We’re continually on the hunt for opportunities to add richness to our lives. In the time of the road trip revival, we are proud to feature a monthly section featuring destinations within driving distance of Charleston that make for a great getaway. We feel that our worldly and devoted readers will find these places interesting.
Fayetteville, WV
Fayetteville is one of the best areas for outdoor attractions in the Mountain State and has a famous food scene and local community theater. Here are some things you might want to see and do on your weekend getaway to this Appalachian Mountain town.
What to Do in Fayetteville
The one-of-a-kind city of Fayetteville is home to West Virginia’s only national park. Pop into the New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitors Center to learn about the region and one of the world’s longest steel-arch bridges, the New River Gorge Bridge, 876 feet above the waters of the New River. The bridge itself is 3030 feet long, and you can take a guided bridge walk from the catwalk 25 feet below. The tour company dubs this a “panoramic three-hour adventure.” Walking down to the observation deck from Canyon Rim affords stellar unobstructed views and photo-ops.
Fayetteville is known for its adrenaline-rush adventures—most notably, whitewater rafting. Book a guided rafting trip on the Upper and Lower New River (one of the oldest rivers in the world) and the nearby Gauley River (the most challenging rapids) from Ace Adventure or Adventures on the Gorge (premier whitewater rafting resort in the country) from May to November.
If fishing or a fun float trip down the New RIver are on your agenda, Pro River Outfitters can put together trips with several options that include food, drinks, and equipment. For more New River Gorge Bridge adventures, visit Fayetteville on October 15th for Bridge Day, one of West Virginia’s most exciting festivals.
Other popular activities in Fayetteville include seeing a show at the Historic Fayetteville Theatre listening to live music, or indulging in a spa treatment.
The city’s terrain makes mountain biking another thrilling adventure. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from Arrowhead Bike Farm. You can take part in a bike clinic and have lunch while you are there. And, if rock climbing interests you, head to Beauty Mountain.
Where to Eat in Fayetteville
Breakfast is the most important meal. Luckily, Fayetteville has a Tudor’s Biscuit World, a West Virginia icon, with homemade biscuit sandwiches that melt in your mouth. Ron, Dottie, Duke, Mickey, Mary B—popular biscuit sandwich names—the gang’s all here. Bob Evans is another option, with yummy biscuits, gravy, and omelet creations.
Tempting culinary bites await you in Fayetteville. Currently rebuilding from a fire, Secret Sandwich Society is known for top-notch gourmet sandwiches and salads. The Eleanor is my favorite, but the pimento cheese smothered fries will make your eyes roll back in your head.
Cathedral Cafe has been a mainstay in Fayetteville for years and an exceptional eatery for paninis, quesadillas, and coffee drinks.
Downtown Fayetteville is home to the original Pies and Pints, a pizza joint franchised around the country with plentiful tap beer options. The Steak and Mushroom pizza is scrumptious, but get this…you can split the pizza between two gourmet creations. Pizza Skins and Pork & Pepper Nachos with a chipotle crema are two pleasing appetizers to start your dining experience off right.
Smokey’s on the Gorge is a place for a special meal with one-of-a-kind scenery. Try the Smoked Gumbo Dip with crostini or the filet mignon tournedos for your main course. Yummy! West Virginia farm-raised trout is another recommended dinner selection at Smokey’s.
Where to Stay in Fayetteville
You’ll find unique accommodations in Fayetteville, so that might be an appealing option for something outside of the box. At Ace Adventure Resort, cabins, chalets, cottages, and log homes around the spring-fed mountain lake are highly popular. You can find options as rugged or upscale as you want to be in this town.
The Historic Morris Harvey Bed and Breakfast would be a romantic option for staying in Fayetteville, offering a gourmet breakfast, charming details, clawfoot tubs, free WiFi, and a fabulous home-cooked breakfast. Lafayette Flats, boutique lodging in the heart of historic downtown Fayetteville, has me intrigued. The artwork and stylish decor are really exceptional.
Fayetteville is also home to zip-lining and aerial adventures for those wanting to sightsee from the treetop level. Fishing, mountain biking, climbing, rappelling, and hiking are other favorite pastimes enjoyed in Fayetteville.
Article by Melody Pittman of www.whereverimayroamblog.com
Did you take this trip? Email me with your thoughts at mrsmelodypittman@gmail.com
