Home FEATURE TAMPA BAY METRO GETAWAY: Finding Mountain Magic in West Virginia

TAMPA BAY METRO GETAWAY: Finding Mountain Magic in West Virginia

Mountain Charm
Discovering The Unexpected
In West Virginia

By Ronda M. Parag

New River Gorge - West Virginia — New River Gorge – West Virginia. Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism

When I received an invitation to visit West Virginia, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. As a lifelong Tampa Bay resident, I knew little about the Mountain State, but after four days of exploring everything from scenic trails to a revitalized capital city, I was thoroughly impressed—and already planning a return.

With mild temperatures and low humidity, late spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, while fall offers a spectacular show of foliage. Getting there is easy: it’s about a 13-hour drive from Tampa Bay or a quick direct flight into Charleston, West Virginia, on Breeze Airways. The small, three-gate airport makes arrival a breeze—pun intended.

ACE Adventure Resort Cabin. Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism.

Our adventure began at ACE Adventure Resort, a perfect escape for couples, families, or friends. With options from tent sites and RV hookups to fully furnished private cabins, ACE lets you immerse in nature without sacrificing comfort. Cabins come equipped with full kitchens, cozy bedding, private decks with hot tubs, and fire pits for evening s’mores. Onsite dining at The Lost Paddle and a variety of activities—from zip-lining and mountain biking to guided whitewater rafting—make this a hub for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Ace Adventure Resort Lower New River Gorge Rafting — Ace Adventure Resort — Lower New River Gorge Rafting. Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism.

One of the highlights was rafting the Lower New River Gorge with ACE’s expert guides. Recent rain had swelled the river, making the Class III–V rapids all the more thrilling. The surrounding 70,000-acre New River Gorge National Park and Preserve—the newest in the U.S.—also offers hiking, rock climbing, biking, and unbeatable views of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, a feat of engineering and beauty.

The first night, we headed to Smokey’s On The Gorge for casual bites like wings, sandwiches, and must-try Pimento Hush Puppies, all served with jaw-dropping views. After working up an appetite on the water, we enjoyed lunch a the Secret Sandwich Society, where everything is made in-house—from the chips to the pickles. Don’t miss the pimento cheese fries or the Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic and feta.

Pimento Cheese Fries at the Secret Sandwich Society.

One particularly memorable (and slightly comical) moment came during our hike on the Endless Wall Trail. Halfway through the two-hour trek, my hiking boots gave out, leaving me scrambling barefoot over rocks and roots. Huge thanks to our guide, Rodney from Adventures on the Gorge, for quite literally lending a hand—and getting me to the top for those unforgettable views.

Evenings in Fayetteville offered a charming change of pace. At Rosa’s Speakeasy, tucked inside the historic 1902 Morris Harvey House, we sipped expertly crafted cocktails in a room full of antiques and character. A short stroll brought us to Pies & Pints for creative pizzas and local brews. And for breakfast, Cathedral Café—a repurposed church—offered comforting favorites like their popular espresso coffee cake.

In Charleston, the capital city has been undergoing a renaissance, thanks to leadership from Mayor Amy Goodwin and the Charleston CVB. According to CVB President Tim Brady, the goal has been to make the city vibrant, walkable, and full of experiences for locals and visitors alike. A must-visit is Capitol Market, a nonprofit hub open seven days a week offering fresh produce, plants, local wine, and artisan food—all supporting small businesses and local farmers.

If you’re in town during baseball season, catch a Charleston Dirty Birds game for classic summer fun. And food lovers, take note: Chef Paul Smith, the state’s first James Beard Award winner, dazzles at 1010 Bridge with his Appalachian-inspired cuisine. His newest venture, Pauly’s, is set to open soon.

For a dose of history, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a can’t-miss experience. Guided by a retired miner with 46 years of experience, the tour provides an honest, eye-opening look into the region’s coal mining legacy.

We capped off our visit with a live taping of Mountain Stage, a nationally broadcast music show produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed by NPR. The atmosphere was electric as bluegrass legend Dan Tyminski performed, along with artists like Darrell Scott, I Draw Slow, and Jacob Jolliff Band. Hosted by country icon Kathy Mattea, the experience was the perfect way to end a trip filled with natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unexpected charm. M