be to talk with us.

Our website contains information about a variety of activities, events and lodging possibilities. If you’re not web savvy, we also have talented people you can reach by phone – 800-847-4898 – to help you find the information you are seeking.

 

Here are other recommendations on how to plan a great vacation here in southern WV.

 

Lodging

There are a few decisions that you need to make first on your own before choosing lodging.  Location, budget, and dates of your stay will be the first things to determine. When you have figured out these few variables, there are many different sources to help you find the ideal place.

There are plenty of hotels, cabins, B&Bs, and campgrounds in the area.  These choices are a bit different in style, location, and amenities. Starting your planning now allows you to really review each option and figure out what will work for your group.

Activities

Southern WV is one of the top areas in the nation for outdoor recreation opportunities. From rafting to rock climbing, ATVs to zip lines , there is enough adventure here to last a lifetime.  Before you pick activities, there are a couple of things you need to do.

* Look at the age and adventure level of your group. Even if it ranges from mild to wild, you can design an agenda that can accommodate both groups.

* Most available activities in this area are listed on our website. Researching them, and even calling and talking to people at the various outfitters, will help you determine what’s going to work for your group.

Just remember one of the most important aspects to ensuring your vacation goes off without a hitch is proper planning. When you take the time to do a bit of research and make your reservations early, chances are good you’ll have planned the perfect vacation.

So get to day-dreaming and figure out how you’re going to enjoy summer in Southern WV!

The Spirits of WV

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

You’ll find plenty of West Virginia ghost stories in these parts, but the latest bunch of spirits around here are of a different kind. These spirits are of the bottled nature and are beginning to tell a tale all their own.

Appalachia is rich with tales of mountain men making their own alcohol. Pictures of mountain men often show a jug somewhere close by. Moonshine, white lightning, mountain dew and hooch are all monikers for homemade alcohol.

Today, WV has quite a few businesses devoted to producing (legal) alcoholic beverages.  Here’s a look at some of the southern West Virginia wineries, breweries, and distilleries you can visit on your next trip to our neck of the woods.

Wine

Kirkwood Winery planted its first grapes in 1984, and not too long after became southern WV’s first winery. Located in Nicholas County, Kirkwood produces a variety of different wines that include flavors like blackberry, apple, plum,

The Vines at Watts Roost Vineyard

rhubarb, and even ginseng. Kirkwood Winery is also the home to the  “Grape Stomping Festival” held annually the third weekend of September.

 

Daniel Vineyards in Raleigh County is a must-see stop on your southern WV Spirits Tour.  This winery was opened in 1990 and has become a great place for not only wine, but for events, parties, and weddings. Stop in at Daniel’s beautiful tasting room, which overlooks the vineyard.  Their wines can be found in many places around southern WV, including nearby Tamarack.

Watts Roost Vineyard, southern WV’s youngest winery established in 1998, grows their grapes and bottles their wine in Greenbrier County.  The vines flourish at the foot of Muddy Creek Mountain near Lewisburg where you will find 9000 plants on 9 acres.  The tasting room at Watts Roost is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1-6pm or by appointment.  Wines are also available at retail outlets in West Virginia.

 

Distilleries

The folks at the Kirkwood Winery decided a few years back that maybe wine wasn’t all they could produce on their little farm in Summersville. They formed the Isaiah Morgan Distillery in 2002 and started producing small batches of rye and corn whiskey for sale at state licensed retailers. Their products harken back to the whiskey that was produced in a different era.

A bit newer to the scene is Smooth Ambler Spirits, located in Greenbrier County. This small batch distillery got its start in 2009 and produces not only white whiskey and bourbon, but vodka and gin as well. Smooth Ambler’s location allows it to take advantage of excellent mountain water. This distillery is helping keep a WV tradition alive and well.

Beer

The newest offering for southern WV imbibers comes in the form of craft brewed beer from Bridge Brew Works, a small Microbrewery between Fayetteville and Oak Hill. In just a little over 2 years, Bridge Brew Works already has a great following and an expanding distribution area. Their signature beers, Long Point Lager and Bridge Brew Ale, are available throughout southern West Virginia.  Bridge Brew Works also creates special and seasonal beers.  In fact, Beer Advocate recently gave glowing reviews to their Dubbel and Tripel beers.

What’s your favorite southern West Virginia spirit?

How to Ski: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

Christmas is here  and that means winter should be getting into full swing soon. That also means that ski season is, or very shortly will be, wide open at the resorts in WV.  There are plenty of different opportunities for taking to the slopes, but if you are a beginner and decide you want to go, there are a few things you may want to know.

