Rendering by Young Life .
In December 2022 , the City of Summersville purchased 125 acres for a state-of-the-art outdoor recreational facility . Shafer says phase one will include putting in 25 to 40 miles of mountain bike trails .
“ I always say it ’ s hard to believe we are a city with a population of about 3,400 ,” Shafer says . “ But we are a city with big opportunity and attitude to go with it .”
Another opportunity coming to fruition is the Young Life camp project in Summersville . In 2015 , Christian faithbased youth mentoring ministry Young Life purchased a 1,120-acre camp in Nicholas County on the Gauley River that the organization has been investing in since . Scott Berg , regional director of Young Life Mountain State , says there are currently yurts and a nice lodge , but the entire project is not yet complete . Young Life hopes to have the next phase finished and open in 2025 . There are around 20 Young Life camps across the country that are comparable to this property , with the nearest being Goshen , VA . Berg says the camps will offer not only opportunities for more exposure and tourism in the area , but also more meaning for the students ’ lives .
Summersville is not the only Mountain Lakes city to play host to a myriad of outdoor activities . The town of Sutton lies along the Elk River , which offers opportunities for kayaking and hiking . In the summer , the town holds the Elk River Float , giving the community and outsiders the chance to get together and kayak down the river . Sutton Lake also offers a marina with opportunities for water sports , from paddleboarding to houseboating .
Sutton is also home to the Elk River Hotel and Cafe . In addition to the hotel , historic mansion and cafe , the establishment offers four glamping domes with plans to add seven more before the year ends . Jill Sligar , general manager at Elk River Hotel and Cafe , says the new domes offer a unique camping experience with their panoramic views of nature and the river . Each one comes with private bathrooms , a wet bar , one or two beds , heating and air conditioning . A new 32-foot clear event dome is also available for small weddings or events .
In Lewis County , Stonewall Resort has opportunities for tennis , pickleball , kayaking , paddleboarding , mountain
biking , hiking , golfing , boating and even a pooch park for travelers with pets . The resort also offers scenic tours of the lake on its 100-passenger excursion boat .
“ No matter your interest , Stonewall Resort offers something for everyone throughout the year , and we strive to facilitate unique experiences that lead to special memories ,” says Julie Davis-Petit , director of sales and marketing at Stonewall .
In Gilmer County , the Little Kanawha River Trail is a great opportunity for beginner water enthusiasts . Around 159 miles , the trail goes from Braxton County through Gilmer , Calhoun and all the way up to Wood County . Jeff Campbell , president of the Gilmer County Economic Development Association , says the trail was the result of an economic development study done about 10 years ago by the U . S . Economic Development Administration .
“ Historically , people in our area have turned their backs on the Little Kanawha River and kind of looked at it as a threat because of flooding , but we really need to look at it as an asset and turn it into an opportunity for tourism and recreational activities ,” Campbell says .
Cedar Creek State Park is also in Gilmer County and offers about 2,500 acres great for camping with seven miles of trails and lakes stocked with trout .
Arts and Culture
The arts scene is certainly growing in Buckhannon , as city leaders hope the community becomes a hub for the arts . The renovation of the Colonial Arts Center is projected to open in spring 2023 . The city purchased the building on Main Street that was once a theater , according to Meadows . The building now contains workspaces for artists , storage , gallery space , two theater spaces for live shows and even film production opportunities . Another nearby historic abandoned building was purchased by a group of artists called The Infamous Art Collective . Once renovated , that space is expected to be available for future showcases , studio space , galleries and other artistic needs .
As for performing arts , Buckhannon will host the World Association of Marching Show Bands at WVWC in July 2023 . Twenty different international bands will be attending
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE