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Golden days of yore: how Victorians celebrated Christmas
Christmas trees, Christmas cards, Christmas crackers— much of our merry holiday associations come from Victorian England. Southern West Virginia owes much to Queen Victoria’s reign, too. Exquisite coal baron mansions, quirky company stores, historic towns— our region is crammed with 19th-century treasures. Let’s see how Victorian settlers might have celebrated Christmas, shall we? Trimming the tree If you think about it, dragging a Fraser fir indoors is a pretty odd idea. We have Germany to thank for such an invention. But until Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, Christmas trees were more of a regional custom. An 1848 newspaper article glamorized things even more with an engraving of the royal family— the Victorian equivalent of an Instagram photo. In it, the queen, prince consort, and their children are gathered around a decorated tree. Readers were enthralled. The rest, as they say, was history. But what about ornaments? Victorians liked anything that could twinkle in candlelight: tinsel, glass, and pressed foil paper. They also made lots of homemade decorations. Strings of dried fruit, baked gingerbread, and candies were popular. One of the great things about the Victorian era is that antiques are relatively common. Of course, some items (like figurines) are easier to find than 1890s ornaments. But searching is half the fun! Browse Southern West Virginia’s antique shops and see what you can find for your tree. Brick House Antiques in Lewisburg; Grandma’s House Antiques & Collectibles in Hinton; and Landmark Antique Mall in Bluefield have treasures hiding in plain sight. Christmas feast Then, as now, the holidays drew everybody together. The Victorians were especially family oriented. Christmas, therefore, was an opportunity to celebrate with gusto. Feasting began after church. Turkeys became popular during the late 1800s, but Victorians were hardy eaters. A Christmas dinner would also include potatoes, gravy, soup, oysters, fruit, and cheese. Those tables must have been pretty solid! Then came coffee and dessert. Victorians were especially fond of mince pies and plum pudding— a treat Puritans once condemned for being “lewd.” No party could go without punch, either. Nothing drew guests together like a bowl filled with spirits, sugar, lemons, and spices. To a certain extent, Southern West Virginia’s gourmet restaurants capture that cheerful, festive glow. If you’d like to treat your family to an enchanting evening, take them to places like Dobra Zupas in Beckley; The French Goat in Lewisburg; and Chessie’s on the Square in Hinton. Christmas games Victorians sure knew how to have fun. After eating, they would celebrate some more with parlor games. One of these was snapdragon. That’s when guests had to snatch flaming brandy-soaked currants from a bowl. Men had their own games, too. One of these involved sticking candles into cups of ale. Whoever set their beard on fire while trying to drink was the loser. Christmas crackers were a big hit as well. A candy shop owner named Tom Smith invented them in the 1840s. It wasn’t until 20 years later, though, that he added gunpowder— the ingredient that makes them pop. You can make this year’s Christmas just as entertaining, too. The Tamarack art gallery in Beckley has magical— and affordable— surprises you can slip into stockings, like finger puppets, handmade soap, candy, and much more. Downtown Lewisburg has lots of intriguing possibilities as well. Shop for simple pleasures like gourmet snacks and local crafts! Make your own Victorian Christmas! Whether you own a historic home or simply enjoy history, here are some ways you can celebrate “the new old-fashioned way”: Make your own Christmas cards. Use heavy cardstock and ribbon. It’s simple, satisfying, and much more personal than what you’d find in the store. Decorate with live greenery. Put fresh holly on the mantle or arrange some on a side table. Is your bathroom plain? Put a sprig on top of your toilet! Simple surprises make Christmas especially magical. Bake a plum pudding. If you can, stir charms into the batter. Whoever gets a prize-filled slice will have a lucky 2018! Make your own Christmas gifts. If you’re crafty, surprise friends and family with artwork or knit scarves. You can also decorate a jar and fill it with homemade cookies or layered hot cocoa mix. You can also tour Southern West Virginia’s historic towns during the holidays. Hinton, a historic railroad town, has a charming market square with boutiques and antique shops. Up for something extra? Spend the night in The Guest House on Courthouse Square as another treat; it’s a historic hotel with plush modern comforts. Another intriguing place is Monroe County. Rural towns and quiet farms evoke a feeling of timelessness. That illusion is underscored by the presence of Mennonite shops and gorgeous state parks. Intrigued? This itinerary will transport you to the Victorian past— or at least spark your imagination. Merry Christmas! What’s your favorite Victorian tradition?
