5 Things to be Thankful for in Southern West Virginia

It’s the time of year for reflection of the things in life we appreciate and are thankful for. Friends, family and fellowship always tops our lists but the beauty inspires us to create a list dedicated to the place we love.

Though this list could be much longer, here are just a few things we are thankful for in Southern West Virginia. What are you grateful for?

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” – Melody Beattie

Forests

West Virginia is the third most forested state in the nation. That means escaping into nature’s bounty is easy to do. Large swaths of oak, pines, maples, buckeyes, and more cover West Virginia’s landscape and are the home to diverse wildlife. Take a quiet walk in the woods, and maybe you’ll spot a deer or one of three hundred North American bird species.

Trails

With the forests come trails for people to walk, bike, or ride on. Southern West Virginia has hundreds of miles of trails that are the gateway to exploring the vast forests and waterways of our area. There are trails for everyone, from short, flat boardwalks to challenging treks.

Rivers

Our views would be nothing without the rivers that flow through the Southern West Virginia landscape. These rivers are the remnants of ancient glaciers that carved our scenery into what it is today. The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world—dating between 260 and 325 million years old. The New, Gauley, Bluestone, Meadow, and Kanawha Rivers continue to shape our communities and culture today. These rivers provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and sightseeing.

Comfort Food

There’s nothing like good food after a day of adventuring and West Virginia has plenty of it! Hearts and bellies full on biscuits, pepperoni rolls, or sandwiches are great for starting the day or a lunchtime break. When it’s time to end the day with a relaxing meal, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Artisan Crafts and Goods

Handmade goods are an Appalachian specialty. Art shows in our area often feature quilting competitions and artisan sellers. The small businesses in the small towns in Southern West Virginia offer unique souvenirs—all made with love and care. One place where you can find locally-made merchandise from a variety of artists is Tamarack Marketplace.