ASHLAND RESORT EXPANDS ADVENTURE DESTINATION
In the heart of Southern West Virginia, adventure is more than a hobby— it is a tool for economic growth that moves local communities forward. For more than 20 years, Ashland Resort has served as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, but transforming a rural lodging site into a one-stop-shop for outdoor enthusiasts required the kind of strategic investment that accomodates the unique, often challenging landscape of the Mountain State.
When the resort sought to include a fullservice dining experience, it turned to the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority( EDA) and the West Virginia Capital Access Program( WVCAP) to bridge the financial gap between an idea on paper and a grand opening.
Tara C. Elder, director of Ashland Resort, says its growth has always been guided by the needs of riders enjoying the nearby Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
“ As the director of Ashland Resort, the vision has always been to be the ultimate adventure getaway experience for guests,” Elder says.“ The resort’ s Indian Ridge Bar and Grill was born from the need for a fullservice restaurant in the area. Since the beginning, Ashland Resort has expanded based on demand from guests and what would make their stay more enjoyable.”
This approach led to multiple infrastructure improvements over the last three years. The resort added two ATV wash stations and a 5,000-squarefoot welcome center that serves as a one-stop-shop for Hatfield-McCoy Trail permits, apparel, souvenirs and groceries. To accommodate larger groups, the resort also built two five-bedroom grand lodges.
However, Indian Ridge Bar and Grill, which is capable of seating 100 people, is still the most ambitious addition to the resort’ s property. Bringing a full-scale restaurant to a remote mountain location required specialized industrial equipment and significant capital that traditional financial structures often struggle to provide in these rural settings.
To make the dream of a restaurant a reality, Ashland Resort worked with two great partners. Pioneer Community Bank provided financing for the restaurant structure. Wyoming County EDA, through its loan programs including WVCAP— a small business financing program managed by the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust— provided financing for the kitchen equipment.
christylaxton @ wyomingcounty. com | www. wyomingcounty. com( 304) 732-6707 | PO Box 1828, 506A River Road, Pineville, WV
atvresort. com |( 304) 862-2322 6206 Cherokee Road, Northfork, WV 24868