Christmas events!
Christmas is coming to southern West Virginia! All month long, we’re celebrating with festivals, feasts, and maybe a visit or two from Santa. Join us! Here are some of our favorite traditions: Winter wonderlands For many families, no Christmas is complete without silver lanes, candy canes, and elves— particularly the big, jolly kind. Fayette County Park Winter Wonderland | Fayetteville Dec. 1-31 Every Friday and weekend night, enjoy wagon rides, snacks, and hot drinks at Fayette County Park. Have your kids been good this year? Santa will visit the dining hall every Friday and Saturday until Dec. 23. But if your weekends are already packed, no worries. Festive lights and displays will festoon the park from now until Dec. 31. Santa’s Christmas Adventure | Daniels Dec. 9-10, 15-16 If you can’t make it to the North Pole, The Resort at Glade Springs isn’t a bad substitute. Elves will set up shop, Mrs. Claus will bake cookies, and lights and trees will make spirits bright. Best of all, kids can meet Mr. C himself. Tickets for Santa’s Christmas Adventure are available online. Ice skating, holiday lights, and visits from Santa | Fairlea Dec. 12-Jan. 1 If you think the State Fair of West Virginia has long since gone into hibernation, think again. The agricultural pavilion will open for winter with decorations, skating, and visits from Santa Claus. Happy golden days of yore Tired of gimmicky sales and commercialization? Escape the hullabaloo and head to Southern West Virginia’s historic towns instead. Bramwell Christmas Home Tour | Bramwell Dec. 9 Famous for its Victorian mansions, this town has gems like gingerbread trim, copper roofs, and Gilded Age lamp posts. The Christmas Home Tour ups the ante. Explore coal baron estates and marvel at period furniture, gadgets, and artistry. Each participating house will have Christmas decor, too. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Bramwell Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. The cost includes refreshments and music. Hometown Holiday Marketplace | Richwood Dec. 9 Set against the backdrop of Richwood’s historic district, this jolly event makes Christmas shopping irresistible. Hunt for homemade treasures, browse local shops, and enjoy a hot meal. The marketplace will also have live music and a visit from Santa. Feasts and treats Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop | Lansing Dec. 15-16 Join Chef Steven at Adventures on the Gorge for this timeless Christmas tradition. He’ll bake assorted cookies and have frosting and sprinkles at the ready. Care to help him out? Tickets are available online. Cost includes a dozen cookies per person. Christmas Dinner to Go | Lansing Dec. 18 (deadline) Don’t want to cook? Adventures on the Gorge spares you the trouble with a home-cooked feast. All you have to do is choose your main course: roasted duck, honey-bourbon glazed ham, turkey, or prime rib. Now that’s a tough decision! Place your order by Dec. 18 at the latest. Crave even more Christmas magic? Find it here!
Story By Connie – Visiting Southern WV
Name: Connie Message: My husband and I have casually visited around our beautiful state but last summer we started doing it with purpose! We spend almost every weekend visiting something that makes our state one of a kind. It has been so much fun! We visited Bramwell on 9-10-16 the New River Gorge Bridge and Summersville Lake on 9-17-16 the Tamarack on 10-15-16 and the John Henry statue is now on our list!
Have you tried these 7 newcomers from 2016?