Snowboarding at Winterplace

Before You Go

Before you just jump up and head to a local resort, there are a few things you should probably think about.

* Research- Taking a few minutes to do a bit of studying on what different resorts offer and looking for packages, deals or discounts can help you start the process.
* Resort- Different resorts offer more beginner terrain, cheaper rates, and may be located closer you.
* Timing- Certain weekends are busier than others, and if you’re a first timer the last thing you want to do is go when it’s super busy. If you can do a week day trip you might enjoy your first trip more.
* Weather- Paying attention to what the weather can be critical. Knowing how cold or how snowy it’s going to be is important to your preparations.

On The Slopes

The mountain is where the fun really begins. Figuring out the equipment, mapping out the resort, and getting a few tips are all things that you will want to do prior to attempting to go down a slope. Here are the basics:

* Equipment - Make sure your boots and skis feel right, you know how to operate them, and they were properly adjusted for you. Don’t just borrow skis from a friend and take off. Proper settings for your weight and skiing level can save you from severe injury.
* Terrain – Find the slopes that are designed for beginners. At first, you’ll want to stick to green trails.  Going into areas that you aren’t ready for can be dangerous.
* Technique – Learning how to move on skis (which usually isn’t hard due to gravity) and how to stop are the first things you’ll deal with. Everything else will come as you get comfortable.
* Determination – Some people are natural skiers and some people need more time to catch on. Don’t give up; it will get easier.

There are some techniques like the wedge or “snowplow” that you’ll want to learn; a ski lesson is the ideal way to get started. Some resorts even have beginner specials that include tickets, rentals and lessons for a very discounted price.

No matter where you go and how you decide to do it, just remember to have fun, be careful and don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. Skiing is a great way to enjoy winter and West Virginia is just the place to get outside.

Winter Theater Performances in Southern West Virginia

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Winter Theater Performances

When the weather turns chilly in southern WV, sometimes staying indoors becomes the best option. Sure, you could cozy up the fireplace, but there are still plenty of fun and entertaining indoor pursuits.

Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, WV

And here’s one of them:  southern WV theaters and the great entertainment they offer is one of the best ways to enjoy a cold winter’s eve.
Here are some of the different performances that will be taking place in southern WV this winter.

Historic Fayette Theatre

This theater, located in Fayetteville, offers a great mix of musical shows and performing arts throughout the year. Scheduled so far this winter is a New Year’s Eve show from the Wild Rumpus, a local Bluegrass band.  In March, you can see a musical show called The Wild, Wild, Wildest West. Both of these shows are good family fun.

Carnegie Hall

This theater in Lewisburg is one of only four in-use Carnegie Halls in the world.  Besides New York City, Andrew Carnegie built theaters in Pittsburgh, Lewisburg, and his native Scotland.

Lewisburg’s Carnegie Hall has played host to a lots of different kinds of shows. This winter will feature the group Carbon Leaf in January, Ladysmith Black Mambazo in February and Cathie Ryan in March. Each of these acts are extremely different and should make for a wonderful evening.

Carnegie Hall also offers a free lunchtime concert and lecture series in February, March and April.

Bluefield and Princeton

Bluefield and Princeton have a few options for theater offerings. Bluefield’s Summit Theater just finished it’s 2011 season and the 2012 schedule will be out soon.
Princeton’s Chuck Mathena Center for the Performing and Fine Arts has a full schedule of events set for the winter months, including West Virginia’s own Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. at the end of December.  In February, Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” will hit the stage.

These are just a few of the many opportunities for entertainment this winter. Tamarack in Beckley often hosts live performances.  And the Clay Center in Charleston offers a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and ballets throughout the year.

So don’t let the winter blues get you down.  Instead, get out and see some of the great entertainment in southern West Virginia. You’ll be glad you did.

Spotlight on Bramwell

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

With the town folk of Bramwell opening up their exquisite historic homes for a Holiday Tour this Saturday (December 10, 2011), a closer look at this former coal community seems in order.

Main Street in Bramwell

Founded in 1888 and officially a historic town since 1983, Bramwell, WV still exhibits a lot of the flair that millionaire coal barons brought to it over a century ago. In the early 1900′s, Bramwell was home to 14 millionaires.  In fact, in the late 1800′s, Bramwell had the largest number of millionaires per capita of any town in the United States.  Their historic homes are open for tours at certain times of year, specifically spring and Christmas.

Coal is a dominant industry in WV, and how much it influenced the WV economy through the years is evident in Bramwell.

Location

Bramwell is  in Mercer County, right on the Bluestone River, approximately 8 miles north of Bluefield. It is on the edge of 40 miles of the Pocahontas Coal reserves, which was some of the best and most productive coal in the state. The Bluestone River actually makes a huge horseshoe shaped bend around town.  In fact, Horse Shoe Bend was the first name of this community.

