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A Self-Guided Walking Tour Through a Historic Town The historic homes in Bramwell are open for tours to the public the 1st Saturday in June and the 2nd Saturday in December. Private group tours may be arranged prior to arrival, contact Betty Goins at 304-248-8381. You can do a self-guided walking tour everyday in this beautiful historic town. Begin your tour by reserving a room in one of the areas hotels or motels. Bluefield and Princeton have a variety of options. On the first day of your journey recapture the Gilded Age by visiting the historic town of Bramwell. Bramwell was home to as many as nineteen millionaires and their families who made their fortunes from the Pocahontas coalfields. The tour begins at the Presbyterian Church where you will hear the general history of Bramwell. As you visit each home you are greeted by a costumed guide who will tell you the story of the original home owner and their families. After visiting the Bank of Bramwell stop in to the Masonic Temple for light refreshments. There are several unique boutiques located on Main Street to browse through. Be sure to visit the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center where the locals have donated memorabilia that depicts the history of the town from its beginning all the way through to present day. Once you have visited the millionaire's town, travel a short distance to the Pocahontas Mine & Museum for a walking tour. The Pocahontas Mine was the first world wide exhibition mine. (To extend this tour add a day for the Bramwell Octoberfest in the fall). Day two have a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Today you will begin to travel the Coal Heritage Trail. You have seen how the Millionaires lived in Bramwell now see the towns where the miners worked and lived. The trail will begin on US route 52 in Bramwell. Along the way you will see sites where coal was king and still reins today. As you reach the town of Welch that grew from the railroad as a result of the rapid expansion of the mining industry you will merge onto state route 16. Between Mullens and Pineville you will pass the Itmann Company Store. Named for I. T. Mann who resided in the town of Bramwell and started the Bank of Bramwell. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Continue traveling north to the town of MacArthur where you will take Interstate 77 to exit 45. A must see along the trail is Tamarack -The Best of West Virginia. Tamarack is a great lunch or dinner stop as well as a shopping destination. Visitors get a chance to see one of a kind arts and crafts made by West Virginians around the state and the food court provides a taste of art at an affordable price. (To extend this drive continue on Interstate 77 and take US route 19 towards Summersville the trail will end in Ansted on route 60 the Midland Trail.) Return to Princeton south on Interstate 77 take exit 14 through Athens into Pipestem State Park. Stretch your legs on a trail or enjoy a horse back ride before dinner. Stay long enough to enjoy a meal at the one of the dining rooms at the Park. If you are bringing a group contact the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau 1-800-221-3206 or the Town of Bramwell 304-248-7114 for their personal touches on this tour. Contact the Coal Heritage Highway Authority for a copy of the Coal Heritage Trail Map www.coalheritage.org or 304-256-6941.

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Your Time . . . Our Roads Itinerary Information The 2017 Motorcycle Touring brochure is full of great riding itineraries - make sure you order your copy or download today. About our rides: The winding hills and sweeping curves beckons motorcycle enthusiasts to our area.  There are groups that return each and every year to tackle yet another mountain and to travel deeper into West Virginia's history and heritage. Each ride invites you to see a different part of Southern West Virginia from our coalfields to our rivers. Hope you enjoy the ride. Maps and directions can be found in the Southern West Virginia Motorcycle Ride Guide Coal Heritage North - This 129 mile loop begins and ends in Beckley, WV. Past and present is well represented on this scenic ride that offers up scenic views, waterfalls, coal history and quaint small towns. Your journey will take you across the New River Gorge Bridge, past the New River Gorge Harley Davidson and down Gauley Mountain.  Along Route 60 you will see Cathedral Falls, Kanawha Falls and where the New and Gauley Rivers meet. Coal Heritage South - This 131 mile loop begins and ends in Beckley, WV. A good part of this ride follows the Coal Heritage Trail and takes you deep into coal country through what were once thriving coal camps.  The remnants of life in the coalfields is evident along this trail.  The coal baron's homes in Bramwell, Twin Falls State Park, Pinnacle Rock, Camp Creek, Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park are just a few of the highlights of this trek. Farm Country - This ride begins and ends in Princeton, WV for a total of 111 miles.  Some of the most beautiful farm country in all of West Virginia. This journey is to a simpler time and a simpler place. Beauty and Civil War history collide on this adventure in both Lewisburg and the Historic town of Union, both worth a stop. While traveling through Monroe County keep your eyes peeled for beautiful renditions of quilts that are throughout the area. National Forest - This is our longest suggested ride, totaling 195 miles it begins and ends in Fayetteville, WV.  This ride takes you through two of WV's Coolest Small Town's (Budget Travel) - Fayetteville and Lewisburg are great places to plan your breakfast, lunch or dinner stops. Beginning elevation 1800' this ride travels through the Appalachian Mountains, elevation 4545'. Interesting stops - Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Droop Mountain, Beartown State Park, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, Babcock State Park and the New River Gorge Bridge. National River - This ride begins and ends in Beckley, WV for a total of 123 miles. Travel along our ancient river valleys of the New, Gauley and Meadow Rivers. See the historic Prince Depot and the Glade Creek Grist Mill (Babcock State Park), two of the best photo opportunities along the way. Try one or all of these rides or create your own. The hills, valleys and winding country roads will not disappoint.

