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The name of Captain Thurmond is well known around Fayette County. Captain William Dabney Thurmond moved from Amherst, Virginia in the 1840’s to settle in what is now Fayette County, West Virginia. He was a Confederate leader during the Civil War, surveyor, landowner, and builder/owner of the landmark Dunglen Hotel in Thurmond, West Virginia. You can read more about this prestigious figure at http://www.wvculture.org/history/wvhs1403.html

In more recent times, the name of Captain Thurmond has come to represent the high adventure and challenge of an extreme outdoor triathlon. The annual Captain Thurmond’s Challenge Extreme Triathlon combines 12 miles of mountain biking along the ridge lines of the New River Gorge, 8 miles of kayaking Class III and IV whitewater rapids, and 8.5 miles of running up out of the gorge. It is definitely enough adventure to challenge any competitor and it is absolutely extreme!

The sunshine and blue skies were right on the mark for the August 20, 2011 Captain Thurmond’s Challenge and the 90 competitors in this year’s event. Youth races, inflatable bouncers for the kiddies, live music, and the presentation of awards added to the fun and excitement of the day. No matter if you were a triathlete or a spectator, it was a great way to spend the day in Fayetteville,West Virginia.

When you first enter Fayetteville, you know right away that it is someplace special. The small town vibe is everywhere, but there is a modern thread that weaves throughout the community. With a real downtown area, the quaint shops, eclectic restaurants, high adventure outdoor stores, restored vintage theater, and historic public buildings and private homes provide residents and visitors an authentic lifestyle experience reminiscent of times gone by that is tuned in to current vogue.

A day in Fayetteville will present you the opportunity to see Civil War sites, find that special antique, be rejuvenated with a yoga class, watch the game at a sports bar, listen to home-grown musicians, purchase farm fresh harvests, enjoy locally produced live shows, experience thrilling world class mountain biking, wilderness hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, kayaking, fishing, skateboarding, and soar the skies on a zip line, tandem parachute, canopy tour or in a colorful biplane. Kick back in restaurants with cuisines featuring sweet and savory, low country Cajun, Mexican, Tapas, specialty sandwiches, fluffy biscuits, barbequed ribs, one-of-a-kind pizza, locally brewed beers, a coffee and espresso bar, ice cream delights, and fresh baked goodies. You won’t want to miss the shops highlighting collectibles, gifts, and crafts. End your day in one of our comfy bed and breakfast homes, cabins, or motels.

Don’t miss Fayetteville when you are in southern West Virginia. It’s an old fashion town with a new fashion twist!