Blog

This week we are launching a new series where we want to tell Fayetteville’s story. The beauty, the people we want to share it all. What better way to do this than to hand over the reigns of our Instagram account and let you share your adventures. Up first is a local photographer Jared Musgrave out of Charleston, West Virginia. Jared has a knack for capturing the authentic coupled with skill and passion for adventure photography. That makes Jared the perfect person to launch this new adventure and showcase the beauty we have here. Stay tuned as @musgrave5 takes over this Monday.

Naturally, we had to ask Jared a few questions after following his amazing work.

Visit Fayetteville: How did you get started in photography?

Jared Musgrave: Photography started for me when I got out of high school. I was a loner and didn’t have any friends. I’d always retreat to the mountains because I never really fit anywhere else. My grandfather gave me an old camera and I just started taking photos with it everywhere I went. Ever since then, it’s just been an extension of my life.

Visit Fayetteville: How long have you been shooting?

Jared Musgrave: I have been shooting almost 15 years now.

Visit Fayetteville: Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Jared Musgrave: I hate talking about myself haha. I feel like I’m a bit of a strange duck. I am an experiential human. I find intense gratification from seeing and feeling things. I enjoy the warmth of the sun coming up on a cold morning. I love to watch the snowflakes fall on my face and to feel the river rocks under my feet. I still distance myself from people, but I love to listen to everyone’s story and where they came from. I love all types of music and I have never met a donut I didn’t like. I couldn’t live without my camera, an occasional campfire, and the stars on a moonless night.

Visit Fayetteville: What do you love about Fayetteville and what are your favorite things to do here?

Jared Musgrave: Shew! This last one is kind of difficult to answer. I heard Maura Kistler once refer to Fayetteville as the land of misfit toys and I really attached myself to that. Being who I was and where I came from, Fayetteville has always felt like home to me. It has everything I need to feed my soul. Rivers to play in, rocks to climb, trails to hike and bike. It’s heaven on earth for me. As much as I enjoy doing things here though, my favorite thing to do is to grab a pie from Pies n Pints, some drinks and then find a secluded little spot and watch the sun go down with whoever wants to join. While taking pictures of course!

Visit Fayetteville had the pleasure of interviewing Amy Mclaughlin, co-owner of Lafayette Flats, to learn more about how she and Shawn Means have preserved and transformed a historic landmark into one of the most unique places to stay in the state. The Flats are set in the heart of Fayetteville overlooking the historic downtown. The rooms are beautifully curated and filled with art, showcasing a diverse array of talented artists from West Virginia. The charm of the flats is found in the luxury accommodations and thoughtful details that abound in each flat. Guests can unwind and disconnect by soaking in a clawfoot tub and grabbing a book from their library of local authors. Amy and Shawn are dedicated to supporting local artists and have also created the New River Gorge Artist and Residency Program to help support West Virginia Arts and to continue their quest to cultivate a new narrative for our beautiful state.

Interview with Amy Mclaughlin of Lafayette Flats

1.What brought you to Fayetteville?

As West Virginia Master Naturalists and avid hikers, we often traveled from our home in Charleston, WV to the New River Gorge to explore and connect with nature. On any given weekend you might find us hiking, chasing waterfalls or foraging mushrooms in this beautiful Appalachian forest.

We’d finish an adventurous day with a delicious meal from one of Fayetteville’s wonderful restaurants and then we’d reluctantly make the hour-long drive back home.

We always wanted to stick around, relax after dinner and spend the night, but we’d grown accustomed to the creature comforts of home, not the creatures encountered while camping or the comfort available in cabins.

We thought about buying a house to use when we could and share when we couldn’t, but then we saw this big ol’ building right in the heart of Fayetteville and fell in love with its history, convenience, and beauty.

We spent the next year renovating it to create Lafayette Flats – four modern, apartment-style vacation rentals in one historic building. 

So, it’s fair to say that our love of nature – but our unwillingness to sleep with it – brought us to Fayetteville.

2. What do you love about this place? 

Fayetteville has an intoxicating mix of the calmness only nature can provide and the connectedness that comes from being around kind, happy people. The combination is hard to name. Our guests have called it Fayetteville magic, small-town charm, and “that Fayetteville vibe.” All we know for sure is that It brings out the best in people. Without a doubt, it brings out the best in us.

3. What are your favorite activities to do in the area, or what do you recommend for your guests to do while they are in town?  

We love being walking distance to all of Fayetteville’s great restaurants, shops, bars and live music, but it’s the proximity to the New River Gorge that really gets us going. With miles of trails and countless awe-inspiring vistas, we spend as much time as possible exploring.

One of our favorite things to do is to drive down to Fayette Station and rock hop to the edge of the rapid. We love to watch the paddlers go by and experience the power and majesty of the river up close.

But there is just so much to do here. In an effort to help our guests understand all the activities available to them, we created three lists broken down into Nature, Adventure and Small Town Charm. Once they see the lists, they usually book an additional night or two.        

