Fayetteville

For a small town, Fayetteville is packed with delicious local eateries. Try Pies and Pints for mouthwatering pizza creations, where pizza is topped high with gorgonzola and grapes, chicken and gouda or classic pepperoni and sausage. Secret Sandwich Society, where thoughtfully sourced food is crafted with passion, serves up appetizing sandwiches named after various presidents.But make sure you order the pimento cheese fries; you won’t regret it. Cathedral Café offers hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner in – you guessed it – an old cathedral! Afterwards, quench your thirst with a craft beer from Bridge Brew Works. 

Built in 1937 and part of the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail, Historic Fayette Theater stages various performances all year long. Elliot’s Bar & Grill is a great option for those craving some incredible sandwiches whule kicking back and watching the big game. The Southside Junction Tap House also offers live music and even trivia nights.

At the heart of town, boutique stores offer everything from outdoor gear to handcrafted collectibles. Many of the shops are walkable in the historic downtown area. Visit the Hobbit Hole for vintage knick-knacks and furniture. Water Stone Outdoors provides quality outdoor rock climbing gear and much more. The New River Antique Mall has over 25 booths filled with unique finds. 

Encompassing more than 70,000 acres, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve boasts numerous scenic overlooks and recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing. The 876-foot-high New River Gorge Bridge, opened in 1977, is one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world. If you visit the bridge (and you’re not afraid of heights) check out a bird’s eye view of the river with a catwalk tour beneath the bridge with Bridge Walk. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will love visiting ACE Adventure Resort, Adventures on the Gorge or River Expeditions, all of whom offer a variety of lodging and recreational activities including whitewater rafting, zipline and aerial adventures, mountain biking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Mountain Surf Paddle Sports specializes in stand-up paddle board instruction and offers top-quality rentals. If being up in the air is more your style, Wild Blue Adventure Company provides scenic and stunt flights over the New River Gorge in a vintage Stearman Biplane.

Fayetteville’s rich history began in 1873 when the town’s name was changed from Vandalia and made the county seat. Named after Marquis de Lafayette, Fayetteville displays his statue on the Fayette County Courthouse lawn. During the Civil War, this town was heavily fought over and was held by both the North and South. Today, you can take a walking tour of the Historic District, which includes 75 historic homes, buildings and sites along the Civil War Trail. A walk through Fayetteville will take you back in time.

Rest your head in a cozy cabin at Babcock State Park or stay at the Hawks Nest State Park Lodge. These two state parks are particularly beautiful in late spring when the rhododendrons bloom. Take a step back in time with a stay at the Morris Harvey House Bed and Breakfast. This 14-room Queen Anne style house was one of the first homes in town with running water. Live in luxury in the incredibly curated spaces at Lafayette Flats – as featured by National Geographic. In the heart of downtown Fayetteville, you’ll be just a short walk from everything imaginable.