Posts Tagged ‘southern west virginia’

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The Best Day Trips In Southern West Virginia

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Snowtubing at Winterplace

Snowtubing at Winterplace

Here’s a nice way to get out and around in the winter:  Plan a West Virginia Day Trip.

Here are two suggestions for taking mountain state tours.  One’s a north/south itinerary, and the other is an east/west itinerary.

See West Virginia in the winter, South To North

-Soon after you cross the state line, head into Bluefield to have an early lunch at Gary Bowling’s House Of Art.  It’s filled with unique, beautiful pieces from floor to ceiling.  And the food is as good as the art.

-Take another detour to go snowtubing at Winterplace Ski resort.  Tickets are sold in 2 hour blocks, and there are no special skills or equipment you need.  Gravity + snow + an intertube = fun!

-Keep heading north, stopping in Beckley at the always wonderful Tamarack.  Even if you’re just window shopping, there’s still plenty to see.  Oh, and you’ll want to eat there too.  All the food is done by the Greenbrier- don’t miss it.

-Once you cross the New River Gorge Bridge, take a winter zip line tour at Adventure West Virginia Resort.  It’s kind of a cross between being Santa Claus and Tarzan.  If you’ve never done it, go.

-Bed down in a cabin near the Gauley River in Nicholas County.  Perfect Day.

See West Virginia in the winter, East To West

-Start at the Virginia state line, and leave that place behind.  Head straight for the lap of luxury at the Greenbrier Resort and take a tour of the once secret underground bunker that was built to keep the president and congress safe.  Amazing.

-Head to the Monroe County line, near Lewisburg, to head underground once more to tour the Organ Cave. It’s a pretty good mix of natural and human history- not only do bats hide there, but about 3000 confederate soldiers hid out there during the civil war.

-Beckley again?  Try checking out some minor league Basketball at the Civic Center.  Seeing a West Virginia Blazers game is a great way to spend an afternoon.

-Head to Pineville and get out on the Hatfield and McCoy ATV trails.  Outfitters in the area have everything you need to get out and ride.  Talk about your winter wonderland.

-Finish up your day with some skating at the South Charleston Me morial Ice Skating Rink.  That’s right, skating.  You know you want to.

Those are a couple of seriously full days.  Whoever said there’s nothing to do in West Virginia during the wintertime just didn’t take the time to look.  Enjoy!

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Last Minute West Virginia Gifts

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

We know that a lot of you have waited until the last minute to grab those stocking stuffers and little gifts for Christmas this year.

Southern WV Gift Certificate Tree for the United Way

Southern WV Gift Certificate Tree for the United Way

Here’s a list of 20 great last minute ideas…

-Beautiful, inspired pottery from Guided Clay in the Oak Hill area.  Potter Andy Pense is a true master.

-Tickets for a show at the incredible, must-be-seen-to-be-believed Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton. All kinds of national touring musicians and plays come to the center, and it’s a great way to get out and enjoy some WV culture.

-Unique, delicious “coal cookies” from the salsa masters at Blue Smoke Salsa in Ansted (not to mention all the other great tasting stuff there, as well as arts and crafts)

-Handmade jewelry and hard to find fashion, as well as gourmet coffee and great whole deserts to go at Cathedral Café in Fayetteville.

-Local wine from local vineyards at Daniel Vineyards, right in Crab Orchard. A couple bottles from Daniel is enough to make any holiday party just a little more festive.

-Christmas plants, flowers and gifts from Bessie’s Floral Designs in Oak Hill. The flowers here are the real draw, with some amazing Christmas arrangements.

-Holiday books, art, and coffee from Taylor Books in Charleston. We’re going to go ahead and say that it’s southern WV because it’s such a cool place.

-Spirits for the spirit of Christmas at the Isaiah Morgan Distillery just outside of Summersville. This is WV’s first mini distillery, and is home to some unique and fiery gifts

-Tickets for a show at the amazing Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg. The hall is a great way to spend an evening in one of the best mountain towns in West Virginia.

-Amazing handmade pottery north of the New River Gorge Bridge at Gauley River Pottery. Artist Mary Bethune has a signature style that’s attractive and fun.

-A relaxing stay in one of southern WV’s cozy, luxurious cabins. Being Christmas, it’s hard to go wrong with a little break from the outside world.

-Award winning wines, right off the vines outside of Lewisburg from Watt’s Roost Vineyard. If there’s a perfect gift for the holidays, a bottle of wine from Watt’s Roost might just be it

-And of course, the best of West Virginia is all at The Tamarack. Everyone knows about the arts and crafts there, but there are great foodie gifts there, too. Some of those jams and preserves are not to be missed, especially during the holidays.