History

The town’s namesake is J.H. Bramwell, a civil engineer from New York.  He was Bramwell’s first postmaster and first bank president. He saw opportunity in the coalfields and became a very successful real estate developer.

And so Bramwell developed from the growth of the coal industry. Today Bramwell has fewer than 500 residents; in the early 1900′s, the town and surrounding areas had over 100,000 residents.

Bramwell is well-known for the Victorian style homes that were built by its affluent residents.  These homes were state of the art for their time and historically revered today.

Today

Today, Bramwell still embraces its historical past, hosting events to showcase the town’s history and beauty. The Millionaire Garden Club is responsible for many of these events.

Historic Home in Bramwell, WV

In addition to the Christmas Home Tour, Bramwell hosts an Oktoberfest event.  It’s been a popular festival for over 15 years; brewers and beer enthusiasts from all over the East Coast descend upon Bramwell for the event. Bramwell homeowners also open their homes for tours in the spring every year.

Bramwell has also seen an increase in visitation as the Hatfield and McCoy ATV Trail System has a trailhead 2 miles outside of town.

Have you visited Bramwell?

Christmas Gifts, Where Art Thou

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Christmas season is here, and the yearly dilemma of gift buying is upon us again. Inevitably, there’s

WV Made Gifts @ Tamarack

someone on your list that has everything.  Where can you find a unique, creative, one-of-a-kind gift?  The answer to that problem may just lie in the hands of our local artisans.

Southern WV is home to many fine craftsmen and women.  Instead of settling for a zebra print Snuggie, or a Shamwow, try visiting one of the many local art galleries to find handcrafted gifts that show you care.  Bonus: you’ll be shopping local.

Here’s a list of some of the galleries and their locations in case you want to check out what they have to offer.

Tamarack

Probably the best known of all the local shops, Tamarack houses a great many artisans under one roof. Whether its pottery, hand carved bowls, hand blown glass, jewelry or any of a number of other items, Tamarack is THE place for WV goods.  With 59,000 square feet of crafts and studios for the resident artisans, it is conceivable to spend a couple hours there and not see everything. Located right of I-77/64 in Beckley, it is conveniently located for much of southern West Virginia.
Riffraff Arts Collective

Located in downtown Princeton, this gallery and performance center houses two live performance venues, a recording studio, 6 artist studios, a music school, and a fine gallery.  The gallery houses works from local and regional artists and includes paintings, photography, pottery and stained and blown glass. Located on the corner of Ninth and Mercer Streets, the Riffraff Arts Collective is part of a rejuvenation of downtown Princeton.
Harmony Ridge Gallery

Located on West Washington Street in Lewisburg, this gallery’s mission is to bring handmade arts and crafts into daily life. Offering handcrafted works from artists all over the United States, Harmony Ridge Gallery focuses on providing an outlet for artists to share their wares with the public. Specializing in art for life, the gallery has items like handcrafted clocks, garden art, furniture, lighting and jewelry.

So many others . . . .

And depending on where you are in southern WV, chances are good that there is a great little gallery or studio somewhere very close to you. Check out our website to learn about more local shopping.

Where are you shopping this holiday season?

Winter Sports in Southern West Virginia

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

Winters here in West Virginia are beautiful.  Gorgeous snowfalls and chilly sunny days mean we get to play outdoors year-round.  

Snow Tubing at Winterplace Ski Resort

And as long as you’re up for it, many of the activities that are popular here in the warmer months can also take place in the winter. With today’s fabric technology and cutting edge gear designed to protect users from even the harshest weather conditions, there’s not much that can’t be done in the winter.

So what outdoor activities can you do in southern West Virginia during the winter?  Look no further!

Traditional

West Virginia has elevations that are significantly different than almost all the surrounding states.  This elevation accounts for West Virginia’s main wintertime sport, skiing.

Skiing and snowboarding can be accessed in under a 2-hour drive from almost anywhere in the state. Winterplace, Canaan Valley, Timberline, Silver Creek and Snowshoe all offer skiing and snowboarding opportunities.  A few of these resorts have tubing areas.  Our favorite part of tubing?  The lift that gets you back to the top.

Canaan Valley also boasts the White Grass cross country ski area. But you don’t have to go to a resort to cross country ski.  Many skiers take to our forests and snow-covered areas because of the snowfall levels and varied terrain. Cross country skiing is a vigorous and intense exercise that is accessible to many fitness levels.

Snow-shoeing is also available in many higher backcountry areas.