Southern West Virginia had a busy year! Have you kept up? New businesses and adventures found a home in our corner of the Mountain State. Check out these new resorts, boutiques and specials you should try this year if you haven’t already! 1. Four Wheeler Heaven This family-owned ATV resort is about as close to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails as you can get. Just park, unload your off-road vehicle and drive on a short path to the Pocahontas Trail. Four Wheeler Heaven also has comfortable lodging. Blizzards Roost, the flagship vacation home, cozily fits 10 guests inside its 2 stories. There’s even a sun room, laundry space and full kitchen. The resort is close to historic Bramwell. When you’re not muddin’, head to this old-fashioned town, which had more millionaires than anywhere in America during the coal boom. The mansions are stunning, so take the self-guided tour (after you stop by the old-time ice-cream parlor.) Looking ahead to 2017: Four Wheeler Heaven is expanding, so look forward to more vacation units soon. 2. ACE Adventure Resort If you stopped by the Wonderland Waterpark this summer, you probably noticed tsunami-sized changes. ACE’s toy collection grew by leaps and bounds. They added 50 inflatables, including an obstacle course and 25-foot-high mountain. (Don’t worry, though. The Blob— ACE’s enormous float— is still at the center of the action.) They also added more slides, expanded the sandy beach and put in an outdoor patio and grill. Looking ahead to 2017: The Big Air Blob Competition starts July 1. Find your partner now and start planning the perfect long-distance jump! The contest takes 2 participants per team: someone who leaps from a platform onto the float, and another who flies from the Blob across the lake. The most spectacular pair wins! 3. Winterplace Ski Resort Southern West Virginia’s biggest winter resort was busy over the summer! Winterplace now has Terrain-Based Learning classes for skiers and snowboarders. Learn proper positioning, technique and confidence as you swish over little slopes and obstacles. They expanded the resort’s famous snowmaking capabilities, too. And installed a new carousel and lift carpet to the Skiwee and Snow Explorers area. If you head to the rental shop this year, check out the new Rossignol gear. Looking ahead to 2017: Visit Winterplace on Jan. 6 for “World’s Largest Ski & Snowboard Lesson” day. Hundreds of folks across America and Canada will participate, so join ‘em and help break a global record! 4. Twisted Gypsy’s If you’re ever in downtown Fayetteville, pop into this whimsical boutique for an instant mood-booster. Twisted Gypsy’s inventory has anything from buccaneer blouses and beard oil to pendants and graphic art. The owner’s “can-do” attitude is infectious, too. Play along and try something on! Life’s too short to stick with cookie-cutter clothes. Looking ahead to 2017: Twisted Gypsy’s “why not?” vibe invites you to grab life by the horns. Sounds like a resolution right there! 5. Water Wise-N Bock Taste the latest creation from Bridge Brew Works: a wheat beer accented with chocolate, clove and vanilla notes. Here’s the twist: Bridge Brew Works and the West Virginia Land Trust asked social media fans to name the beer. Hundreds of folks submitted names, many of which played on local themes: Pillow Rock Bock, New River Shiner and Fayette Station Sweet Hydration, to name a few. But “Water Wise-N Bock” won the spot on the label. Looking ahead to 2017: Eager for a sip? Bridge Brew Works has Water Wise-N Bock on tap. Call ahead and ask if it’s currently available; you might be able to get it as a growler fill, too. 6. Lake Stephens Raleigh County’s popular “beach” also took a walk on the wet side! They added a sprinkler splash pad, complete with randomly squirting fountains and a slide. And to complete the new Aqua Water Park, they also got large inflatable toys: a massive floating mattress, iceberg and slide. Looking ahead to 2017: The beach opens Memorial Day weekend. Until then, come to Lake Stephens for hikes, cabins and camping. 7. Outside-In Climbing Gym Just when it seemed Southern West Virginia’s cliffs and boulders couldn’t be topped! The Outside-In Climbing Gym stays open when Mother Nature cancels your plans. This year-round facility has all the equipment and challenges you’ll need to keep in shape. One of the best features is a 35-foot wall, dotted with color-coded footholds. Plot your easy— or difficult— way to the top! Trained staff and belayers keep everything safe, too. Looking ahead to 2017: Outside-In Climbing Gym has a new highline. Check it out! You can also pair your workout with miniature golf or an espresso at The Chocolate Moose cafe. Which new business or activity are you going to try in 2017?