4. What is your favorite feature of the Flats?

There is so much to love about this historic building. The fact that it is constructed of Nuttall sandstone from right here in the New River Gorge is especially precious to us since Shawn’s father was a stonemason. We understand and appreciate the hard work and artistry that went into crafting this building from such a strong material.

Inside, it’s the transoms we love the most. To comply with modern fire code, a lot of work went into preserving these small adjustable windows that were originally used for air and light flow. Today, the transoms above each of the four main doors contain a stained-glass interpretation of the flat name by West Virginia artist, Chris Dutch.

5. Why did you decide to take on a project like this and what was your inspiration? 

Back in 2013 when we created Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals, we just wanted a beautiful, comfortable and convenient place to stay, a place we could share with people like us so they could experience this paradise too. But as the blood, sweat, and tears of the remodel started flowing, our ambitions got a bit loftier.

We became obsessed with the idea of creating an alternative narrative for West Virginia by showcasing the natural beauty of the New River Gorge, the charm of Fayetteville, and the artistic talent of our fellow West Virginians. We started filling our space with original West Virginia art and literature, we set up an art fund to help add to the collection, and we developed plans to host the annual New River Gorge Creative Residency.

6. What differentiates the Flats from your typical vacation rental? 

Our downtown location right across from the beautiful Fayette County Courthouse is unique; it allows our guests to park their car and relax. Lafayette Flats is close walking distance from all the great shops, restaurants and pubs Fayetteville has to offer, and many of the fun events – like the Bridge Day Chili Cookoff and the July 4^th Festivities – happen right outside our front door.

But it’s the interior of Lafayette Flats that’s really special. Throughout all four of our boutique vacation rentals, we showcase more than 150 original pieces of contemporary art by over 100 West Virginia artists. Staying at Lafayette Flats is like sleeping in an art gallery, which as you already know, we find much more appealing than sleeping in the woods.

7. What is your favorite shop in town?

We love all the little shops throughout this charming small town, and we are so impressed by the diversity of goodies available, but there is one shop that we think completely embodies the Fayetteville vibe – Water Stone Outdoors.

It is such a treat to be located across the street from Water Stone and all the friendly people that work there. Our proximity to this long-time Fayetteville destination is a great amenity for our guests, too. They can simply cross the street to find high-quality outdoor gear, expert advice, and now, since Rangefinder opened inside, even delicious coffee!

8. What is your favorite place to eat and favorite dish? 

There are so many great locally-owned restaurants in Fayetteville that sometimes it can be hard to choose. In fact, we got so many questions from our guests that we created a food guide to help them find the perfect place to suit their palate.

We both have enthusiastic palates and love all the outstanding restaurants in Fayetteville. A few of our favorite dishes include Brussel sprouts from Secret Sandwich Society, homemade granola from Wood Iron Eatery, black bean with pork pizza from Pies and Pint, the pub burger from The Station and carrot cake from Cathedral Café.

If you’re looking to escape this Valentine’s weekend, Fayetteville is calling your name.  Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway of pampering and relaxation and sweet treats or a weekend of adventure with your love, we have something for you! Not into Valentine’s Day? We have a lot of fun lined up and we guarantee we will have something you will LOVE! Join us for our second annual Wonka Walk, cupcake bake-off and Fayette Songwriters Festival.

1. Fayette Song Writers Festival

A weekend filled with songwriters sharing their craft. Filling the town of Fayetteville, WV with Live, Original Music! Venues throughout town will be hosting talented artists all weekend long. Yuu can stop by the Fayetteville Visitor Center to purchase a ticket for the whole weekend for $35. Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the CODA Mountain Academy.

Featuring:

Andrew Adkins & Friends
Katrina Brown
Walter DeBarr
Hello June
Black King Coal
Annie Neeley
Craig Heath
Corey Lee Mcquade
Blue Yonder
Abe Partridge
Tony Harrah
Retha Moss
and MORE!!

2. Cup Cake Bake-off

Do you love cupcakes? Do you want to show off your baking skills? We are hosting a Cupcake Bake-Off as part of Fayetteville’s Wonka Weekend!
Proceeds from the cupcake sales will benefit the New River Gorge Learning Co-op . That’s right, you can eat cupcakes for a good cause.
We have two fun categories:
1. ” Wonka Inspired”- get creative and let the world of imagination inspire your cupcake creations
2. “Healthier Cupcake” – The New River Gorge Learning Co-op encourages families to think about nutrition. The challenge is to create a healthier version of your favorite cupcake that still tastes delicious.
The Bake-off is free to enter. Prizes will be awarded in each category.
For entry information and registration email info@visitfayettevillewv.com .
All entries must be dropped off at the Fayetteville CVB on Friday, February 14th by 2:00pm. You can stop by the visitor center from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to vote on your favorite. We will also have a special cupcake judge scoring the cupcakes on taste, presentation, and representation of the category. Cupcakes will be available to purchase from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

3. Wonka Walk

Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination…

Join us in Historic Fayetteville as we host our second annual Wonka Walk! This will be a sweet treat Willy Wonka themed walk through town. We have over 20 sweet treat stops with merchants, shops, and restaurants participating. Enjoy delicious handcrafted sweet treats or an experience at each stop. A Golden Ticket is hiding somewhere in one of the businesses. If you are the lucky winner, you will receive a scrumdiddlyumptious prize! We encourage visitors to embrace the spirit of Willy Wonka by dressing up in character or creating candy inspired outfits to add to the fun. As you stroll through town be on the lookout for hidden treats and Wonka inspired surprises through town.

