Where to stay? Where to eat? What to do? We get asked these questions a lot. Here’s our hand-picked list of recommendations in our neighborhood!
Where to stay?
The closest you can be to us is with our good friends over at ACE Adventure Resort. We’re on the same property! They’ve got everything from camping to five-bedroom log homes and a huge variety in between. Not to mention they’ve also got you covered on your whitewater rafting, mountain biking, zip-lining, paintball, and a variety of Summersville Lake adventures. These guys fill up quickly though. If you can’t get a spot, here are some more of our favorites…
These guys are a bit more of a drive from us, about 30 minutes. It’s a good drive though, that West Virginia country roads kind of drive. We just really like the homey feeling and nice folks over at Country Roads Cabins.
The Oak Hill / Fayetteville area has a ton of Airbnb’s. We’re just going to go ahead and say it… The Aviator’s Lounge is probably the coolest place you can stay in town. It’s got a pool and is on the runway of the Fayetteville airport. You’ll have a WW2 biplane taking off in your front yard! A couple of our other favorites are the Chickadee Cabin and the Cedar Waxing Cabin. The owners are right nice folks and are sure to make your stay enjoyable. This one is from VRBO. We think your stay has everything to do with your host and you couldn’t find a nicer couple than the hosts of the Brandywine Cabin.
If you’re looking for easy and convenient, the two closest hotels to us are the Comfort Inn and the Holiday Lodge. This isn’t necessarily a recommendation as they aren’t anything more than you’d expect from a 3-star hotel. It’s basic accommodations, but while most of the Airbnb’s and cabin rentals require a two-night minimum you can grab a room for just one night at either of these places.
Where to Eat?
After a long day on the trail, we like a good meal as much as anyone. Here are a few of our favorites in the area:
Pies & Pints is our go-to Pizza Shop, but it’s way more than just a pizza shop. They do all the regular pizza options that you’d expect but don’t overlook the gourmet options. Our favorite is the chicken gouda! Yeah, it sounds weird, but it’s absolutely delicious. They also have an impressive draft selection especially if you’d like to try some of our local brews.
Viva El Bandido! We love Mexican food around here and our amigos and amigas over at El Bandido have the best in town. They also have locations in both Oak Hill and Beckley. They’ve got 99 cent taco Tuesdays and $1 off drafts on Thursday. This is an authentic, family-run restaurant that our team frequents often!
For a laid-back dining experience after your adventure, check out The Handle Bar + Kitchen. Whether you are looking for tasty fish tacos, vegan burritos, or a quality West Virginia made brat, they have options for you! A variety of fresh craft beer is always on tap and their coolers are full of Local West Virginia brews! Picnic tables and fire pits in the Biergarten allow for larger groups and a great atmosphere.
A former church, converted into an artsy, relaxed hangout for coffee and
eclectic American fare, Cathedral Café is always on our list! Feed your mind body and soul in the coolest little hippy joint in the coolest small town! This is one of our favorite Brunch spots in the Gorge!
South Side Junction Taphouse has a wide selection of craft beers and wine. This hole in the wall is a favorite local hangout and shouldn’t be missed when you stop in downtown Fayetteville! Burgers, tacos, wings, and more!
Finally, if you’re looking for great food with a gorgeous view, check out our friends at The Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill. Good beer, live music, and amazing sunsets. Fill your belly and dance the night away!
For a laid-back breakfast or brunch before your next adventure, check out Wood Iron Eatery. Their food is made from scratch and their coffee is roasted on sight. The meat is locally sourced, and they are vegan and vegetarian friendly!
What to do?
Why not start out over at our sister company and put your survival skills to the test? The year 2020 brought the preparedness mindset into the mainstream. Now more than ever, being prepared for the unexpected is an essential concept. Be ahead of the game with one of the courses offered at the New River Gorge’s Wilderness Survival School!
Ever wanted to go upside down in an open cockpit airplane? Well, now’s your shot! Our friends over at Wild Blue Adventure Company will take you up in their WWII Stearman biplane to do just that! Aerobatics not your speed? Don’t worry. You can always opt for the scenic New River Gorge aerial tour option. We’ve done it. It’s a blast and we highly recommend these great folks.
If heights are your thing, check out the New River Gorge Bridgewalk for “the walk of your life”. Stand 850 feet above the river on a 24” catwalk and take in the views! (Don’t worry, you’re harnessed in!) There is plenty of time to stop for photos and learn about the bridge and the area!
Though it’s a little bit of a drive, we couldn’t speak any more highly of Summerville
Lake. We love our lake days! Rent a kayak from Lakeside Outfitter, a pontoon boat from the Summersville Lake Marina, or hop on a guided SUP Tour with our friends over at Mountain Surf Paddle Sports! Summer days are made for the lake!
Make sure to stop by the New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitors Center while you’re here! Located one mile North of Fayetteville and open year-round, the Visitors Center has rooms filled with photographs and exhibits on the people, towns, and industry of the gorge as well as the recreation and natural history of the area. The center has a two-mile view into the park, spectacular views of the gorge from their observation decks, picnic tables, and a fully accessible boardwalk.
Where to hike?
Every adventurous vacationer appreciates a good hike! We get asked all the time what our favorites are, so here are our top three:
- Longpoint– The trailhead is just 10 minutes from us. It’s a 3-mile total, out and back hike, with the midpoint being a 360* view of the gorge with the New River Gorge Bridge front and center.
- Endless Wall Trail– this is a 2.4-mile moderate walk that passes through rich forest, crosses Fern Creek, then zig-zags along the cliff edge. Many vistas can be seen along the trail. Its beautiful!
- Kaymoor Mine Trail– a more strenuous hike, this steep and dramatic trail descends via 821 steps and switchbacks to remains of the mine, including the coke ovens, coal processing plant and Kaymoor town site. Thousands of miners have done a similar descent over the years.