Blog

Check out all of the things going on in town this weekend in Fayetteville.

Friday & Saturday

Mr. Crabs Boil Truck at the Freefolk Brewery

4pm to 8pm

Mr. Crabs Boil Truck is back at the brewery serving up their delicious low country seafood boils!! $30, and it’s enough for 2! Come enjoy the last of our warm weather and picture yourself at the beach with this delicious food truck!

Fayette County 4 H Haunted House

Friday & Saturday

7pm-9pm

Friday

Shawn Benfield at Chetty’s Pub Adventures on the Gorge

7pm-9pm

Shawn Benfield will be playing at the Pub from 7-9pm THIS Friday, October 22nd. Shawn is a talented local singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and performer. His music has been compared to Dave Rawlings Machine, Justin Townes Earle, and Drive-By Truckers. Always a fun time listening to Shawn!

Saturday

Fayette County Farmers Market

Come score delicious fresh goodies in downtown Fayetteville at our weekly farmers’ market. Find the market off Wiseman Ave. in the Courthouse Parking lot beside the courthouse.

8am-12:30pm

New River Yoga at Adventures on The Gorge Pool Desk

9am

Disc Golf Doubles Tournament

Fayette County Park

8:30am registration

October in the Park

Fayette County Park

12pm-7pm

Stop by the Fayette COunty Park for their first October in the Park Fall festival. Enjoy food vendors, arts and craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, trick or treat, music, and a haunted house.

Shawn Benefield at The Freefolk Brewery

7pm

Shawn Benefield is back at the brewery with his incredible voice and killer guitar skills! Show starts at 7 and you don’t want to miss it!

After Gauley Season PJ/ Onesies Party at Maggie’s Pub

8pm

It’s been a long season and everyone needs to wind down so join us here at Maggie’s for a relaxing time wearing your PJ’S or Onesie. No need to look fancy since we’re all friends and everyone has to be worn out! Discount drink specials for anyone who works in the industry around here! Prizes for the best/cutest PJ and Onesie. Food and a DJ Karaoke/Dance party as well. Let’s all get together and tell our crazy season stories! CHEERS! 

Whiskey & Wine at Charlie’s Pub

9pm

Sunday

New River Yoga at Adventures on The Gorge Pool Desk

9am

We are excited to announce our Weekly Women’s Group Ride will be on Sundays!Sundays at 11 AM, Erin Larsen and Sarah Coffey will be leading a beginner to intermediate ride for women who are looking to ride with other women, explore the Arrowhead Trails with a group, and have a good time!Meet at the Bike Farm at 11 AM. The length of the ride will depend on the group but will range from 6-8 miles.
Come join the awesome community of women riders in the NRG! 

Women’s Group Bike Ride at Arrowhead Bike Farm

11am Arrowhead Bike Farm

We are excited to announce our Weekly Women’s Group Ride will be on Sundays! Sundays at 11 AM, Erin Larsen and Sarah Coffey will be leading a beginner to intermediate ride for women who are looking to ride with other women, explore the Arrowhead Trails with a group, and have a good time!Meet at the Bike Farm at 11 AM. The length of the ride will depend on the group but will range from 6-8 miles.
Come join the awesome community of women riders in the NRG! 

Brunch & Live Music at the Southside Junction Tap House

Enjoy brunch at the Southside Junction Tap House from 12 pm-3pm along with $3 mimosas. There will be live music Brunch tunes 2pm-4pm .$3 Mimosas, and Brunch Specials!

Lodging Highlight : The Aviator’s Lounge Loft Living

The Aviator’s Lounge offers a spacious, well-appointed, loft-style home with a heated saltwater pool and 10-person hot tub. This beautiful home overlooks the historic Fayette Airpark and is situated above a hangar. Perfect for families. Convenient to Fayetteville, the New River Gorge and all the activities this area has to offer.

Want to find Fayetteville’s spookiest spots. Take a self-guided tour through historic Fayetteville. With rich history and lots of folklore passed through generations you are bound to find spooktacular delights.