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There's nothing like biting winter chill to make you appreciate a hot meal. In Southern West Virginia, every town has its staple cold-weather favorites, down-home, just-out-of-the-oven dishes that just make you melt on an icy day. Here are a few of the favorite warm-up eats to try in Southern WV on a cold day: Southwest Chicken from David's at the Club (Bluefield) In a tantalizing menu of flame-grilled and pan-seared plates, David's is a perfect place to escape the winter weather. For an extra warm trip, select something doubly hot— by temperature and by flavor. The spicy flare of the Southwest chicken's tomato sauce is paired up with black beans and rice to calm its kick. Coffee From Cathedral Cafe (Fayetteville) Let the warmth flow through you with a steaming cup of joe from Cathedral Cafe. From creative coffee flavors to unique java blends, there's something smooth to heat you up. Grab a cup and take steaming sips between bites of a sizzling quesadilla, grilled panini, or hot soup of the day. Keep an eye out for the white bean! It's the local favorite. Biscuits from Bramwell Cafe (Bramwell) Awaken to warmth with Bramwell Cafe's breakfast buffet! Among the rotation of Appalachian favorites, grab a few of their soft, buttery biscuits, steaming as you separate them to melt on a heaping helping of jam, or extra butter. Top with bacon and eggs for a hot morning sandwich. Grape Pie from Pies and Pints (Fayetteville) We know, we know, you usually like your grapes straight from the fridge. But let Pies and Pints introduce you to the warm way: fruit baked fresh on a hand-tossed crust and melted in a pile of gooey cheese. Add some gorgonzola, fresh rosemary, and your well on your way to sizzling gourmet. Steam Engine from The Market at Courthouse Square (Hinton) With a name like "steam engine," you know it'll set your taste buds alight. This sandwich features a spicy specialty sauce, pepper jack and jalapeños with LTO. Then, take your pick of meat to top it all off. If it's really freezing out, you might need to add a cup of one of The Market's boiler tank soups to the side. Which dish do you warm up with in the winter in Southern WV?

