Fairmont is the county seat of Marion County, West Virginia. Its population is 18313 as of the 2020 census. Fairmont offers many exciting things to do. Here are some of them. Among these attractions are the Seneca Caverns, Valley Falls State Park, and Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
Seneca Caverns
If you’re in the mood for adventure, Seneca Caverns is the place for you. This Landmark of underground geological formations offers gemstone mining, adventure caving, and tours. It’s also home to the world’s largest underground cave system.
The caves were first inhabited by Seneca Indians in the early 1400s. These people used the cave for storage, shelter, and special ceremonies. About 300 years later, German settlers settled the area and began to explore the caves. In 1742, a German settler named Laven Teter discovered the cave while looking for water. He owned the cave until 1928.
Seneca Caverns is not to be confused with Seneca Caverns in Ohio. The West Virginia attraction is located in Riverton, which is about eight miles south of the Seneca Rocks area. In addition to the cave, you can dine in the restaurant on-site. The food at Asbury’s Family Restaurant is excellent and is complemented by an 18-foot-high stone fireplace and a wall of windows.
The caves were once used by the Seneca Indians during ceremonies. There are several tours to choose from, and the caves feature a gift shop and picnic areas. Visitors can also stay overnight. The caves are an ideal getaway for families. The area is filled with historical and cultural treasures.
Pendleton County is a unique place in West Virginia for its cave systems. There are two main limestone formations here, the Greenbrier and Monroe formations. The caves are created when these layers have eroded and warped. This phenomenon has created amazing cave systems in the mountains.
Snowshoe Mountain
If you’ve ever wondered how to get to Snowshoe Mountain in Fairmont West Virginia, you’re not alone. This mountain is located just a short drive away from Fairmont, West Virginia. You can drive directly to Snowshoe or take a few stops along the way. However, if you want to get to Snowshoe in the fastest way possible, you can take a private jet. It’s the fastest way to travel from Fairmont to Snowshoe Mountain.
Because Snowshoe is located at nearly a mile above sea level, its weather conditions are similar to those found in Northern New England and the Upland South. This is due to the massive horseshoe-shaped Cheat Mountain Range, which creates its own micro-climate. The result is massive snowfalls. On average, the mountain receives around thirteen feet of natural snow each year.
Snowshoe Mountain has numerous commercial areas, including a golf course, wedding and convention center, and extensive mountain biking trails. It also hosts a Grand National cross-country skiing competition. It attracts about four hundred thousand skiers each year, mainly from the state of West Virginia.
If you’re planning a wedding or special event in Snowshoe Mountain, you can find nearby lodging with an excellent dining experience. The Corduroy Inn is an independently-owned venue located on the summit of the second highest mountain in West Virginia. The hotel’s banquet hall can accommodate up to 300 guests, and has panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains. Several partners have contributed to the construction of this venue, and the newly added amenities are already helping to make the Snowshoe Mountain area more attractive for guests.
The Corduroy Inn and Lodge is a recipient of a West Virginia Tourism Development Act tax credit program. The USDA called on the West Virginia Small Business Development Center to help with the loan package. The team worked with Mary Hott, a licensed agent who has experience with USDA loan structures.
Valley Falls State Park
Valley Falls State Park is a 1,145-acre day use facility on the Tygart Valley River. It is located about seven miles south of Fairmont, West Virginia, just off the I-79 exit. The park is open daily. It is great for camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Visitors can hike to the falls and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are trails for all skill levels. The park is open from 7 a.m. until dusk and has restrooms, picnic areas, and train rides. There is ample parking at Valley Falls State Park.
While Valley Falls is well known for its hiking trails, it is also becoming a popular spot for mountain biking. In fact, since 2015, the park has added four “enduro” style trails. The trails are suitable for DH bikes and modern trail bikes. There are shuttled trails and plenty of opportunities for vertical descending. The park has also hosted a West Virginia Enduro Series stop.
The park is open all year, but the trails can be challenging in the winter. The trails are well marked and short. There are eight trails, totaling fewer than 10 miles. Some of them feature stone ruins and waterfalls. The park is great for hiking with kids. There is even a picnic area with benches and restrooms.
Valley Falls State Park is an oasis of nature. The park is home to the famous Connoquenssing Sandstone rock formations. The park is also a historically important park property. It’s clean and well maintained, and dogs are welcome, as long as they have city license and are up to date with vaccinations.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
If you’re looking for a unique vacation spot in West Virginia, you may want to spend a night at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asom. The Gothic Revival styled asylum was built in the 19th century and was once a psychiatric hospital. Today, it is a US National Historic Landmark and features tours. It’s a popular place for tourists and has been featured in popular culture.
If you’re in town during the next two months, you might want to sign up for one of the many ghost hunts at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asomlum. The hunts are 6 to eight hours long and involve a guided search for paranormal activity. Tickets for the overnight hunts start at $100.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asomlum is a former state hospital that’s now a historical attraction. The building was closed to the public in 1994, but has been converted to a tourist attraction. Tours of the abandoned building are available throughout the year and there’s a haunted house during the month of October.
Poky Dot’s 9-pound banana split
One of the most unique dishes to eat in West Virginia is the nine-pound banana split at Poky Dot in Fairmont. This dessert is filled with nine scoops of ice cream, drizzled with banana sauce, and topped with whipped cream and cherries. The 9-pound banana split has been featured on Food Network Magazine and is a West Virginian institution.
The historic Poky Dot restaurant in Fairmont West Virginia recently suffered a devastating fire. Fortunately, the owners were able to get the building back together and continue serving the community. While the restaurant is now a little more modern, it will continue serving the creative classics that have been popular for decades. For now, the restaurant will offer curbside service, but hopes to be fully open by February 8th.
For those who aren’t able to make it to Fairmont to experience the delicious cuisine, there are several other options available to diners. For example, Uber Eats has partnered with the Poky Dot to offer delivery in Fairmont. However, you should keep in mind that the restaurant’s delivery fees may vary from city to city.