Blue Ridge Country

Friday: Downtown Treasures. Find a good book, outdoor adventure gear, artwork and gifts for your loved ones – or yourself – throughout Fayetteville’s historic downtown district. Shops include Wisteria’s Gifts, Trillium Gifts & Books and Water Stone Outdoors. For a unique dining experience, Cathedral Café, housed in a turn-of-the-century church, offers soups, salads with homemade dressing, paninis and baked goods.

Saturday. Whether you’re a daring or low-key adventurer, a day at New River Gorge suits any type. Plan for whitewater rafting in the New River, recreational climbing, mountain biking, hiking or fishing. And, of course, don’t miss a photo op of the gorgeous mountains and New River Gorge Bridge. A good way to map out your day is through an outfitter, such as Passages to Adventure. “We have a passion for the outdoors and want to share that with people,” says owner Benjy Simpson, who encourages people to spend ample time exploring all of the activities available at the gorge.

Sunday. Restored in 1993 with additional improvements made throughout the years, the Historic Fayette Theatre entertains audiences with all genres of plays year-round. Enjoy a matinee, then have dinner at Sedona Cantina and Tapas. Many made for sharing, the tapas range from pretzels with mustard and onion rings to barbecued ribs and Asian noodle bowls. Sandwiches also are available. Grab dessert to go – such as a slice of cheesecake du jour – and savor it picnic-style in the town park.

Cost Roundup: Cathedral Café (up to $9); Passages to Adventure ($45-$145; based on activity); Historic Fayette Theatre ($10, adults; $7, seniors and children 12 and under); Sedona Cantina and Tapas ($3-$10).

Before You Go

Fayetteville CVB
304-574-1500
visitfayettevillewv.com

West Virginia information: wvtourism.com

Cathedral Café
304-574-0202
cathedralcafe.com

New River Gorge
304-465-0508
nps.gov/neri

Passages to Adventure
800-634-3785
passagestoadventure.com

Historic Fayette Theatre
304-574-4655
historicfayettetheatre.com

Sedona Cantina and Tapas
304-574-3411
sedonacantina.com

The Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast
Located in historic downtown Fayetteville. Full, hot breakfast served at 8 a.m. each morning. $85-$125 per night. 304-574-1902
morrisharveyhouse.com

Historic White Horse Bed & Breakfast
Offering five bedrooms and a two-bedroom cottage behind the mansion. $90-$175 per night.
304-574-1400
historicwhitehorse.net

Quality Inn New River Gorge
Amenities include tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a pool and picnic shelter. Call for rates.
304-574-3443
qualityinnnewrivergorge.com

Civil War Stop: Charles Town

The location of many Civil War battles, Charles Town, W.Va. saw much conflict, which led to the capturing of hundreds of soldiers and the damage and destruction of houses. On the community’s 11-block walking tour, visitors see homes that served as headquarters, Civil War memorabilia and secret hiding places.

Significant Civil War stops along the tour described in the tour brochure include the Presbyterian Church, which served as a hospital during the war and was the only church in town that remained intact; the Brown House, where a Civil War bayonet, belt buckle and knife were placed in the stone wall built around the house; and the Sheets House, thought to have been a hiding place for horses during the war because of iron rings located in the basement.

For more Civil War history, the brochure points to the Jefferson County Museum, which houses a Confederate battle flag of Stuart’s Horse Artillery and mementoes that belonged to Charles Town resident Colonel Roger P. Chew. 304-535-2627. Jefferson County, W.Va.