Where The Locals Go – Plan Your Visit to Fayette County

We are starting a blog series designed to help folks who are visiting the area find some of the unique and interesting places around here. And who knows better than our locals?

View from the Thurmond Depot

So here’s a look at some of the coolest places to see, eat, or visit in Fayette County (New River Gorge Country), according to the people who live there.

To See

Fayette County is packed full of natural beauty and interesting stops. The trick is to finding some that are a bit off the beaten path.

One of these spots is Firetower Mountain, just above the little town of Ansted. There is a magnificent view that is unlike anything else in the area. Not only do you get a cool panoramic view of the Gorge and a unique view of the Bridge, but a short drive to the other side of the ridge will give you a view of the Gauley River Gorge off in the distance.
You can access this area by taking County Route 60/3, Rich Creek road, in the middle of Ansted and making a hard left about 1.5 miles up the mountain.

Another hidden spot is the town of Thurmond. Thurmond was booming at the height of coal mining in West Virginia. Located right on the New River, this area offers many different things to see and do. The Thurmond Depot is an interpretive center for the National Park Service. Town buildings, long abandoned but still standing, illustrate what life was like in Thurmond at it’s hey day.

Also nearby are hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and rafting adventures.  No wonder locals consider this a favorite spot. We’re sure you will too.

Grabbing a Bite

The Historic Town of Fayetteville is chocked full of unique and amazingly awesome restaurants but here are a couple of other area eateries that locals flock to like moths to a flame. Tom’s Carryout in Oak Hill is a true Hot Dog Joint and has been dishing out great weenies since 1970.  Their specialty is the hot dog and hot dog chili.  Be sure to grab a milkshake too.

Another Fayette County eatery that is popular with the locals is Burger Carte in Smithers. Located right on the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, it’s a convenient stop.  Best of all, it is listed on the WV Division of Tourism’s list of 101 Unique Places to Dine. They specialize in fresh, hand-pattied burgers (often hard to come by these days) Plus, with unique sandwiches like the Big Gene and the Sea Dog fish sandwich, you may make the trip down Route 60 just for the food.

Keep an eye out for a future post where we highlight locals’ favorite hangouts.
Where else do Fayette County locals like to go?