SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA longerStay a little
PRESS KIT
visitwv.com 800-VisitWV Lisa Strader Director
Sam Brackenrich Marketing Director Story Ideas Gauley River Nicholas County
Visit Southern West Virginia 1408 Harper Rd Beckley, WV 25802 Mountain State Adventures ph: 304.252.2244 or 800.847.4898 fax: 304.252.2252 email: [email protected] WITH MILES OF BIKING, HIKING WHITEWATER ADVENTURES MOUNTAIN BIKING/HIKING AND ATV TRAILS—it’s no surprise email: [email protected] that Southern West Virginia is > Boaters come from around the world > Named one of the top 5 mountain to take on the Southern West Virginia biking destinations, Southern West an outdoor enthusiast’s dream rivers. Virginia has cross-country, singletrack destination. Add on some world- and downhill trails for every skill level. renowned whitewater adventures, > The infamous Gauley River, also known as The Beast of the East, and the Mountain State is a > Whether you want a leisurely stroll attracts professional boaters and through the woods or an epic climb mecca for adrenaline junkies. sponsored kayakers who want to to a mountaintop, the area has But, you don’t have to be a thrill challeng the “Big 5” Class V rapids. hundreds of miles of trails perfect for Website: visitwv.com hiking and backpacking. seeker to enjoy a trip to West > Depending on which section of the Facebook: facebook.com/visitwv Virginia. Sweeping scenery, New River you choose, the ride can breathtaking vistas and iconic be more mild or wild. Tackle the Instagram: instagram.com/visitwv Lower New River with Class V rapids OFF-ROADING gorges—Southern West Virginia or enjoy a leisurely float trip on the Twitter: twitter.com/visitwv > With 700+ miles, the Hatfield-McCoy has unparalleled beauty. Escape Upper New River with your family. the hustle and bustle of your Trail System is perfect for dirt bikes, YouTube: youtube.com/visitwv ATVs and UTVs. busy day with a hike through > Whitewater rafting wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining without your raft the mountains or unwind with > Explore some of the most remote guide. Every year, men and women areas in the state and travel from an overnight fishing trip. Stay flock to our region to spend their town-to-town to see what makes a little longer in Southern summers on the water—guiding Southern West Virginia truly unique. West Virginia and discover visitors down the rapids. These everything it has to offer. guides are adventurers for a living > Take your jeep or truck for a rousing and bring an added flair to the area. ride along the trails at Burning Rock Off-road Adventure Park.
Stories | Mountain State Adventures | 3 Mountain State Adventures (cont.) Heritage
ROCK CLIMBING BASE JUMPING AND RICH IN HISTORY AND HERITAGE, BECKLEY EXHIBITION Southern West Virginia’s roots > The sandstone cliffs of the New ZIPLINING run deep. Cultural Appalachian COAL MINE River Gorge attract climbers from traditions are cherished and well- around the world who dare to > One day every year (Bridge Day), the The underground abandoned coal mine scale the daunting rock formations. New River Gorge Bridge closes to preserved in each historic town. offers a look into the past. Daily tours, With the New River Gorge Bridge vehicle traffic and hundreds of BASE given by former coal miners, are offered The flourishing coal industry came in the background, the views jumpers line up for their chance to from April 1-November 1. can’t be beat. For beginners, launch themselves off the bridge. in with a boom, flooding the state with new jobs and families moving experienced guides are ready to > With the longest zipline on the East NATIONAL COAL HERITAGE help you tackle your first climb. Coast, visitors can fly through the in. But, the pop-up coal towns trees on zipline tours year-round. disappeared just as quickly as TRAIL FAYETTEVILLE they came. Coal remains a strong Six of the 13 counties that make up the industry in Southern West Virginia, National Coal Heritage Trail are located > Fayetteville has been voted one of WINTER WONDERLAND with remnants of the original within the region covered by Visit the “Top 10 Coolest Small Towns” by Southern West Virginia. These counties > Southern West Virginia is a four-season coal boom still visible today. Budget Travel Magazine and the “Best are full of coal history and stories. destination, with outdoor recreation River Town” by Blue Ridge From the towering coal tipples to for every time of year. In