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A Southern West Virginia Night-Before-Christmas

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

‘Twas the night before Christmas in southern WV
And all through the mountains, folks snoozed peacefully

Appalachian Coaltown Christmas

Appalachian Coaltown Christmas

The wood smoke rose up from the hollers in puffs
And old dogs everywhere sat back on their duffs

There was silence in Hinton, no trains rumbling by
No lights to blur out all the stars in the sky

It was peaceful and quiet along the Greenbrier
The picturesque river valley in winter attire

And from over along the Hatfield-McCoy Trail
There were no ATVs, just sleeping whitetails

Even in Beckley, the south’s biggest town
The streets were all hushed; there was no one around

When from over the treetops, what did appear?
It was Santa’s  sleigh, come to spread Christmas cheer

Santa said, “Here I am!  Hello, West Virginia!
I’m always my happiest when travellin’ within ya!”

“I’ve come far and wide, up holler and ridge
And I just flew right under the New River Gorge Bridge!”

And people came out of their cabins to see
The great jolly man who was shouting with glee.

“I brought you all presents,” he said to great cheers.
“I want to thank all of you good Mountaineers!”

“I have art from Lewisburg, and crafts from the Gauley,
Gift Certificates that everyone in the family will love, prob’ly!”

“Cabins to rent, golf to be played,
Stays in places you’ll want to have stayed!”

“The world’s greatest adventure vacations, I’m crafting,
and did I mention last summer I went whitewater rafting?”

Then he waved to all the good people down low
Who were looking up skyward from their warm winter homes

And he jingled his sled toward the full moon so bright,
“Merry Christmas to Y’all, and to y’all, a good night!”

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Things We Have To Be Thankful For In Southern West Virginia

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

In no particular order…

25. All of our state parks and forests (12 total!)

New River Gorge Bridge View

New River Gorge Bridge View

24. Theatre West Virginia
23. The history and heritage of the southern West Virginia mountains
22. Being right in the eastern flyway for migratory birds
21. The State Fair every year in Lewisburg
20. The Gauley River National Recreation Area
19. Some of the best traditional mountain music ever heard by human ears
18. Delicious local wine made right here in southern West Virginia
17. Mountaineers/Thundering Herd (tie)
16. Skiing, snowboarding, and the state’s best snow tubing
15. The incredible New River Gorge National Park
14. Great food and local cuisine
13. 3 minor league baseball teams and professional basketball
12. Internationally known ATV trails at Hatfield and McCoy and Burning Rock
11. Golf resorts to rival some of the best courses anywhere
10. Tamarack, our showcase for West Virginia artisans
9. The world’s best whitewater
8. Wonderful lodges at Pipestem Resort
7. Cabins in some of the most scenic places in the Appalachian Mountains
6. Hiking in some of the oldest, most beautiful spots on earth
5. Being a world class rock climbing destination
4. State-record fishing
3. Shopping and antiques in every corner of southern West Virginia
2. The pride that comes with having more men and women serving in the military than any other state
1. A home that we’re always happy to share with family, friends, and visitors

And there are so many more.  What are you thankful for this year?

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Boy Scouts, Southern West Virginia, A Natural Fit

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

It was announced today that the Boy Scouts are coming to West Virginia.

Like, all of them.  At once.

It’s big news. Around here, everyone knows that the scouts just purchased an enormous 10,000+ acre facility.  It’s right on the New River Gorge, and will be home to a new Boy Scout High Adventure Base, slated to open in 2014.

But it was unclear if the Boy Scout National Jamboree, a once-every-four-years event, would be held here.

Until now.

This is like the Boy Scout Olympics crossed with an old mountain Rendezvous, with the X-Games tossed in for good measure.  How many people come to the Jamboree?  Try 200,000.

That’s a lot of bandanas.  Or, I guess they call them kerchiefs.  Whatever- it’s awesome.

We’re celebrating.  You should too.  We’re happy to have an organization like the scouts in or backyard.  I mean, you want to talk about good neighbors?  They’re trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Can you think of someone better to call if you need something like a cup of sugar late at night?  Or an improvised splint made out of driftwood?

These High Adventure Bases are a big deal.  Three exist right now- the Sea Base in the Florida Keys, the Northern Tier Base in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, and the Philmont Ranch Base in the high desert mountains of New Mexico.

And now, there will be one right in the heart of the Appalachians in southern West Virginia.  White water.  Mountain Biking.  Rock Climbing.  Canoeing.  Camping.  Hiking.  Orienteering.   Basically the most fun a group of boys can have in the mountains.

