A mountain paradise like no other, Adventures on the Gorge in Fayetteville, WV provided the perfect one-night getaway for my birthday celebration last week. I was turning one year younger again, and during the start of this new cycle, all I wanted to do was listen to running water, stare off into the distance from sandstone outcroppings, and enjoy the finer things in life of the natural world. Luckily, once again, and without surprise, I realized my vision right here in beautiful southern WV.

With a little help from my friends, I was in store for what would pan out to be a very memorable and enjoyable personal holiday. Joined by Christina Entenmann, Adventures on the Gorge base camp was the closest thing to a true outdoor WV Disneyland that we have ever seen. The all-inclusive mountain resort offers everything from simple to sophisticated, from the lodging options, food experiences, and outdoor pursuits. This place is nice, and as we looked around and saw lots of new construction on the grounds, it’s safe to say the resort is only going to get better.

Upon arrival at the check-in station, we were given our key card and directions to our cabin for the evening. A rough place this was not, we opened the doors to a fully stocked kitchen, fireplace, master bedroom, walk-in shower, a 6-person hot tub on the deck, and enough beds to sleep just as many. The cabin offered plenty of privacy, and an uninterrupted listening of the spring peepers and great horned owl during the night’s stay.

After a relaxing hike on the Fern Creek Trail of Endless Wall, we had dinner at Chetty’s Pub, located on the resort property. A beautiful wood themed interior décor, the pub offers outdoor seating overlooking the New River Gorge, several big screen TVs, retractable doors, and a very open seating environment. A long list of wing flavors exist on the menu, with Christina choosing the uniquely seasoned Tai Curry, while I opted for the Yuengling battered cod sandwich that really hit the spot.

Situated just a few steps down the wooden boardwalk from Chetty’s Pub lies Smokey’s on the Gorge. An extravagant dining atmosphere overlooking the New River Gorge bridge from an extensive outdoor patio, this restaurant has plenty of options for those looking for a gourmet meal.

Tallie’s Pizza and Pasta is yet another restaurant located on the property. The newest dining location for Adventures on the Gorge, this place is a great destination to grab something while you’re on the go. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the quick and filling Italian based food items provide a nice treat in between the day’s exciting adventures and activities.

The next morning, after a light breakfast at the Cathedral Café in downtown Fayetteville, we travelled a short distance to the Bridge Buttress. After taking a few snapshots of the well-known New River Gorge Bridge and getting in some light climbing, our anticipation levels began to grow for what was soon to be in store.
Back at Adventures on the Gorge, we prepared for our scheduled 1pm Tree Tops Canopy Tour. After a thorough check of equipment, safety procedures, and a synopsis of just exactly what Christina and I had volunteered for, we were off to sail and walk through the trees.

Our guides for the afternoon would be Matt Cook and Keri Conte, each of whom provide years of experience in the outdoor industry, an extensive knowledge of the area, and a phenomenal report with their guests. Through a series of several zip line courses, canopy walks on suspended sky walk bridges, finished with a final 30 foot rappel from a wooden landing platform, we would spend the next three hours on a full-on adrenaline rush. The two of us smiled from ear to ear, reaching staggering speeds as we dangling precariously above the scenic Mill Creek, traversing from one Eastern Hemlock to the next. What a great way to spend a birthday!

With our limited amount of time on this trip, we really only got to scratch the surface of everything the mountain resort had to offer. Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, gravity tours, guided fishing trips, horseback riding, lake tours and bridge walks, swimming pool, trap shooting, disc golf, kids camp, and many more options offered at Adventures on the Gorge spoke to each of us in a different way. Intrigued by the many choices offered by the resort, it’s safe to say that we will be returning soon.

Christina and I had a wonderful time at the resort, with it being one of the most memorable birthdays I have had in a long time. Located less than an hour for the majority of the LBspy readers, Adventures on the Gorge is the perfect location to get away for a few days, and if time allows, for a few weeks! These folks really know what they are doing, and they do it well.

Additional information for Adventures on the Gorge can be found at www.adventurewestvirginia.com or by calling 1-888-650-1932.

Craig Miller, LBSPY 23 (May 20-June3)