the colder Outdoors Magazine. months, visitors flock to Winterplace the hollow mouths of coke ovens, BRAMWELL > Fayetteville is a hot spot for Ski Resort, which features 25+ ski and you can still stroll through ghost Bramwell was the site of the most whitewater, rock climbing and snowboard trails and the largest snow towns like Nuttallburg and Sewell. millionaires per capita in America in hiking—plus there is an emerging tubing park in the state. the 1800s. Coal baron mansions can food and brewery scene. HINTON be seen on “Millionaire Row,” and are open to the public for tours twice a year. Hinton is a historic rail town with scenic Arrangements for private, guided tours rail tours and an annual Railroad Hatfield-McCoy can be made. Trails Downtown Days festival. Hinton
Winterplace Ski Resort Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Raleigh County Raleigh County
Stories | Mountain State Adventures & Heritage | 4 Stories | Heritage | 5 Top Knot Food, Brews and Spirits Raleigh County Stops
AFTER A LONG DAY ON THE Weathered Ground Brewery WEST VIRGINIANS are known RIVER OR TRAILS, there’s Raleigh County THREE RIVERS AVIAN CENTER MYSTERY HOLE nothing better than kicking back for their hard work ethic and their A rehabilitation center for more than 150 A nod to the quirky roadside attractions at your favorite restaurant to pride in the state’s history and native bird species, the center focused of the past and a West Virginia icon, heritage. That pride has bred enjoy some good local food and on educational programs/community see the laws of gravity defied in the drinks. Southern West Virginia’s entrepreneurial spirit which can outreach and conservation. mysterious chambers beneath this quickly emerging “foodie” culture be seen through the number is making it a destination for of locally owned and operated markets, specialty shops and Tamarack one-of-a-kind meals that you Raleigh County can’t find anywhere else. culinary creations bursting with distinct personality. Eat like a local. Venture into each Southern West Virginia town and you’ll find a hidden TAMARACK: THE BEST OF gem. From pepperoni rolls and WEST VIRGINIA craft brews to mouth-watering The Best of Southern West Virginia. Full steaks and fine dining, Southern of hidden gems, Tamarack is filled with West Virginia is making a name artwork, sculptures and crafts, all from for itself. Enjoy independent local WV artisans. eateries with farm-to-table flair. CHEESE ‘N MORE STORE BREWERIES FAYETTEVILLE A quaint shop with the air of an old- The brewery scene is exploding in Fayetteville has a surprising amount time general store, Cheese ‘N More is Southern West Virginia. Bridge Brew of independent eateries for such stocked with an assortment of cheeses, Works, Weathered Ground Brewery, a small town, all with a local, deli meats, candy, nuts, spices, jams, Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co. and fresh focus. And they’re far from relishes and other foods as well as Water Stone Outdoors Dobra Zupas all offer unique takes on traditional! Each menu stands out hand-made outdoor furniture. Fayette County classic brews. for an offbeat culinary cuisine. WATER STONE OUTDOORS LEWISBURG Started by Maura and Gene Kistler Home to Greenbrier Valley Brewing and Kenny Parker—climbing pioneers Company, Smooth Ambler Spirits, of the New River Gorge—Water Stone Wood Iron Fayette County Hawk Knob Hard Cider & Mead and Outdoors is the “climber’s climbing a number of unique restaurants, shop”. With the biggest shoe selection Lewisburg is known as one of on the East Coast and some of the America’s Coolest Small Towns. most knowledgeable staff, Water Stone is a Fayetteville landmark. COFFEE HOUSES
Quirky cafes with a great cup of coffee—Southern West Virginia’s coffee houses serve up mugfuls of artisanal blends, paired with tasty treats. Cathedral Cafe, Chocolate Moose Roasted Coffee, Top Knot Coffee and Wood Iron Eatery offer beverages that are the perfect start to your morning.
Stories | Food, Brews and Spirits | 6 Stories | Stops | 7 Summer
APPALACHIAN MAKER’S MARKET
West Virginia culture is filled with a love for music and the arts. This festival brings the best of Southern West Virginia together! Feast your eyes on the colors, feel the textures and appreciate the love and care that went into making every piece. West Virginia is abundant with talent, and this festival features daily musical entertainment by local musicians. Enjoy everything from Celtic music to bluegrass!