Fayetteville’s Ghost Tour

Stop 1

Fayetteville Visitor Center

Stop by the Fayetteville Visitor Center to grab a map and familiarize yourself with the area. While you are here grab a selfie in front of our pumpkin wall and check out Fayetteville’s tiniest haunted house. Take a left out of the visitor center parking lot traveling up court street toward the Fayette County Court House. Walk past the Courthouse and you will see the Fayette County Jail & Law Enforcement Museum

Stop 2

Fayette County Jail & Law Enforcement Museum

The jail was built in 1907. It is said that the jail is haunted by three ghosts-one of which is one of the inmates who is said to have committed suicide at the jail. Continue up W. Wiseman Avenue towards Ankrom Street.

Stop 3

Blume Haven

Legend has it that the ghost of Wanda Shockey terrorized the inn’s corridors flinging biscuits and gravy at unsuspecting guests from Columbus. This stop is a private residence so we ask that you view it from a distance. Take a right on Ankrom Street to Fayette Ave.

Stop 4

White Horse Inn Bed & Breakfast

Some claim to have hard the Center key on the piano in the main entrance used to play on its own and doors would blow shut on the second floor. This stop is a private residence so we ask that you view it from a distance. Head back to the center of town and continue down W. Maple Ave.

Stop 5

Danger Manor

There are lots of Fayetteville Urband legends alluding to the dark history surrounding this house.

Stop 6

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building

Across the Street, you will see the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building. Legend says that building is believed to be built near the remains of a Civil War Cemetary. Separate apparations have involved a man who appears to be in his 60s in 1930’s clothing and children have been heard playing along with mysterious saxophone music. Take a left on high street to head to the Vandalian Cemetary behind the old school.

Stop 7

Vandalian Cemetery

The Vandalian Cemetery is the oldest Cemetary in Fayetteville.

Map of Stops

Halloween Fun

Halloween is a full season in Fayetteville with spooktacular events popping up through October. The Town of Fayetteville’s Beautification Committee hosts a town wide scarecrow competition so be on the lookout for scarecrows at businesses through town. Our neighboring town of Oak Hill is home to the Lewis Pumpkin House that will be lit with hundreds of pumpkins. The Fayetteville County Park hosts the October in the Park festival with a pumpkin patch, food vendors, art vendors, trick or treat, haunted house, hay rides and more! There are pumpkin pedals, 5k races, and Witches and Warlocks will trade in their brooms for Stand Up Paddle Boards to float in the morning fog on the New River.

Events

Paint & Sip Spooky Starry Night at The Freefolk Brewery

Wednesday, October 20

Come out to the Paint & Sip under the pavilion at Freefolk Brewery on Wednesday October 20th from 6-8pm! We will be painting Spooky Starry Night, a Halloween themed Van Gogh classic! Flatbread pizzas and craft beer will be available for purchase. All materials including a 16×20 inch canvas and step-by-step instruction will be provided for $35 per person. Register early and come make some memories painting and sipping at Freefolk!

Fayette County 4-H Haunted House

October 21, 22, 23, 28, 29,30

Fayette County Park October in the Park

Saturday, October 23

12pm-7pm

The Fayette County Park is hosting October in the park where they will have lots of food vendors, art/craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, wood carving, face painting, hay rides, trick or treat followed by a haunted house.

The Folkway Halloween Film Show

Thursday, October 28

7pm-9pm

The Folkway is BACK with another showcase of films, and this time we’re getting spooky! 
Event time starts at 7!There will be two films shown:Sacrament
Directed by: Zay LukasCamp Arrowhead
Directed by: Dylan SmithIt’s not a Halloween event without a costume contest is it??
The Contest THEME is: Movie Characters 
Dress as your favorite character from ANY movie that you can think of!! Get as creative, weird, out there as you want to try to win! We’ll have two winners, and some awesome prizes: 1st Place- A Filled Growler, a Freefolk t-shirt, and a $20 dollar gift card to Freefolk 
 2nd Place- A Freefolk t-shirt and a Freefolk Pint Glass We’re stoked to see everyone’s costumes! And for anyone who dresses up at all, you get $1 off your first pint of beer for participating! This is going to be such a fun event and the perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend!! Come hangout with us!!!

