If lying on a crowded beach in the scorching sun, surrounded by screaming kids and funnel cakes, followed by dinner at an over-priced, over-crowded tourist trap of a restaurant is not your cup of tea… keep reading.
One of the things I love to do in the summer/fall is take a Friday off (use that vacation time people: life's too short!) and go somewhere cool. It's never much of an investment, just a chance to experience something different and stimulating. And for me, that usually means something outside, surrounding by mother nature, where I feel most at peace. Oh, and I prefer to spend my money in local establishments that benefit communities rather than corporations. That's important.
If you're of a similar mindset, I have a suggestion that is worth the read: The New River Gorge in WV and Lafayette Flats (vacation rentals in Fayetteville, WV).
Fayetteville, home of WV's New River Gorge, is not only a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurists, It's a REAL living and breathing community of locally owned shops, restaurants, outdoor outfitters, antique shops, etc. - not a profit-driven strip of "attractions." Its people are at once fiercely proud, independent, and protective of the little slice of mountain heaven they call home... and warm and welcoming to the visitors who come to enjoy their land (as long as you're respectful)!
What makes Fayetteville worthy of a long weekend trip? How many opportunities in life will you have to:
- Walk the two-foot wide catwalk of the world’s third longest single arch bridge (3,030 feet long/876 foot tall steel arch)? The New River Gorge bridge is an engineering marvel that spans the breathtaking New River Gorge in the Appalachian Mountains of WV. Ever heard of Bridge Day? The NPS closes the bridge once a year so people can base jump. That's right. Base jump from a structure that is taller than the Empire State building. More on the Bridge Walk here.
- Raft down one of the oldest river on the continent, making your way through a series of rapids with names like Dudley's Dip, Double Z, and the Greyhound Bus Stopper? Once. In. A. Lifetime. Experience. So hauntingly beautiful to watch from afar, it looks fake. More on rafting options here.
- Glide above Rhododendron and old-growth Eastern Hemlock trees during a two-hour ride in the sky on zip lines with stretches reaching 3100 feet long (that's longer than the New River Gorge Bridge!) at 200 feet above the ground? People are routinely clocked at 50mph: this is not your mama's zipline! Below the course, the history of the area runs deep. The valley was once one of West Virginia’s many working mines. You can even hike to some of the old entry points. More on zipping here and hiking here.
- Eat at a place called Tutor's Biscuit World. Yes. It's a world. Filled with homemade biscuit sandwich combinations and much more (including biscuits and gravy). Don't worry, you will burn plenty of calories during your time in the Gorge. Seriously, there are neat places to eat all around: The Cathedral Café (in an old church); DIOGIS, (mexican place run by extreme dog lovers); Pies & Pints, Gumbo's (cajun). And several local watering holes, too.
So my friends say I am a bit particular. Finding places to stay on these long weekend adventures I love can be tricky. I like to have my own space, the ability to prepare my own food and snacks (to avoid spending additional $$$ on three meals a day), amenities to enjoy a nice bottle of wine, a big CLEAN bathroom for people who are taller than 5'5, and the creature comforts of a good tv, nice bedding, wireless, etc. My "freestylin' it" days have passed.
The Lafayette Flats (vacation rentals in the heart of all the New River Gorge action: Fayetteville) met all of my requirements and then some. Did I mention that Budget Travel Magazine named Fayetteville one of America's Coolest Small Towns? Constructed in 1906 as a bank, the Flats building sits directly across from the Fayette County Courthouse, where many cool community events are held throughout the year.The top two floors of the historic three-story walkup were preserved to their original splendor, complete with original doors and woodwork. History buffs will relish staying in this beautiful cut stone building, which is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The modern yet comfortable and fun decorative motif (carefully adorned with one-of-a-kind artwork from WV artists) will blow your mind. All kitchens are equipped with a refrigerator, stove/oven, toaster, microwave, coffee maker, and cooking/serving utensils.
You could spend hours exploring each Flat. The attention to detail is insane. My favorite special touches include: cross-word puzzle wallpaper in one of the bathrooms; an old minor's lunch bucket under one of the glass coffee tables; fully stocked coffee stations that include TRUVIA; a handcrafted dulcimer; Philosophy (the brand) toiletries; a claw foot tub with hanging candles over top; iPod docking stations; and a cool little figurine repelling down the side of a refrigerator.
More on the Flats here.
I just did this trip with a group of friends from the DC area and I can honestly say it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The New River Gorge has a very special place in my heart now. I plan to visit it regularly.
I leave you with the owners' explanation of why they chose the name of each Flat.
"In an effort to respect the past while looking toward the future, we asked ourselves, 'What makes the New River Gorge such a special place?' While the river and rocks are certainly defining characteristics, we feel that the Gorge is so much more. It’s about communities and connections; historical relevance and strength; the past and the possibilities; AND, of course, the unparalleled natural beauty of a landscape that is and always will be uniquely ours."
Nuttall
Second Floor-Front
The cliff and canyon walls of the New River Gorge are old and strong. The wearing and weathering of the Nuttall Sandstone has only exposed its beauty and strength, and today, it serves as a siren call to people from across the globe who are yearning for a true climbing experience. The slow and steady aging of the Gorge continues to enhance its dramatic presentation.
Corten
Second Floor-Back
If the mountains are the skeletal structure of the New River Gorge, then the bridge is heart of the circulatory system. Connecting people and communities by spanning the river and railways, the bridge is a source of transportation, celebration, and deep pride. It was built using Corten, a weathering steel that adjusts to the natural elements and stands as strong as our people.
Eddy
Third Floor-Back
The water brings life and the river flows continuously, but every now and then, an eddy is formed. These eddies can be respites, but more importantly they are tools used by guides to safely navigate the river. As the water swirls and the currents pull, just as in life, we must acknowledge the experience and right ourselves for the waters ahead.
Quinnimont
Third Floor-Front
Derived from Latin, this beautiful word means "five mountains." What a powerful, fitting name to describe the Gorge and an appropriate label for one of WV's earliest mining towns. The mountains protect and sustain us, creating a formidable front but exposing a hospitable heart.
If you are looking for a unique, thoughtful experience in our sometimes thoughtless world, this is a trip for you. Thanks for reading.
Amber McLaughlin
Alexandria Resident
Laern more about the area in WV Living Explore: Adventure on the Gorge:
http://issuu.com/newsouthmedia/docs/exploreaotg_issuu
