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Fall in Southern WV

A treat for the senses

The rolling green hills of southern West Virginia become a canvas of rustic colors when autumn arrives. The transition transforms normal activities into a mosaic for the senses. Whether you hike the New River Gorge, sample local dishes at one of the region’s popular food festivals, or enjoy the raucous sounds of bands in some of the area’s most well-known music venues, the wide range of adventure and exploration in southern West Virginia is as colorful as the leaves...

Sight

See the colors of fall

The colorful leaves roll across the hills of southern West Virginia like a patchwork quilt. And there’s a multitude of ways you to see those colors: hike the New River Gorge‘s 100-mile long trail system for stunning views along ridgelines, rev up a purring ATV at Burning Rock or the Hatfield and McCoy Trails, or soak in the leaves from the bottom-up from a raft on the Gauley or New Rivers.

See the colors of fall

Hiking the New River Gorge

You’ll see views for days on a New River Gorge hike, and what better time to get outdoors than when leaves are putting on their dazzling display of color? The Gorge offers over 100 miles of trails along cliff lines, like the Endless Wall Trail. If you hike into the old mining operations in Thurmond and Kaymoor, or deep into the area’s forests where you can see over 1,800 species of plants, you’ll get the color show of a lifetime.

See the colors of fall

ATV Riding for Fall Color

What better way to create a swirl of Autumn colors than to speed by them on high-powered ATVs? Southern West Virginia’s ATV parks and trail systems are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. At Burning Rock, ride over 100 miles and 10,000 acres of ATV, UTV, and dirt bike trails and see the colors at your own pace. Or, visit the famous 600-mile Hatfield and McCoy Trail System; it’s sure to satisfy that itch to see the best fall foliage up and down these West Virginia hills.

See the colors of fall

Boating for Fall Color

If you want to see a totally unique view of fall foliage in West Virginia, then arrange for a trip on the water. Float down the Gauley River, a National Recreation Area, or the New River with any of the region’s many outfitters. Give yourself the thrill of a lifetime on untamed rapids, only found in the Mountain State, and paddle your way through some of the most breath-taking views of fall color in the world.

See the colors of fall

Taking the Perfect Autumn Photos

In this “take home” guide, Professional photographer Ben Amend shares his tips of the trade. Learn handy insights about composition, editing, timing, and more!

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Smell

Breathe the aromas of fall

Autumn doesn’t just bring cooler temperatures, rustic food and colorful leaves. Those fall breezes also bring wonderful scents, charging your batteries and evoking nostalgia. Whether you embrace the scents of pumpkin marshmallow from the Wild Mountain Soap Company, pick a fine wine with a perfectly paired cheese from Bella the Corner Gourmet, or schedule an aromatherapy session at The Salt Cave and Spa, there are lot of ways to celebrate the season with fragrances that warm the heart and stir the soul.

Breathe the aromas of fall

Wild Mountain Soap Company

What better way to evoke the earthy, rustic aromas of autumn than the scent of pumpkin marshmallow or bourbon-toasted pecans? The Wild Mountain Soap Company can help you embrace the season, inside your home and out. With products ranging from lotions to shampoos, you'll find a variety of scents that awaken memories and conjure fall comfort.

Breathe the aromas of fall

Bella The Corner Gourmet

You might not expect a gourmet kitchen shop to awaken your sense of smell, but a little corner store in Lewisburg does just that. Offering more than just cooking wares to inspire the chef in you, Bella the Corner Gourmet also has a selection of wines and artisan cheeses to pair with your autumn-inspired dishes. A gewurztraminer for your turkey dinner. A nice red for your beef or venison with a pecorino romano cheese. For a cozy autumn party, look no further than Bella's.

Breathe the aromas of fall

The Salt Cave and Spa

For a different way to stimulate your sense of smell this autumn, book an aromatherapy session at The Salt Cave and Spa outside of White Sulphur Springs. Intrigue your sense of smell with the scents from oils extracted from flowers, leaves and roots. Use the benefits of salt therapy for chronic respiratory treatment and nasal cavity health. Or if you want, use the soothing atmosphere for massages, salt/halotherapy, facials and more for a seasonal recharge.

Breathe the aromas of fall

Make Your Own Soap

Soap is something most of us take for granted. But make some yourself, and you’ve suddenly got an addictive hobby on your hands. It’s satisfying and creative, especially when it comes to adding colors and fragrance. Learn how to make a beginner-friendly kind of soap in this “take home” guide!

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Taste

Savor the flavors of fall

As leaves change colors, cooks everywhere break out their seasonal recipes to delight the tastebuds. You too can enjoy the arrival of fall with some of southern West Virginia’s most popular food festivals that will surely offer a nearly unlimited way to enjoy autumn. Try the wide variety of dishes by nonprofit groups and area restaurants at the annual T.O.O.T. event in Lewisburg, spice up your evening with tastings at Beckley’s Chili Night, or check out the best offerings in Fayetteville and beyond at the annual Taste of Bridge Day event.

Savor the flavors of fall

T.O.O.T.

Taste of our Towns (October 14), popularly known as T.O.O.T., is an annual benefit for Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg. Community members and businesses from all over Greenbrier County come together to serve up samples of their favorite recipes. It draws foodies in droves for some of the best food offerings at the beginning of every autumn. The combination of local restaurants, The Greenbrier resort, and area nonprofit organizations will surely have something available for every tasting palette.

