Blog

We are super excited to host Fayetteville’s first Wizard Weekend celebrating a beloved children’s book series and the magic of our beautiful town. On January 31st- February 2nd, join hundreds of fans for themed shopping, dining, and activities fun for all ages as Fayetteville transforms into a magical village.

Getting Started

Take time to check out the schedule so you can start planning your fun. Stop by the visitor center (9 3/4 Platform) for festival information and to grab a map.

Start planning your costumes. Costumes are not required, but they are totally encouraged. Many businesses are offering discounts to visitors in costume. We will have a costume contest with prizes at 4:30pm on Saturday, February 1st. There will also be little photo op spots throughout town for more costume fun.

Check the weather. This is a rain or shine event that will involve walking around town and many outside activities along with indoor activities. Grab a jacket and and umbrella so you can be prepared.

Activities

We have a lot of fun lined up including wand-making, shopping, a feast, live music, festival-themed escape room fun, photo booths, crafts, fire show, house sorting, quidditch game, and more! The majority of events are free unless listed with ticket information.

Wizard Weekend Schedule

Thursday 
7:30pm-9:30pm Harry Potter Themed Trivia – Southside Junction Tap House ( 21+)
Friday
10am-5pm Scavenger Hunt
Begin the scavenger hunt by collecting your clues at the Fayetteville Visitor Center. The clues will lead you through town in and around shops. Return your list to the visitor center for a small prize while supplies last. 

11am-? Tarot/Palm Readings at The Grove ($)
3pm-6pm Puzzle Challenge based of Room of Requirement –Epic Escape Game New River Gorge
4pm Wizard Craft for all ages- Fayetteville Visitor Center
5:30pm -7:30pm Painting Workshop ($30 R)
TBA Feast- The Station ($R)
8pm-11pm Jake Dunn & The Blackbirds with Walter Debarr live music– The Grove 

Saturday
8am-4pm Scavenger Hunt
Begin the scavenger hunt by collecting your clues at the Fayetteville Visitor Center. The clues will lead you through town in and around shops. Return your list to the visitor center for a small prize while supplies last. 
9:00am Sorting Ceremony- Fayetteville Visitor Center

11am-? Tarot/ palm readings at The Grove ($)
1pm-6pm Puzzle Challenge based of Room of Requirement –Epic Escape Game New River Gorge
2pm- Wand Making Craft all ages ( 50 participants max) 
TBA Quidditch Game 
4:30pm Costume Contest- Dress as your favorite character for a chance to win a prize. We will have a best costume category for adults, children and best family or group costume. 
TBA Feast The Station ($R)
8pm-11pm Tofujitsu live music-The Grove

Sunday
Scavenger Hunt 1pm-3pm
Begin the scavenger hunt by collecting your clues at the Fayetteville Visitor Center. The clues will lead you through town in and around shops. Return your list to the visitor center for a small prize while supplies last. 
1pm Craft all ages- Fayetteville Visitor Center 
1pm-6pm Puzzle Challenge based of Room of Requirement –Epic Escape Game New River Gorge

R= Reservation Required
$= Ticket Required
Stay tuned as we update the events

Ticketed Events

Most of the festival activities are free. You can enhance your experience with optional ticketed activities. Join us for a Wizard Paint Night at the Fayetteville Visitor Center on Friday evening. You must register for this class, spots are limited.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wizard-paint-night-tickets-89113800777

Feast at The Station

We will post a ticket link along with pricing and information as soon as it is available.

Where to Stay

Fayetteville boasts vacation rentals, a hotel and bed and breakfast many within walking distance of the fun or a short drive away.

https://visitfayettevillewv.com/lodging/

The Quality Inn New River Gorge is running a Wizard Weekend Special at $59.99 (+tax) a night during the weekend. Snag a room at this deal before they disappear. You must call to reserve a room at this rate and ask for the CVB special 304-574-3443.

How to Get Around

Wear comfortable shoes and plan to do some walking. Limited parking will be available on the streets and public lots outside the immediate downtown area, but it will fill quickly.

What to Eat

Take advantage of special festival foods and drinks. Fuel up on favorite wizard treats at The Stache. Try butter beer at the Southside Junction Tap House. Dine in the Great Hall at Cathedral Cafe. Fayetteville is the food capitol of West Virginia with lots of delicious dining options.

What else to do

If you need a bit of a break from the magic, reconnect with the natural world. Fayetteville sets right next to the New River Gorge with miles of hiking trails and outdoor activities.

Looking for ideas of things to do during the holiday season? We have plenty of vacation ideas for a getaway and magical experiences in Fayetteville. Fayetteville is one of the best places to shop for perfect gifts with a community of talented artists and unique boutique shops.

1. Winter Wonderland of Lights

The Fayetteville County Park’s Winter Wonderland of Lights is one of the areas longest running holiday celebrations with thousands of lights on display throughout the park. Santa makes visits throughout the month of December along with wagon rides and concessions on select nights. It is a magical experience for little ones and the whole family.