Oak Hill Pumpkin Carving Contest

Thursday, October 28

Lewis House Main Street Oak Hill

Registration/Drop off will be:
Thursday, October 28th 5-8pm a
at The Pumpkin House 

Winners announced Friday, October 29th
Prizes & Trophy pick up: Friday at 7pm
at The Pumpkin House Unlimited pumpkin submissions accepted. 
No registration fee ADULT Carved Pumpkins (ages 15 & older) 
1st Place: $100 & Trophy
2nd Place: $75
3rd Place: $50 CHILD Carved Pumpkins (ages 14 & younger)
1st Place: $25 & Trophy
2nd Place: $15
3rd Place: $10 CHILD Painted Pumpkins (ages 8 & younger) 
1st Place: $25 & Trophy
2nd Place: $15
3rd Place: $10

Lewis Pumpkin House

Lewis House Main Street Oak Hill

Take a short drive to our neighboring town of Oak Hill to view the famous Pumpkin House. The Pumpkin displays will be lit starting October 28.

Freefolk Stoutfest at The Freefolk Brewery

October 29-30

4pm-8pm

We are going to celebrate the season with a delicious style: the stout!
Who doesn’t love a glass of a dark, roasted, yummy stout? We will be having our own stouts made in house, as well as featuring various breweries from around the state! Check back here on the event page for updates about guest tap features and food options as we get closer!Jonathan Archie will be playing music Saturday at 7  Check our other event page for more details.We hope to see you in the taproom for this awesome weekend! 

Halloween at The Southside Junction Tap House

Friday, October 29 8pm

Join us for a fun-filled Halloween party! Costume contest, dance party, and MORE! Starting at 8pm – Costume contest at 9pm with CASH PRIZES!

Wolf Creek Park’s Pumpkin Pedal 2021 5k Fun Run

Saturday, October 30

8:30am-11am Wolf Creek Park Trails

Lace up your trail running shoes and join us for a fun trail run to kick off our Pumpkin Pedal event!-The course will be the 3.3 mile beginner friendly Marauder Trail.
-Registration will be from 8:30am-9:30am and the run will begin at 10am.
-Cost is a $30 donation to Fayette Trail Coalition (FTC) and you will receive a water bottle and event tee shirt.
-Costumes are not mandatory but encouraged! Please do wear a costume that allows you to move easily and see clearly. We know this is the year of the mask but breathing and seeing while running is awesome.Tips:
-Please park at the T intersection trailheads.
-Please practice social distancing.
-Please respect other runners and trail etiquette while on the trail.After the run either stick around or come back later in the day for an adventure bike ride, trick or treat event, tacos, and a beverage.We want to give a big shout out to the guys at Bridge Brew Works – they have been and continue to be long time supporters of the trail efforts at Wolf Creek Park.Polecat Tacos will be at the brewery slinging tacos from 1pm-8pm so stop by. Bridge Brew Works will generously be donating $1 per pint on October 30th to Fayette Trail Coalition (FTC).There will be an opportunity to donate to the Fayette Trail Coalition on October 30th with cash or card. Donations will go towards future trail development in Fayette County.COVID-19 STATEMENT: Please remember to practice social distancing and bring a mask. If you are feeling unwell or know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 we kindly ask that you do not attend the event

Wolf Creek Pumpkin Pedal 2021 Adventure Ride

Saturday, October 30

11am-4pm Wolf Creek Park Trails

Come join us for a scavenger hunt type bike ride! Details:
-Registration will be at the checkered tent at the T. This is a team event, you must participate as a team of two riders. Team categories are: Men’s, Women’s, and Co-ed.
-Registration opens at 11am and the ride will kick off at noon.
-$30 donation for entry, water bottle, and event tee. $40 for both the 5k and the adventure ride.
-At the start line you and a partner will be given a booklet and a map with 5 checkpoint locations.  
-The fastest team in each category to punch their map at all 5 points and returns will earn a prize. Tips:
–This event will utilize all the trails at Wolf Creek Park which range from beginner to advanced mountain bike trails.
–Costumes are not mandatory but encouraged! Please wear a costume that allows you to move easily and see clearly. We know this is the year of the mask but breathing and seeing while riding is awesome.
-Please park at the T intersection trailhead.
-Please practice social distancing.
-Please respect other riders and trail etiquette while on the trail.We want to give a big shout out to the guys at Bridge Brew Works – they have been and continue to be long time supporters of the trail efforts at Wolf Creek Park.After the ride please stick around for some delicious tacos by Polecat Taco and the chance to win some fantastic raffle prizes! Bridge Brew Works will generously be donating $1 per pint on October 30th to Fayette Trail Coalition (FTC).There will be an opportunity to donate to the Fayette Trail Coalition on October 30th with cash or card. Donations will go towards future trail development in Fayette County.COVID-19 STATEMENT: Please remember to practice social distancing and bring a mask. If you are feeling unwell or know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 we kindly ask that you do not attend the event.