Non-Traditional

Depending on the weather, the activities you may be able to enjoy here on any given day may change. Hiking, biking, and running are year-round activities, and now you can add ATV parks and Zip Lines to that mix.
Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park, Adventures on the Gorge, and ACE Adventure Resort all offer ATV riding and zip lines and canopy tours.  The Hatfield and McCoy Trail System offers spectacular off-road adventures every day of the year.

Kayaking and rafting are also year round sports. In fact, if you are an advanced level boater, the amount of streams that can be kayaked or rafted actually increases in the winter months due to increased water volume.
Do you have a sport you participate in year round?

“WV Spirits” – Smooth Ambler

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Smooth Ambler

As much as rifles and hunting are a part of WV heritage, so are spirits, (and we don’t mean ghosts).

Look at any depiction of a mountain man, and you will probably see a jug somewhere in the picture

"Barrels of Fun"

that represented their preferred drink.  Shine, moonshine, white lightening, mountain dew and branch water are just some of the names used to describe that illegally distilled spirit, white whiskey.

Smooth Ambler Spirits, located in Greenbrier County, is committed to continuing the WV tradition of handcrafted, small batch production of white whiskey.
Whiskey 101

Smooth Ambler produces three distinctly different spirits: Vodka, Gin and White Whiskey. Even  though these spirits are all different, they are derived pretty much the same way; by distilling a fermented product. Smooth Ambler understands that in order to make a great spirit you need exceptional grains and exceptional water. The rest is the work of the craftsman.

The location of Smooth Ambler is essential to part of the process. The mountains of West Virginia are the source of some of the purest water anywhere in the US. Smooth Ambler has a distinct advantage of having great water within minutes of its operation.

White Whiskey

Smooth Ambler’s dedication to the WV tradition of White Whiskey may be a bit “corn-fusing” to some, so let’s elaborate a bit.

All whiskey is white when it is first distilled. The mash is made from corn, and when the process is

The Smooth Ambler "Still"

finished you are left with a completely clear liquid. What gives whiskey its caramel color and a lot of its distinct flavor is the process of aging it in oak barrels that have had the insides charred.  The taste and smoothness associated with many whiskeys is due to the length of time it spends in the barrels.

Since Smooth Amblers whiskey doesn’t include the oak barrel process, it has to rely on great water, grain and knowledge to produce a smooth, drinkable spirit. Just like the spirits that have been made here in the mountains of WV for many, many, years.

Small Batch Excellence

A good rule of thumb is that anytime you have the choice of something handcrafted or mass produced, odds are better that the handcrafted product will be the better choice.

Each bottle produced at Smooth Ambler gets a handwritten batch and bottle number, and the company tells you who inspected that bottle before it was allowed to go out the door. It’s a great way to feel connected to the people who made your bottle of Smooth Ambler.

Today, you can visit Smooth Ambler for tours and tastings.  Have you been?

Anything and Everything Halloween in Southern WV

Saturday, October 15th, 2011

This Halloween season, are you hoping to put a little bit of fright into your nights?  Do you get a kick out of haunted trails?  Or are you intrigued by paranormal historic haunts?

Authentic Haunted History @ Whipple Company Store

Well, no matter your preference, you’re in luck.  That’s because here in southern West Virginia, there are all kinds of ways to get your scare on.  From haunted trails to ghost walks, a haunted catwalk tour to hayrides, you won’t be disappointed in any of these spooky events.

So let’s get started, because the spirits are restless and the ghosts are calling your name…

Haunted Happenings in southern WV . . .

Lewisburg Ghost Tours– Friday and Saturdays through October 29th

Enjoy a candlelit walking tour of Lewisburg Historic District where ghostly tales are shared based on local legend. Tours stops include the historic General Lewis Inn and the Lewisburg Cemetery, dating back to the 1800’s.  Tours depart from the General Lewis Inn at 8pm.  Tickets are $20, Children under 7 are free.

Bramwell Ghost Tour October 22nd

In this historic boom town, spirits return from their wanderings to tell their own tale to onlookers. Ghosts include coal barons, coal miners and children whose apparitions are still seen today.  Spirits will start to gather at 5pm at the Bramwell Depot and along Main Street.  There will be live music and food at the Bramwell Café.  Ghost Walk begins at 7pm. Tickets are $15.

MSU’s Forensic Investigation Assoc Haunted House October 12 – 31st

MSU’s Crime Scene House will be taken over for Halloween.  Located on South Kanawha Street in Beckley the Haunted house will be open October 12 – 31st (closed Sundays).  Times:  Mon-Wed 7-11pm, Thurs – Sat and Halloween 7 to Midnight.  Cost is Mon-Wed $8 and Thurs – Sat and Halloween  $10.