Driving in a winter wonderland … on an ATV!
The best off-road trails in America are open, right here in Southern West Virginia! Most of Southern West Virginia is forest — a postcard opportunity if we’ve ever heard one, especially during winter. Take to the horizon on an ATV, and fill your day with stunning scenery, history and quirky destinations! Playtime is now in season. Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park With 10,000 acres at its disposal, you can bet this off-road attraction has a winter wonderland waiting for you. For starters, Burning Rock’s trails — more than 100 miles of them — cater to riders of all levels. You can try “Tam’s Loop” if you’re inexperienced or take things up a notch with steeper climbs. Regardless, you’ll get treated to valley vistas, scenic overlooks, and thick forests. In case you need another excuse to visit, check this out: Burning Rock has a Valentine’s Special from Feb. 1- 14. Cabin rentals are just $99 per night and you won’t have to pay any passenger fees, either. Hatfield-McCoy Trails Meet the East Coast’s largest, most extensive off-road system. Spanning multiple counties and covering more than 600 miles of paths, Hatfield-McCoy Trails has more wonderland than you could visit in a day. That’s not a bad thing, either. In fact, it means snowy Southern West Virginia is yours for the weekend! Since there’s so much ground to cover, pick a trailhead that appeals to you. Most have nearby convenience stores, gas stations, lodges, and hotels. Others have historical interest, like the Pocahontas Trail System in Bramwell. It’s minutes from decadent coal baron estates. Under a coat of snow, this Victorian town is enchanting. For something a little more challenging, take the Bearwallow Trail System. One of the routes takes you close to the Battle of Blair Mountain, where miners revolted in 1921. As snow falls and the woods get silent, it’s tempting to believe you’ve left modern times. Trailside trips Nothing spurs your appetite like brisk mountain air. Fortunately, Southern West Virginia has all the fuel you need. Buffalo Trail Cabins, Cottages and Campground is less than 4 miles from the Pocahontas Trail System. It’s also where buffalo really roam— just check out the pastures! Arrive for a casual dinner from 4-9 p.m., Thurs-Sat; the menu boasts upscale appetizers, pizza … and bison burgers! As Buffalo Trail’s name suggests, you can spend the night, too. The modern cabins have kitchenettes, full baths, wifi and TV. And if you’ve never been to Bramwell, stop by after a morning ATV ride. It’s a Victorian gem with charming streets, shops and — best of all — 19th-century mansions. In fact, more millionaires lived here during the coal boom than anywhere else in America. Another Bramwell highlight is The Corner Shop, an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor. Waiters in pillbox hats make ice cream on the premises, so it’s worth getting a scoop or 2. Flavors include coffee, strawberry, cookies n’ cream, and butter pecan. You can also order sundaes, banana splits, malts and milkshakes, plus burgers and sandwiches. What’s your favorite ATV destination in Southern West Virginia?
WV, if you still haven’t tried these 7 staples, get on it in 2017!