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It's the time of year for a little fear! Bring the family along to Southern WV for some spooky fun. There are frights for the kids, and some for the adults as well. Gather up your bravery and bravado, and face Southern WV's spirits at these Halloween events. Haunted History Tour Lewisburg (Oct. 25) Escape the haunted museum halls, and head out into the cemeteries of Lewisburg. Learn what lurks in the graves… and what's wandered out of them. Famous tales of the spirits of the Greenbrier Valley, as well as lesser-known tales of lingering ghosts. Whipple Company Store, Scarbro (Oct 25 & 26) This is NOT a haunted house, this is an historic, last of it's kind, company store that is full of stories of life, death, tears and tragedy. Hear the stories, explore the dark corners and hidden spaces and go on your own paranormal investigation . . Must be 21. Haunted BridgeWalk Catwalk, Fayetteville (Oct. 25-Oct. 27) As if scaling the catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge, 876 feet in the air, weren't scary enough! The large metal rods of the bridge will be casting shadows across the catwalk, cloaking the creatures lurking along the path. You'll be fastened in to a safety system so you won't fall, but that won't save you from the spooks and scares awaiting you! The Haunted Trail - Little Beaver State Park in Beckley (Oct. 18-31) Great fun for all ages, this tour will include ghosts and goblins and other creatures of the night slinking through the park as you walk the path. Lake Stephens Haunted Trail (Oct 25 - 31) For a scary good time visit this jump/scare haunted trail. $5 for Adults and $3 for kids 5-12.  Open Oct 25, 26 and 31 from 7pm to 11pm and Oct 27-30th from 7pm to 10pm. Bramwell Ghost Walk - Bramwell (4th Saturday in October) Take a tour of Historic Bramwell, once the home of more wealthy coal barons than anywhere else in the country. Their lavish town will be visited by ghostly characters, leading guest through the play-like tour that chronicles Bramwell's history. Actors will speak for the spirits of the town's past, recreating the thriving millionaire's hub that it once was. Hillbilly Horror - Bluefield (Every Friday & Saturday  in October & Halloween! ) The artisans of Gary Bowling's House of Art have funneled their talents into creating spooky sets, bringing ghoulish characters to life and building an intricate haunted house that weaves through city hall's jail cell. Are you brave enough to go behind bars with the spooks on the loose? More Halloween Fun Fright Nights  - Glade Springs Resort in Daniels (October  25, 26 and 31) Race through the Booger monster's twisted fairy tale lands, the Grim Forest, storybook homes and Wild and Wicked Wonderland. If you make it, try to find your way out of the 3D Haunted Circus as the floors, doors and walls move around you. But there are more obstacles before you're safe: strap on your laser suit to battle zombies in laser tag, and leap aboard the haunted hayride. Want something for the kids? Glade Springs has a one-day "N0-Scare- Trick or Treat Festival" for the kids to travel through the haunted trail and the 3D house, but with monsters that give out sweets and treats instead of tricks and frights. Dracula: A Rock Opera - Greenbrier Valley Theater in Lewisburg (Oct. 25, 26, 31, Nov. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16) See Bram Stoker's classic come to life in a riveting and rocking way. If the forever cursed blood baron, the one and only Dracula, doesn't get your heart racing, the upbeat score of the show will. Tailgate Halloween - Beckley, WV (Oct. 26) Take the kiddos out for treats from more than 40 local businesses for a safe trick-or-treat night, away from traffic, sponsored by the Youth Museum. 3rd Annual Spooktacular Family Fun Fest - YMCA of Southern WV (Oct. 26) Bring the whole family and get active in this Halloween gameroom. It's all about having a healthy Halloween, so no sugary candy, but the kids can earn way cooler prizes for playing. Which Southern WV haunt are you and your family going to face?

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This Halloween season, are you hoping to put a little bit of fright into your nights?  Do you get a kick out of haunted trails?  Or are you intrigued by paranormal historic haunts? Well, no matter your preference, you're in luck.  That's because here in southern West Virginia, there are all kinds of ways to get your scare on.  From haunted trails to ghost walks, a haunted catwalk tour to hayrides, you won't be disappointed in any of these spooky events. So let's get started, because the spirits are restless and the ghosts are calling your name… Haunted Happenings in southern WV . . . Lewisburg Ghost Tours– Friday and Saturdays through October 29th Enjoy a candlelit walking tour of Lewisburg Historic District where ghostly tales are shared based on local legend. Tours stops include the historic General Lewis Inn and the Lewisburg Cemetery, dating back to the 1800’s.  Tours depart from the General Lewis Inn at 8pm.  Tickets are $20, Children under 7 are free. Bramwell Ghost Tour October 22nd 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.  