A Guide to the Town of Fayetteville, WV

Many people are starting to plan summer vacations with Spring just around the corner. This is a guide to one of America's best kept secrets. Fayetteville, WV is an outdoor junkie's heaven. With some of the best whitewater, rock climbing, and mountain biking around, you can plan a week's worth of activities without thinking. I will be discussing the endless possibilities of activities to chose from and also the places in town you must visit.

First of all, let's talk about where you will stay while visiting. Of course you can check out the local hotels. The closest to the town and activities is the Quality Inn. It is right off of the main highway, route 19 and has an outdoor swimming pool. The local number for this hotel is 304-574-3443. If this place is booked, one can stay in nearby Oak Hill (about 5 minutes away) at The Holiday Inn. This facility has an indoor pool and a gym. The local number for The Holiday Inn is 304-465-0571. If these options are all booked up, you can always travel north to the town of Summersville.

Another option is staying in a cabin. Fayetteville WV offers some of the most beautiful cabins to choose from. Check out Opossum Creek Retreat, www.opossumcreek.com , Wilderness Lake Chalets www.wlchalets.com , and the brand new cabins at, www.class-vi.com . These are just a few to check out.

If you prefer Bed and Breakfasts, check out White Horse Bed and Breakfast. http://www.historicwhitehorse.net/

If connecting with nature is your cup of tea, there are a lot of campgrounds to choose from. Many whitewater rafting companies offer lodging at their private camping areas, so remember that can be an option. Here are a few of my favorite campgrounds: Chestnut Creek Campground is conveniently located near everything in Fayetteville. The showers are hot and be prepared to be greeted by the friendly white dog. The number to call is 304-574-3136. Next is Riftraters Campground, with seven RV hook-ups, this might be the best option? The number is 304-574-1065.

Now that we've established some places to stay, let's talk about things to do. As I mentioned before, whitewater rafting is a major attraction of southern WV. There are many places to choose from, so this could get a little overwhelming. Since I'm from this area, let me suggest my top 6 places to adventure with.

1. Class VI River Runners- www.class-vi.com ( I used to work here)
2. Songer Whitewater- www.songerwhitewater.com ( I worked here too)
3. North American River Runners- www.narr.com
4. Ace- www.aceraft.com
5. Appalachian Wildwaters- aw@awrafts.com
6. Rivermen-www.rivermen.com

These companies have trained reservationists that can help you set up your whole trip. Lodging and activities can be taken care of with one call. If you would like to check out the other activities on your own, here is a listing of things you can experience.
Rock Climbing- www.hardrockclimbing.com
Mountain Biking- www.newriverbike.com (I use to guide for this company)
Fishing- www.mountainstateanglers.com
Golfing- www.hawksnestsp.com
Hiking- www.nps.gov/neri
Horseback Riding- www.horsebackwv.com
Disc Golf- www.songerwhitewater.com
Kayaking- www.beautymountainsports.com
This is just to get you headed in the right direction, I know of these places and know that their services are great. If you search Fayetteville WV on the Internet, you will find other outfitters that offer these services.

If you do decide to vacation to WV, you have to check these places out while in the area:

Pies N Pints, the best pizza in the area! ( I worked here last summer) 304-574-2200, http://www.piesandpints.net/
Gumbo's, Yummy Cajun food! http://www.wvgumbo.com/
Dirty Ernie's Rib Pit, gotta try the ribs! www.dirtyernie@ dirtyernies.com
Sedona Grille, nice dining experience! 304-574-3411
Cathedral Cafe, a great place to catch breakfast! 304-574-0202

Once you are in the town of Fayetteville, you will find awesome places to visit. Don't forget to stop by Waterstone Outdoors www.waterstneoutdoors.com , and our local art gallery, Studio B,(304) 574-9100.

Trust me, if you enjoy nature and company of good people, you will enjoy what Fayetteville WV has to offer!