When

The Wonka Walk will take place Saturday, February 15, from 11 am to 4 pm. Stay tuned to check out all the other sweet events going on throughout the weekend.

Where do I get tickets?

You will need tasting tickets to take advantage of all of the sweet treat stops through town. We strongly encourage that you buy tickets in advance; we will sell out. You can purchase tickets in advance at the Fayetteville Convention & Visitors Bureau in bundles of 5 tickets for $5. Tickets go on sale January 13th. You can also purchase tickets online If you purchase tickets online your first stop must be the Fayetteville Convention & Visitors Bureau to exchange your printed ticket for individual packets on the day of the Wonka Walk. 310 North Court St.
For more information: https://visitfayettevillewv.com/events/wonka-walk/
How it works
Stop by the visitor center for maps and information.
There will be sweet treat stops at participating businesses through town. You will exchange a ticket(S) for a sweet treat at each stop. Vendors can determine how many tickets their “tastes” will cost so you could potentially need more than one ticket. There will be 1 ticket items as well, but taste numbers can vary. We are expecting 20 sweet treat stops participating

4. Great places to stay

Elliott’s Whitewater Bar & Grill Valentine’s Dinner & Room At The Quality Inn New River 

Enjoy a steak dinner for two, wine and a room on Valentine’s Day for just $89.95 at the Quality Inn New River.  You can also enjoy the dinner package alone for $49.95 at Elliott’s Whitewater Bar & Grill.  The Quality Inn New River will also be running a 59.99 (+Tax) a night special from the 13th-16th of February for the Fayette Song Writers Festival and Wonka Walk. ( to receive discounted rate you must call in and ask for CVB rate)

The Historic Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast

Looking for peace, relaxation, and a touch of adventure? The Historic Morris Harvey House has created the perfect combination for you and your loved one.  The Morris Harvey House is offering “A Valentine’s to Remember” package that includes: luxury accommodations for two, Morris Harvey House Wine Glasses, a decadent tray of chocolate covered strawberries, and a gourmet breakfast for two at the B & B. Roses, massages, and other services can also be arranged for an additional fee.

Lafayette Flats

Lafayette Flats makes the perfect getaway any day, its location puts you in the center of all the action for Valentine’s Weekend. It is located within walking distance of the Historic Fayette Theater and all of the music venues participating in the Fayette Song Writer’s Festival and it is in the heart of the Wonka Walk.

We have an abundance of vacation rentals in town and a fun weekend lined up.

Lodging

5. Great food

Fayetteville just topped the Best of Blue Ridge Awards for Dining across the board. Nervous about your first Valentine’s Day together? Then the mellow atmosphere of sharing a fry board at The Southside Junction Tap House or sharing a pizza at Pies & Pints may suit you more. Yes, fry boards are a thing and we are in love. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner enjoy the Station’s farm-to-table menu.  Maybe breakfast is your jam; indulge in pancakes for two at Cathedral Café or chocolate chip waffles at The Iron Wood Eatery. We recommend you do a course at each, it is Valentine’s Day. Make sure you save a little room for something sweet.  

6. Epic Experiences

Think outside the box and gift your sweetheart with an experience.  Try a new adventure together with a Valentine’s Day Bridge Walk or winter zip lining trip. Pamper your significant other by booking a relaxing massage at Canyon Rim Massage & Body Work in downtown Fayetteville. Winter is our slow season making it the perfect time to enjoy the solitude and reconnect with your partner. Bundle up with your sweetheart and hit the trail, hike out to Long Point in the golden hour. Take a scenic drive, bring a blanket and watch the fog rise over the New River. Explore icy waterfalls, breathe the fresh air, and reconnect. Another unique idea is to try the New River Epic Escape Game. Put your relationship to the test and try one of their challenging escape rooms.

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. 

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)
6:30pm Feast- The Station ($40R)
8pm-11pm Jake Dunn & The Blackbirds with Walter Debarr live music– The Grove 

Saturday
8am-2pm 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

9am-5pm Wizard Snack Stop-New River Antique Mall

11am-4pm Tarot/ palm readings at The Grove ($)

11am-5pm U.S Cellular Wizard Photo Booth- Water Stone Parking Lot

10am-12pm Wand Making 101 Water Stone Outdoors
1pm-6pm Puzzle Challenge based of Room of Requirement –Epic Escape Game New River Gorge
2pm One Wheel Quidditch Game  followed by Kidditch activity Sponsored by Generation New River Gorge & Waterstone Outdoors

3pm-5pm Wizardly Jig and Live Music- Southside Junction Tap House
3pm 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. (Meet in front of courthouse)
6:30pm 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

Enjoy the Start of Term Feast at The Station. You must make reservations ahead of time. You can pick up tickets at The Station or call 304-900-5516.

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.