Wait a sec- what’s the age limit?  This sounds like fun…

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Reasons You Should Ride An ATV In Southern West Virginia

Thursday, November 12th, 2009


Riding on ATV trails in southern West Virginia is the most fun you can have with a motor attached to you.  Here’s why…

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

1.  It’s flat-out awesome.
2.  Most of you have never done it before.
3.  It’s a good way to see the mountains.

4.  Riding is loud (in a good way).

5.  ATVs are new twist on family time.

6.  Your kids will love you forever.
7.  So will your spouse.
8.  People that don’t usually like sports love ATVs.
9.  The views.
10.  There’s a lot of wildlife when you’re not revving the engine
11.  Southern West Virginia has the largest connected trail system in the country.
12.  The whole place is very ATV friendly.
13.  Everything from easy to difficult is available.
14.  Over 700 miles of trails, which, in local terms, is a whole bunch.
15.  You can choose from the Burning Rock or Hatfield and McCoy trail systems.
16.  The permit system is simple, and can be done on arrival.
17.  All the trail are well marked, so it’s simple to know where you’re going.
18.  You don’t need a guide.
19.  You can get a guide.
20.  You can find mud, and mud = fun.
21.  All the equipment you need is available for rent.
22.  In most areas of Hatfield/McCoy, you can ride on the roads to get to trails.
23.  The hospitality is better than you’ll find almost anywhere (standard for southern West Virginia   )
24.  There are tons of campsites, cabins, and hotels to base your trip out of.
25.  It’s an adventure that anyone   -anyone-   can be part of.

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Trick-Or-Treat Times for Southern West Virginia

Friday, October 30th, 2009


The usefulness of this post will depend entirely on what side of the Halloween equation you’re on.

If you like all the stuff about our spookiest holiday, then you’ll probably want to know what times the kids will be trick-or-treating around the state.  Whether you take the kids out from house to house, pass out the candy from your own home, or hide under a pile of leaves waiting to scare some teenagers, you’ll want to schedule it.

If not, you’ll at least know when not to be home


Here’s the list…

(times are for Saturday the 31st unless otherwise noted)

Greenbrier County 6-8 p.m.

Fayette County 6-8 p.m.
Pax 5:30-7:30 p.m.

McDowell County
Bradshaw 5-8 p.m.
Gary 5-7 p.m.
Keystone 6-8 p.m.
Kimball 5-8 p.m.
Northfork 6-8 p.m.
War 5-7 p.m.
Welch 6-8 p.m.
Anawalt 5-8 p.m.

Mercer County
Athens 6-8 p.m.
Bluefield 6-8 p.m.
Bramwell 5-7 p.m.
Princeton 6-8 p.m.
Oakvale 6-8 p.m.

Monroe County 6-8 p.m.

Nicholas County
Summersville 6-8 (Thursday the 29th, downtown Summersville)

Pocahontas County 5-7 p.m.

Raleigh County
Beckley 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sophia 5-7 p.m.
Mabscott 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Summers County 6-8 p.m.

Wyoming County
Pineville 5-7 p.m.
Mullens 6-8 p.m.
Oceana 5-7 p.m.

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The Best Pumpkin Pie Ever- from Southern West Virginia!

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

If there’s one thing we love in southern West Virginia, it’s food.  Specifically, sweets.  More specifically, pie.

With all of the fall festivals we have up this way, there’s bound to be some good goodies to munch.  And if you’re planning on entering something like a bake-off, well, let’s just say you better bring it.

So we thought we’d provide you with an ace-in-the-hole.  This pie is so awesome, no one will talk about anything else.  Probably because their mouths are full of pie.

Southern WV Praline Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
2 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
2/3 cup ground pecans
½ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup fresh pumpkin puree (canned works)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
1 cup light cream

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.  I don’t know why I said “F”, as if anyone reading this cooks in Celsius.  Well, it is the internet…

Mix up the pecans, the ½ cup sugar, and the butter in a bowl.  Take out about 3 spoonfuls of that mixture and put it in a small bowl in the microwave for about 30 seconds.  Eat that while you firmly press a little more than half of the mixture into the unbaked pie shell.  Good, isn’t it?

Then bake the pie shell for 10 minutes, and pull it out of the oven.  DO NOT EAT IT.  Yet.  You might want to, but don’t.  Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (whatever degrees C.)

Combine the rest of the ingredients, and blend in the cream.  Is it creamy and smooth?  No?  Keep blending.  Is it now?  Good.  Pour it into the pie shell.

Bake for 30 minutes, then top with the rest of the pecan mixture.  Bake another 10 to 15 minutes, or until you just can’t stand it anymore.

That’s it.  Enjoy, and please wait until the pie has cooled to start eating!

How about you?  Do you have the world’s greatest pie recipe?  Share it with us!

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