Blue Ridge Country November/December 2021 - 31

with Greenbrier peaches & cream, pie,
cake or peach bread pudding for dessert.
(tamarackwv.com)
Stop at the veteran's museum; catch
WV TOURISM
Thorny
Mountain
stone masonry building on the continent
and was constructed for the curative
effects of sunlight and fresh air. There
are a number of themed tours including
history, photography and the criminally
insane. For the braver souls, paranormal
tours are available day... and night. There
are ghost hunts in the main, medical,
forensics and geriatrics buildings as well
as a flashlight tour and a 'spend-the-night'
option for the inordinately gutsy! (transalleghenylunaticasylum.com)
Watch
the magical art of glassblowing
and purchase unique creations at various
shops; visit the military museum and
battlefield sites; stop by local distilleries;
grab a bite at the local bistro; and, tour an
oddities collection.
Tamarack Marketplace.
(Beckley). Come dine at this
unique facility built around
the vision of gathering " the
nation's first showcase of handcrafts, fine
art and regional cuisine. " The facility now
houses the work of 2,800 artisans from
every county in the state, and offers Appalachian
fare at its indoor, to-go and al
fresco dining restaurant. Enjoy juried artist
exhibits, which are new every six to
eight weeks; and then choose from soups,
salads, sandwiches and wraps for a light
meal. Or, enjoy rainbow trout, chicken
pot pie or a vegetable plate entrée with
fried green tomatoes, kale and other sides
Fire Tower is
reservable but
long-booked.
a play at one of the local theatres; visit a
coal mine museum; drive a few minutes
to see the famous ghost town of Thurmond;
mine for gemstones; and, shop at
a country store.
Thorny Mountain Fire Tower. (Seneca
State Forest). Book early to stay at the only
reservable fire tower east of the Mississippi.
This structure (from the Civilian Conservation
Corps days) is 65 feet in the air
atop a 3,458-foot mountain. Accessed by
flights of stairs, original features remain:
basic amenities, two cots and a 360° view.
Enjoy the sunrises, sunsets, approaching
rain showers and a sky full
of stars from the catwalk deck.
Below is a firepit with a picnic
table; and, a pit toilet, firewood
and the wilderness. There's no
running water on site. The nearby
ranger station has a shower
and laundry. This rare location
is usually booked solid a year in
advance. (wvtourism.com/company/senecastate-forest)
On
the way into the area, stop in Lewisburg
to see historic churches and cemeteries,
caverns, shop at the farmer's market
and locally owned bookstores, and visit
the historical society and museum.
The Historic Morris Harvey House Bed
old road that was essentially
replaced by I-77.
Largest: The Homestead
Living History Museum (276223-3330),
975 Tazewell St.,
features a collection of cabins
planted across 10 acres, like
a springhouse, smokehouse
and blacksmith shop. A new
addition is a 200-yar-old cabin
rescued from nearby Grahams
Forge.
Most hidden: The retired
Smithsonian Institution traveling
exhibit on transportation
called " Journey Stories " can be
found upstairs at the Heritage
Preservation Center, 115 W.
Spiller St., near the library of
the Wythe County Historical
Society (276-223-3330).
Most intriguing: Discover
the 1883 Wytheville Training
School Cultural Center, 410 E.
Franklin St., to see a museum
exhibit of early education and
African American history (276625-0042).
-JOE
TENNIS
& Breakfast. (Fayetteville). Make a reservation
at this elegantly restored historic
property built by a 19th Century visionary
and entrepreneur. On the property are
five guest rooms and suites decorated with
period antiques to create unique themes.
One the guest favorites is The Library
Room filled with " unusual treasures, curiosities
and rare novels. " There are seven
original fireplaces restored to their former
glory with Italian tile and two antique
baths with clawfoot tubs. This B&B is
listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and conveniently located in historic
downtown. (morrisharveyhouse.com)
While in this area of the state, visit
America's newest (and ancient) national
park-New River Gorge. Watch local
potters at work, and catch a performance
at the local, historic theatre. For a highflying
adventure, take a ride in a vintage
biplane.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 31
http://www.tamarackwv.com http://www.wvtourism.com/company/seneca-state-forest http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com http://www.morrisharveyhouse.com
Blue Ridge Country November/December 2021

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