2. Christmas Holiday Bridge Walk

It’s a great time of the year to see the New River Gorge Bridge in its quiet sleep. Bridge walk is offering a holiday special December 26-31.

Join them for a tour on these days for just $49/per person ($51.94 with tax). Although we are open every day, reservations and assigned tour times are highly recommended during this time. Call us at (304) 574-1300 or book online at www.bridgewalk.com to reserve your spot today. (closed Christmas Day)

3. Shopping

Fayetteville has transformed into a winter wonderland and the town is decked out for the holidays. Downtown sparkles with Christmas light strung. There is something special about mom and pop stores and grand holiday window displays. Enjoy a stroll through town and find unique one of a kind gifts. Our friends at Lafayette Flats have put together a handy holiday gift guide to help you with your last minute shopping adventures.

https://mailchi.mp/3e6aee590f23/fayettevillegifts

4. Take a Hike

This is the perfect time of year to beat the crowds and enjoy spectacular views in the gorge. Stop by the visitor center and we will get you stared on a hiking adventure and supply the maps. Two of our favorite winter hikes are the Endless Wall Trail and Long Point Trail.

5. Home for the Holidays at the Historic Fayette Theater

“Landau and Larry’s Home for the Holidays Tour” will perform at the Historic Fayette Theatre in Fayetteville, WV Thursday night December 19 at 7 pm.

The special evening of holiday cheer and happy hits will feature America’s Got Talent winner and Columbia recording artist Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. and his band with special guest star Larry Groce, the host and co-creator of the long running and hugely popular Mountain Stage National Public Radio show produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Tickets start at just $10 and can be purchased by visiting https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4453239

6. The Stache

Don’t let the cold keep you from enjoying ice cream from this unique ice cream shop that is open year round. Feel like a kid in an candy shop and pick out last minute stocking stuffers and toys. Unicorns! Flamingos! Hot Chocolate and more!

7. New Years Eve in Fayetteville

Fayetteville is the perfect place to spend your New Years with lots of delicious dining and entertainment options. Enjoy a delicious dinner and dance the night away with the Company Stores, join in a pj champagne party, futuristic party and more! We also have lots of fun lined up for New Years Day in town.

New Years Fayetteville

8. Polar Plunge

The Fayette Station Polar Swim is an annual New Year’s Day tradition where locals gather to bring in the new year. All are welcome to join in at your own risk.  Meet us at 12:45pm at Fayette Station to fill out waivers to participate in the plunge at 1:00pm. Participants must sign a liability waiver to participate. Visit Fayetteville is partnering with Generation New River Gorge to host this event. Generation New River Gorge will be serving hot chocolate to participants.

Stay with us!

Lodging

Check out this weekends events!

This Weekend In The Ville December 18th-22nd

Stuck on where to go for your New Year’s destination? We’ve got you. Whether you are looking for a low key pj party with friends, a roaring 20’s affair or an epic adventure, we have something for you. Maybe you want to do absolutely nothing and rejuvenate for a fresh start, we can help with that too. Picture soaking in a clawfoot tub or relaxing by the fire.

The Station New Year’s Eve Y2K 2.0

Enjoy a lavish smorgasbord from 6pm-9 pm. $75 at the door covers food, music, and a champagne toast at midnight. 90s attire is encouraged but not required.

New Years Eve PJ & Champagne Party at Southside Junction Tap House

Who’s ready for a good old fashioned Pajama Party with a twist?! Put on your finest pajamas, grab your slippers and we will do the rest! Tons of popcorn, champagne, and fun! December 31st starting at 8pm until the Ball Drops! — and of course we have a special brunch planned for the next day!

The Future Is Now New Years Eve 2020 at Maggie’s Pub

8pm-3am

Why go back in time when every single day you wake up IS the future?!? 2020 is upon us so time to act like it! Dress up in Alexander McQueen like Avant-garde style or anything futuristic and bring in the New Year at Maggie’s. Lady Gaga style, off the wall style, Futurama style, anything goes! Time to bring flying cars and all that we were promised as kids to life! Music, dancing, food, champagne toast at midnight, prizes for most futuristic and drink specials! NEW YEAR. NEW YOU. NEW FUTURE! CHEERS!

New Year’s Eve Party with The Stacey Carroll Project at Elliott’s Whitewater Bar and Grill

Start your evening off with a prime rib dinner for two at Elliott’s Whitewater Bar & Grill. Bring in the New Year with entertainment from ” The Stacey Carroll Project and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight.  Stay overnight on-site at the New River Quality Inn with deals on new year packages and enjoy a free continental breakfast in the morning.

New Year’s Eve Adventures on the Gorge

Adventures On The Gorge and The Company Stores invite you to ring in 2020 with phenomenal modern rock music in Casey Litz’s final performance with the band, exquisite food and craft drinks underneath the stars on the rim of the New River Gorge in West Virginia.