Lake Shawnee Haunted Amusement Park October  14, 15, 21-31st.

Tours begin at dusk.  This location is on the Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places in America list.  Digital cameras and audio recorders welcome.  FLASHLIGHT NEEDED! Cost is $8 for adult and $5 for children.  Private tours available year round. Overnight camping for private groups available.  Form more information call 304-487-1819 or 304-921-1580.

Haunted ‘Catwalk’ of the New River Gorge Bridge October 16, 21, 22, 23, 28-31

Who knows what lurks in the Bridge’s shadows and below? The Haunted Walk is a guided tour on the catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge with ‘scaraters,’ props and ‘rigatronics’ designed to intentionally scare the walkers.  Shrill shrieks, screams and groans await you – this is NOT for the faint-of-heart.  Dress warm but dress up! Cost is $49 but for those who come “dressed for the occasion’ will pay half price! $24.50.  Tours begin at 7pm. You will be fastened into a safety system. 2 hour tour, some restrictions apply. Reservations required.  www.bridgewalk.com  304-574-1300

Haunted History Tours @ the Historic Whipple Company Store Friday-Saturdays in October

The Historic Whipple Company Store is rich in history and hauntings. The elevator shaft, the ballroom, the walk in safe, the hidden floor, the embalming room, the Basement! This is not a haunted house of smoke and mirrors – nothing is fake.  This is authentic haunted history.  No one under 21.  Flashlights provided.  Fridays and Saturdays in October from 8:30 pm to 11 pm. Cost is $25 per person. Private haunted tours by appointment.
www.whipplecompanystore.com/hauntedhistorytours.html

Little Beaver State Park Haunted Trail

Fright Nights @ The Resort at Glade Springs October 21, 22, 28-31st

Once the sun sets, visitors will travel down the Terror on the Gorge Haunted Trail where the nightmare will begin.  Cost is $15 per person.  There will also be haunted hayrides and carriage rides, a (not so scarey) Halloween Homes Tour, bonfire and plenty of food. Some additional costs may apply.  http://www.facebook.com/FrightNightsWV

Princeton City Park Haunted Trail October 22, 28, 29th

Hours will be from 7pm – 11pm.  Park at the Princeton Rec Center then take a hayride to the park.  The Trail will be in Princeton City Park.  Admission is $6 – there will also be trick or treating on the trail from 5 – 6:30 on Saturday October 29th.  Info:  304-487-5040

Terror at Tams – Haunted Walking Trail – Burning Rock Adventure Park October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 31

730pm-10:30pm; $10 per person ($5 under 12) The setup: Some college kids from ‘up north’ wanted to investigate the hills of West Virginia. They heard about ATV rentals at Burning Rock and decided it would be a lot of fun, however, when they got lost in the deep words they encountered Zombies. They wrecked their ATV and… well, you’ll just have to come out and see what happens next! www.burningrockwv.com

Little Beaver State Park Haunted Trail October 21-31st

Bring someone to hold onto as you walk this spooky trail around the park – you never know what is going to come out of the woods . . . Starts at Dark.  Weekdays til 10pm, weekends til 11pm.  $8 for 12 and up, $6 for 11 and under.

Gary Bowling’s House of Art “Haunted Jail Cells” October 14, 15, 21, 22, 27-29

Come Walk the Green Mile – Every jail cell will serve as a different shop of horrors. There will be animations, robotics and live actors. Housed in what was the Bluefield City Hall Jail Complex and is now the Bluefield Area Arts Center on Bland Street. 7pm to Midnight. $5 per person.
facebook.com/pages/Gary-Bowlings-House-of-Art/

Corn Mazes:

Looking for some family fun?  Visit a pumpkin patch and corn maze farm!

Byrnside Branch Farm – Pumpkins, mazes, horse-drawn hay rides, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides. One mile outside of union on Willowbend Road, Union, WV 24983. Phone: 304-772-3131. Open: Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 9am to 10pm, Sunday 1pm-10pm Corn Maze is opened September 16th to November 6th. www.byrnsidebranchfarm.com

Cinderella Pumpkin Farm – Pumpkins, hay rides, and corn maze. Route 12 (HC 77 Box 432), Ballard, WV 24918. Phone: 304-753-9818. Great family entertainment. Open September 1st through October 31st from 9:00am to Sundown.

Okes Family Farms – pumpkins, corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises. 614 Blue Jay 6 Rd, Cool Ridge, WV 25825. Phone: 304-673-3308. Open Saturdays from 10am to 5:30pm and Sundays from noon to 5:30pm.  okesfamilyfarms.com