If you're from West Virginia but you still haven't done these 7 things, you need to get them on your things to do resolution list, and trust us, these resolutions are worth keeping. Southern WV is crammed full of history and culture. If you haven’t toured much of the region, add these attractions, parks and activities to your resolution list, and explore from there: 1. Tamarack: the “Best of West Virginia” This enormous art center really does seem to represent the best of the Mountain State. For starters, Tamarack has fine art from every genre you can imagine. Ceramics, glass, baskets, textiles, candy and toys from regional artists fill one section after another. The sheer depth of talent is astonishing. While you’re there, get a taste of Appalachian culture at the gourmet food court, too. Professional chefs serve delicacies like fried West Virginia rainbow trout, smoked tenderloin and hot cobbler. 2. Theatre West Virginia Discover our colorful folklore at a Theatre West Virginia performance outside in the mountain air. The stage at Grandview sits in front of the scenic New River. Watch a play in the evening, right as the sun sets. The shows are exciting, too. Catch some of their renowned performances, the 2017 season will feature “Hatfields and McCoys” and “Footloose" and "Jungle Book", 3. Babcock State Park Photograph one of West Virginia’s most photogenic attractions: the Glade Creek Grist Mill. In fact, you may have already seen this quaint old-fashioned mill on postcards, Christmas bulbs and wind chimes. Seeing it in person, though, is so much better. Lush trees surround the mill, while a stream swishes over sleek boulders. 4. Bramwell Did you know that more millionaires once lived here than anywhere else in America? During the coal boom, barons settled here Bramwell by the dozen. Their magnificent mansions still tower over the tiny brick streets with lacy trim, intricate woodwork and copper shingles. Some have opulent ballrooms and bank vaults, too! Time your visit just right, and you can tour inside some of them. The Corner Shop is another Bramwell gem. It’s a nostalgic diner with an authentic soda fountain, marble countertops and waiters in pillbox hats. Go ahead, order a sundae, milkshake or banana split! It’s a delightful, old-fashioned American experience. 5. Bridge Walk Combine astonishing views with a hike unlike anything you’ve ever experienced: a catwalk tour beneath the Western Hemisphere’s longest steel-arch span. At 3,030 feet long, the New River Gorge Bridge is a dramatic sight. It’s also pretty high— 876 feet. But the scenes from the catwalk are just as breathtaking. Wander from rim to rim and take pictures along the way! 6. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine takes you underground on a mantrip tour. With a veteran miner as your guide, you’ll plunge deep into the earth to hear stories about the mine days and watch equipment demonstrations. It’s a tour you’ll want to take again and again. Above ground, explore a restored miners’ town, complete with shanties, clapboard homes and a school house. It’s an interactive history lesson. 7. Hatfield McCoy Trails If you’ve never gotten around to off-road trekking, make it a goal for 2017! All you need to do is head south to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, one of the East Coast’s largest off-road networks. With more than 600 miles of exploration to do, you won’t get bored. There are trails for all levels of riders, too. Some have challenging mud pits, while others lead you through wild scenery. Sign up for lessons or go on a tour with a local outfitter; there are “Hatfield-McCoy communities” right around the trailheads, so you’ll have plenty of places to dine, sleep and drive. Find your next adventure!
Where to make top holiday memories
This Christmas, take your family on an Appalachian tour. Southern West Virginia is full of with culture. Share our stunning state parks, historic mines and unique Mountain State attractions with your friends and relatives. Here’s how you can get started: 1. Babcock Scenic Trail First up: Ansted. Start walking along the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, and keep your eyes peeled for bridges and an abandoned mine. While you’re in the area, stop by Cathedral Falls. This elegant cascade is right off Route 60. Next, drive to Babcock State Park. It’s one of West Virginia’s most photographed attractions, thanks to the historic Glade Creek Grist Mill. Forest groves, towering boulders and a brook make the scene magical. Try to stop in after a recent snowfall or frost; you’ll swear you’re in a winter wonderland. If you have time, stop into Prince. Its historic Art Deco Amtrak stop is a unique piece of rail history. Then pack everyone into the car for an end-of-the-day cocoa in Beckley or Fayetteville. 2. Bramwell Bramwell is a remarkable example of the extravagance of the coal boom era. At one point, more millionaires lived here than anywhere else. Wander the sidewalks, where grand Victorian mansions line up one after the other. Each home is an architectural sculpture, with touches like ornate woodwork, stained glass windows, indoor pools and copper roofs. During the holidays, Christmas lights and greenery make them even more glamorous! The Corner Shop is another Bramwell delight. This old-fashioned diner has a working soda fountain, homemade ice cream and plenty of nostalgia. Eat spoonfuls of sundaes, banana splits and floats! You can also treat the kids to “millionaire” burgers and mac n’ cheese. Before heading home, swing by the Bramwell Depot. This replica train station is also an interpretive center, miniature museum and gift shop. Note: Several of the shops close Sunday, so you might want to visit earlier in the week. 3. Lewisburg— America’s Coolest Small Town in 2011 This artsy, distinctive place has an appeal all its own. From boutiques and theaters to natural wonders, Lewisburg has plenty going for it. Start your trip in the downtown district, where shops, cafes and restaurants line the pavement. At the beginning of every month (January excepted), businesses have extended hours during “First Fridays after Five,” with snacks, drinks and discounts! Carnegie Hall has musical performances, plays, author discussions and art galleries all year. Or stop into the Lewis Theater, which specializes in special movies and live performances. Wander on your own from chamber to chamber at Lost World Caverns— there’s plenty to explore, since it’s one of the largest caves in America! You can also sign up for “Wild Cave Tours.” Go on a muddy crawl with a guide through nooks and crannies! You’ll see rooms and formations that aren’t on the regular route. As you leave Lewisburg, make a short detour to Smooth Ambler Spirits. This upscale distillery produces gin, vodka and whiskey, which you can sample or purchase. Take a tour, too! Where do you make holiday memories in Southern West Virginia?