Wolf Creek Park’s Pumpkin Pedal 2021 Trick or Treat Ride

Saturday, October 30

3:30pm to 5:30 pm Wolf Creek Trails

Bring the kids and join us for a trick or treat bike ride!-There will be trick or treating stops along the 3.3 mile beginner friendly Marauder Trail.
-Costumes are not mandatory but encouraged!Tips:
-Bring something to carry your candy in but still allows you to ride unhindered. Backpacks and fanny packs are great for this!
-Wear a costume that allows you to move easily and see clearly. We know this is the year of the mask but breathing and seeing while riding is awesome.
-Please park at the T intersection trailheads.
-Please practice social distancing.
-Please respect other riders and trail etiquette while on the trail.
-Donations to the trail efforts for participation is not required but very much appreciated.We want to give a big shout out to the guys at Bridge Brew Works – they have been and continue to be long time supporters of the trail efforts at Wolf Creek Park.Polecat Tacos will be at the brewery slinging tacos so stop by if you aren’t full from all the candy.Bridge Brew Works will generously be donating $1 per pint on October 30th to Fayette Trail Coalition (FTC).There will be an opportunity to donate to the Fayette Trail Coalition on October 30th with cash or card. Donations will go towards future trail development in Fayette County.COVID-19 STATEMENT: Please remember to practice social distancing and bring a mask. If you are feeling unwell or know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 we kindly ask that you do not attend the event. 

Trick or Treat

Fayetteville, Oak Hill & Ansted

Saturday, October 30

6pm-8pm

Monster Bash Ace Adventure Resort

Saturday, October 30

7pm-12am

Ace Adventure Resort Lost Paddle

It’s monster season at ACE Adventure Resort this October and we are celebrating Halloween with a nightmarish party happening Saturday, October 30th. Party with our monsters all night and dance to tunes from JK’s AAA Entertainment. Plus we are giving away $250 to the person wearing the best costume. There will be special appearances from our haunted house monsters, tarot card readings, themed cocktails and even Ouija board sessions. Reserve your cabin in the woods, get your party tickets and start planning your costume now!Must be 18+ to attend.

Happy Spooky Halloween Party at Maggie’s Pub

Saturday, October 30 8pm-3am

Halloween is coming upon us fast and we are excited to throw another Halloween party! Join Saturday, October 30th starting at 8pm until 3am for a great time! This year we decided not to do a theme so come dressed as whatever you like and join the fun! DJ dance party all night and prizes for best costumes! There will also be food served and we will be handing out our signature adult trick or treats bags. All you have to do is tell the bartender “Trick or Treat”! It’s going to be a blast so we will see everyone then. CHEERS!

Witches & Warlocks Stand Up Paddle

Sunday, October 31

9am Fayette Station Beach

Gather with us for a Witches and Warlocks Stand Up Paddle on the New River on Halloween. We will be meeting at the upper Fayette Station Parking lot. Attendees need to sign a waiver in advance, must know how to swim, and wear PFD’s . This event is not designed for first time paddlers. Paddlers must be confident in manouvering boards.
We will launch at the upper beach at Fayette Station wearing PFDs paddeling approximatley 500 yards up stream on the flat water back to the beach. This is a leisure paddle but keep in mind that the current of the river can be challenging for beginners.
This is a limited ticket event capped at a maximum of 50 paraticpants to ensure that we can follow COVID guidelines. This also allows us to have space for vehicle parking and allows for ease of launch and exit from the river. You must preregister to attend. We encourage partipants to carpool or utilize the upper overflow parking area.

Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast Halloween Trick or Treat

Sunday, October 31

5pm-8pm

Escape-A-Torium

Embark on an Escape Game Adventure. Be transported to another time, place, and reality. Find the clues, solve the challenges, and together you just might succeed! Hurry…time is ticking! Take on Revenge of the Misfit Toys or The Secret Bunker.

Ghost Towns

Fall is the perfect time to explore the rich history of places like Thurmond, Nuttalburg, and the Kaymor Mine. These abandoned coal towns will give you the haunting vibes you are craving.

Fayetteville’s Haunted Trail

Want to find Fayetteville’s spookiest spots? Take a self guided tour highlighting Fayetteville’s Urban Legends and historic sites.

Fayetteville Haunted Trail Map

Spooktacular Stays: Historic Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast

Step back in time with the Historic Morris Harvey House Bed and Breakfast, nestled in historic downtown Fayetteville. The house was built in 1902 and filled with unique antiques. Surround yourself with unique curiosities and unusual treasures in the Library Room or treat yourself to the Grand Suite.

As temperatures cool, and the leaves start to change colors, it’s a great time to enjoy a fun fall getaway weekend in Fayetteville. To enjoy autumn to the fullest extent, we’ve put together Fayetteville’s Fun Guide. Fall is the perfect time to experience all that Fayetteville has to offer with gorgeous temperatures, changing leaves, and loads of fall fun.

A couple of things to keep in mind when exploring Fayetteville this fall. Remember your mask. Maintain social distance. And plan ahead, advance tickets are required for many activities. Best bet: look online or call ahead before visiting to get a better sense of what to expect.

When Is Peak Fall Color?

That’s the question many visitors ask us each year. This varies from year to year, but we usually peak around late October. The development of color is largely dependent on elevation and tree species.

Color Report

As we gear up for the 2021 fall color season we are counting on you to help us share and stay up to date on the current colors. Tag us at #visittheville for a chance to be featured with our weekly color updates.

Birds Eye View

Nothing beats a bird’s eye view for taking in spectacular fall colors! You can take a tram ride into the gorge or take in the views from 870ft above the New River with the Bridge Walk. Glide through the forest canopy or do loops above it in a Biplane ride.

Bridge Walk

Experience a one-of-a-kind bridge walk in the mountains of West Virginia, as you cross the catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge on a panoramic adventure.

Zipline Tours

See a burst of color flying through the forest canopy on a scenic fall zipline tour.

Tree Tops Canopy Tour

Gorge Ziplinle Tours & Night Ziplinging

The Ridges Zipline Tour

Gravity Zipline Tours

Race off the side of a mountain taking in incredible views. on 3,000ft zipline.

Wild Blue Adventure Company Biplane

Wild Blue Adventures will take you out over the gorge in a Stearman biplane.

Fall Activities

Take in fall’s splendor on horseback. Tis the season for whitewater rafting with a few more weeks of Gauley season. It is not too late to get on the water with Mountain Surf Paddle Sports. You can also book an ATV trip with New River ATV. Did you know Fayetteville is home to the only bike farm in West Virginia? Arrowhead Bike Farm has a system of rolling loop trails including a green trail rated for easy riding geared towards beginners with bike rentals onsite.

Activities

Scenic Drives

Rt 60 Midland Trail and the New River Gorge

Named WV Tourism’s Best 4 Scenic Mountain Road Trips. The 180-mile Midland Trail traverses the state on historic 2-lane Route 60. The Trail is full of great places to stop and enjoy the scenery, pioneer history, outdoor adventure, local arts and crafts as well as great West Virginia food. Plus, it’s lined with flowing waterfalls.

Fayette Station Road

Winding roads and mountain views make for great scenic drives. One of our favorite scenic drives is the Fayette Station Road Tour. This one-hundred-year-old road used to be the only route across the New River Gorge before the New River Gorge Bridge was built. There are wide pull-offs where you can stop and take in the beauty of this massive structure. Enjoy the history of the New River Gorge Bridge with this ride along the audio tour.