Savor the flavors of fall

Taste of Bridge Day

As BASE jumpers leap from the famous New River Gorge Bridge, other visitors plunge their tastebuds into some seriously tasty offerings from Fayetteville’s restaurants and caterers. The event on October 20th (the night before Bridge Day) serves as a fundraiser for area nonprofit and community organizations, but also offers a different kind of autumn adventure for those looking to try something a little new. And as tasting explorers find new flavors, they can enjoy live music and art displays, too.

Savor the flavors of fall

Beckley Chili Night

Beckley’s annual chili night (October 7) is always a great way warm yourself on a cool Autumn night with over 50 variations of the classic dish. Organizations and restaurants from around southern West Virginia come together to offer their creative take on chili. And if a super spicy blend is not your jam, then you are sure to find a tamer version for your ‘buds. The event, put on by the Beckley Events Committee, raises funds for programs in Beckley.

Savor the flavors of fall

Fall Treats

Autumn isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it’s also bursting with spices! Ready to get baking? Simply download this “take home” recipe! Crispy and comforting, these apple dumplings pair well with vanilla ice cream.

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Sound

Hear the sounds of fall

As the sights and smells of autumn arrive in the hills of West Virginia, you can hear the sounds of a deftly plucked guitar and the steady beat of a well-played drum. New and established venues across the region are bringing in up-and-coming bands to help you scratch that dancing itch. There’s The Grove, perfectly situated right above the Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville, WV; the Railyard in Bluefield, West Virginia; and, in the heart of southern West Virginia, the Peacock Pub, a haven of craft brews and infectious tunes. And, you can always attend an event like Bridge Jam to get your musical fix.

Hear the sounds of fall

The Grove

A comfortable music venue where you can lay back in comfortable chairs or move to the groove with a favorite craft brew. The Grove in Fayetteville, WV, is quickly becoming a hotspot of touring musicians and up-and-coming bands that are set to hit it big. The venue offers a little something for everyone and is certainly a great way to relax after full day of adventuring in the New River Gorge. Stop in, grab a brew and kick off those dancing shoes at your new favorite music spot.

Hear the sounds of fall

The Railyard

This new joint brings sounds of all kinds for visitors to enjoy in Bluefield, West Virginia. Jam to various music genres while enjoying a snack, meal or relaxing beverage of your choice! Bringing in bands on a regular basis, The Railyard treats visitors to diverse sounds in one of southern West Virginia’s towns high on character.

Hear the sounds of fall

Peacock Pub

Nestled in the heart of Wyoming County, the Peacock Pub stands ready to offer tunes anyone can enjoy. With an intimate floor plan, the pub perfectly showcases some of the region’s best musicians while also offering a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mode to bust a move or jam to the finest grooves of the mountains (or both!), the Peacock Pub is bursting with ways to entertain you as fall arrives in the southern hills.

Hear the sounds of fall

Musical Instrument

It’s harvest time. Gather up nature’s bounty and make your own musical instrument! All you need is a little elbow grease and basic equipment.

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Touch

Feel the artistry of fall

As warm summer days swirl into the cool of autumn, experience the handiwork of some of the region’s finest artisans. The visuals of dazzling artworks at RiffRaff Arts Collective and Holler: Contemporary Arts Gallery in Princeton echo the spirit of the region’s people. Likewise, the many pieces found at Beckley Arts Center will touch your heart, whether it’s an artist’s show or a class where you can discover your own creativity. Or, walk through the halls of Tamarack and experience the best of West Virginia, from perfectly blown glass and finely painted works to detailed woodworks. There’s a wide range of ways to feel the passion of the region’s artisans.

Feel the artistry of fall

RiffRaff Arts Collective and Holler: Contemporary Arts Gallery

Some of the region’s best artists are displaying dazzling, contemplative pieces in one of the state’s southern-most areas. Whether you’re looking for a creative zone of contemporary art or a center of Appalachian art and culture, Princeton, West Virginia, has two havens that have the ability to let you feel an artist’s creation, whether emotionally or physically. The RiffRaff Arts Collective offers performing, visual, literary and healing artistry, while Holler: Contemporary Appalachian Art Gallery presents the artwork of traditional Appalachian artists. Whichever you choose, prepare to be delighted!

Feel the artistry of fall

Beckley Arts Center

The Beckley Arts Center offers not only an avenue for artists to display their work and express themselves, but also serves as a hub for community artists to work together and encourage each other in their creative endeavors. With its Cynthia Bickey Arts Gallery and mission to stimulate the arts in southern West Virginia, the Beckley Arts Center is the region’s creative hotspot.

Feel the artistry of fall

Tamarack

Strolling through the corridor of Tamarack, you easily feel appreciation for the deftly created works of West Virginia artisans. From perfectly blown glass to diligently carved wood and painstakingly painted works of art, there is no lack of sensations at Tamarack, the best of West Virginia. Conveniently located on any tour of West Virginia along Interstate 64, Tamarack offers the perfect stop to see, feel, hear, smell and touch the passion of the Mountain State’s artisans.

Feel the artistry of fall

Pumpkin Carving and Haunted House Party

Get your hands on some pumpkins— it’s time to make those jack-o-lanterns. Throwing a Halloween party? We also have tips for creating a ghoulishly good “haunted” exhibit. It’s all here, right in this “take home” guide.

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