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Living in FayettevilleThis charming town is not just a vacation destination—see why people are giving up “city life” to call Fayetteville home.
Living in Fayetteville is like living in a postcard,” said Randy Thompson, a river guide for Passages to Adventure Rafting. Named one of the Top 10 Coolest Towns in America by Budget Travel magazine, Fayetteville has scenery that is breathtaking and people who are charming and warm. One stroll down Court Street will give you a taste of the town’s one-of-a-kind “Pleasantville”–like appeal that will leave you wanting more. After one visit, I was hooked. “Everyone has a sense of place here,” said Calentha Quesenberry, director of the town’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. Rich in history, culture, and unbelievable natural beauty, Fayetteville has something for everyone. You don’t have to be adventurous and outdoorsy to enjoy this small town. It is packed full of fine dining, shopping, and unsurpassable recreational options. A true melting pot of locals, tourists, and those who have left and returned, Fayetteville will give you a big-city vibe with a down-home feel. HistoryDuring the Civil War, Fayetteville was home to both Confederate and Union troops. At least two battles were fought in the town, and after Confederate troops retreated, Union troops occupied several forts in Fayetteville. The very first indirect firing of artillery occurred in one of these battles. Today, you can explore battlefields or bunkers and visit a large well built during the Civil War that is still intact, from which the North and the South both drank. More recent history in Fayetteville involves the coal mining industry that was once prominent in the area. Coal mining towns were perched along the New River Gorge and provided much economic growth for the area. Fortunately, when this industry faded, tourism picked up. “Fayetteville never became a ghost town,” Quesenberry said. Today the town has almost everything imaginable to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation. Not only is there much fun to be had in Fayetteville, but the people you meet come from all walks of life, and each offers a perspective different from the next. Whitewater Rafting
River Expeditions, a rafting company in Fayetteville, has a motto: “There are two kinds of people—those who love rafting and those who have never been.” A southern West Virginia gal through and through, I must admit I had never been whitewater rafting. This should be considered a crime, right? My adventurous side (which is almost nonexistent) came out on the Lower New River on a sunny April afternoon. The experience is almost indescribable. Simply put: Rafting is exhilarating. When P.J. Stevenson, office manager at Rivermen Rafting, told me she moved to Fayetteville just for the rafting, I thought, “That’s crazy.” Then, I experienced the whitewater rapids for myself. Now I understand. An industry that was Fayetteville’s saving grace, whitewater rafting brought life back into an area that was once dependent on coal mining for economic support. When one industry dwindled, the other came in to turn Fayetteville into a thriving community. Rafting began in the late 1960s and was not always accepted by the locals; many predicted it would be a fading trend. It was not until the mid 1970s when the people of Fayetteville realized it was here to stay. Today, locals embrace the industry and actually look forward to whitewater rafting season. However, many changes have emerged in the industry over the past decade. The merging of several rafting companies has made vacationing more convenient for guests. Because of the recent mergers, companies offer one-stop shopping. In addition to rafting, guests can enjoy fishing trips, rock climbing, and canopy tours. River Expeditions, a family-owned company, brought five outfitters together to one central headquarters. “We can offer our guests more now,” said Heather Johnson, owner of River Expeditions. Rafting companies are making their vacations more family-oriented and targeting in-state customers as well. “Last year I took more people from West Virginia down the river than I have in 15 years,” said rafting guide Nathan Herrold of River Expeditions. The economic pressures over the past few years have made vacationing in West Virginia an affordable alternative to more costly out-of-state trips. Herrold said, “Visiting Fayetteville is a good option for those living in-state because it’s right outside their back doors. The area is one of West Virginia’s crown jewels.” Shopping
If you would rather shop than battle the class 5 rapids, Fayetteville’s boutiques will not disappoint. Trillium Crafts sells handmade crafts made only by West Virginia artisans. Glassware, pottery, and jewelry are among the crafts sold at Trillium. With a variety of new and used books, the store boasts several sections, including one dedicated to books written about the area or by an author from West Virginia. Another section is devoted to homemade West Virginia food products. Shoppers can also pick up tasty gifts like peach and cherry preserves, pumpkin butter, or sparkling cider. This same sense of pride rings true at Studio B. A true art gallery nestled in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, it houses local and import artwork ranging from pottery, photography, and paintings to jewelry and stained glass. “We represent so many local artists and have a variety of prices ranging from $3 to $1200,” said Belinda Fowler, manager of the store. Not only does Studio B feature a vast assortment of artwork but they have a wine shop with local, import, and organic wines. Be sure to stop by Studio B for an art show, wine tasting, or children’s art class during the summer. Visit Wisteria’s Gifts to indulge in West Virginia-made wines and gourmet foods or pick up the latest Vera Bradley bag in what owner Denise Scalph calls “The Diva Den.” One of the hottest finds at Wisteria’s is Switch Flops by Lindsay Phillips. Not your average flip flops, Switch Flops are reversible so you can have a different look for every outfit in your closet. This item is on The “O” List by Oprah, so be sure to pick up a pair as a gift or simply treat yourself. Oka Bee shoes, Hala jewelry, and Viva handmade clay jewelry are among the many unique products found at this Fayetteville gem. If you want a diverse, high-quality selection of items you can’t miss Wisteria’s Gifts.