To access Fayette Station Road, turn right onto Lansing-Edmond Road from US-19 North This 7.5-mile loop begins at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. At ¼ mile turn right onto Fayette Station Road. Turn left at the fork. Follow the signs to Fayette Station.

Thurmond Historic District

Fall is the perfect time to explore this coal country ghost town steeped in rich history.

To access Thurmond travel south on Rt. 19 from Fayetteville to the Glenn Jean exit. Follow the signs to Thurmond along Dunloup creek for seven miles along narrow Route 25 leading to the restored Thurmond Depot.

Abandoned coal towns will give you the haunting vibes your craving. Explore the rich history of others like Thurmond, Nuttalburg, and the Kaymor Mine.

Babcock State Park

One of West Virginia’s most iconic locations, with 4,117 acres of beautiful scenery. The park is known for the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed landmarks in the state.

To access Babcock travel 6 miles north of Fayetteville on Rt. 19 and take the Route 60 Midland Trail Exit. Take a left off the exit and follow the signs to Babcock. You will turn on Rt. 41 following the signs to Babcock.

Hiking

Go for a walk and take in the clean, crisp autumn air. Enjoy the sound of leaves crinkling and crackling underneath your shoes. Longpoint Trail is hard to beat for amazing fall views. We also love the Island In The Sky Trail at Babcock State Park for its scenic vistas.

Guided Mountain Biking Tour

Arrowhead Bike Farm

Experience fall in the New River Gorge like never before on a guided mountain biking tour with Arrowhead Bike Farm. Tours are focused on riding trails and seeing the area. Book your trip now to explore America’s newest national park this autumn: After your bike ride grab a bite at the Handle Bar Restaurant and hang out with the farm’s resident goats.

New River Jet Boats

Stop by Hawks Nest State Park and enjoy the views above the canopy at the Hawks Nest overlooks. Then head on down to the River with Miss M. Rocks and Captain Rick to experience a New River Jet Boat excursion. Take in all the views as you travel from the Hawks Nest Lake upstream toward the New River Gorge Bridge. Trips are running Thursday – Monday through October.

Markets & Farmstands

Fall Eats

Fayetteville is the unofficial food capital of West Virginia. Fall is the perfect time to gorge on seasonal specials to prepare for winter hibernation. We have switched into soup mode and you can enjoy seasonal favorites at restaurants throughout town. You will also see lots of pumpkin treats popping up through town.

Fall Brews

As the leaves begin to change, so do the flavors on tap. Savor the suds of the season at The Freefolk Brewery and Bridge Brew Works. Both have outdoor covered seating for increased social distancing.  For more fall favorites stop by the Southside Junction Taphouse. You can stock up on your favorites at Studio B Art Boutique and Wine Gallery. Stop by Maggie’s Pub to hang with Mayor Norman the cat and enjoy a seasonal drink.

Outdoor Dining & Patio Options

Pies & Pints

The 304

Cathedral Cafe

The Freefolk Brewery

Bridge Brew Works

Southside Junction Tap House

The Station

Picnic

Grab a treat from the grab and go cooler at The Station and head to the park for a picnic or bring a blanket and stock up on gourmet cheeses and meats from Studio B Art Boutique and Wine Gallery and relax by the river.

Update Your Wardrobe

With summer coming to an end, it’s time to revamp your fall wardrobe! Check out Thread or Out of The Ashes for fall styling to pair up with your favorite boots or snag a new sweater. Our outdoor gear shops can outfit you for the cooler temps at Waterstone Outdoors and Ace Adventure Gear Shop. We are excited to welcome our newest addition to the town, check out the Lost Appalachian Trading Co.

Stay with us

Lodging

Events

October at The Park Festival

Saturday, October 23

The Fayette County Park is hosting the ultimate Fall festival with fall fun for the whole family. Artisan vendors will be set up along with food vendors. They will have trick-or-treating and a pumpkin patch!! Come out in the evening hours to experience the haunted barn.

Wolk Creek Park’s Pumpkin Pedal 5 K Fun Run

Saturday, October 30

Lace up your trail running shoes and join us for a fun trail run to kick off our Pumpkin Pedal event!-The course will be the 3.3 mile beginner-friendly Marauder Trail. This event is a fundraiser for the Fayette Trail Associaton
–