14 Events that get you in the seasonal spirit
Join us for 2 whole months of heartwarming cheer, right here in Southern West Virginia. Jump headlong into roast turkeys, holiday crafts and festive events for the holiday season: Thanksgiving 1. The Resort at Glade Springs Glade Springs’ Thanksgiving buffet makes the holidays easy— and elegant. Waltz your way to the ballroom and help yourself to carving stations, steaming tureens and traditional desserts! 2.Tamarack, the Best of West Virginia You can also have your Thanksgiving dinner to go. Tamarack, West Virginia’s premier art center, prepares entire meals from Tom Turkey on down. You can also take home handy side dishes and desserts. Holiday “cooking” couldn’t be easier! 3. Cathedral Cafe This Fayetteville mainstay sweetens the deal with its homemade pies, award-winning carrot cake and traditional cobbler. Remember to place your orders, though— Cathedral’s desserts get snapped up! And buy extra cups of vanilla ice cream, too. 4. Smokey’s on the Gorge, Buffet Adventures on the Gorge will serve Thanksgiving Brunch at Smokey’s on the Gorge. Pile your plate with artisanal baked breads, chilled salads, breakfast selections, roasted turkey and prime rib, and much more— including dessert! 5. Smokey’s on the Gorge, Thanksgiving to Go Place your order for a fully cooked turkey, prime rib or ham meal by Nov. 16! There are also gluten-free turkey and ham options for all your hungry guests. You even get to choose a Jack Daniel’s pecan pie or a sweet-potato-and-marshmallow pie! Christmas 6. Country Craft Guild Show Nov. 5, Princeton - The Chuck Mathena Center puts shiny things on center stage. Scoop up glittery decorations, crafts and handmade gifts. 7. Holiday of Lights Festival Nov. 23- Dec. 31, Bluefield - More than 700,000 Christmas lights will flicker throughout Lolito Park as darkness falls. It’s a spectacular show, and one of West Virginia’s biggest. Bring your family to the first display of the year, immediately after coffee and pumpkin pie. 8. Appalachian Coal Town Christmas Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, Beckley - At Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine’s Appalachian Coal Town Christmas, the miners’ homes get gussied up for Christmas, and marshmallow roasts sweeten the air. Indulge in old-fashioned joys like caroling, horse-drawn carriages and warm fudge. 9. Santa’s Christmas Adventure Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, Daniels - Mrs. Claus has too many cookies— and she’s looking for hungry kids to help out! Meet her at The Resort at Glade Springs during Santa’s Christmas Adventure. While you and your family are there, meet elves and give ‘em a hand in the workshop. Rumor has it Santa himself will stop by for tea, too. 10. Hinton’s Annual Christmas Bazaar and Parade Dec. 3, Hinton - Cheerful displays, Christmas crafts and handmade delicacies are highlights at this old-time festival. The Victorian ambience of Hinton’s freight depot makes the perfect backdrop, too. Admission is free, just bring a non-perishable food item with you for the Loaves and Fishes charity. 11. Breakfast with Santa Dec. 3, Princeton - Mrs. Claus and her band of elves are having a party, and you’re invited! Have breakfast with these merry characters, then meet Mr. S himself! 12. Blue Suede Christmas Dec. 9, Princeton - Elvis Presley’s coming to town! Blue Suede Christmas unleashes cherished classics you’ll instantly recognize, thanks to tribute artist Scot Bruce. He’ll have you crooning with the “King” before you can say “Here Comes Santa Claus.” 13. Bramwell Christmas Home Tour Dec. 10. Bramwell - Immerse yourself in 19th-century splendor during the Bramwell Christmas Home Tour. Explore the original coal baron mansions decked out for the season along Millionaire Row. In its golden age, this town was home to more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the country. 14. Night at the North Pole with Santa Dec. 17, Pipestem - Hot chocolate, warm cookies and cozy stories— that’s Christmas magic, right there. For just 1 evening at Pipestem Spa & Event Center, a magical Winter Wonderland awaits kids of all ages. Wear PJs, decorate ornaments, eat pizza and tour Santa’s workshop. And who knows, maybe you’ll get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus! How are you going to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in Southern West Virginia?
