Native Americans appreciated the historic Midland Trail for its salt flats and bountiful wildlife. Daniel Boone walked this trail, and it has played a role in the struggle of African-Americans. The Midland Trail has also played an important pat in the economic development of the state.
This trip starts with a visit to West Virginia State College at Institute. Founded 1891, it was originally called The West Virginia Colored Institute.
Known as the “living laboratory for human relations,” the college’s faculty and staff are as culturally diverse as the student body. If you really want the scoop on the school, cross the street for a barbeque at Andy’s. This local eatery has been feeding the community for years.
The next day take a 10-minute drive to Charleston, the state’s capital, and enjoy coffee and a pastry at the Capitol Market. You can find everything at this indoor/outdoor farmer’s market: produce, wines, specialty cheeses, and other products grown or made in West Virginia.
The next stop: the Capitol complex, with its statues of Stonewall Jackson, Booker T. Washington, a Union Mountaineer and Abraham Lincoln. All have played prominent roles in shaping the state’s history. The Veterans Memorial is a tribute to those who have fought for our country around the world.
Have dinner tonight at General Seafood Edward’s Moonlight Restaurant, docked at Riverwalk Plaza, South Charleston. Jean Simpson and crew have been serving up their great fish specialties to area patrons for years.
Monday starts with a bountiful breakfast at the Southern Kitchen in Kanawha City, or try Theresa’s Country Cupboard nearby. The homemade cinnamon rolls melt in your mouth.
Take a tour of Malden. Here, you’ll learn a lot about Midland Trail’s history. The striking pink historic Hale House is home of the Malden Visitor’s Center and Cabin Creek Quilts, offering traditional and contemporary quilts, baby items and table linens.
Other places to see the reproduction of Booker T. Washington’s boyhood cabin, just behind the African Zion church along Rte. 60. Take a short drive to Glen Ferris for lunch at the historic Glen Ferris Inn, along the Kanawha Falls. Built in 1853, the inn offers lodging and dining in a period setting.
After lunch, wander across the street to the Gualey River Book Company and browse among the exceptional selection offered by Civil War historian and publisher, David Phillips. From Glen Ferris, the roads begin to twist and turn as you climb into the mountains.
Next stop: Ansted, home of two unique local museums. The African-American Heritage Family Tree is housed in an original coal company house. The other museum is Contenment, which includes a one-room school and a pre-Civil War home.
In the evening, you’re ready for a comfortable lodge room at Hawks Nest State Park, which has a fabulous view of the New River. The next morning, ride the tram to the bottom of New River Canyon, and then ride the 21-foot covered jet boat, the “Miss M. Rocks” for a view of the New River Gorge and its famous bridge. It won’t be hard to find lunch in downtown Fayetteville. The food choices are diverse, and the restaurants all have different atmospheres. Later in the day, drive down to the Canyon Rim Visitors’ Center and learn all about the New River, estimated to be about 65 million years old.
The scenery is spectacular!
The next day you’re up early for a day-long rafting adventure on the new River. The outfitter will provide a lunch that is sure to please the heartiest appetites. Exhausted from the trip, you head to the outfitter’s restaurant for dinner and a video replay of your day’s activity.
Take off late the next day to Lewisburg and West Virginia’s Carnegie hall on Church Street. It was built in 1902 as a gift from Andrew Carnegie to the Greenbrier College for Women.
After visiting some of Lewisburg’s specialty shops, head for Del Sol Café & Market for deli sandwiches on the patio. After lunch, stop at the Stonehouse General Store and Gourmet Wine Shop, and stock up on few more great West Virginia products. Dinner this evening is at Food & Friends. The comfortable paneled restaurant is made for leisurely dining and good conversation.
It’s the weekend and the West Virginia State Fair is calling. You’ll find a midway, livestock exhibits, and nightly music shows by nationally known artists.