Tickets cost $49 after November 30, which includes appetizers and champagne toast.

Tickets also include a FREE Shuttle pass that loops between the Adventures On The Gorge Resort, the Memorial Building in Fayetteville, and the Holiday Lodge in Oak Hill. The shuttle can also make small stops anywhere along the route upon request.

New Year’s Dance Party & Karaoke with DJ Mandy Gilkerson at Monkey’s Uncle Bar & Grill

The party starts at 9 pm with DJ Mandy Gilkerson for a New Year’s Eve Dance Party & Kareoke at Monkey’s Uncle Bar & Grill.

New Years Day

PJ Breakfast Party Cathedral Cafe

9am-2pm

We will be OPEN New Year’s Day from 9am – 2pm for our 19th Annual Pajama & Pancakes Party! Come celebrate the new year with your friends!! Serving breakfast all day….. IN OUR PAJAMAS!! MIMOSAS – BLOODY MARYS – BELLINIS – PANCAKES & MORE!

Polar Plunge

The thrill of the chill! It’s bold to be cold! Join us as we dive into the New Year with a Polar Bear Swim! The Fayette Station Polar Swim is an annual New Year’s Day tradition where locals gather to bring in the new year. All are welcome to join in at your own risk.  Meet us at 12:45pm at Fayette Station to fill out waivers to participate in the plunge at 1:00pm. Participants must sign a liability waiver to participate.

Things to Do

Lacy’s Lights at the Fayette County Park

Looking for fun for the whole family? Take a drive through the impressive wonderland of winter lights at the Fayette County Park  The last night to check out the lights is December 30th.

Active Southern West Virginia First Day Hike 

It’s that time of year again, join Active SWV on our 4th annual First Day Hike to ring in the New Year on January 1st, 2020 at 1:30pm.

In 4 years of hosting First Day Hikes, participants have walked with the National Park Service in the New River George, hiked the Grey Flats Trails in the Piney Creek Gorge, and last year hiked the trails at ACE Adventure Resort. This year’s new location for our 2020 First Day Hike is with your partners at The Summit Bechtel Reserve.

Active SWV Community Captains Levi and Rene will be leading our 2020 First Day Hike at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. This is a thrilling opportunity to offer a new trail experience for you.

Please meet at the entrance gate in Glen Jean at 1:30pm. The hike will start at 2pm. Bring water, snacks, dress for the weather (we suggest layers), and sturdy footwear.

You can also stop by the visitor center and pick up a trail map and we can help you plan your own First Day Hike with an abundance of trails to choose from!

Downtown Fayetteville

Fayetteville is all dolled up for the holidays. Stop in one of our local coffee shops to warm up while you stroll around town. Fayetteville has a variety of unique shops, from boutiques, adventure gear shops, antique stores, and more.

New Year’s Day Bridge Walk 

If more adventure is your resolution we can help you get started. Book a New Year’s Day Bridge Walk. For December 31st and January 1, 2020 Bridge Walk is offering a $39/per person (plus tax) special for that day. This is only available with pre-registration via phone (online booking not available) Call us at (304) 574-1300 or book online at www.bridgewalk.com to reserve your spot today.

Ski

Winter Place Ski Resort is just a 45-minute drive from Fayetteville.

New River Gorge Epic Escape

If you are feeling up for a challenge test yourself at the New River Gorge Epic Escape Game.

Where to Stay

You still have time to book a New Year’s getaway. Take advantage of winter rates and get rejuvenated to take on the new year.

Lodging

We are proud to announce that Huse Memorial Park & Mausoleum will be an official location for the 2019 National Wreaths Across America Day. Fayetteville will join more than 1,600 participating locations across the country to Remember, Honor and Teach on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 12 p.m.

On May 3, 2019, Huse Memorial Park & Mausoleum in Fayetteville, West Virginia announced joining the effort to support the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, as an official location for 2019 through National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA). This is the first year that the cemetery will participate in this national event.

We are happy to announce the goal of 680 wreaths has been met for Huse Memorial Park & Mausoleum! Our community has joined together to raise funds to place an approximate 680 wreaths, one for each of the headstones of all the local heroes laid to rest there, to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country never be forgotten and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration.

We are thankful for the supporters who dedicate their money, time and effort to fulfilling our mission at Huse Memorial Park & Mausoleum. These individuals and businesses within our community know the value of remembering the fallen, honoring those who currently serve and teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom every day.

Please join us at Huse Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 124 Park Drive, Fayetteville, West Virginia on December 14, 2019 at 12 p.m. for a brief ceremony, immediately followed by placement of all 680 wreaths honoring our local heroes.

For information contact:

Cathy Jo Bryant, Location Coordinator
304-663-9100
cjcanterbury@suddenlink.net