Where to go for tricks, treats and spooks!
Fill your month with autumn festivals and creepy haunts in Southern WV. In Southern West Virginia, Halloween lasts much longer than a day. Tour abandoned parks, race zombies and live fall to the fullest! Haunted houses and cursed attractions Looking for goofy thrills or something even scarier? There’s a Halloween treat lurking around the corner for you. Lake Shawnee Dark Carnival Fridays and Saturdays in October This abandoned amusement park’s 3 layers of tragedy makes Halloween truly bone-chilling with their Dark Carnival. Take a photo tour around the overgrown rides, then gather around the campfire for spooky stories about this place’s real haunts and dark past, or journey through the Lake Nightmare tour. Fright Nights Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 Fright Nights at Glade Springs pulls out all the stops for Halloween. Protect your friends from a demented scientist during a game of Biohazard Laser Tag, puzzle your way out of a haunted escape room or try your nerves on the haunted trail! There’s even an immersive 3D Nightmare with mind-twisting effects like floating walls and shifting floors. For something a little less scary, there’s also Spooky Golf and trick-or-treat night. Haunted Coal Mine Oct. 21-22, 28-31 Ride the mantrip underground into what once was an operational coal mine . . . or maybe it's the battle ground for the local clowns and zombies - who will win? Visitors will ride underground the whole time on a "mantrip", a train of sorts that is open on all sides. It will be very dark, very safe, but......very scary. Nightmare on the Gorge Oct. 21-22, 28-29 Shuffling monsters inhabit the Minden woods at Nightmare on the Gorge Haunted Trail. You’ll have to creep past them! ACE Adventure Resort will also have a haunted, abandoned property for you to explore. You can also fly through the forest on a nocturnal zip line ride! This event is especially popular, so definitely make reservations. Fear the Forest Haunted Hayride Oct. 22, 28-29 Clamber onto a wagon and creak past a bloodcurdling carnival campground! There’s a high likelihood you’ll meet spirits and other unnatural creatures along the way, too. Are you game? Zombie 5K Oct. 22 Burn off all those Halloween calories! The Zombie 5k Run at ACE Adventure Resort gives you an additional incentive to run: keep your brain! You’ll start the race with 3 flags, which zombies will try to remove. Avoid their grasping hands, and you (or your team) will survive— even if you just have 1 sash left. Prizes go to the top finishers. Want to be a zombie instead? Sign up and you’ll get a complete makeover. If you capture the most flags, you’ll win a prize, too! Terror on Tams Oct. 21-22, 27-29, 31 Hunting season has begun on Burning Rock's Tams Mountain and YOU are the prey. Are you ready to run? Foot traffic only, no motorized vehicle traffic. Other autumn festivities If you’d rather skip the whole bump-in-the-dark business, there are plenty of spook-free & paranormal only events, too. Whipple Company Store Haunted History Tours Oct. 21-22, 28-29 Explore the dark corners and hidden spaces of this century old, last of its kind Coal Miners Company Store. This is not a haunted house of smoke and mirrors, nothing is rigged or faked. The history and folklore surrounding this building lends itself to authentic haunted history. Annual Ghost Walk in Historic Bramwell Oct. 22 In this historic boom town, spirits return from their wanderings to tell their own tale to onlookers. Ghosts include coal barons, coal miners, and children whose apparitions are still seen today. Haunted Beckley Oct. 21-22, 28-29, 31 The best ghost stories are always based on history . . . stories of sightings and inexplicable encounters have long surrounded