For your outdoor recreation needs, visit New River Bikes. Founded in 1989, the shop was one of the first to cater to those interested in recreational activities other than whitewater rafting. They offer half- and full-day tours of the New River Gorge area as well as bike rentals for those who want to explore on their own. You can also purchase a new bike or have an old one fixed. The repair shop is separated from the retail space by a bar with stools so customers can see their bike being serviced. “The shop itself is interesting and has a lot of character,” said Andrew Forron, a New River Bikes employee. An old house that has been converted to what is now an eclectic shop, New River Bikes is fully equipped to fulfill your mountain biking needs. DiningA visit to Fayetteville would be incomplete without tasting the local foods and flavors of restaurants like Diogis Mexican Grill & Cantina or Cathedral Café. Oscar and Barbara Aguilar opened Diogis only seven months ago, and already they’re a Fayetteville favorite. Oscar, a native of El Salvador, cooks all the dishes from scratch. With recipes from his homeland, the restaurant offers full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Bring your well-behaved pooch and enjoy your meal out on the patio. Your dog will even be treated to complimentary “doggie tacos.” As for the “people food,” the carnitas are to die for—tender chunks of seasoned pork deep fried with onions and served with tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice, and refried beans. At only $13.95, they can’t be beat. Top it off with their homemade sangria, and you’ve got the perfect meal. For dessert, try Oscar’s Banana and Raisin Bread Pudding served warm and drizzled with sweet lechera cream and caramel—an indulgence so good it won first place dessert in the 2008 Taste of Bridge Day. Cathedral Cafe is full of personality with an ambiance unlike any other restaurant in the town. Placed in an old church, they offer full breakfast and lunch menus. For some of the best pancakes around, try a short stack of sweet potato pancakes at only $4.75. One lunch favorite is the Cajun Chicken Tortellini Salad with broccoli, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and herb vinaigrette dressing on a bed of mixed greens. They also offer a variety of flavored coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, and desserts. The award-winning carrot cake is a must. If your appetite is light, head to Sedona Cantina & Tapas. Dishes range from edamame to hand-cut French fries served with homemade roasted garlic and red bell pepper aioli. Everything is made from scratch and tapas like beer pretzels and homemade hot mustard are priced as low as $3. Cocktails like the flirtini and peach cosmo give a tangy twist to classic drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed yet funky with a southwestern vibe. Gumbo’s Cajun Restaurant will give you a taste of the low country with over 45 items on the regular menu, 20 appetizers, and a choice of 8 different steam pots. Owners Harry Giroud and Mary Ball returned to Fayetteville to open Gumbo’s six years ago. “We wanted to do the most exciting food in America,” said Giroud. Dishes like the fried shrimp or oysters are favorites among the locals, while tourists spring for sampler plates or steam pots full of vegetables and seafood like crab or mussels. Giroud said they are “priced for the locals.” To complement their fresh American ingredients, Gumbo’s uses their own blend of Cajun spices and cooks with seafood straight from the Gulf. Giroud said, “Our restaurant adds depth and another layer of interest to the town. People won’t be disappointed if they come to eat here.” For hand-tossed pizza pies made and stretched to order, Pies & Pints is known for their diverse selection of homemade pizzas and premium beer. Unique flavors make selections like the Cuban pork pie or the eggplant & red pepper pie irresistible. With over 17 varieties of specialty pizzas and 30 different types of beer available, this Fayetteville favorite is hard to beat. Lodging
