What started as a lighthearted joke a few years ago, has evolved into the Summersville Lake Lighthouse, a joke no more. This is a 105-foot-7-inch, 72,000-pound, 10-story, full-beam lighthouse on the shores of the lake, and it is one of the region’s highlight tourist destinations, gaining ground on the New River Gorge Bridge. This is the coast of West Virginia.  The big, metal lighthouse, which started life as the base for one of those huge windmills that dot the countryside, was built by high school students and a legion of community volunteers over five years, cost half a million dollars and brought the community together in a spectacular way.  Tourists, who pay $7 to enter, can climb the metal, student-designed stairs to a viewing ledge that gives a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountain region. Steve Keblesh, the lighthouse’s unofficial keeper, launches into a tale about the lighthouse, full of enthusiasm, detail and [...]

You have an event, a vacation, a weekend getaway or a business retreat coming up and you want something new, a bit out of the way, but with plenty to do. Shhhh. Have we got a recommendation for you!  It’s Summersville, WV, in the south-central part of the state, 87 miles east of the capital of Charleston.

Here’s what you get in Summersville:

The largest clear-water lake in the state, Summersville Lake with 60 miles of shoreline and almost 2800 acres of water and 20-45 feet visibility;

– Boating, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing  and scuba diving on Summersville Lake—visit Sarge’s Dive Shop and the Summersville Marina for rentals;

– Hiking and biking trails with opportunities to see beautiful foliage, wildlife and even a places for picnics;

– Challenging rock climbing and rappelling offering breathtaking scenery;

– Relax and swim at the manmade beach at Summersville Lake;

– Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State park—the site of a [...]

Barbecue at the Wineries: June 21-22, 2014

Taste delicious barbecue and grilled foods prepared with the flavors of local sauces, rubs, and marinades. From Riesling to Cabernet Franc, join us for the 13th year of this popular event and have fun exploring how well wine can pair with mouth-watering barbecue and summer side dishes. Early summer is a beautiful time to visit Keuka Lake and enjoy each of our wineries’ own spectacular views. Please note:  Tickets for this weekend are NOT usable on the weekend of June 28-29.

MENU: Keuka Spring Vineyards: Grilled Creole chicken, potato salad, cornbread, watermelon  Barrington Cellars: Lemon Garlious BBQ chicken thighs, macaroni salad, DeChaunac brownies  McGregor Winery:  Slow roasted pulled pork, “cuke-a-dilly” German slaw, minted watermelon cup  Ravines Wine Cellars:  Grilled sausage and bacon sliders, sweet corn relish  Heron Hill Winery:  Korean BBQ Beef, Korean pickled slaw, Carolina BBQ pulled chicken slaw, spicy corn bread  Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars: [...]

The Rochester Folk Art Guild presents its sixth annual Craft Weekend, from 8 a.m. Friday June 20th until 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22nd, at its East Hill Farm in Middlesex, N.Y. Workshops in pottery, wood-turning, weaving, wood block printing, documentary film making, poetry and drama will be taught by master craftspeople, including national, local and Guild artisans. The workshops are designed for students of all levels, including beginners.  “The weekend provides an opportunity for concentrated study and exploration of the arts and crafts,” said David Barnet, a woodworker and long-time member of the Guild. “This environment and the community spirit that develops here are ideal for honing one’s creativity. Many participants at last year’s event said it changed their lives by deepening connections within, with others and with their craft.”

Cost is $250 for the weekend for adults and $150 students. Those who register before May 12th will also receive a $25 discount. Delicious meals [...]

Yates County Fairgrounds: 2370 Old Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY: 100% of Auction proceeds go to Haiti relief! This is a cooperative effort of many churches and individuals to bring relief to the hungry, the sick, the naked and the homeless people of Haiti.  Our ultimate goal is to bring them to Christ through providing for their physical and spiritual needs. Relief is given throughout the country of Haiti without regard to race, religion, color or creed. Breakfast: 6am  -Buckwheat pancakes, Omelets, Fresh Fruit, Coffee, Orange Juice, Homemade Donuts  Lunch and Dinner: Pork Roast, Bar-B-Q Chicken, Subs, Salad Bar, Salt Potatoes, Baked Beans, Homemade Baked Goods, Homemade Soft Pretzels, Homemade Ice Cream  Food Stands Open All Day  Terms of sale: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Check with proper I.D.  -Quilts, Furniture, Tools, Trees, Shrubs, Flowers

Friday, June 20:  Fish Fry and Roast Beef Dinner: 4:30pm  Miscellaneous Auction: 6pm  Cattle Auction: 6:30pm

Saturday, June 21  Food Stands [...]

Festivals, fairs, food, rides, tons of stuff to do this summer! It’s too bad it’s kind of all the same. Except for PATTYFEST 2014!    PattyFest is full of jammin, workshops, dancing, and an open stage. Cool thing about PattyFest? Acoustic only. Traditional West Virginian cuisine (with vegetarian options) is served. From the above description, you might not understand how this event got its name.

Patty isn’t an instrument, a food or a dance. Patty was born in Mannington Feb. 7, 1925.  She attended Fairmont State, then Central Michigan University, then taught for the next 35 years. Eventually, and thankfully, she moved back to West Virginia. She found that she loved the dulcimer, both hammered and Appalachian. She taught classes, performed at weddings and festivals, and won multiple awards for her dedication and talent. So right now, she probably sounds like a great musician. But she’s more than that.  She is responsible for the perpetuation of [...]

June 7th!  The location is the corner of King and Queen streets in Martinsburg, WV. (Rain Date June 14th)  Traditionally soap box derby racing is a family affair. Construction of the cars involves entire families, friends, and neighbors. It gives a quality to family togetherness. Everyone has ideas on how to gather as much speed as possible for race day. Watching the children entering the cars on race day is as exciting as seeing their exit at the bottom of the hill while hearing their names being called as the winner. The children make new friends and learn sportsmanship along the way. There is a rich history behind this soap box derby. This race is in its 15th year since returning to the area after a long hiatus. Scheduled for the even are vendors and entertainment for children. This is a wonderful learning experience for all persons involved. Please come and spend the day with [...]