Spirits will start to gather at 5pm at the Bramwell Depot and along Main Street.  There will be live music and food at the Bramwell Café.  Ghost Walk begins at 7pm. Tickets are $15. MSU’s Forensic Investigation Assoc Haunted House October 12 – 31st MSU’s Crime Scene House will be taken over for Halloween.  Located on South Kanawha Street in Beckley the Haunted house will be open October 12 – 31st (closed Sundays).  Times:  Mon-Wed 7-11pm, Thurs – Sat and Halloween 7 to Midnight.  Cost is Mon-Wed $8 and Thurs – Sat and Halloween  $10. Lake Shawnee Haunted Amusement Park October  14, 15, 21-31st. Tours begin at dusk.  This location is on the Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places in America list.  Digital cameras and audio recorders welcome.  FLASHLIGHT NEEDED! Cost is $8 for adult and $5 for children.  Private tours available year round. Overnight camping for private groups available.  Form more information call 304-921-1580. Haunted ‘Catwalk’ of the New River Gorge Bridge October 16, 21, 22, 23, 28-31 Who knows what lurks in the Bridge’s shadows and below? The Haunted Walk is a guided tour on the catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge with ‘scaraters,’ props and ‘rigatronics’ designed to intentionally scare the walkers.  Shrill shrieks, screams and groans await you – this is NOT for the faint-of-heart.  Dress warm but dress up! Cost is $49 but for those who come “dressed for the occasion’ will pay half price! $24.50.  Tours begin at 7pm. You will be fastened into a safety system. 2 hour tour, some restrictions apply. Reservations required.  www.bridgewalk.com  304-574-1300 Haunted History Tours @ the Historic Whipple Company Store Friday-Saturdays in October The Historic Whipple Company Store is rich in history and hauntings. The elevator shaft, the ballroom, the walk in safe, the hidden floor, the embalming room, the Basement! This is not a haunted house of smoke and mirrors – nothing is fake.  This is authentic haunted history.  No one under 21.  Flashlights provided.  Fridays and Saturdays in October from 8:30 pm to 11 pm. Cost is $25 per person. Private haunted tours by appointment. www.whipplecompanystore.com/hauntedhistorytours.html Little Beaver State Park Haunted Trail Fright Nights @ The Resort at Glade Springs October 21, 22, 28-31st Once the sun sets, visitors will travel down the Terror on the Gorge Haunted Trail where the nightmare will begin.  Cost is $15 per person.  There will also be haunted hayrides and carriage rides, a (not so scarey) Halloween Homes Tour, bonfire and plenty of food. Some additional costs may apply.  http://www.facebook.com/FrightNightsWV Princeton City Park Haunted Trail October 22, 28, 29th Hours will be from 7pm – 11pm.  Park at the Princeton Rec Center then take a hayride to the park.  The Trail will be in Princeton City Park.  Admission is $6 – there will also be trick or treating on the trail from 5 – 6:30 on Saturday October 29th.  Info:  304-487-5040 Terror at Tams – Haunted Walking Trail – Burning Rock Adventure Park October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 31 730pm-10:30pm; $10 per person ($5 under 12) The setup: Some college kids from ‘up north’ wanted to investigate the hills of West Virginia. They heard about ATV rentals at Burning Rock and decided it would be a lot of fun, however, when they got lost in the deep words they encountered Zombies. They wrecked their ATV and… well, you’ll just have to come out and see what happens next! www.burningrockwv.com Little Beaver State Park Haunted Trail October 21-31st Bring someone to hold onto as you walk this spooky trail around the park – you never know what is going to come out of the woods . . . Starts at Dark.  Weekdays til 10pm, weekends til 11pm.  $8 for 12 and up, $6 for 11 and under. Gary Bowling’s House of Art “Haunted Jail Cells” October 14, 15, 21, 22, 27-29 Come Walk the Green Mile - Every jail cell will serve as a different shop of horrors. There will be animations, robotics and live actors. Housed in what was the Bluefield City Hall Jail Complex and is now the Bluefield Area Arts Center on Bland Street. 7pm to Midnight. $5 per person. facebook.com/pages/Gary-Bowlings-House-of-Art/ Corn Mazes: Looking for some family fun?  Visit a pumpkin patch and corn maze farm! Byrnside Branch Farm - Pumpkins, mazes, horse-drawn hay rides, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides. One mile outside of union on Willowbend Road, Union, WV 24983. Phone: 304-772-3131. Open: Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 9am to 10pm, Sunday 1pm-10pm Corn Maze is opened September 16th to November 6th. www.byrnsidebranchfarm.com Cinderella Pumpkin Farm - Pumpkins, hay rides, and corn maze. Route 12 (HC 77 Box 432), Ballard, WV 24918. Phone: 304-753-9818. Great family entertainment. Open September 1st through October 31st from 9:00am to Sundown. Okes Family Farms - pumpkins, corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises. 614 Blue Jay 6 Rd, Cool Ridge, WV 25825. Phone: 304-673-3308. Open Saturdays from 10am to 5:30pm and Sundays from noon to 5:30pm.  okesfamilyfarms.com

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