It would be a shame to visit Fayetteville without staying in one the town’s historic bed-and-breakfasts. The Historic Morris Harvey House was completed in 1902 and built by R.H. Dickinson for Morris Harvey, one of Fayette County’s most outstanding citizens. With six guest rooms, many with fireplaces and their own private baths, this elegant bed-and-breakfast takes you back in time. Each room is special in this three-story Victorian home. The White Horse Bed & Breakfast was built for Fayette County Sheriff E.B. Hawkins in 1906. The 22-room mansion has almost all of its original architecture and is full of turn-of-the-century charm. Five guest rooms are available with meals served in the dining hall, where a hand painted mural from France decorates the walls. Located on 300 beautiful acres bordering the Gauley National Recreation Area, the Confluence Resort has breathtaking views, rock cliffs, a 70-foot waterfall, nature trails, and much more. If you are looking for a vacation rental for your family or to simply go camping, the Confluence Resort has something for you. The resort features three vacation rentals—The Patterson House, The Hemlock House, and The Vandalia House—each accommodating at least eight people. If you enjoy camping, the Confluence Resort offers primitive sites and group camping. With a pond-side pavilion and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure, this resort has natural beauty that can’t be beat. Other Fayetteville FindsThe Historic Fayetteville Theater was originally the town’s movie theater and has recently been renovated by local artisans. The theater draws aspiring actors from all over the county and is now used for plays and local band performances. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of Bridge Day. Be sure to visit Fayetteville the 3rd Saturday in October to celebrate this monumental occasion. The 1st Annual Chili Cook-off will also take place on Bridge Day and will be nationally sanctioned, so anyone can participate. Mark your calendars for the weekend before the 4th of July for The Heritage Festival. A weeklong event that is fun for all ages, this festival takes place right in the town’s park. Activities include a carnival, Civil War reenactments, and a John Kemper’s Extravaganza performance at the Historic Fayetteville Theater.
The SWIRL sisters Carly and Darlene recently moved back to West Virginia to open SWIRL in downtown Fayetteville. The sisters offer guests a variety of milkshakes, candy, ice cream, coffee, and homemade pies. Not only will there be tasty treats, but pottery, jewelry, novelty t-shirts, and old fashioned toys will also be sold at SWIRL. On weekends they will stay open late and serve SWIRLtinis—special ice cream drinks (non-alcoholic) in fancy martini glasses. 
Some Favorite FindsShopping Trillium Crafts Studio B Gallery and Gifts Wisteria’s Gifts New River Bikes Blue Smoke Salsa Dining Diogis Mexican Grill & Cantina Cathedral Cafe Sedona Cantina & Tapas Pies & Pints Gumbos Cajun Restaurant Cowboys Restaurant Smokey’s On the Gorge Swirl 117 S. Court Street Dirty Ernies Rib Pit Gino’s Tudors Biscuit World
Recreation River Expeditions Rivermen Hard Rock Climbing Services Passages to Adventure Cantrell Ultimate Rafting North American River Runners, Inc. (NARR) Songer Adventure Campground Class VI River Runners, Inc Ace Adventure Resort New & Gauley River Adventures, Inc. Wildwater Expeditions
Lodging The Historic Morris Harvey House Historic White House Bed & Breakfast The Confluence Resort Mill Creek Cabins River Expeditions Rivermen Laurel Creek Cabins Wildwater Expeditions USA Raft West Virginia Adventures Opossum Creek Retreat Passages to Adventure New & Gauley River Adventures, Inc. North American River Runners, Inc. Songer Adventure Campground Class VI River Runners, Inc Quality Inn Canyon Rim Ranch Cooter’s Cabins & Campin’ Chestnut Creek Campground Rifrafters Campground, Inc Cantrell Ultimate Rafting Ace Adventure Resort |
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