Appalachian Arts & Crafts Festival HONEY BEE FESTIVAL Raleigh County Key Events Bridge Day Fayette County Learn how to raise bees, taste and purchase local honey, see a live honey bee demonstration and browse information displays during the Honey Bee Festival. The event features food Spring vendors, music, special children’s activities at the Youth Museum and tours of the Exhibition Coal Mine. LEWISBURG NEW RIVER BIRDING FESTIVAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Search the Mountain State for more than 100 native birds, from rare More chocolate concoctions that you species to hummingbirds and fierce Fall can even imagine! The Lewisburg raptors. Hit the trails and the rivers Chocolate Festival has decadent truffles, on an expedition to find, band and fluffy pastries, creamy mousses and learn about West Virginia’s diverse GRAPE STOMPING FESTIVAL HINTON RAILROAD DAYS BRIDGE DAY sweetly blended alcoholic drinks for wildlife from expert guides and sampling. Test your taste buds with a educational workshops. Jump into the vat and squish some fruit An annual tradition in Summers County, From BASE jumpers leaping 800+ feet mousse eating contest or bake-off. through your toes! While that juice is Hinton Railroad Days attracts thousands from the iconic New River Gorge Bridge not used to make the 30+ wines you of visitors to the small town. Attendees to the riverbed below, to rapellers can sample at the festival, it is a nod can take a tour of the Railroad Museum, dropping down the lines from the FEAST OF THE RAMSON to the longstanding tradition of grape watch as the famed Autumn Colors catwalk−Bridge Day is an epic event. stomping. Enjoy folk dancing to the Express pulls into the station from Held for more than 40 years, Bridge Day The wild onion is distinguishable by its mountain music and raise your glass Huntington or Charleston, admire the is the largest, longest-running extreme strong scent, which gives a hint of its to the Appalachian crafters. Kirkwood fall foliage, browse dozens of food and festival of its kind in the world. Join tens powerful flavor. Try the bold, traditional Winery specializes in bottling wild and craft vendors, listen to music and more. of thousands of spectators or get in on delicacy for yourself come harvest time, wonderful flavors from local dandelions the action: ride down the highline zipline when trash bags full of the veggie are and wild ramps! or take a tandem leap. sizzled up along with other regional dishes and desserts. Fully immerse yourself in Appalachia with classic New River Birding Festival Southern West Virginia entertainment Fayette County before the wild onion feast!
Key Events | Spring | 8 Key Events | Summer & Fall | 9 Bridge Walk Monroe County Fayette County
Southern West Virginia Fact Sheet
STATE 304,687 10 PARKS POPULATION In our 9-county region WILDLIFE 4 MANAGEMENT 2,500+ AREAS in 2017 Something to Discover LODGING OPTIONS 5.9% Including hotel rooms, STATE IN VISITOR SPENDING vacation/cabins rentals 2 FOREST 30% higher than the and B&Bs national growth rate UNDER THE BRIDGE, FRESH FROM THE FARM CRAFT BEVERAGES THE RIVER BELOW For fresh, locally-grown flavors, look no Along with its booming beer scene, further than Southern West Virginia. From Southern West Virginia has its fair share One of the most compelling views of the picking your own berries at Sunset Berry of award-winning wineries and distilleries Southern West Virginia is home to the Bluestone National Scenic New River Gorge was illegal to access Farm, the state’s “sweetest strawberry (and even a whiskey barrel manufacturer). for decades, but since Bridge Walk was River, Gauley River National Recreation Area and the New patch,” to perusing the produce at local Sample the varietals at Kirkwood Winery River Gorge National River, which includes more than founded in 2009, visitors are able stroll farmers markets, the region is ripe with and Daniel Vineyards; visit Hawk Knob 70,000 ACRES of land along the New River. the steel beams of the iconic New River agricultural delights. Hard Cider and Mead, the state’s first Gorge Bridge from the catwalk below. cidery or savor the view and wine and The New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County is 3,030 feet mead at Old World Libations. Prefer long, making it the 4th longest steel single-span bridge in BECKLEY - THE HEART whiskey? Take a tour of Smooth Ambler the world. It towers 876 feet above the New River. Every third A DRIVE BACK IN TIME or Isaiah Morgan distilleries and see how Saturday in October, the bridge closes to vehicle traffic to host OF SOUTHERN WV Bridge Day, WV’s largest one-day festival. Driving through Monroe County is a their products go from grain to glass. surreal look back in time. Traces of time- Situated between two major interstates Whatever your beverage of choice, honored traditions can be seen around and on the edge of the New River find something to sip on in Southern Visit Southern West Virginia is the West Virginia. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a unique history and every corner. The Heritage Quilt Trail National River, Beckley is known as the Destination Marketing Organization heritage attraction where people can ride a “mine trip” car will lead you from one traditional design Heart of Southern West Virginia. Explore for 9 southern WV counties: to the next, through age-old mountain the historic downtown and stop by through what was once the operational Phillips-Sprague artistry and history. Raleigh Playhouse for a show. Or head Mine, which closed in 1953. The property features several restorations of buildings typically found in a coal camp. over to the historic Black Knight for a Raleigh round of golf. The Black Knight is open Fayette to the public and offers a golf course, Nicholas swimming, dining and banquet services Southern West Virginia is within a day’s drive of 60-70% of in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Wyoming the United States population. Monroe Summers Mercer Southern West Virginia is the home to the newest high adventure base of the Boy Scouts of America, The Summit Bechtel Reserve. McDowell The Reserve hosted the World Scout Jamboree in 2019 and will Greenbrier host the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 2021.
Something to Discover | 10 Southern West Virginia Fact Sheet | 11