the historic downtown area of Beckley. Find out what building is the most haunted; if the spirit of John McCreery still wanders his former home; and who exactly is the lady in red? Pumpkin Run Oct. 29 Don’t like monsters? Trot to the Pipestem Pumpkin Run instead! The state park will have running races at 10k and 5k meters, plus a 5k walking event. Kids can join in, too! Sign ‘em up for the 800-meter fun run. Wear a costume; maybe you’ll win a prize at the finish line. Tailgate Halloween & The YMCA Spooktacular Oct. 29 Tailgate Halloween is a calm alternative to the spookier attractions. Dress everybody up in costumes and head out to the Beckley Intermodal Gateway for candy. No tricks, just treats! (11-1pm) After the tailgate head to the YMCA of Southern West Virginia for some Scary Good Fun! Dress the kids in their costumes and bring them to the Y for an afternoon of Halloween themed activities that will get them active and moving. The event is FREE and open to the public! (1-3pm) How are celebrating fall in Southern West Virginia?
8 Christmas Events That Will Take You Back To the Good Old Days
1. Farmers Markets Find gifts for everyone on your list that are a little more personal this year. Browse homegrown and handcrafted wares at the Almost Heaven (Indoor) Winter Farmers Market and crafts at the Bluefield Recreation Center, or the Winter Indoor Farmers Market at the State Fair Grounds. They’ll be heated and cozy, so you can browse all day. 2. Mountain Vista Christmas Tree Farm Sip on hot cocoa as you take a sleigh ride through the Christmas tree farm, where you can pick your own evergreen to take home and brighten your halls. They also have fresh wreaths and other holiday goodies to share. 3. Bramwell Christmas Homes Tour How often do you get to explore a mansion, much less a whole street of them? The historic street of Bramwell is lined with ornate mansions, from the coal boom days when more billionaire barons lived in this tiny town than anywhere else in the country. For the holidays, these unique homes beckon guests in for cheer and merriment. 4. Night at the North Pole Enchant the children with a wintery wonderland at Pipestem Spa. Bring them in their pj’s to meet Santa to share pictures, a personal letter and a heartwarming story over milk, cookies, marshmallows, hot chocolate, pizza and more. Decorate your own cookies among the shimmering holiday scenery. 5. Train Show Marvel at the magic of these little engines chugging around the tracks, ad the intricate details of these nostalgic old rail car collectibles. The little ones will love the ringing, animated Santa’s Holiday Express or Thomas the Tank Engine display with a tunnel. 6. Parades The small-town streets of Southern WV will be flooded with regalia and cheer! Visit Oak Hill and Gauley Bridge this weekend for old-fashioned celebration through the streets. 7. Performances Catch 2 versions of the classic “A Christmas Carol” at the Chuck Mathena Canter or the Greenbrier Valley Christmas Theatre, or watch your favorite films on the big screen at the Raleigh Playhouse Theater. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is on stage at the Summit Theatre, and you can enjoy choral performances of the classic carols and more at the Historic Fayette Theater and around Lewisburg. 8. Lights The shimmer of the snow will reflect the twinkling of the decorations at Southern WV’s stunning displays. Bluefield City Park stretches 40 acres, and Fayetteville City Park glistens with more than 300,000 lights, a growing tradition since it began in the 50s. The Greenbrier will be adorned with ornate decor and a 90-foot tree. All of downtown Lewisburg will be aglow, so you can explore the seasonal cheer in the shops and the streets. How do you get into the seasonal spirit?
